zambizzi
Platinum Member
So, I've been playing Pearl drums (MCX and now Reference) for the past couple of years. I love the vintage Ludwig sound but have had nothing but terrible experiences with them. So, I began to look elsewhere for that classic tone.
I picked up some Renowns on eBay from a *great* music shop in SF and received them the other day. Unfortunately, the kick drum was nearly cracked in half. The replacement was sent out same-day and I should have it Friday.
Anyhow, I tuned them all up, including the cracked bass drum...and they all sound fantastic. Everything on the drums is quality and they sound great.
The price is almost too low to believe. Is it unfair to call these "mid-range" drums? You get maple shells, classic Gretsch bearing edges, die-cast hoops, and what appears to be all of the same hardware they use on all of their lines, including the USA Custom.
Am I missing something? What is there to gain (other than bragging rights for prestige) in buying USA Custom. Would the sound be so dramatically superior that you'd see where your money went? I realize they use different shells and the customs are probably more of a "vintage" sound...but is it *that* much better?
Is the maple in the Renown line "hard" N. American maple, or a cheaper, softer Asian maple?
I'm thinking the cost difference just comes from the fact that they're manufactured overseas...otherwise you're basically getting the same goods, no?
I picked up some Renowns on eBay from a *great* music shop in SF and received them the other day. Unfortunately, the kick drum was nearly cracked in half. The replacement was sent out same-day and I should have it Friday.
Anyhow, I tuned them all up, including the cracked bass drum...and they all sound fantastic. Everything on the drums is quality and they sound great.
The price is almost too low to believe. Is it unfair to call these "mid-range" drums? You get maple shells, classic Gretsch bearing edges, die-cast hoops, and what appears to be all of the same hardware they use on all of their lines, including the USA Custom.
Am I missing something? What is there to gain (other than bragging rights for prestige) in buying USA Custom. Would the sound be so dramatically superior that you'd see where your money went? I realize they use different shells and the customs are probably more of a "vintage" sound...but is it *that* much better?
Is the maple in the Renown line "hard" N. American maple, or a cheaper, softer Asian maple?
I'm thinking the cost difference just comes from the fact that they're manufactured overseas...otherwise you're basically getting the same goods, no?