Gretsch Renown

gish

gish

Senior Member
I have an opportunity to pick up what appears to be a very nice used 13-16-24 Renown kit for a great price. I’ve read just about all of the posts and threads on the Renowns; I’ve yet to see negative feedback on these drums. So, if some of you could weigh in for me; any negatives with these drums? Known quality issues? How is the shell hardware? I’ve admired these drums for some time, having played a few kits in stores. I do not know anyone personally that has a kit, so any additional feedback that anyone could provide would be helpful.
 
The only negative I can think of is that they are heavier drums. But it's not really a negative in my book, it's more of a testament to how robust the build quality and hardware is.

Honestly I would buy them if they were even heavier, they're that good.

Post some pictures if/when you get them!
 
IBitePrettyHard said:
The only negative I can think of is that they are heavier drums. But it's not really a negative in my book, it's more of a testament to how robust the build quality and hardware is.

Honestly I would buy them if they were even heavier, they're that good.

Post some pictures if/when you get them!
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My sentiments exactly. Everytime I look at my Renowns ( new 2018) I note how well made they are.
 
You're looking for negs. The rack toms only have 5 lugs a side. I prefer 6. That was the only dealbreaker for me.

It doesn't bother most people but it bothers me.
 
larryace said:
You're looking for negs. The rack toms only have 5 lugs a side. I prefer 6. That was the only dealbreaker for me.

It doesn't bother most people but it bothers me.
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Funny enough, my 10" and 12" both have 5 lugs and they're literally the best-sounding rack toms I've every played. Incredible tone and resonance, and I think that's due in large part to 1 less lug.

I can totally understand it being a dealbreaker for you though. On paper it doesn't seem like it would work, but for Gretsch it 100% works, and I believe is what makes their toms sing so well.
 
The kit I’m looking at
 

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Those are great drums. That version of Renown is arguably the best, as they have 100% North American maple and die cast hoops. The current RN2s have a mix of North American and an unspecified "softer" maple (likely Asian), along with 302 hoops. Assuming they're in good shape, I'd snatch those up. With Protection Racket bags, that's a pretty good deal you've found.

BTW, I own this version of Renown in different sizes. I think they're the best bang for your buck in all of drumdom. Quality is top-notch (supposedly even better than Gretsch's USA-made drums), and the shell hardware is second-to-none. As long as their weight isn't an issue for you, I can't think of a single negative.
 
I am currently playing a kit of the same vintage in the picture, in my opinion it's difficult to come up with any negatives about these drums. They sound great and look great. I typically play mostly rock and use clear batter heads like Emperor's, G2's. One thing, and I can say and I'm probably being a bit picky about this but... I've noticed the clear coat to be a bit soft which can make the shells more susceptible to scratching, this may just have been that particular production run. Otherwise no complaints I've been happy with them.
 
Neilage said:
TK-421, this is news to me.
Can you provide a source link for this info.?
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When Gretsch first released the RN-1 Renowns (the predecessors to the current RN-2s), they described the shell on their site like this:
"...Gretsch still uses the proven and unique Renown formula that combines North American Rock Maple with a slightly softer maple species...."

You can see the discussion here:

Did Gretsch Change the Renown's Shells?

(I posted this on another forum as well) I've been waiting for more info on the new Renown's, and I see that Gretsch finally added some to their site. However, I noticed that one section of their literature states: "...Gretsch still uses the proven and unique Renown formula that combines...
www.drummerworld.com

While Gretsch have since removed this language from their current site, I was able to find this about the RN-2s:
"Gretsch uses its tried and true Renown formula in the shells. A combination of North American Rock Maple with a slightly softer maple are the key ingredients in the rich warm low end timbre of the shells."

You can find that on the Steve Weiss website:

Gretsch Renown 4-Piece Maple Shell Pack - 20" Bass Drum

Gretsch Renown continues its rich legacy with high performance features. The most important feature is the tonal qualities. Gretsch Renown has a powerful reputation of top quality sound. A perfect balance of rich smooth low ends and layers of sustained overtones make this kit pleasure to play...
www.steveweissmusic.com
 
TK-421 said:
When Gretsch first released the RN-1 Renowns (the predecessors to the current RN-2s), they described the shell on their site like this:
"...Gretsch still uses the proven and unique Renown formula that combines North American Rock Maple with a slightly softer maple species...."

You can see the discussion here:

Did Gretsch Change the Renown's Shells?

(I posted this on another forum as well) I've been waiting for more info on the new Renown's, and I see that Gretsch finally added some to their site. However, I noticed that one section of their literature states: "...Gretsch still uses the proven and unique Renown formula that combines...
www.drummerworld.com

While Gretsch have since removed this language from their current site, I was able to find this about the RN-2s:
"Gretsch uses its tried and true Renown formula in the shells. A combination of North American Rock Maple with a slightly softer maple are the key ingredients in the rich warm low end timbre of the shells."

You can find that on the Steve Weiss website:

Gretsch Renown 4-Piece Maple Shell Pack - 20" Bass Drum

Gretsch Renown continues its rich legacy with high performance features. The most important feature is the tonal qualities. Gretsch Renown has a powerful reputation of top quality sound. A perfect balance of rich smooth low ends and layers of sustained overtones make this kit pleasure to play...
www.steveweissmusic.com
Click to expand...

Thank you, TK-421. Greatly appreciated.
 
IBitePrettyHard said:
Funny enough, my 10" and 12" both have 5 lugs and they're literally the best-sounding rack toms I've every played. Incredible tone and resonance, and I think that's due in large part to 1 less lug.

I can totally understand it being a dealbreaker for you though. On paper it doesn't seem like it would work, but for Gretsch it 100% works, and I believe is what makes their toms sing so well.
Click to expand...
I had my reservations with the 5 lugs also, but when I got them I was sold. The rack toms sing. 2nd benefit is you don't have to turn on your brain to tune. You just use the star pattern. LOL!
 
gish said:
So, if some of you could weigh in for me; any negatives with these drums? Known quality issues? How is the shell hardware? I’ve admired these drums for some time, having played a few kits in stores.
Click to expand...

I had an RN series for a couple years. 8/10/12/16/22. Wonderful kit for both live and recording. The hardware appears to be made by Gibraltar, and is roughly equivalent to their 9000 series in terms of durability.

Downsides:
At the time, option toms were hard to acquire. Gretsch now sells them separately.
The 22" BD had a depth of 18", which was far greater than my preference of 14".
 
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I currently play a 2012 Renown Motor City. If I really was to look for details that bother me, I would say that the toms seems to detune a bit fast. Nothing to be too concerned. Other than that : gorgeous drums with gorgeous finish. The snare drum is mind blowing, beautiful sound. Top chrome And paint, good quality hw.
The 5 lugs is no problem at all. The 10” tom is my favourite 10” for the moment - and I tend to dislike 10” tom. The GTS rim is maybe large but works great.
i have coated G1 on the toms, powercenter on the snare : those drums sing but keep a woody, warm attack.
About the weight, yes they’re heavy, but not as heavy as my British Signia, the Gretsch Tom tree is really heavy though.
 
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