Jeremy Crockett
Well-known Member
Greetings All!
I am absolutely stuck and need some third-party, unemotional input. So, I turn to those who have more and direct experience with the kits I am wondering about. It is not my intent to start a poop-slinging fest, so if threads like this are frowned up, I will gladly delete it and gain some input another way.
I currently have a TAMA Imperialstar kit with an 18x22 kick, a 5x14 snare, 9x12 and 10x13 rack toms, and a 16x16 floor tom. I am looking to upgrade to a newer, better set of shells. I do not want to spend more than $1200. I really want to expand and add a 14" floor tom. With these things in mind, I am debating between the following two kits:
The Gretsch Catalina Maple 6 Piece Shell Kit or the TAMA Superstar Classic 7 Piece Lacquer Shell Kit
I am leaning, heavily, towards the Gretsch. First; because of Gretsch's reputation, next; I think the Walnut Glaze finish is amazing, and third; I like that there is a cymbal mount in the double-tom holder that comes with the kit.
That said, based on my extremely limited experience with my current TAMA kit, I think I could be equally happy and save a little dough.
In an effort to "break the tie" I have been looking at YT videos (particularly this one: What Is the Best Maple Drum Set Under $1000) and to my ears, I cannot discern a huge difference between the TAMA and the Gretsch. Given the area in which I live, trying these out in person is just not an option without driving great distances.
Lastly, I am approaching this as being a kind of "Forever" kit... at least... for now...
So, what do y'all think? Are there additional things that I need to consider that I have not? Any and all help is greatly appreciated.
I am absolutely stuck and need some third-party, unemotional input. So, I turn to those who have more and direct experience with the kits I am wondering about. It is not my intent to start a poop-slinging fest, so if threads like this are frowned up, I will gladly delete it and gain some input another way.
I currently have a TAMA Imperialstar kit with an 18x22 kick, a 5x14 snare, 9x12 and 10x13 rack toms, and a 16x16 floor tom. I am looking to upgrade to a newer, better set of shells. I do not want to spend more than $1200. I really want to expand and add a 14" floor tom. With these things in mind, I am debating between the following two kits:
The Gretsch Catalina Maple 6 Piece Shell Kit or the TAMA Superstar Classic 7 Piece Lacquer Shell Kit
I am leaning, heavily, towards the Gretsch. First; because of Gretsch's reputation, next; I think the Walnut Glaze finish is amazing, and third; I like that there is a cymbal mount in the double-tom holder that comes with the kit.
That said, based on my extremely limited experience with my current TAMA kit, I think I could be equally happy and save a little dough.
In an effort to "break the tie" I have been looking at YT videos (particularly this one: What Is the Best Maple Drum Set Under $1000) and to my ears, I cannot discern a huge difference between the TAMA and the Gretsch. Given the area in which I live, trying these out in person is just not an option without driving great distances.
Lastly, I am approaching this as being a kind of "Forever" kit... at least... for now...
So, what do y'all think? Are there additional things that I need to consider that I have not? Any and all help is greatly appreciated.
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