Hello, all. This is my first post and I'd like to see about getting some community feedback about a decision I'm facing.
I have owned my first kit, a 5pc CB Maxx since 2003. It has run its course and one of the snare lugs has broken in half. With five lugs on the toms and six on the kick, tuning was approximate. There was always a better kit wherever I was playing, and so the CB never left the house.
I am borrowing this kit from a friend and one of his friends. Ludwig Signet, 12/14/20 and a 13x7 ddrum Dominion snare. Coated Emperors on toms, PS3 on the kick, Evans HD Dry on the snare and stock resos. It would be $500, $450 for the shells and $50 for the snare. Cymbals are mine. Sorry about the basement pictures. We just had a baby, so the gear had to get moved.
Then last week, while still borrowing the Ludwigs, I came upon a local Craigslist deal; 6pc Catalina maple, cymbals, hardware, double bass pedal and cases for $650. I couldn't say no. 10/12/14/16/22, Studio-X batters, SK2 on the kick, can't remember the snare offhand and stock resos.
I'm sure the heads have something to do with it, but I think the Ludwig sounds absolutely fantastic. They tuned up much better and just sound clearer. I tuned them all just above wrinkle or buzzing. I like a thuddier sound. The kick on the Gretsch is awesome. I don't know how to describe it; it's just stronger and deeper than the Ludwig. I am more of a 4pc/3 cymbals player, and I like the simplicity of the Ludwig, but I know I could set the Gretsch up with less too. I don't like the rack tom mount on the Gretsch. I do like the idea of owning an affordable US maple kit. I might not get that chance again!
That's my decision. Again, I own the Gretsch and am borrowing the Ludwig. That could change either way. What are some of your thoughts and opinions on either of these kits?
I have owned my first kit, a 5pc CB Maxx since 2003. It has run its course and one of the snare lugs has broken in half. With five lugs on the toms and six on the kick, tuning was approximate. There was always a better kit wherever I was playing, and so the CB never left the house.
I am borrowing this kit from a friend and one of his friends. Ludwig Signet, 12/14/20 and a 13x7 ddrum Dominion snare. Coated Emperors on toms, PS3 on the kick, Evans HD Dry on the snare and stock resos. It would be $500, $450 for the shells and $50 for the snare. Cymbals are mine. Sorry about the basement pictures. We just had a baby, so the gear had to get moved.
Then last week, while still borrowing the Ludwigs, I came upon a local Craigslist deal; 6pc Catalina maple, cymbals, hardware, double bass pedal and cases for $650. I couldn't say no. 10/12/14/16/22, Studio-X batters, SK2 on the kick, can't remember the snare offhand and stock resos.
I'm sure the heads have something to do with it, but I think the Ludwig sounds absolutely fantastic. They tuned up much better and just sound clearer. I tuned them all just above wrinkle or buzzing. I like a thuddier sound. The kick on the Gretsch is awesome. I don't know how to describe it; it's just stronger and deeper than the Ludwig. I am more of a 4pc/3 cymbals player, and I like the simplicity of the Ludwig, but I know I could set the Gretsch up with less too. I don't like the rack tom mount on the Gretsch. I do like the idea of owning an affordable US maple kit. I might not get that chance again!
That's my decision. Again, I own the Gretsch and am borrowing the Ludwig. That could change either way. What are some of your thoughts and opinions on either of these kits?
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