zambizzi
Platinum Member
Currently, these are the two kits that I own and play. I "like" the Gretsch kit and really, really love my Classic Maples. With all of the threads here on bearing edges, I thought I'd comment on my thoughts between the two, having now spent time recording them and listening back.
Renown - Classic 30 degree Gretsch bearing edge, all maple 6.2mm (7.4mm bass) shell w/ silver sealer coating inside.
Classic Maple - Slightly rounded 45 degree edge, all maple 6mm shell w/ lacquer coat inside.
Both are made very well and sound great, but the Gretsch drums are definitely *audibly* inferior, to my ears. First of all, I've had several people describe Renowns as warm...but they're perhaps the least warm sounding drums I've heard yet. Am I crazy? Perhaps. The Renowns are bold and distinct, with a very dry "up front" attack and short sustain.
The Classic Maples, however, seem to have both a strong attack and that room-filling warmth that great drums are known for. The sustain is also considerably longer than the Renowns, which I'm guessing is a result of slightly sharper edges. There is also a note-bending "roundness" to the sound of CMs that seems to help them project better.
The Renowns seem to "BONK" when struck and the CMs seem to "booAAUUOOOMmmm"...if that makes any sense.
With the same heads and tuned essentially the same way, I'd say Ludwig is a clear winner, to my ears. Obviously this "taste test" is purely subjective and there's a certain sound that we seek, as individuals. But, when I think of the ideal sound that most drummers talk about...warmth, sustain, projection, attack, etc. - Ludwig just has much MORE of it!
Any thoughts, fellow Gretsch and Ludwig fans? Is there just something I'm not getting about "That Great Gretsch Sound"?
Renown - Classic 30 degree Gretsch bearing edge, all maple 6.2mm (7.4mm bass) shell w/ silver sealer coating inside.
Classic Maple - Slightly rounded 45 degree edge, all maple 6mm shell w/ lacquer coat inside.
Both are made very well and sound great, but the Gretsch drums are definitely *audibly* inferior, to my ears. First of all, I've had several people describe Renowns as warm...but they're perhaps the least warm sounding drums I've heard yet. Am I crazy? Perhaps. The Renowns are bold and distinct, with a very dry "up front" attack and short sustain.
The Classic Maples, however, seem to have both a strong attack and that room-filling warmth that great drums are known for. The sustain is also considerably longer than the Renowns, which I'm guessing is a result of slightly sharper edges. There is also a note-bending "roundness" to the sound of CMs that seems to help them project better.
The Renowns seem to "BONK" when struck and the CMs seem to "booAAUUOOOMmmm"...if that makes any sense.
With the same heads and tuned essentially the same way, I'd say Ludwig is a clear winner, to my ears. Obviously this "taste test" is purely subjective and there's a certain sound that we seek, as individuals. But, when I think of the ideal sound that most drummers talk about...warmth, sustain, projection, attack, etc. - Ludwig just has much MORE of it!
Any thoughts, fellow Gretsch and Ludwig fans? Is there just something I'm not getting about "That Great Gretsch Sound"?