Trading a PDP for a Gretsch

maddrummr

maddrummr

Platinum Member
I have really wanted to downsize my kit for a while now. For the last two years I have wanted to have "bop" sized drums (18in bass, 12 & 14in toms, tune em high). I really haven't thought into it until, well, now. I was thinking about selling my PDP and getting a Gretsch Cat Jazz; I could get it new or I would like to try and find a used one in great shape. I figured that I could definitely get more money for my current set (I would keep a stand and my bass pedal). Since I'm going to be a college student the extra cash would be nice AND I would have a set that I would prefer more to the one I have now. So what do you guys think? Advice, Comments funny noises welcome.
 
Vipercussionist

Vipercussionist

Silver Member
Considering Gretsch Cats are so reasonably priced, I'd suggest you KEEP the PDP's and see about a USED set of Gretsch.

I've seen those kits go for just over $300 used, a BARGAIN if you ask me.
 
TTNW

TTNW

Pioneer Member
I own a PDP CX and the Gretsch Cat Jazz.

I don't think the Gretsch sounds that good tuned high. Besides the look and feel of the kit the only real difference is the smaller bass drum.

Consider picking up a used 18" kick and or borrow one if you can and see how you like playing the smaller kick. You already have the 12 and 14 in. toms.

I love the sound of the 18" GCJ kick but unmic'd in louder situations, I was told that it was hard to hear and it got swallowed up by the bass guitar.

Mic'd it sounds fantastic. I use an Emad batter head.

If you gotta have the smaller bop sized kit, then look at the walnut glaze finish. It's the nicest one I think. I have the WMP and it's not as nice as that walnut finish.
 
maddrummr

maddrummr

Platinum Member
Thanks for the replies. I actually found a used one on guitar centers used gear section of their site...an hour and a half away. Except I'm not sure how long that will last but hey its an option.

TTNW I'm actually not looking to play in loud unmic'd situation. I have moved torwards jazz very much in recent years (hence my purchasing of Paiste Trad Hats and a Bosphorus Turk rid). My high school had a Gretsch Catalina Ash set on wheels (it was our portable set). That set had a 18" bass that boomed really well. But it was ash and I'm not sure how much of a difference that makes. As for feel. Well I can't compare. The pedal we used on that set was strap driven which had a totally different feel from anything chain driven pedal I have played with.

I still have run things by my parents. They aren't going to let me have two sets. And I will most likely have to sell my PDP before buying the Gretsch. I would also hope to make money by doing this.
 
Aeolian

Aeolian

Platinum Member
Unless you can always mic it, an 18" bass is kind of a specialized thing for jazz.

What about a small fusion kit? 20" bass, 10 and 14" toms. It won't offend any jazz snobs by looking like a rock set, but you can still play pop, funk, and some rock on it. Awhile back, you could get a Renown set up like this for $800 or even less.

I don't know much about the MX line. I used to have a Cx kit and IMHO a Gretsch Cat set is at best a straight across, if not slightly downward move.

The advantage of a bop or hipgig kit is that it's easy to transport and set up compared to a large rock kit. But you can play jazz just fine on what you have. Put away one shell tom and move the ride in. Tune the kick up high with undamped heads and one of those soft fuzzy beaters. It's more how you play than what you play.
 
maddrummr

maddrummr

Platinum Member
Hrm, definitely a possibility. I do like having options. I think it would be sort of hard to find a kit like that. Moreso I just don't know where to start. Hrm...looks like I have more pondering to do.
 
TTNW

TTNW

Pioneer Member
Since you mentioned that you really can keep only one kit, if it were me I'd keep the PDP.

I love my GCJ but I have so many more options with my PDP.

What laquer finish do you have on your MX?
 
TTNW

TTNW

Pioneer Member
Wow. It's a tough call. Bop sizes kits are fun but the PDP is a little better all around.

Either way, you're drumming!
 
maddrummr

maddrummr

Platinum Member
Yeah. The thing is I would be chancing it. If I could hopefully get the most out of the PDP I could possibly have enough cash left over to find a nice used 20" ride and complete the cymbal upgrading i need. Its sort of my main reason for trying this...the extra cash at the end. A smaller kit would be nice just in case I get into any gigging while I'm at school (college in Chicago, not studying music though). But I could wait it out and try this all next summer...hrm. I will see.
 
B

bigd

Silver Member
Don't get hung up on gear. Learn to play what you have and no one will notice your equipment they'll be too busy talking about what a monster player you are.
 
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