Hello all. I have a Gretsch Renown set that I bought a year ago or so after a long absence from drumming. Firstly, it sounds amazing. I have owned Yamaha Maple Custom Absolutes, Pearl Masters (4 ply w/ reinforcement rings) and Ludwig Super Classics (circa 1990s) among others and I was pretty shocked at just how satisfying these were to hear and play. I honestly don't know how much better drums can sound within the realm of normal expectation.
However, they weigh a ton! And I only have the 10/12/14/20 with stock snare. I know this is a pretty small kit and I may sound kind of whiny considering the massive kits some guys cart around but I have a couple of bad knees that really need every break they can get, especially on stairs. Has anyone experimented with swapping the hoops on these for any reason (sound, weight savings, etc.)? I realize those hoops may be part of the sound I am loving but putting some 1.6mm hoops on would definitely lighten them up and may even enhance the sound in ways that I can't predict. I am concerned the shells are a big part of the weight though since even the bass drum is comparatively heavy. Also, the floor tom legs are massive, way overbuilt, especially for a 14er. Anyone ever used thinner gauge legs in place of their larger stock legs? I'm already using ultralight hardware.
I don't know what else to do other than consider selling them and going with something else that is lighter. However, those kits are usually lower budget. I've heard Tama Superstar Classic are very light and 100% maple but I assume they would be a let-down after the Renowns right? And Yamaha Stage Custom/Gretsch Catalina probably the same (are the Yamaha Tour Customs light?). Ludwig Club Dates look interesting and are supposed to be light. I've looked at a lot of threads but they are usually dominated by people wanting one of those compact kits with the super short floor tom and bass drum. I just want a seriously lightweight, medium-priced, regular-sized drumset with maybe a 20-22 inch bass drum. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
However, they weigh a ton! And I only have the 10/12/14/20 with stock snare. I know this is a pretty small kit and I may sound kind of whiny considering the massive kits some guys cart around but I have a couple of bad knees that really need every break they can get, especially on stairs. Has anyone experimented with swapping the hoops on these for any reason (sound, weight savings, etc.)? I realize those hoops may be part of the sound I am loving but putting some 1.6mm hoops on would definitely lighten them up and may even enhance the sound in ways that I can't predict. I am concerned the shells are a big part of the weight though since even the bass drum is comparatively heavy. Also, the floor tom legs are massive, way overbuilt, especially for a 14er. Anyone ever used thinner gauge legs in place of their larger stock legs? I'm already using ultralight hardware.
I don't know what else to do other than consider selling them and going with something else that is lighter. However, those kits are usually lower budget. I've heard Tama Superstar Classic are very light and 100% maple but I assume they would be a let-down after the Renowns right? And Yamaha Stage Custom/Gretsch Catalina probably the same (are the Yamaha Tour Customs light?). Ludwig Club Dates look interesting and are supposed to be light. I've looked at a lot of threads but they are usually dominated by people wanting one of those compact kits with the super short floor tom and bass drum. I just want a seriously lightweight, medium-priced, regular-sized drumset with maybe a 20-22 inch bass drum. Any help would be greatly appreciated.