Morrisman
Platinum Member
In Australia a Gretsch Renown does cost $4000 ! (=US$3000)Yamaha Tour Customs are good, but the Gretsch Renowns are much better. They sound as good as kits costing $4,000 IMO.
In Australia a Gretsch Renown does cost $4000 ! (=US$3000)Yamaha Tour Customs are good, but the Gretsch Renowns are much better. They sound as good as kits costing $4,000 IMO.
The guy who owns a practice space where I play has a BCX kit, and I'd be darned if that thing doesn't sound decent. I wish it had a 12" and 16" floor tom. I just play the 10 and 14.Still am amazed with the sound a quality of my Pearl Masters BCX i got in December 2014, so never going back to anything that sounds worse haha
I owned one for about 5 minutes around 1982. Compulsive purchase on the day for a specific gig I'd been booked for. Decided to set it up in the store directly after paying for it to check it all worked. It went back in the boxes in under a minute & a refund was arranged.An old Pearl made "Maxwinn" drum set. Sounded absolutely awful and somehow looked even worse.
Isn't that how Club Dates are SUPPOSED to sound? Dull and thuddy?Newest Made in USA Ludwig Club Dates. Very cardboard dull sound. No music they didn't sing.
People look at me cross-eyed whenever I tell folks to be careful whenever ordering new Gretsch USA drums. Granted, if you get a good set, they are fantastic; however, I've been reading about QC issues for year on their expensive USA drums. If I was to ever get a set, I'd open the box in the store and going over everything with a fine-tooth comb before taking them home.Absolutely the worst built drum I've ever encountered was a brand new Gretsch USA custom snare...
I'll add one more vote to this. I ordered a full Grestch USA custom kit. Saved up for years. The bass drum was killer but the toms had no life to them. I changed heads, tuned them with every method, and they were just awful sounding. And yes, I hear the good ones are great, but QC is definitely an issue. Due to the high expectations, my first new kit in 10 years, and the reputation of Gretsch USA, I could not have been more frustrated and disappointed. As a result....worst kit I've ever owned.People look at me cross-eyed whenever I tell folks to be careful whenever ordering new Gretsch USA drums. Granted, if you get a good set, they are fantastic; however, I've been reading about QC issues for year on their expensive USA drums. If I was to ever get a set, I'd open the box in the store and going over everything with a fine-tooth comb before taking them home.
I'll add one more vote to this. I ordered a full Grestch USA custom kit. Saved up for years. The bass drum was killer but the toms had no life to them. I changed heads, tuned them with every method, and they were just awful sounding. And yes, I hear the good ones are great, but QC is definitely an issue. Due to the high expectations, my first new kit in 10 years, and the reputation of Gretsch USA, I could not have been more frustrated and disappointed. As a result....worst kit I've ever owned.
On the flip side, I recently picked up an open box Pearl Session Studio Classic for $500, which included a 22x16, 10x7, 12x8, 14x14, and 16x14. Best kit I've ever played hands down, both live and in the studio. Redemption!
I have a friend selling a set of these, and they sound absolutely killer. I was really impressed with them.I'll add one more vote to this. I ordered a full Grestch USA custom kit. Saved up for years. The bass drum was killer but the toms had no life to them. I changed heads, tuned them with every method, and they were just awful sounding. And yes, I hear the good ones are great, but QC is definitely an issue. Due to the high expectations, my first new kit in 10 years, and the reputation of Gretsch USA, I could not have been more frustrated and disappointed. As a result....worst kit I've ever owned.
On the flip side, I recently picked up an open box Pearl Session Studio Classic for $500, which included a 22x16, 10x7, 12x8, 14x14, and 16x14. Best kit I've ever played hands down, both live and in the studio. Redemption!
I love my Session 6.5x14 snare from 2014 with the birch/kapur shells. Just enough cut, with good amount warmth and sustain. Thinking about getting a whole set now!I have a friend selling a set of these, and they sound absolutely killer. I was really impressed with them.
I love my Session 6.5x14 snare from 2014 with the birch/kapur shells. Just enough cut, with good amount warmth and sustain. Thinking about getting a whole set now!