I spent a lot of time looking for the right, smaller kit, that I could more easily transport for rehearsals or smaller gigs. I sprung for the Catalina 4 pc w / 18” kick in piano black. The nearest competitive kits were a little cheaper, but had deal-breakers like plastic components on the snare throw-off, or strange floor tom dimensions. They also weren’t mahogany.
The most frequent complaint I heard was that the Gretsch trademark 5-lug rack tom easily went out of tune. I haven’t found that in over two weeks of almost daily play, and I hit’m pretty hard some say.
Also, right on cue, everyone said “well, once you replace the heads….” and I think that’s lazy BS. They’re coated REMOs. I’ve always played Ambassador snare heads, because I am reminiscent of elementary school band play.
I say learn to tune your drums and play through these handsome Gretsch branded heads you already bought.
I also tried to tune the kick unmuffled, because I believe in tuning. Don’t bother. I rolled up two old towels in such a way they touched both heads and it suddenly got perfect punch with the old fashioned round, felt beater I use. And that “little” 18” kick we all questioned before buying it delivers more than you need from it. My wife seemed to notice the difference even from the 22” I always played before. Thank goodness she is so indulgent of my art.
I can’t imagine wanting much (besides new snare drums, of course) any time soon. I have it set up with mostly Zildjian As. This is my kit for the foreseeable future, as at most of my rehearsals and gigs there are drums already.
Finally, Crow at Drum Center was super available via email with support to explain to me what some of the spare hardware was for.
Gretsch
