I just don't care for the tuning on the bass drums at all. But I liked the lower tuning better.

Agree. Bass drum is horrid. Sounds like an empty oil drum.

I thought the low tuning on the '60s set sounded best of the four. The lower tunings on both kits sound good on their own, but I could imagine music around them. With the higher tunings it seemed the drums would be too out of place in a lot of situations. Almost a "look at me" sound.

I like all of it - especially the RB low tuned. As far as the bass drum goes - I do tend to agree with the above "empty oil drum' sound. However, these 18" Gretsch bass drums do have an amazing ability to be tuned in a wide range low/high/muted/partial muted etc. etc. I have a 4.5x14/12/14/ with 18" bass drum 2011 DropG badged Gretsch kit wrapped in Champagne Sparkle and I'm very happy with the bass drum tunings I'm getting. I'm using an EMAD batter.

I really like the lower tuning of the toms on both kits. I'm just not a big fan of higher tuning, but I'm sure it has its place depending on what you're playing. The RB bass drum, at lower tuning, sounds good and much better than the lower tuning of the SSB bass drum. I know many drummers rave about 18" bass drums...and manufacturers are offering many kits with this size. Myself, I'm just not a fan and prefer my 20" bass drums. Again, that's just me!

-Mark

I thought both kits sounded great. Perfect for a small jazz band and you can really get some melodic drumming when they are tuned up high. I also liked the drummer.

I am with what Idrum4fun said, but than again i like 20"+ bass drums and 16 & 18" floor toms. It's all about what you like I would say.

Wayne

I have three kits (two are Gretsch) with 20" bass drums and I agree with Wayne and Mark above regarding them. As much as I love my Gretsch 18" bd I favour the 20s. It's amazing how much thunder can come from a 20 bd. I have Gretsch kits with 22" and 24" and my 20 is by far the more versatile regarding tuning range. You can get a ton of punch from a 20 with the proper tuning and good heads. When I played my Gold Sparkle late 50's kit with the 20" bd in front another drummer (great drummer in fact) his comment was 'wow! a lot of punch from that little bd drum!". Ya - the 20 is a great little drum.

gary

Steve's NY store recordings are better to my ears, despite having a "studio" at his Illinois location. My preferences are the SSB tuned high, RB tuned low.

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