First thing you should try on the Catalinas is changing the Rim-system for another. A lot of people find that the original Rims-mount with the rubber donut which the shell rests on deadens the 12" far too much.

Next step - I think - would be to take a look at the bearing edges and see if they are too flat for your taste, maybe the apex is too wide, thereby again deadening the drum.

Sharpening the bearing edges will open the sound of these drums.

Regards

Jon

Thanks for the comments...I've never actually had any problem with the mounting system (in terms of sustain, anyways), but definitely something to think about.

Re: bearing edges, however - while I'm sure that would be quite effective, I was looking for more of a DIY/budget approach, and unless there's some reliable DIY way to re-cut or 'sharpen' bearing edges, that's a bit much for me.

Anyone got anything else to add?

Read this site for real-world suggestions on how to improve the

Gretsch Cat Jazz drums:

http://snaredrumz.blogspot.com/2010/03/hey-jude-take-bad-drum-and-make-it.html

The article is written about the Cat Jazz snare but applies to the

toms and bass as well.

The tom holder and 30 degree bearing edges are adequate as

they come from the factory.

I finished the insides of mine with Rustoleum silver paint but some prefer

shellac or tung oil. All will work to seal the interiors and focus the sound.

Hope this helps.

MW