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Non Vintage Gretsch

Posts: 14 Threads: 3

Have any of you played a Gretsch New Classic set?

They look very appealing to me and will be a step up from the Catalina Maple set that I currently have. Anything priced higher than the New Classic's would be out of my price range. When I contacted Steve Maxwell he was telling me that a decent vintage set would probably be out of my range of $2,000.00 and would not have a snare drum. Also, the Catalina set would not be something he would want to sell at his store. I would have to try to ask $500 on Craigslist or eBay. This leads me to another question. Are Gretsch snare drums really that bad? I like the idea of a matching set but I already have some nice snare drums. I paid $642 for the Catalina Maple set in October but it came with one snare stand and one cymbal stand. I think $500 might be doable minus the extra stands.

Posted on 11 years ago
#1
Posts: 53 Threads: 2

I have no real comments about the New Classics, if you can afford them and like them after trying them out I would say get them. They are a great improvement over the cats. I own Catalina Maples the first series with the 45° bearing edges and they are good sounding drums but I am selling mine to help fund a set of Rogers. i am selling mine a six piece @ $500.

Currently my first set ever 1983 Pearl Export original owner. 2008 Grestch Catalina Maple, and a 1970 Star kit. Many snares including a big R Dynasonic.
Previous Rogers Holiday 12, 16, 20 and powertone snare.
Premier apk and Premier Cabria kits.
Posted on 11 years ago
#2
Posts: 510 Threads: 42

I had a set. 12/16/22. Really good sounding. Huge sounding bass, in particular. I think it was the only bass drum I've been asked to back off on. The minus for me was they weighed a ton. And, I just am not into the 22" x 18" bass thing. Sounded every bit as good, in a slightly different way then my RB. And, tuned up much easier. I shoulda kept it , and had the bass trimmed down. They were great looking, too. Got a killer deal, $800 on a demo thru Forks Drum Closet. Definitely on the list of the best sets I've ever owned![IMG]http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad173/wdonley/100_2567.jpg[/IMG]

Posted on 11 years ago
#3
Posts: 14 Threads: 3

Thank you. I am not crazy about the 18x22 bass drums either. Have a rough time getting it in my car. Usually have to place it on the front seat. Gretsch probably could make me a 14x22 for a lot more money. I have plans for 2014. Buy an iMac and these drums. I am so tired of reinstalling the operating system and a PC will not last much more than 5 years. Right now the iMac is more important than the drums. x-mas3

Posted on 11 years ago
#4
Posts: 510 Threads: 42

From Lorenzo1950

I have plans for 2014. Buy an iMac and these drums. I am so tired of reinstalling the operating system and a PC will not last much more than 5 years. Right now the iMac is more important than the drums. x-mas3

If you already have a set, yes, it is.....

Posted on 11 years ago
#5
Posts: 2010 Threads: 19

Have you considered the Renown series? They are very nice "pro grade" drums in every respect and share the same hardware as the USA Customs. The pricing on Renown sets is all over the place, especially when they discontinue a color. I have a Renown set that I bought on closeout for $800 (many people got the same "bop sized" set for even less) and I love it...and I have three USA Custom sets, they stay home and I gig with the Renowns.

The New Classics are very nice too but not nearly as many deals on them out there since there don't appear to be as many people selling them. Probably deals there too though (if you can find them) when Gretsch/Kaman closes out a particular color or configuration.

This looks like a nice deal...

http://www.hellomusic.com/items/renown-maple-f604-cobalt-sparkle

Posted on 11 years ago
#6
Posts: 14 Threads: 3

Thanks, I have also looked at the Renown sets and they are a bit less expensive than the New Classics. I like the styling of the New Classics but both are very nice.

Posted on 11 years ago
#7
Posts: 14 Threads: 3

These have caught my eye and there is a matching snare.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gretsch-New-Classic-4pc-Shell-Pack-Turquoise-Sparkle-/151197074111?pt=US_Drums&hash=item23340c42bf

Posted on 11 years ago
#8
Posts: 510 Threads: 42

Ya know, Hello Music's got a screaming deal on Renown's. Half the price of those New Classics. I've owned both, and I preferred the Renowns.I like the shell makeup better. Incredible sounding. I'd call mine every bit as good as my USA Gretschs. Better looking, too! If you're really in the market, this'd be a really hard to beat deal. And, free shipping. If I didn't have 2 1/2 vintage Gretsches, I'd have one of these on the way. Great color, too. Actually thinking of selling one of the vintage sets, and grabbing one of these. My wife's always maintained the Renowns were her favorite set that I've owned....

http://www.hellomusic.com/Items/renown-maple-f604-cobalt-sparkle

Posted on 11 years ago
#9
Posts: 14 Threads: 3

I am really torn between the Renown and the New Classic. The link was nice and looks like a great deal, but I would prefer the larger sizes. It would be a chore getting the 18x22 bass in my car but I like the fuller sound and the sound of a 16" floor tom. Maybe I should save my pennies and buy a Brooklyn set. :) Just kidding. With the Renown we are getting closer to the top of the line. The New Classic is just a step ahead. I really like the double lugs.

Posted on 11 years ago
#10
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