Choosing the Perfect Gretsch Drum Kit: Top Picks for Every Genre
This guide highlights top Gretsch drum kits for various styles, helping you find the perfect match for your sound and setup.
I always loved Gretsch kits because I thought they were super versatile. It was also evident that the drums were made with amazing craftsmanship. I also liked the fact the famous drummers who endorsed this brand were playing in completely different genres.
Taylor Hawkins and Phil Collins were hard-hitting drummers who played rock and pop, and Max Roach and Tony Williams were jazz legends. Finally, studio master Vinnie Colaiuta played Gretsch kits with everyone from Sting to Joni Mitchell to Megadeth!
I would like to talk about the different Gretsch kits that work well with various styles.
A starting kit for beginners
Gretsch Drums Renegade 20" Ruby Sparkle
I like this kit for a few reasons. Firstly it has a 20-inch bass drum! With this size kick drum, you can easily switch between pop/rock and funk without losing any bottom end on your beats.
Although the hardware is NOT double-braced it is still very sturdy. The hardware looks slick and made from chrome and the red sparkle finish will look amazing under stage lights.
Triple flange hoops aren't always available on entry-level kits. I think this is a great idea because they are durable, and you also won't smash a lot of sticks on the rim.
This is a great kit for beginners.
Rock Drumkit
Gretsch Energy Standard Grey Steel
This kit has a 22-inch bass drum. The best piece of advice I can give you if you want to buy a drumkit with a 22-inch kick is to make sure you have a big car! This size bass drum WON'T fit into the backseat of much smaller hatchback-type cars.
This energy standard is great for rock music. The toms are smaller than you would expect (10/12/16 as opposed to 12/13/16) but still pack a mighty punch!
This kit has double-braced hardware, so you won't have to worry about your cymbal stands falling over if you are a heavy hitter.
The crash stand also has a boom arm, which is great if you like positioning your cymbals close.
Jazz / Hip Hop/ Drum n Bass Drumkit
Gretsch Catalina Club Jazz - SW Bundle
Although the Catalina club jazz drumkit was originally intended to be played by jazz drummers, it was quickly used in hip hop and drum n bass music too.
The reason for this was it is so small that it fits on a tiny stage, which is perfect if there are multiple rappers or DJs also on stage.
Its 18 by 14 bass drum gives it that funky programmed sound with just the right low end. This kit is made from mahogany wood, which makes the toms sing! The crack on the snare is also very sharp and impressive.
Funk / Rehearsal / Street Performance
Gretsch Drums Energy Street Set Black
I'm aware that 'rehearsal' and 'street performance' are not styles of music, but the Energy Street kit is perfect for both. These drums are 7 ply which is quite thick which means the wood in the shells has been wrapped around itself 7 times. This gives the drum a loud tone and makes it durable if played loud or dropped. The 16 x 14-inch bass drum is punchy but not overwhelming. That being said, a decent sound engineer could make this drum sound bigger than it is with the right mic setup.
The other cool thing about the Energy Street kit is how portable it is. This whole drum kit will fit in the boot of your car. This is something to consider if you and the people in your band want to hang out after the gig. The number one rule for musicians is: never, under any circumstances leave your instruments in the car! I have known too many musicians that have had their equipment stolen even if they parked in decent neighborhoods.
A final thought on this kit is it would be great if you are doing a small tour as it's not too cumbersome to check at the airport.
Pop/ Gospel music
Gretsch Drums 140th Anniversary Standard Set
Gretsch's anniversary kit is like the Rolls Royce of drum kits! Its brushed nickel finish means it wouldn't stand out if found inside Tutenkamen's tomb! An absolutely beautiful instrument to look at.
Its 2 tone Ebony stardust finish makes it look like a piece of expensive furniture. The 22-inch bass drum gives off a great deal of low-end frequency.
The toms on this kit are shorter than stock sizes for more resonance and punch! These drums sing. If you can afford this kit you will be pleasantly surprised as it is in a class of its own.
Please check out the above drum kits as they are magnificent instruments. Also, please take into consideration the size of the drums and what they are made of, as they will affect your overall sound.
About Magesh Magesh
Magesh is a musician and producer who has worked with Rihanna, Lionel Richie, Ricky Martin, Chris Brown, The Pussy Cat Dolls, Nelly Furtado, and Vernon Reid of Living Colour.
He released an instructional drumming DVD called "Unique Beats" where he mixed the drum kit with electronics and Indian hand percussion. He recently moved from Australia to the UK to explore new musical opportunities.
Website: mageshdrumteacher.co.uk
Contact Magesh Magesh at magesh.magesh7@gmail.com
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