Gretsch: USA Maple vs. USA Custom

[Lorenzini]

SingleStrk- I own both kits and the simple answer to your question is this: For practical use and durabilty of the drums, the Maple Customs are the way to go. I love both kits, but that is the honest truth. With that being said, I would not trade my Gretsch drums for anything! I hope this helps!

[Rhythmatist]

Yeah, I've had my Gretsch kit since 1980 and they sound better every year. It's similar to a Martin acoustic guitar, the wood initially has to "break in" (I didn't care for the sound at first and prefered to use my Camco kit back then) and then just gets better with age. I've thought about new kits and each time just...Nah, I love these drums. They sing! And yes, they rule in the studio.

I understand they didn't have any standard as far as shells go back in the old days. It could be Keller, Jasper or even combinations. They say the secret was the silver inner coating that makes "That Great Gretsch Sound." I don't really know how much of this is true, I just know that these drums just sound great no matter what I'm playing. And if there are variations you'd never know it. There's a consistent sound despite all the defects and blemishes (my kit was made during the "Baldwin" era when quality control was at it's lowest point).

[troutbrooke]

I'm seriously considering selling (or trading in) my Yamaha Maple Custom Absolutes to get a Gretsch kit again. The Yamaha bass drums just don't cut it for me. I've owned three Yamaha kits (Recording Custom in the past and now the MPCA and Stage Custom) and I swear that the Stage Custom kick sounds the best, and it's made of the cheapest materials.

I had a big Gretsch kit back in the eighties and although the quality all around wasn't very good, they sounded amazing. A studio I used to do a lot of work at sampled my kit and that sample disk became pretty popular back then (for the Emulator).

I live in Los Angeles (originally from Toronto) and would love to know where you guys recommend I shop for a Gretsch set. I would definitely order a custom configuration. Most of the retail stores in this town are ultra-lame, so I don't look forward to the experience.