Gretsch: USA Maple vs. USA Custom

[troutbrooke]

Can anyone tell me what the difference is between these two lines of Gretsch drums?

[Derek DeFields]

Same Shells.

USA Maples have Taiwanese Hardware, limited sizes and limited finishes.

Sound is the same.

[ed4644]

I believe one of the main differences is the "USA custom" is just what the name implies, "custom"-meaning more choices with brackets, throwoffs, and finishes. The "USA Maple" has just Satin finishes.

I own a USA Maple snare in vintage blonde that is beautiful. I haven't really played the Custom's so sound wise i don't know

-Ed

[satinflamr]

I thought Customs were Jasper shells and the rest were keller maple shells or Tayes old shells or whatever?

[SingleStrk]

This is a bit off topic. Sorry about that.

I'm in the market for a new kit and I've been looking at Gretsch Customs, Broadkasters and Yamaha Maple Customs. I know that people here have experiences with both brands/models and I'd like to know more about their differences. I'm interested in the sonic differences, ease of use and durability.

I think Gretsch Broadkasters are the same as their Custom line except the limited colour options and gun metal hardware. Are there any other differences?

I think deep down I want to go for the Gretsch even though I could get Maple Customs cheaper. Are they really worth it? Happen to know anyone who's selling a Gretsch kit?

[Derek DeFields]

Besides what was pointed out about durability etc. I will say that the YMC are WAY heavier drums than most anything else and carrying around a 18x22 kick can be a bitch.

YMC have a more defined note/tone than Gretsch whereas Gretsch sound more open and have a clear attack. Yamahas can sound muddier if not tuned properly.

The sound is different enough that I recommend you decide on that factor first. Hear them both and see which one you like better. THEN decide if that difference is worth the money, lack of durability etc etc. (that is assuming you like the Gretsch sound better which is by NO means a guarantee)

[Lorenzini]

Derek is right on. You definitely need to be sold on the tonal characteristics of the drums before you commit to one or the other. I will have to say this, Yamaha's quality control is light years beyond Gretsch, which means you are more likely to get lemons than apples from Gretsch if you order them without actually playing the drums. I would suggest finding a used or store bought Gretsch kit before ordering from them directly.

I have told this story here before, but it is a good indication of what you may incounter: I ordered my kit directly from the factory, which took 8 months. One of the drums was out of round and had to be sent back which took an additional 2 to 3 months. Then after all that I had to have all the edges re-cut because I could not get the drums to tune correctly! After all that, I now have a Gretsch drum set that I can say has "that great Gretsch sound", but it took a lot of $ and time... My YMC's sounded great right out of the box! Either way you need to be sold on the sound and feel of the drums before you spend your hard earned money, because you are going to have them for a long time and you want to be sure that you are going to be happy with your decision.

[ebbz]

I would say that unless you're only looking for "The Name" for a kit.....Yamaha's ARE probably the most consistant out of the box!! But why mess around with all of this when you can have a custom company make one to specs that you're looking for!!!!

example of some companies to check out:
Pork Pie, Mayer Drums, D'amico, Orange County...., Solo Drums, Fibes, Maryland Drums, Bison Drum Co., Oregon Drum, Montineri Custom drums, Thumper Custom Drums

[troutbrooke]

I sent an email to gretsch asking about the differences (before I was informed via this board) and here is the reply (I also asked about ordering the drums minus the mounting hardware and spurs, which I don't like):

"Thanks for your email. The two series are basically the same. The differences are that The USA Maple is only available in 5 satin finishes and are pre-built. The Custom series is a la carte and available in over 100 color combinations. Custom series can be built with out spurs. Regards, Gretsch Drums"

[drumaddict]

I have 3 Gretsch sets and I've owned several others in the past as well as most major brands. Each companies drums to me had something different to offer as far as tone and design. Yamaha to me has a great sounding birch kick drum but the tom sound on the birch and maple series just don't excite me. The beech series actually sounds the best to me in Yamaha's line. I favor the Gretsch Maples, and I mean any of the lines from the Customs to the Renowns. They just sound better to me all around. I know that recording studio producers and engineers I've worked with have always used and favored the Gretsch drum sound as well as my own Gretsch drums. Unfortunately the brand has a marrred reputation due to Fred Gretsch's way of doing business. He is old old school and the factory is still in the dark ages. On the + side this means that the drums carry a similar sound through the ages. Fortunely for him and his company they hit upon a sound that is second to none in the recording world or else they would of been history long ago. Just do as the others have recommended and judge by your ears and not your preconceptions. Every drum company has a good product to offer but only you can tell which sounds best to you.