So, after many months of playing on my old Pearl Forum kit here:
I have “upgraded” the kit to a used Gretsch Catalina Club 4-pc Jazz kit that I bought for a steal. So, this is what I have after setting it all up:
Drumset configuration can be found here. The interesting part is that while I kept all the stock heads for the toms (Evans Genera G1), I used a 18″ Remo Fiberskyn 3 Ambassador (FA) Bass head for that vintage, traditional jazz/bebop and big band orchestral sound.
What can I say ? It sounds as advertised and I am totally pleased with the bass sound it emits. I will not describe it as “THUMPY” as my previous Remo Coated Powerstroke 3 Bass head on my Pearl 20″ Kick. However, the punch is still there (for a 18″ by 14″) and the sound is – in a fews words – “BIG & FULL-of-BODY“.
It tooks some time to get used to the bass sound since I have grown so used to the Coated Powerstroke 3 on my 20” Kick for so long BUT I am sure I will grow to love it as much and most importantly, play around it.
Now, I am left wondering if I should change both the rack and floor toms to the same Fiberskyn 3 Ambassador as well …
Didn’t know Gretsch made drums – shows what I know.
Nice.
P.S. Putting a sax in front of your old kit doesn’t make it a jazz setup. 🙂
🙂
Gretsch make drums and good ones at that. They are well-known for their custom made drums (obviously the cheapo in me means that the above set is not a custom one)
Gretsch is well known for their trademark bearing edges on the shells in contact with the drum skins, which makes the sound much more warm and “round” – great for those accoustic settings.
You have called me out on the sax on the first setup.
Just purchased a new Gretsch Catalina Jazz kit in Walnut Maple. UPS coming today. Can’t wait. Love the “Buddy Rich” finish on your kit also. I couldn’t pass up the Walnut. Saw it at a local drum shop in Nashville. Looks like fine furniture. Will add the tenor sax later!