gretsch

[BlackHawk2029]

has anyone tried the lower-end gretsch kits... the blackhawk series? or the mapex QR series drums? im looking for a decent but inexpensive kit in fusion sizes and those two seem to be decent.

 

[scrubs]

I have a Blackhawk EX Fusion from a few years ago. Although I have not played the newer Blackhawks, they do not appear to be the same quality as the older models. The new ones have poplar shells and cheaper hardware, from what I can gather. You might look around for a used Catalina series if you're strapped for $.

 

[PYRRHO]

It's a simple rule....
if the drums are available through a Sears catalog...they're crap.

 

[BlackHawk2029]

haha yeah.... well do you guys know of any options in fusion sizes between 250 - 600 that are decent?

 

[hoops]

I would check out the Sonor Force 2005's or 3005's. The 2005's are all birch with a wax finish and the 3005's are all maple with a laquer finish. Both kits are under a $1000.

 

[persondude]

i have a gretsch nighthawk kit. i think it sounds pretty good, after i put some pinstripes on with an aquarian super kick II on the kick. granted, it is bottom of the line, but i've used it live and it doesnt suck.

 

[Elton Bear]

+1 for the Sonor, they have them at college and I like them for the money.

Mapex I've heard great things about but have yet to try out...

 

[tbone36109]

pdp makes some pretty good fusion kits in that range but you best bet it probably to go used, you can get some really nice kits used for 600 bucks

 

[BlackHawk2029]

i was looking at some pdp's but alot of people have told me to stay away from them.

 

[pandamonk]

I would check out the Sonor Force 2005's or 3005's. The 2005's are all birch with a wax finish and the 3005's are all maple with a laquer finish. Both kits are under a $1000.

What about the sonor force 505? I think it looks pretty decent.

edit: isn't the 505 just the 1005 with a metal snare?

 

[hoops]

What about the sonor force 505? I think it looks pretty decent.

edit: isn't the 505 just the 1005 with a metal snare?

I would go with the 2005 or 3005. The lower models are not solid plys. They have basswood filler. The hardware isn't as good either.

 

[MadHatterTCM]

You can get the catalina birch series for under 650 sometimes at guitar center. That kit is amazing sounding. The snare blows absolutely blows me away. If you're good at tuning at least. You can never judge a kit if you suck at tuning