This is a very nice kit. The cost is "up there" as are most USA made kits, but this should be a kit you buy to play and keep for the long-haul. I was somewhat skeptical of the 14X22 kick, but after playing it I like it better than most 18X22 kicks. I did use a drum pillow and changed the batter head to an Evan's EQ and the drum has a very defined controlled low end without the "boom". Again, that's just a personal preference. I've left the other original heads and with some tuning the toms are very explosive and project very well through any mix. I play them without any muffling. They don't need it if you tune properly. Some drummers are die hard virgin kick drum enthusiast but I love the ease of the mounted tom on the kick. Set your initial position, memory lock, and your done for every set-up. The floor tom also has memory locks on each leg further reducing set-up time. The quality of the wood and finish is what you would expect on a USA kit. If you're a "wood" kind of guy you'll love the look and feel of the Satin finish. Hardware, (lugs, rims, etc.), again, top notch that you would expect on a kit of this price. I love the kit. You can play any style of music and tune it to your preferences. I've owned Pearl Masters, DW, Mapex and Tama kits of various sizes. All make very good kits, but I have to say that this Gretsch kit is my favorite. It's definitely a keeper. And...the Sweetwater packing and delivery was top notch as always, plus Sweetwater's 3 pay plan is a big plus if you're going to drop this much money on a kit. If you can afford it, you won't be disappointed.

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