In an effort to pair down my practice/recording/lessons room clutter, I went from two 5-piece kits to a pair of 4-piece kits.

The lack of clutter and a bit more breathing room helps me with the creative process a bit more and helps instruction to students on a like for like setup. I've tried every non-Terry Bozzio configuration out there and while I love having a lot of drums and cymbals, I feel like my sweet spot is one up, one down, single bass drum pedal.

I've been eyeballing the Renown series for years and felt like it was time to give these drums a chance.

Gretsch's decision to put USA Remo heads on these drums and couple them with the 302 hoops was a great one. They sound very open and clear. They resonate beautifully. Tuning was a breeze. Playing them is a sonic and tactile joy. I did put one moon gel on the 13, 16 and an Evan's pillow in the kick. I also put a 4" hole in the kick reso because that's what I prefer. It's a bigger kick (even though I have a 26" set up in the same room for recording), but it's very controllable and doesn't get too out there. Those who've worked with bigger kicks know exactly what I'm talking about. I really didn't have to dial this one in. The process was much less work with this 24" kick drum. The 13 and 16 tuned right up and paired with a USA Bell Brass, wow this kit sings!

The natural maple gloss finish is classy. The clear heads with the silver sealer inside the shells really pops. I think Gretsch really nailed it with this kit, plus, it's perfect for my needs.

It's worth mentioning that there was a problem with shipping that resulted in a broken bass drum and bass drum hoop. Sweetwater took care of it promptly. I appreciate the sales and returns departments working together to make it right.

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In an effort to pair down my practice/recording/lessons room clutter, I went from two 5-piece kits to a pair of 4-piece kits.

The lack of clutter and a bit more breathing room helps me with the creative process a bit more and helps instruction to students on a like for like setup. I've tried every non-Terry Bozzio configuration out there and while I love having a lot of drums and cymbals, I feel like my sweet spot is one up, one down, single bass drum pedal.

I've been eyeballing the Renown series for years and felt like it was time to give these drums a chance.

Gretsch's decision to put USA Remo heads on these drums and couple them with the 302 hoops was a great one. They sound very open and clear. They resonate beautifully. Tuning was a breeze. Playing them is a sonic and tactile joy. I did put one moon gel on the 13, 16 and an Evan's pillow in the kick. I also put a 4" hole in the kick reso because that's what I prefer. It's a bigger kick (even though I have a 26" set up in the same room for recording), but it's very controllable and doesn't get too out there. Those who've worked with bigger kicks know exactly what I'm talking about. I really didn't have to dial this one in. The process was much less work with this 24" kick drum. The 13 and 16 tuned right up and paired with a USA Bell Brass, wow this kit sings!

The natural maple gloss finish. It really looks classy. The clear heads with the silver sealer inside the shells really pops. I think Gretsch really nailed it with this kit, plus, it's perfect for my needs.

It's worth mentioning that there was a problem with shipping that resulted in a broken bass drum and bass drum hoop. Sweetwater took care of it promptly. I appreciate the sales and returns departments working together to make it right.

Read More Show Less

Awesome kit! Sounds great mic'd up, too! Looks sexy under the lights. I'm extremely happy with my purchase and the customer service was TOP NOTCH!

Had to customize several items like adding mufflers to the toms. Additionally, the bass drum does not have t-style tuning screws. Possible a cost reduction effort. I had to order them separately adding $120 in cost to the kit.Then I had to order longer lug nuts as these where 1/2 inch shorter than the standard lug screws.

Additonally, I added a cymbal side mount to the bass drum.

While the added items customize the kit to my specification, the added cost of the t-screws should not of been on my nickel