The Rich tone and projection I am getting from these drums is a large improvement from previous renowne shell packs. I had a few with diecast rims and the 302 hoops are an improvement and the embodiment of that joy. Gretsch managed to increase the rebound on all RN-2 drums, making them easier to play singles and doubles and for an aging drummer like me, these drums are a lifesaver, helping me keep my musical journey alive. But hey, if Gretsch can also invent a way to prevent me from aging, I'd be over the moon and back!

I started playing nightclubs in 1964 and during that time I have owned two Catalina club kits, to renown kits and one Brooklyn. Out of all of them this current renowned kit has the best tone with a deep Rich, full body and the longest sustain. This five piece show pack is the most sensitive out of all the Gretsch drums that I have ever had. It projects more richness than all the others. All the kids had that great Grech tone quality, but with the minor changes that they have made the current shell pack is better than any that they have made in the past with a tone quality that I prefer over the higher tier drums that Gretsch belt. I am inspired by the deepness and richness of each and every individual Drum with all the variety of sounds that you can make from each one, and I play them every day.

Read More Show Less

I ordered this set on January 1st, 2024. Given myself time to learn the kit a bit before writing this. I've been playing since 1964 (yeah.... 60 years) with a bit of FT pro on the road and in major recording studios in late 60's early 70's. Being a Charlie Watts fan....... I've been with Gretsch/Zildjian starting way back then. I still have my really good mid-60's kit from back then.... and this new kit blows them away.

I bought these specifically for studio recording work, and they don't disappoint. Beautiful tone and great resonance, which of course can be damped down if needed for particular genres of music as needed with the usual "toys". The shells can really "ring" if you want that. Construction quality is first rate, with the bearing edges really well crafted. The hoops and hardware like spurs, tom holders, and legs are massively improved over the stuff from the 60's. As are the rack tom mounting system letting the shells "float". The stock snare is really crisp with the resonant head tuned high.

I do miss the knob-adjustable internal head dampers that the Gretsch kits in the 60's had on them. A feature they shouldn't have dropped, I think.

I tweaked the kit with stuff like Remo Control Sound batter heads, a black ported Remo resonant head on the kick for aesthetic and recording reasons, and I paired the Renown shell kit with the Gretsch G-5 hardware, which is heavy duty enough to hold up a couple of elephants. (Only downside... for gigging, that hardware is heavy!) I'm currently using my father's 1940's vintage Zildjian ride, high-hats, and crash.

All in all....... lovin' this kit. You can't go wrong.

Read More Show Less

Had them for a few months now. The first time I hit the bass... it felt like all the air in the room just tried to escape. Very cool, and it never gets old. I got the 6 1/2" snare instead, and added the 14" FT and the bass drum mounted cymbal stand. I've only taken the snare and the 16'' out of the house (to supplement another set), so this will probably be my designated practice set. IDK. I *may* take it to my next gig to show it off. I just hope some drunk doesn't spill a beer on it. Classy finish . I feel like I'm underdressed when playing it. They look great, sound great, and make practice fun. As it should be. If there was a better "bang for the buck" set out there, I'd have bought it. Not sure how much better than these the USA and Brooklyn lines could possibly be to justify 2x the $. Probably all the drums anyone really *needs*.

Read More Show Less

I have a 1960's Rogers, and have had a DW redwood burl Collectors. But I've been playing a set of RN1's at my church and really liked them (they also have a Ludwig classic maple, which is very similar), so I ordered this kit + a 14" FT a month ago. Still have to wait another month, so I'm like the kid in A Christmas Story checking the mailbox everyday. Going crazy. Will update when I get them, but if it's anything less than 5 stars I'll be shocked. Wasn't crazy about the DW configuration/virgin bass, and I could never get the snare where I wanted it, (beautiful set though), so I suspect I'll like these better, given the 1000's of reviews I've read. (Ran out of reviews to read, so I wrote my own. Doh!). Haven't seen this color in person, and it's my understanding the pictures don't do it justice. We'll see!

Read More Show Less

Outgrew my starter drum kit. After weeks of serious researching new and used drums, finally settled on a brand new Gretsch Renown five piece shellpack from Sweetwater. Wanted the most bang for the buck without breaking my bank account. Even though I had high expectations, I am thoroughly impressed with the fantastic look, quality, the Cherry Burst finish and that great "Gretsch Sound". VERY pleased with my purchase. Checks all the boxes for a high quality, great sounding drum kit that will last many years.

Also thanks to Max from Sweetwater. I have made several purchases from Sweetwater over the past year. Max has been there every step of the way, keeping me informed of every order status and following up to ensure my satisfaction. Never got text messages from anyone else I've ever shopped with on the internet. Thanks to Max and Sweetwater for the great products and service! I'm a customer for life.

Read More Show Less

So,I am basically an intermediate drummer who will spend up to 10 hours a week practicing for fun. I started back drumming on my Roland V306 kit which was great, but I still wanted the experience of an acoustic kit. Needless to say, after much research, I bought the Gretsch Renown 5 piece kit. Man, what a literal bang for the buck. Pun intended. Crisp, clear, and well made only begins to describe my feelings about Gretsch drums.

As well, the Sweetwater staff is incredibly qualified and professional. David Yanis, was an amazing sales consultant with a vast knowledge of the music industry.

In short, bet on Gretsch and Sweetwater. You WILL NOT be disappointed by either.

I have been a Sonor guy for a few decades. The Great Gretsch Sound is a sharp departure from that! It's pretty much expected that drums in this price range are going to be engineered well, and live up to quality control standards, do I won't go into much about that.

The drums project, have incredible sustain and killer tone. The bottom end is unreal, and the 16" Floor tom is deep. The quality heads bring out an open and pure tone that hangs for a while. I am not sure what part the silver sealer plays in the sound, but there is some real magic in those drums. The 301 hoops are thick and probably have a hand in the sound of the drums. Sound characteristics are consistent throughout the toms. The bass drum is a cannon.

The Cherry Burst is both classy and beautiful. The hardware looks solid and is really beefy. I am very pleased with this outfit.

Read More Show Less

Another Ron with Renowns!

I've had a beautiful set of birch Yamaha drums since '86, and they sound amazing. I didn't like lugging them around for bar gigs, so I was looking for a great sounding inexpensive kit that I didn't have to worry too much about getting banged up. I already had a set of Catalina Clubs for my jazz kit, and they are fantastic, so I'm a Gretsch convert. The Renowns are truly spectacular. They sound soooo good, and for the price, I was able to afford a nice set of cases to protect them as well. They have such a clear, and musical sound. I don't know how else to describe it. The sustain is consistent between all the toms. It's not too long, not too short, but just right. I haven't played around with different head combos or different tunings, but I imagine they're pretty versatile like my Catalina Clubs. Hardware is top notch. They've performed beautifully on a recording, and a livestream (curse you 2020) and I can't wait to start using them in more live settings. The folks at Sweetwater were great!

Read More Show Less

Drums sound great right out of the box. I will probably add a Superkick ii bass head, just prefence, the bass drum sounds good with the Remo head. Finish is beautiful, like fine furniture. Finally, after all these years I have the kit I always wanted.