[Press Release]

Gretsch has updated its popular Renown series kit configurations to appeal to drummers looking to step into a high-performance kit at a moderate price. Shell packs include a bass drum, toms, and floor tom. Add-on snare drums (14″ x 5″ and 14″ x 6.5″) will be offered in all current Renown finishes. Renown will continue to feature 6-ply maple formula shells, 30-degree bearing edges, Silver Sealer shell interiors, die-cast hoops, GS-9025 hinged tom brackets, and 12.7mm floor tom legs with chambered rubber feet.

All models are available in the following finishes: Autumn Burst (AB), Cherry Burst (CB), Slate Silver Sparkle (SSL), Deep Inca Gold Sparkle (DIGS).

RN-F604 – 4pc Groove Shell Pack
Sizes: 20″ x 16″, 10″ x 8″, 12″ x 9″, 14″ x 14″
Retail price: TBD

RN-E824 – 4pc Euro Shell Pack
Sizes: 22″ x 18″, 10″ x 8″, 12″ x 9″, 14″ x 14″
Retail price: TBD

RN-R643 – 3pc Rock Shell Pack
Sizes: 24″ x 16″, 13″ x 9″, 16″ x 16″
Retail price: TBD

[Press Release]

Gretsch’s New Classic series expands its finish offerings with a new Satin Natural finish option for all drum set and snare models for 2009. Classic and clean, the Satin Natural finish complements New Classic’s retro look and appeal. The New Classic series includes proportionate shells, which increase in thickness as shell diameters increase to give a full, balanced tonality across the entire drum set. Drum hardware appointments include vintage-styled tube lugs, the very low mass “ITS” integrated tom suspension system, and the 9025 hinged tom and floor tom leg brackets. Die-cast hoops and Silver Sealer shell interiors are also featured in the New Classic series.

[Press Release]

For the first time in recent memory (possibly as far back as 1927, when Gretsch introduced the first-ever multi-ply laminate drum shell in the industry), Gretsch will offer single-ply wood snare drums. Gretsch’s G-5000 Solid series feature a single-ply, solid snare drum and are available in either solid maple or solid walnut. Each shell includes solid maple reinforcement hoops to ensure true shell roundness, and shells are finished in clear Nitro Cellulose gloss lacquer. Handcrafted in Gretsch’s Ridgeland custom drum shop, G-5000 Solid snares include 30-degree bearing edges, die-cast hoops, 20-strand snare wires, and coated Permatone batter heads with underside dot. All models are available with either a Lightning or Dunnett throw-off and butt plate.

G-5000 Solid maple snare drums offer the ultimate in tonal balance with deep mid-range warmth and a bright and clear high-end. Features include a solid maple shell, “DropG” badge, and a 30-degree edge in natural Nitro Cellulose gloss finish. The 14″ x 5.5″ model with 10 lugs retails for $1,875. The 13″ x 6″ model with 6 lugs retails for $1,740.

G-5000 Solid walnut snares offer a darker timbre, but still project plenty of attack. Features include a solid walnut shell, “DropG” badge, and a 30-degree edge in natural Nitro Cellulose gloss finish. The 14″ x 6.5″ model with 10 lugs (pictured below) retails for $1,810. The 13″ x 7″ model with 6 lugs retails for $1,750.

[Press Release]

Gretsch’s new Catalina Club Jazz drum kit in a Walnut Glaze finish offers classic looks and timeless tone. The shells on this set are constructed out of mahogany and have a single exterior basswood ply to enhance the glossy walnut finish. Notable features include 30-degree bearing edges, mini Gretsch lugs, triple-flanged 1.6mm hoops, Evans G1 coated batter heads, and a bass-drum-mounted tom holder with GTS tom suspension mount. The kit includes an 18″ x 14″ bass drum, 12″ x 8″ tom, 14″ x 14″ floor tom, and a 14″ x 5″ snare drum. The retail price of the set will be announced at a later date.

[Press Release]

Gretsch USA is proud to incorporate some enduring and classic graphic elements from its past that die-hard Gretsch fans have been craving. Beginning January, the current “Since 1883” square badge will change to the “DropG” Gretsch stop sign badge (pic below) for all USA Custom drums. The “Since 1883” square badge will still be available for add-on drum matching. Interior shell labels will change from the current red/white/blue “Gretsch American” label to a classic silver and black, serialized interior shell label. Lastly, the Gretsch bass drum logo will move from the 12:00 clock-face position to an offset, 10:00 position.

In addition, Gretsch USA is also introducing several new finishes for 2009. New finish options include Red/Silver Duco, Piano Black Gloss Lacquer, Piano White Gloss Lacquer, Vintage Oyster White Nitron, and Sky Blue Pearl Nitron.

[Press Release]

Gretsch USA Custom’s Classic Bop kits echo vintage 1960s-era style and performance. Available in Vintage Oyster White Nitron (pictured below) and Sky Blue Pearl retro finishes, Classic Bop offers classic Gretsch tone from 6-ply maple shells, 30-degree bearing edges, and Silver Sealer shell interiors. Contemporary features include a GTS tom suspension mount, foldout/telescoping bass drum spurs, and G9025 tom and floor tom leg brackets. Classic Bop kits also includes Gretsch’s new “DropG” stop sign badge, bass drum mount plate, single tom arm, T-Rods, Fiberskyn bass drum batter head with offset logo, Snap-In key holder, and coated resonant heads. Available sizes include an 18″ x 14″ bass drum, a 12″ x 8″ tom, a 14″ x 14″ floor tom, and a 14″ x 4.5″ snare.

The retail price of the drum set is to be announced.

That is to say, there’s a bunch of new Gretsch stuff on the way.

First up is a high-end bubinga beauty in the Renown Purewood series. It’s a limited-edition shell pack (“limited” as in only 110 available worldwide), and it features six drums: a 22″ x 18″ kick, 10″ x 8″ and 12″ x 9″ toms, 14″ x 14″ and 16″ x 16″ floors, and a 14″ x 6″ snare. The shells themselves are 9-ply, 100% bubinga with a clear gloss finish. The damage: $3,850 retail.

More appealing to the cash-strapped among us is the latest in the Catalina Club Mod line. Featuring an exclusive G-Tube finish, the 4-piece shell pack comes with a 22″ x 20″ bass drum, 12″ x 8″ tom, 16″ x 14″ floor tom, and a 14″ x 6.5″ snare. The drums are made of mahogany, and that’s reflected in the price: $1,075 MSRP.

Still too many digits for your bank account? Maybe just settle, then, for one of these new Renown Purewood Rosewood snares. They are, as you astutely guessed, made of 100% rosewood, which we are going to assume sounds way bitchin’. The drums will be available in three sizes—14″ x 5.5″, 14″ x 6.5″, and 14″ x 8″—and will come outfitted with 30-degree bearing edges, die-cast hoops, 10 lugs (20 lugs for the 8-incher), and 20-strand snares. Respective prices are as follows: $770, $845, and $925.

Now to the drum porn: