See I personally found the same but with the Pearl but hey thats the beauty of music, each to their own! Plus I'm by no means taking anything away from the Gretsch as they are incredible sounding drums!
The Pearls sound great, don't get me wrong, but to my ear they sound like a drier version of a standard Masters kit more than a Gretsch clone, and I think for my money I'd either go all the way toward an original-recipe Pearl maple shell or all the way toward the Gretsch USA.
Pearl has always sounded more contained and controlled to me than the competitors. Under mics that can be a huge benefit. They’re somehow louder but also much more held back. Gretsch are live animals. Lots to work with when you have sound, but being resonant and rascally can also be a hindrance. Pearl’s kick is so tight and punchy it hurts but I still love it. Gretsch toms are slightly more interesting and wild. Both are amazing. I literally can’t decide what I would pick if I had the choice. I love Pearl and Gretsch, so already my bias is confused, but side by side all I can say is I might pick either for different applications. Hard to say who the victor is here.
I always associate pearl with sounding great for any metal/rock genre and gretsch for jazz/rock. So awesome that we get to hear both side by side (almost lol)
@@tinterlande hi Tony, trust you are doing well, would it be possible for you to share the USA Custom tunning settings please? 🙂, thanks! I have almost the same sizes, exception is the bass drum (24"x18")
Gretsch has the proven formula and already a masterpiece. Pearl has the crazy high quality research and you know you’re getting something top notch. It’s like picking one diamond over another diamond. Both are fine jewels.
Bought a set of Gretsch in '82, that was a year before their centennial anniversary. They only made USA custom back then and they've never ever let me down. The drums just keep on sounding better the older they get!
WOWWWWWW..... this is exactly what I was looking for, I was between the Pearl Maple/Gum and the Usa Custom, I personally prefer the Pearl on low tuning but the Gretsch in higher tuning.
Tony!... you're a hell of a good drummer. There are few people that do such a good job of inventing grooves that really enable us to hear the tonality of each tom. I look forward to hearing you every time a new kit is showcased.
Thanks for doing this! Lifelong Pearl fan, but have always loved the sound of Gretsch too. The Pearl 10" & 12" rack toms are shallower than the Gretsch in this comparison, which I suspect is why they lacked some of the resonance and sustain of the Gretsch rack toms. I thought the Pearl floor tom and kick sounded great. One can get Pearl Maple Gum in the Music City Custom series too, so maybe a more "apples to apples" comparison would be Pearl Music City Custom Maple Gum kit compared to a Gretsch kit a similar wrap finish. All drums must be same sizes & depths and use the same heads.
Hello fellows - I've played both kits - I've got the Gretsch kit mic'd correctly and think it has the edge. It's under RU-vid " Ray Field Drum Solo 2" if you get this your read on the Mic work would be appreciated. Thx ! And thanks for all your awesome reviews - Ray
50+ years. Played lots of drums. Listened to lots of drummers. Some good. Some not. But the over riding factor is, when it sounds good, it's usually the drummer rather than the equipment. Don't over spend. Don't listen to hype marketing. Buy decent quality, then practice. It'll sound good.
I'd say playing matters far more than the kit itself, but playing on a great set that is properly tuned will elevate a players sound in my humble opinion. To your point though, a mediocre drummer on the best kit ever won't sound better than a great player on a decent kit
I would pick the Pearl by a slight margin. I like the look better, and they sound tighter which could end up being more versatile between live and recorded. And I prefer the kick on the Pearl but I slightly prefer the toms on the Gretsch. But when factoring in the snare that slightly tipped me in favor of the Pearl. All things considered in my opinion it is extremely close and either one is a great choice for this sound.
The Gretsch mounting hardware will give you a bit more sustain and less lugs also gives more resonance over the Pearl. This makes them more open sounding. Something so attractive on a drum set.
Thanks for making this video, I really appreciate the work you guys put into these. Personally, I've always been a Pearl guy since I've heard them. Heck I even play one. After listening to this, I still prefer Pearl for their modern yet control sound. Makes them easier to work with in the studio 🔥
I have to agree with Tony on the quality of the kit hardware. Pearl makes incredible hardware, and their mounting system is superior to the Gretch. However... I think the tone of the Gretch kit is more pleasing to my ears.
In terms of sound, you have to give it to Gretsch. Those toms sound like toms are supposed to sound, deep, throaty. But I did like the Pearl snare sound better. Also, The Pearl Drums look like they are a better constructed, but I'm only judging from what I see in the video. Thanks for another terrific video. DCP is such a great asset to the drumming community.
The Gretsch was my favorite. I loves the “cone” sound of Pearl as the sounds really shoot forward like an arrow, but the Gretsch was warmer and cleaner it it’s overall overtones. Plus the finish on the Gretsch. I prefer Pearl over Gretsch on a usual basis btw.
Headphones brought out the differences for me. I felt the Gretsch was more lively, and the Pearl was more refined. Both incredible. I liked the look of that Pearl better than that Gretsch, but like the livelier, sound of the Gretsch more.
Thanks for this excellent comparison of these great drum kits. I agree, either is a good choice. I would buy either one but as a long time Pearl player (I owned a Gretsch kit once also), I prefer Pearl hardware and although the Gretsch snare was a perfect match, the Pearl MC Customs sound wicked. I want one and would love a Pearl Maple Gum kit. I did think Pearl sounded better to me than Gretsch at the low tuning. Both were excellent at the high tunings.
Both sound great. I own a USA Custom and love it, also own a Pearl Masters Studio Birch kit, so I know that Pearl produces a great quality product as well. You guys nail it when you say pick the one that inspires you to get on the kit and play. For me that is the Gretsch. Keep making these great videos please!
Another Great One Guys! I think both of you were spot on with your analogies ! I’ve Owned Both Brands and in my opinion The Pearls are the better Drum 🥁 Thanks !! And keep up your Great Work!🎶🥰
My first kit was a Pearl I purchased from a pawn shop over thirty years ago. I had a entry level Gretsch kit I donated to a church a few years ago. I like both kits, but the Pearl is the winner for me. Thx for the video..
You actually get lot more options with the Pearl Masters Maple Gum if you order it with the Music City Custom Program and is ready in only 3 weeks. Got one and is absolutely killer! Nothing to envy about the Gretsch USA Custom, I’ve played them both.
I actually own the exact set that is in the video (at least I believe I do, bought it 2 years ago December from DCP) and it is an amazing kit…and I am a Pearl guy on three other kits - 60’s MIJ, Decade Maple and Session Studio Select. Would go with the USA customer all day long. No matter where you tune it, it sings and rumbles just like it should. Impressed every time I play it.
I think the Pearl is just a little brighter and tighter. I can hear it mostly in the kick and snare sounds. The Gretsch sounds ever so slightly fuller and rounder to me overall. Both kits sound great though!
Both kits sound great. The Gretsch kit tuned high sounded more mid range than highly tuned. The comparison would be more useful if the tunings were the same.
Great Video! Sorry to be the party pooper here, but I choose Pearl all the way and by far. Found it more versatile that can cover a full spectrum/variety of styles and approaches. For a Vintage and Explosive sound Ludwig is the king on that, without a doubt. For the Modern sound I’ll have to say kudos to Pearl. By the way, I already have this exact Pearl Masters Maple Gum in Silver Swirl 10,12,14,16, 22 in my studio. Also, placed yesterday the special order for the 8” tom. It will take a couple of months, but I’ll wait. The Maple/Gum sound is completely beautiful, contain, ideal, rock solid and pristine; as Tony mentioned. The Pearl can cover a wider range of styles, than the Gretsch. Nevertheless, and don’t get me wrong the Gretsch sounded amazing too. But if I have to choose between the two, I’ll choose Pearl. Ooohhh, I almost forgot, I already choose...LOL. Take care guys, stay safe! Warm Regards from Puerto Rico! 🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷
Not a big Pearl fan, especially the later day Masters.. but I really do like this maple/gum. I still have to go with Gretsch, just such a naturally good sounding drum that is a bit more open, and has tremendous history.
the pearl rack toms are awesome. nearly hyper drive sizes though. head to head i would say both floor toms sounded almost identical. i think the gretsch bass drum had more thunder in it but that might be a tuning thing. so i think i would love to play the gretsch bass drum with the pearl toms and a snare drum out of my collection. at the moment i would pick the tama charlie benante signature or my pearl dennis chambers from the late 90s.
Great video, guys... So, my take on Pearl is somewhat hard to grasp (for most people): Though they offer prime-quality materials and craftsmanship (super durable and consistent) their bulky L-shaped tom-holder doesn't allow the toms to move neither vibrate as they'd be supposed to... Even with the newer (slick) mounts, it's still a "hold tight" situation. That's so clear when you see/hear them against Gretsch in this demo. I've had a BLX set in the early 90's and that was an obvious issue to me, coming from a previous (80's) Tama Artstar which had lots more resonance and tone. Interestingly, they continue to bet on sturdiness over everything else... Kudos for your channel!
This is very true, pearl drums always sounded muffled to me and I didn’t know why for so long. I used to play pearl but now I play a sonor sq2 and I am blown away how much more resonant it is
My dearly departed guru of drums, Barry had a Gretsch kit. I may be biased (I miss my teacher). Gretsch has that soul. I don’t care that they may record less well. Both lovely kits, but give me Brooklyn, which is still the best place I’ve lived.
Does the die cast hoop cost more than the 2 extra lugs? ... meanwhile, making the drum shell itself is by far more expensive than any amount of hardware.
The reason I watched this video is because these are my two favorite brands. But they are in two different classes. They should have used a Pearl Masterworks series against the USA Custom. I understand the shell recipe is the same and maybe this is just what they had in stock, but you have a shootout between Gretsch top of the line against Pearl third from their top. But bottom line: they both sound fantastic 👏
Great video guys both really good kits however one thing espically in my area of the country is Gretsch pretty much always has the edge on resale value so you can get at least more of your investment back if you ever decide to sell or trade js
Always enjoy your fabulous video reviews. I would love to own either one of these kits, both were beautiful. I am finding it difficult to choose between them.
I'm a Gretsch addicted since ages (10 kits owned so far!!) but to be honest Japanese drums sound quality grew up dramatically over the years becoming a landmark above all for studio and mic purposes.. On the other side Gretsch sound changed also over the years by loosing (partially) its original iconic GGS. As far as hardaware Pearl rules, no questions abt. I personally still prefer Gretsch sound but Pearl is definitely an excellent option to consider. Great work as usual guys. Cheers from Italy!!
Really enjoyed the video. For what I am looking for I will take the Pearl. The kick is perfect and the Toms sound are more warmer and more low end ( for my taste)! Is it me or the Gretsch toms sounds thinner than the Pearl??? Thanks and have a great weekend!
I have to say.. The one inch depth differences on the Rack Toms is what makes the big tonal/sustain difference. IMO if you would’ve used a Masterworks Studio with the same depth on all the drums, the Pearl kit would’ve sounded just as good. If you don’t believe me, listen to the floor toms and bass drums side to side. Those are the same sizes and the Pearls sound better IMO. Anyway cheers guys
since the recording quality of your demoes is so high and everything you do sounds great I thought the Pearl would be in the same tone quality as the Gretsch but no. it just convinced me even more that Gretsch has a better full tone. i own a Usa Custom and heared the Pearl in a store. its Gretsch all the way for me!
I think it's nice that pearl starting making a maple gum shell but what took you so long. Gretsch has been making them for so much longer. Let's give credit where credit is due
OG Gretsch 100%..I had Pearl Masters BRX, what a sluggish unmusical instrument that is...was happy when I sold it. Now, I own the new USA's...absolute beast of drums, they sound incredible in any tuning, any genre. And of course, they are the 1st choice for studio recording. Gretsch USA FTW!!!
They both sound great. In this video, I prefer the Pearl myself, I think it's a lot punchier. However, I've owned a Masterworks and I'm currently playing a Renown, so for me the difference would be how they both sounded in the mix. In my experience, the Masterworks sounded great (of course!), but the Renown just sounds a lot 'fuller' to me behind the band. Both these kits sound 'true' to their 'brand identity', the Gretsch seems like a more 'classic' sound, and the Pearl is very tight and focused.
In the playing demos, I much preferred the sound of the Pearl. I thought the tone was pure, with the primary note singing beautifully, with the Gretsches being more "smeary." But in the head to head, I preferred the Gretsches. I'm not sure why that would be.
The both drumsets are a masterpieces , but I prefer anytime and every chance a PEARL DRUMS. For a keep the fight vs a DW corp. Now DW are owner of the GRETSCH, LP, and PDP. A dangerous monster.
I wonder how much difference in sound the Gretsch lacquered finish VS the wrapped finish makes. Would lacquered sound more open and wrap more contained ? Would be a great video for u guys !
I've had several Gretsch and currently own a Pearl maple/gum kit. The Pearl is just a better constructed kit. The sound is Gretsch like, but more modern and the hardware is a lot better. there is something to be said for the Gretsch name though.
The whole "Gretsch used five instead of six lugs to reduce cost, but also went with die cast hoops..." doesn't make sense to me as how are two lugs > two diecast hoops in cost? The drums still sound great, but that apocryphal anecdote seems suspect. :D
I've been spoiled by inears, the room mics, when it comes to the cymbals, starts to sound like someone got water in my headphones lol pearl and gretsch are in my top 3 drum brands. Dw, gretsch and pearl in no particular order. All have distinct differences but you throw some mics on any line of drum and they just sing. Great job boys!
I own the Pearl MMG (in the Natural Hand-Rubbed Satin Maple finish). Take it from me that the reason the Gretsch rack toms sound more resonant in this demo is that they are on RIMS style mounts. I have a set of Gauger RIMS mounts and these thin shelled Pearl drums sound more resonant and full on the RIMS than on the stock Optimounts. It really pains me to say that because the Optimounts are both more practical and better looking than clumsy RIMS mounts, so I have wanted to love them tried every setup tweak out there (including those posted by Pearl USA’s Gene Okamoto) to try and get the Optimounts performing as well as the RIMS. But to no avail… my ears cannot escape the fact that an Optimount does rob some of the resonance and tone and the drums open up and “sing” on the RIMS!
I'd like to hear one of these against a dw collectors series. I've been playing dw since 2004, and I feel like they're just TOO resonant. Even with PinStripes on them, they're not big on attack/definition, and have loads of sustain. Kind of weird.
Hello Shane and Tony!! Great video Eh!! GRETSCH is the date you take out to fine dining and PEARL is more like "TIM HORTONS"!! Did I say TAMA STAR MAPLE oops...?
for the sound i think i would go with the gretsch but for the look i would chose the pearl. I always found that gretsch looks more like a cheap drum set compared the other brands like pearl when you see their high end kit it looks wonderful and even non drummers can notice how good they look and good they are but this is only my personal opinion but i must admit that i had the chance of playing many gretsch kit. Tony is by far the best "demo" guy on youtube, he seem's like the only one who figured out how to demonstrate how the kit sound completely and not only bashing the cymbals or just play the snare👌 you guys are the bests DCP💪
