What is included in the Gretsch Catalina Club 22 Shell Pack?

The pack includes a 22-inch bass drum, a 12-inch rack tom, a 16-inch floor tom, and a matching snare drum. Please note that hardware, such as stands and pedals, and cymbals are not included.

What material are the shells made from?

The shells are constructed from 7-ply mahogany, which is known for its warm, punchy sound and strong low-end presence.

What are the benefits of the 30-degree bearing edges?

The 30-degree bearing edges increase head-to-shell contact. This results in a more focused attack and makes the drums generally easier to tune.

Is this kit suitable for live performances?

Yes, it is specifically designed for gigging drummers and rehearsal spaces due to its reliable hardware and punchy sound that sits well in a live mix.

What type of hoops are used on these drums?

The drums are fitted with 1.6mm triple-flanged steel hoops, which provide consistent tuning stability.

Does the kit come with drum heads?

Yes, Gretsch-branded heads made by Remo come pre-installed on the shells, allowing you to play the kit immediately after setup.

How does the sound of mahogany compare to other woods?

Mahogany typically offers more warmth and low-end resonance compared to the brighter, more aggressive attack of birch or the balanced profile of maple.

What is the finish of this specific model?

This specific shell pack features a Sahara Sparkle finish, offering a vintage-style aesthetic.

Is the snare drum included in this pack?

Yes, a matching mahogany snare drum is included as part of the four-piece shell pack configuration.

Does the price include cymbals or stands?

No, the typical price of approximately £1,049 covers the shell pack and snare only. Cymbals and hardware must be purchased separately.

How does this kit compare to the Sonor AQ2 Safari?

The Catalina Club 22 is a full-sized kit with a 22-inch bass drum, whereas the Sonor AQ2 Safari is a much smaller, compact kit usually featuring a 16-inch bass drum.

Is the 22-inch bass drum suitable for jazz?

While the Catalina Club series is famous for its jazz configurations, the 22-inch bass drum version is more versatile and better suited for rock, pop, and blues styles.

Gear article

Gretsch Catalina Club 22 Shell Pack (Sahara Sparkle)

The Gretsch Catalina Club 22 Shell Pack is a versatile acoustic drum kit featuring 7-ply mahogany shells and a classic four-piece configuration. Finished in Sahara Sparkle, it is designed to provide a warm, vintage-inspired punch for gigging drummers and studio applications.

Gretsch Drums Gretsch Catalina Club 22 Shell Pack With Snare Sahara Sparkle

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Overview

The Gretsch Catalina Club 22 Shell Pack represents a standard-sized variant within the popular Catalina Club series. While many configurations in this line focus on smaller jazz-sized drums, this 22-inch kick drum setup provides a more robust foundation suitable for rock, pop, and blues. The kit is constructed from 7-ply mahogany, a tonewood traditionally chosen for its deep, warm characteristics. The Sahara Sparkle finish provides a distinctive vintage aesthetic that complements the kit's classic hardware design.

Design and Construction

The hallmark of the Catalina Club series is the use of Gretsch's signature 30-degree bearing edges. This shallower angle increases the contact between the drum head and the shell, resulting in a more focused attack and a punchier response. The shells are fitted with 1.6mm triple-flanged steel hoops, which offer a balance between structural durability and the freedom for the shells to resonate. For convenience, the kit comes pre-fitted with Gretsch heads manufactured by Remo, allowing for immediate use upon assembly.

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Sound Character

Due to the mahogany construction, the Catalina Club 22 delivers a strong low-end presence with a warm, dark tonal profile. Unlike brighter woods such as birch, mahogany emphasizes the lower-mid frequencies, helping the drums sit comfortably in a musical mix without being overly abrasive. The 22-inch bass drum provides a significant rhythmic foundation, while the 12-inch rack tom and 16-inch floor tom offer a balanced melodic range. The matching snare drum ensures tonal consistency across the entire shell pack.

Market Comparison

In the mid-range acoustic drum market, the Catalina Club 22 competes with several notable shell packs. Compared to the Ludwig Neusonic series, which often uses hybrid shells, the Gretsch maintains a more traditional mahogany warmth. It serves as a more affordable, gig-ready alternative to the DW Performance Series, while offering a different tonal flavour than the birch-heavy response of the Yamaha Rydeen or the acrylic construction of the Natal Arcadia series. Its 22-inch configuration places it in direct competition with the Tama Superstar Classic and Sonor AQ2 series, though the Catalina's 30-degree edges provide a specific 'Gretsch sound' that is distinct from the 45-degree edges found on many rivals.

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Frequently asked questions

What is included in the Gretsch Catalina Club 22 Shell Pack?: The pack includes a 22-inch bass drum, a 12-inch rack tom, a 16-inch floor tom, and a matching snare drum. Please note that hardware, such as stands and pedals, and cymbals are not included.
What material are the shells made from?: The shells are constructed from 7-ply mahogany, which is known for its warm, punchy sound and strong low-end presence.
What are the benefits of the 30-degree bearing edges?: The 30-degree bearing edges increase head-to-shell contact. This results in a more focused attack and makes the drums generally easier to tune.
Is this kit suitable for live performances?: Yes, it is specifically designed for gigging drummers and rehearsal spaces due to its reliable hardware and punchy sound that sits well in a live mix.
What type of hoops are used on these drums?: The drums are fitted with 1.6mm triple-flanged steel hoops, which provide consistent tuning stability.
Does the kit come with drum heads?: Yes, Gretsch-branded heads made by Remo come pre-installed on the shells, allowing you to play the kit immediately after setup.
How does the sound of mahogany compare to other woods?: Mahogany typically offers more warmth and low-end resonance compared to the brighter, more aggressive attack of birch or the balanced profile of maple.
What is the finish of this specific model?: This specific shell pack features a Sahara Sparkle finish, offering a vintage-style aesthetic.
Is the snare drum included in this pack?: Yes, a matching mahogany snare drum is included as part of the four-piece shell pack configuration.
Does the price include cymbals or stands?: No, the typical price of approximately £1,049 covers the shell pack and snare only. Cymbals and hardware must be purchased separately.
How does this kit compare to the Sonor AQ2 Safari?: The Catalina Club 22 is a full-sized kit with a 22-inch bass drum, whereas the Sonor AQ2 Safari is a much smaller, compact kit usually featuring a 16-inch bass drum.
Is the 22-inch bass drum suitable for jazz?: While the Catalina Club series is famous for its jazz configurations, the 22-inch bass drum version is more versatile and better suited for rock, pop, and blues styles.