What is included in the Gretsch Catalina Maple 20 Fusion shell pack?

The pack includes a 20" bass drum, 10" and 12" rack toms, a 14" floor tom, and a 14" snare drum. It also includes a double tom holder for mounting the rack toms.

Does this kit come with cymbals?

No, cymbals are not included with this shell pack. Players must purchase their hi-hats, crashes, and rides separately.

Are stands and pedals included in the box?

No, this is a shell pack only. Hardware such as cymbal stands, snare stands, hi-hat stands, and bass drum pedals are sold separately.

What material are the shells made from?

The shells are constructed from 7-ply maple. This wood choice is known for providing a balance of warmth, resonance, and clear projection.

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

The 30-degree bearing edges increase the contact between the head and shell. This design choice provides enhanced sustain and a punchier tone compared to sharper edges.

What finish is applied to this specific model?

This model features a Deep Cherry Burst finish. The hardware on the shells is finished in polished chrome for durability.

What drum heads are fitted to the kit?

The kit comes fitted with Gretsch-branded drum heads made by Remo. These are designed to provide a consistent and professional response straight out of the box.

Is the 20-inch bass drum suitable for rock music?

Yes, while slightly smaller than a traditional 22-inch kick, the 20-inch maple bass drum offers a punchy, controlled sound. It is highly versatile for rock, pop, and fusion genres.

How many pieces are in this kit?

This is a 5-piece shell pack. It consists of three toms, one snare drum, and one bass drum.

Can the rack toms be mounted easily?

Yes, the kit includes a double tom holder. This allows for flexible and secure positioning of the 10" and 12" toms.

Is this kit suitable for studio recording?

Absolutely. The maple shells and 30-degree edges produce a rich, clear tone that is easy to capture with microphones in a studio environment.

How does the Catalina Maple compare to the Sonor AQ2?

While both are high-quality mid-range kits, the Gretsch uses 7-ply maple and 30-degree edges for a specific vintage-influenced punch. The Sonor AQ2 is a comparable alternative often used for similar professional applications.

Gear article

Gretsch Catalina Maple 20 Fusion 5pc Shell Pack

The Gretsch Catalina Maple 20 Fusion is a professional-grade five-piece acoustic drum kit featuring 7-ply maple shells and a Deep Cherry Burst finish. Designed to balance warmth with projection, it utilizes 30-degree bearing edges and Gretsch heads by Remo to provide a versatile sound suitable for both live performances and studio recording.

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Overview and Construction

The Gretsch Catalina Maple 20 Fusion 5pc Shell Pack is a mid-sized drum kit engineered for players who require a balance of tonal warmth and percussive attack. The foundation of the kit is its 7-ply maple shells, a wood choice historically favoured for its rich, resonant properties and clear projection. The set is presented in a Deep Cherry Burst finish complemented by durable chrome hardware.

This specific configuration is a 'shell pack,' meaning it includes the drums and specific mounting hardware for the toms, but does not include cymbals, cymbal stands, or additional hardware like a bass drum pedal or hi-hat stand.

Components and Configuration

The 'Fusion' configuration of this kit provides a versatile range of sizes designed to suit multiple musical genres. The package includes:

10" x 7" and 12" x 8" Rack Toms
14" x 14" Floor Tom
20" x 16" Bass Drum
14" x 5.5" Snare Drum

Included with the shells is a double tom holder, which provides flexibility in positioning the two rack toms over the bass drum to suit the drummer's ergonomic preferences.

Technical Features

A defining characteristic of the Catalina Maple series is the use of 30-degree bearing edges. This shallower angle compared to standard 45-degree edges increases the surface contact between the drum head and the shell, resulting in enhanced sustain and a punchier, more 'classic' Gretsch sound.

To ensure consistent performance immediately upon assembly, the drums are fitted with Gretsch-branded heads manufactured by Remo. These heads are designed to provide a reliable response across all tuning ranges.

Sound Character and Suitability

The 7-ply maple construction yields a sound that is both rich and focused. The 20-inch bass drum provides a punchy low end that is less overwhelming than a standard 22-inch drum, making it highly effective for genres ranging from jazz and fusion to pop and rock. Because of its balanced sustain and clear projection, the kit is equally at home in high-pressure live gigging environments and controlled studio sessions.

Market Comparisons

Within the mid-range acoustic drum market, the Catalina Maple competes with several notable models. For those seeking a different shell material, the Ludwig Neusonic series offers hybrid shells, while the Tama Superstar Classic provides a similar maple alternative in a 22-inch configuration. Those requiring a more compact setup might consider the Sonor AQ2 Safari, whereas the Natal Arcadia Acrylic offers a distinct aesthetic and sonic profile through its transparent synthetic shells.

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Frequently asked questions

What is included in the Gretsch Catalina Maple 20 Fusion shell pack?: The pack includes a 20" bass drum, 10" and 12" rack toms, a 14" floor tom, and a 14" snare drum. It also includes a double tom holder for mounting the rack toms.
Does this kit come with cymbals?: No, cymbals are not included with this shell pack. Players must purchase their hi-hats, crashes, and rides separately.
Are stands and pedals included in the box?: No, this is a shell pack only. Hardware such as cymbal stands, snare stands, hi-hat stands, and bass drum pedals are sold separately.
What material are the shells made from?: The shells are constructed from 7-ply maple. This wood choice is known for providing a balance of warmth, resonance, and clear projection.
What are the benefits of the 30-degree bearing edges?: The 30-degree bearing edges increase the contact between the head and shell. This design choice provides enhanced sustain and a punchier tone compared to sharper edges.
What finish is applied to this specific model?: This model features a Deep Cherry Burst finish. The hardware on the shells is finished in polished chrome for durability.
What drum heads are fitted to the kit?: The kit comes fitted with Gretsch-branded drum heads made by Remo. These are designed to provide a consistent and professional response straight out of the box.
Is the 20-inch bass drum suitable for rock music?: Yes, while slightly smaller than a traditional 22-inch kick, the 20-inch maple bass drum offers a punchy, controlled sound. It is highly versatile for rock, pop, and fusion genres.
How many pieces are in this kit?: This is a 5-piece shell pack. It consists of three toms, one snare drum, and one bass drum.
Can the rack toms be mounted easily?: Yes, the kit includes a double tom holder. This allows for flexible and secure positioning of the 10" and 12" toms.
Is this kit suitable for studio recording?: Absolutely. The maple shells and 30-degree edges produce a rich, clear tone that is easy to capture with microphones in a studio environment.
How does the Catalina Maple compare to the Sonor AQ2?: While both are high-quality mid-range kits, the Gretsch uses 7-ply maple and 30-degree edges for a specific vintage-influenced punch. The Sonor AQ2 is a comparable alternative often used for similar professional applications.