What is included in the Gretsch Catalina Maple 20 Fusion 5pc Shell Pack?

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

Does this drum kit come with cymbals?

No, cymbals are not included with this shell pack. Cymbals must be purchased separately according to the drummer's preference.

Is 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 kick pedals are not included.

What material are the shells made from?

The shells are constructed from 7-ply maple. This wood is chosen for its warm, focused tonal characteristics and versatility.

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

The 30-degree bearing edges provide smoother head-to-shell contact. This enhances the drum's sensitivity at lower volumes and makes the kit easier to tune.

What type of hoops does the Catalina Maple use?

The drums are fitted with 2.3mm triple-flanged steel hoops. These are designed to deliver a clean, open sound and consistent rimshots.

Is the finish a wrap or a lacquer?

The kit features a Purple Gloss finish. It provides a professional aesthetic suitable for live performances.

Who is the primary intended user for this kit?

It is primarily aimed at gigging drummers who require a reliable, versatile kit. It is also suitable for students looking for a high-quality maple upgrade.

How does the 20-inch bass drum affect the sound?

The 20-inch kick drum offers a punchy and focused sound. It is slightly more compact than a standard 22-inch drum, making it easier to transport and position.

Can this kit be used for jazz music?

Yes, the warm maple shells and sensitive bearing edges make it very effective for jazz. The 20-inch bass drum is also a popular size for fusion and modern jazz styles.

What mounting hardware is provided for the toms?

A double tom holder is included in the shell pack. This allows both rack toms to be securely mounted and positioned over the bass drum.

How does this compare to the Tama Superstar Classic?

Both feature maple shells, but the Gretsch uses its signature 30-degree bearing edges. The Catalina Maple 20 Fusion configuration is specifically tailored for a compact, versatile setup.

Gear article

Gretsch Catalina Maple 20 Fusion 5pc Shell Pack

The Gretsch Catalina Maple 20 Fusion is a professional-grade five-piece acoustic drum shell pack featuring 7-ply maple shells and 30-degree bearing edges. Finished in a Purple Gloss, it is designed to provide a versatile, warm, and focused sound suitable for genres ranging from jazz to rock.

See live prices

Overview and Construction

The Gretsch Catalina Maple 20 Fusion shell pack is an acoustic drum kit centered around the use of 7-ply maple shells. Maple is a preferred hardwood in drum manufacturing due to its balanced frequency response and natural warmth. This specific configuration includes a 20-inch bass drum, 10-inch and 12-inch rack toms, a 14-inch floor tom, and a matching 14-inch snare drum.

A defining characteristic of this series is the 30-degree bearing edge, a Gretsch hallmark. This angle creates a smoother contact point between the drum head and the shell, which facilitates easier tuning and increases the drum's sensitivity, particularly when played at lower volumes. The kit is equipped with 2.3mm triple-flanged steel hoops, designed to provide consistent rimshots and a clean, resonant sustain.

Sound Character and Versatility

The combination of maple construction and traditional Gretsch bearing edges produces a focused, warm tone. The 20-inch kick drum provides a punchy foundation without the excessive footprint of larger 22-inch models, making it highly adaptable for various musical environments.

Because of its balanced sonic profile, the Catalina Maple is suited for multiple genres: * Pop and Rock: The 2.3mm hoops and maple shells provide the projection needed for contemporary styles. * Jazz and Fusion: The sensitivity of the 30-degree edges allows for nuanced playing and articulation. * Studio Recording: The focused sound profile helps in capturing clean signals with minimal overtones.

Ludwig Neusonic 20" Downbeat 3pc Shell Pack Blue Super Sparkle

Mounting and Hardware Features

To aid in ergonomics and transport, the kit includes a double tom holder. This hardware allows the 10-inch and 12-inch rack toms to be mounted directly from the bass drum, maintaining a compact footprint that is ideal for small stages or tight rehearsal spaces. It should be noted that as a 'shell pack', this product does not include external hardware such as cymbal stands, a hi-hat stand, a snare stand, a bass drum pedal, or a drum throne. Cymbals are also sold separately.

Market Position and Comparison

The Gretsch Catalina Maple sits in a competitive segment of mid-to-high-tier drum kits. Within the Gretsch catalogue, it offers a distinct maple alternative to the mahogany-shelled Catalina Club series.

When compared to alternatives such as the Ludwig Neusonic or the Tama Superstar Classic, the Catalina Maple distinguishes itself through its specific 30-degree bearing edge and 'fusion' sizing. While the Yamaha Rydeen serves as an entry-level kit with included hardware, the Catalina Maple is positioned as a more refined shell pack for gigging drummers who likely already own professional-grade stands and cymbals.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is included in the Gretsch Catalina Maple 20 Fusion 5pc Shell Pack?: The pack includes a 20" bass drum, 10" and 12" rack toms, a 14" floor tom, and a 14" snare drum. A double tom holder is also provided for mounting the rack toms.
Does this drum kit come with cymbals?: No, cymbals are not included with this shell pack. Cymbals must be purchased separately according to the drummer's preference.
Is 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 kick pedals are not included.
What material are the shells made from?: The shells are constructed from 7-ply maple. This wood is chosen for its warm, focused tonal characteristics and versatility.
What are the benefits of the 30-degree bearing edges?: The 30-degree bearing edges provide smoother head-to-shell contact. This enhances the drum's sensitivity at lower volumes and makes the kit easier to tune.
What type of hoops does the Catalina Maple use?: The drums are fitted with 2.3mm triple-flanged steel hoops. These are designed to deliver a clean, open sound and consistent rimshots.
Is the finish a wrap or a lacquer?: The kit features a Purple Gloss finish. It provides a professional aesthetic suitable for live performances.
Who is the primary intended user for this kit?: It is primarily aimed at gigging drummers who require a reliable, versatile kit. It is also suitable for students looking for a high-quality maple upgrade.
How does the 20-inch bass drum affect the sound?: The 20-inch kick drum offers a punchy and focused sound. It is slightly more compact than a standard 22-inch drum, making it easier to transport and position.
Can this kit be used for jazz music?: Yes, the warm maple shells and sensitive bearing edges make it very effective for jazz. The 20-inch bass drum is also a popular size for fusion and modern jazz styles.
What mounting hardware is provided for the toms?: A double tom holder is included in the shell pack. This allows both rack toms to be securely mounted and positioned over the bass drum.
How does this compare to the Tama Superstar Classic?: Both feature maple shells, but the Gretsch uses its signature 30-degree bearing edges. The Catalina Maple 20 Fusion configuration is specifically tailored for a compact, versatile setup.