What is included in the Gretsch Catalina Maple 4pc Shell Pack?

The shell pack includes four drums—a 22-inch bass drum, a floor tom, a rack tom, and a snare drum—along with a single tom holder. It does not include cymbals, cymbal stands, a hi-hat stand, a snare stand, or a bass drum pedal.

What type of wood is used for the shells?

The shells are constructed from 7-ply maple. This wood choice is preferred for its balanced sound, providing a mix of warmth, sustain, and projection.

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

The 30-degree bearing edges increase the surface area contact between the drum head and the shell. This results in a smoother resonance, longer sustain, and a more responsive feel during play.

What finish is applied to this specific kit?

This kit features a Walnut Glaze finish. It provides a classic, professional aesthetic that highlights the wood's character.

What kind of drum hoops does the kit use?

The kit is equipped with 2.3mm triple-flanged steel hoops. These are designed to provide reliable tuning stability and a focused sound when playing rimshots.

Does this kit come with drum heads?

Yes, the shell pack includes Gretsch by Remo heads. These are designed to offer a dependable feel and musical tone straight out of the box.

Is this kit suitable for recording?

Yes, the rich and balanced sound of the 7-ply maple shells makes it an excellent choice for home studio players. The warmth and attack are well-suited for various microphones and recording environments.

How does this kit handle different music genres?

The Catalina Maple is highly versatile and performs well in rock, pop, and funk. Its balanced tonal profile allows it to adapt to different tuning styles and musical contexts.

How is the rack tom mounted?

The kit includes a single tom holder. This allows for easy mounting to a stand and facilitates a fast setup process for gigging drummers.

What is the typical price for this shell pack?

The typical price range for this specific 4-piece shell pack is approximately £926. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.

Does the kit include a snare drum?

Yes, as a 4-piece shell pack in this configuration, a matching snare drum is typically included alongside the bass drum and two toms. However, cymbals and hardware must be purchased separately.

How does it compare to the Tama Superstar Classic?

Both kits use maple shells and target similar markets. The Gretsch distinguishes itself with its specific 30-degree bearing edges and traditional 'Gretsch sound' character compared to Tama's hardware and shell specifications.

Gear article

Gretsch Catalina Maple 22" 4pc Shell Pack Walnut Glaze

The Gretsch Catalina Maple 22" 4pc Shell Pack is a professional-grade acoustic drum kit featuring 7-ply maple shells designed for balanced warmth and attack. Finished in a classic Walnut Glaze, this shell pack is engineered for versatility across rock, pop, and funk genres in both live and studio environments.

See live prices

Overview

The Gretsch Catalina Maple 22" 4pc Shell Pack in Walnut Glaze is a mid-tier acoustic drum set designed to provide drummers with high-quality tonal characteristics at a competitive price point. As a shell pack, it focuses on the core drums—typically a bass drum, floor tom, rack tom, and snare—without including peripheral hardware or cymbals. The Walnut Glaze finish offers a traditional aesthetic, aligning with the brand's heritage of classic styling while utilizing modern manufacturing techniques.

Construction and Design

At the heart of the kit are the 7-ply maple shells. Maple is industry-standard for its frequency balance, offering a blend of low-end punch and high-end clarity. A defining technical feature is the Gretsch 30-degree bearing edge, which provides more shell-to-head contact than sharper edges. This design results in a smoother resonance and longer sustain. The drums are equipped with 2.3mm triple-flanged steel hoops, which offer tuning stability and a focused rimshot sound, while a single tom holder is included to facilitate quick and secure rack tom mounting.

Sound Profile

The combination of maple construction and 30-degree bearing edges gives the Catalina Maple a rich, warm, and responsive character. The kit is voiced to be versatile, making it equally suitable for the aggressive transients of rock and the precision required for funk and pop. The inclusion of Gretsch by Remo heads ensures that the kit possesses a dependable, musical feel immediately upon assembly, providing a consistent response across various tuning ranges.

Target Audience

This shell pack is specifically positioned for two main types of percussionists. Gigging drummers benefit from the reliable tuning of the triple-flanged hoops and the easy setup provided by the single tom holder. Simultaneously, home studio players benefit from the balanced frequency response of the maple shells, which makes the kit easier to mic and mix. Its 22-inch kick drum configuration provides enough volume and presence for medium-to-large venues.

Comparative Analysis

In the contemporary market, the Catalina Maple competes with several notable alternatives. For those seeking a different shell material, the Natal Arcadia Acrylic offers a sharper, louder aesthetic. Compared to the Ludwig Neusonic series (available in 20" or 22" configurations) or the DW Performance Series, the Catalina Maple focuses on a more traditional maple sound and vintage-inspired bearing edges. Other alternatives include the Tama Superstar Classic and the Yamaha Rydeen, though the latter is generally positioned as an entry-level kit including hardware, whereas the Catalina Maple is a dedicated shell pack for players who likely already own professional hardware.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is included in the Gretsch Catalina Maple 4pc Shell Pack?: The shell pack includes four drums—a 22-inch bass drum, a floor tom, a rack tom, and a snare drum—along with a single tom holder. It does not include cymbals, cymbal stands, a hi-hat stand, a snare stand, or a bass drum pedal.
What type of wood is used for the shells?: The shells are constructed from 7-ply maple. This wood choice is preferred for its balanced sound, providing a mix of warmth, sustain, and projection.
What are the benefits of the 30-degree bearing edges?: The 30-degree bearing edges increase the surface area contact between the drum head and the shell. This results in a smoother resonance, longer sustain, and a more responsive feel during play.
What finish is applied to this specific kit?: This kit features a Walnut Glaze finish. It provides a classic, professional aesthetic that highlights the wood's character.
What kind of drum hoops does the kit use?: The kit is equipped with 2.3mm triple-flanged steel hoops. These are designed to provide reliable tuning stability and a focused sound when playing rimshots.
Does this kit come with drum heads?: Yes, the shell pack includes Gretsch by Remo heads. These are designed to offer a dependable feel and musical tone straight out of the box.
Is this kit suitable for recording?: Yes, the rich and balanced sound of the 7-ply maple shells makes it an excellent choice for home studio players. The warmth and attack are well-suited for various microphones and recording environments.
How does this kit handle different music genres?: The Catalina Maple is highly versatile and performs well in rock, pop, and funk. Its balanced tonal profile allows it to adapt to different tuning styles and musical contexts.
How is the rack tom mounted?: The kit includes a single tom holder. This allows for easy mounting to a stand and facilitates a fast setup process for gigging drummers.
What is the typical price for this shell pack?: The typical price range for this specific 4-piece shell pack is approximately £926. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.
Does the kit include a snare drum?: Yes, as a 4-piece shell pack in this configuration, a matching snare drum is typically included alongside the bass drum and two toms. However, cymbals and hardware must be purchased separately.
How does it compare to the Tama Superstar Classic?: Both kits use maple shells and target similar markets. The Gretsch distinguishes itself with its specific 30-degree bearing edges and traditional 'Gretsch sound' character compared to Tama's hardware and shell specifications.