What is included in the Gretsch Catalina Maple 7pc Shell Pack?

The pack includes a 22-inch bass drum, a snare drum, and five toms. It also comes with a double tom holder and an extra clip for flexible mounting. Note that stands, cymbals, and pedals are not included.

What wood is used for the shells?

The shells are constructed from 7-ply maple. Maple is known for providing a warm, balanced sound with good punch and clarity across all frequencies.

What is the significance of the 30-degree bearing edge?

The 30-degree bearing edge increases the contact between the head and the shell compared to standard 45-degree edges. This results in a warmer tone, more resonance, and a classic Gretsch sound.

Does this drum kit include cymbals?

No, this is a shell pack only. Drummers must purchase cymbals and cymbal stands separately to complete the kit.

What finish is applied to this specific model?

This model features a Deep Cherry Burst finish. It is complemented by chrome hardware for a professional and stage-ready appearance.

What drum heads come standard with this kit?

The kit is fitted with Gretsch-branded heads manufactured by Remo. These heads are designed to provide professional consistency for both gigging and recording.

Is the hardware on the shells durable for touring?

Yes, the kit features robust chrome hardware designed for stability. The included double tom holder is specifically built to provide secure and flexible positioning during live use.

How does the sound of maple compare to other woods?

Maple is generally warmer and more resonant than birch, which is known for its high-end attack. Compared to acrylic kits like the Natal Arcadia, maple offers a more traditional, 'woody' character.

Is this kit suitable for beginners?

While beginners can certainly use it, its size and 7-piece configuration are geared toward players looking to expand or refine their setup. It is positioned as a high-quality intermediate to professional tool.

Can the 22-inch bass drum handle heavy musical styles?

Yes, the deep 22-inch kick drum provides a full, powerful sound. It is designed to deliver the volume and low-end punch required for rock, pop, and fusion.

What is the typical price range for this 7-piece pack?

In the UK market, this shell pack typically retails for approximately GBP 1330. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.

How does this compare to the Tama Superstar Classic?

Both kits are highly regarded in their class. The Gretsch distinguishes itself with its 30-degree bearing edges and 7-ply maple construction, whereas the Tama may offer different mounting systems or shell thicknesses.

Gear article

Gretsch Catalina Maple 22" 7pc Shell Pack

The Gretsch Catalina Maple 22" 7pc Shell Pack is a comprehensive acoustic drum set designed for drummers seeking a warm, full-bodied sound across diverse musical genres. Featuring 7-ply maple shells and signature Gretsch 30-degree bearing edges, this kit provides a foundation of punch, clarity, and enhanced resonance.

See live prices

Philosophy and Construction

The Gretsch Catalina Maple series is engineered to offer professional-grade features and wood types to a broader range of players. The 7-ply maple shells are the core of this kit, chosen for their inherent warmth and balanced frequency response. Unlike thinner shells, these provide the structural integrity required for high-energy performance while maintaining sensitive musicality.

A defining characteristic is the 30-degree bearing edge, a Gretsch standard that increases the surface area contact between the drum head and the shell. This design choice results in a punchier sound with significant sustain and a distinctively 'woody' resonance that has historical roots in the Gretsch sound profile.

Configuration and Components

This 7-piece shell pack is designed for drummers who require an expansive setup for complex fills and diverse tonal textures. The configuration includes:

A 22-inch deep bass drum for a powerful low-end foundation.
A comprehensive mix of rack toms and floor toms for melodic versatility.
A matching snare drum designed to cut through the mix with a clean, crisp attack.

The kit includes a double tom holder with an integrated extra clip, allowing for flexible mounting of rack toms. This hardware ensures the kit is stage-ready and adaptable to various ergonomic preferences.

Sound and Character

The use of maple ensures a sound that is rich in low-to-mid frequencies with enough high-end sparkle to remain articulate. Because the kit comes fitted with Gretsch heads manufactured by Remo, the out-of-the-box tone is consistent and professional. The deep kick drum provides a solid 'thud' suitable for rock and contemporary styles, while the 30-degree edges allow the toms to ring out with a natural decay, making it equally effective for recording and live applications.

Recommended Use and Alternatives

This shell pack is ideally suited for intermediate to professional drummers who are ready to expand their setup beyond a standard 5-piece kit. While it excels in versatile environments, those looking for different shell materials or smaller footprints might consider the Ludwig Neusonic series or the Sonor AQ2 Safari for more compact needs.

Compared to high-end alternatives like the DW Performance Series, the Catalina Maple provides a similar 22-inch kick presence at a more accessible price point. For players preferring acrylic or birch, the Natal Arcadia Acrylic or Tama Superstar Classic represent alternative tonal paths within similar professional categories.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is included in the Gretsch Catalina Maple 7pc Shell Pack?: The pack includes a 22-inch bass drum, a snare drum, and five toms. It also comes with a double tom holder and an extra clip for flexible mounting. Note that stands, cymbals, and pedals are not included.
What wood is used for the shells?: The shells are constructed from 7-ply maple. Maple is known for providing a warm, balanced sound with good punch and clarity across all frequencies.
What is the significance of the 30-degree bearing edge?: The 30-degree bearing edge increases the contact between the head and the shell compared to standard 45-degree edges. This results in a warmer tone, more resonance, and a classic Gretsch sound.
Does this drum kit include cymbals?: No, this is a shell pack only. Drummers must purchase cymbals and cymbal stands separately to complete the kit.
What finish is applied to this specific model?: This model features a Deep Cherry Burst finish. It is complemented by chrome hardware for a professional and stage-ready appearance.
What drum heads come standard with this kit?: The kit is fitted with Gretsch-branded heads manufactured by Remo. These heads are designed to provide professional consistency for both gigging and recording.
Is the hardware on the shells durable for touring?: Yes, the kit features robust chrome hardware designed for stability. The included double tom holder is specifically built to provide secure and flexible positioning during live use.
How does the sound of maple compare to other woods?: Maple is generally warmer and more resonant than birch, which is known for its high-end attack. Compared to acrylic kits like the Natal Arcadia, maple offers a more traditional, 'woody' character.
Is this kit suitable for beginners?: While beginners can certainly use it, its size and 7-piece configuration are geared toward players looking to expand or refine their setup. It is positioned as a high-quality intermediate to professional tool.
Can the 22-inch bass drum handle heavy musical styles?: Yes, the deep 22-inch kick drum provides a full, powerful sound. It is designed to deliver the volume and low-end punch required for rock, pop, and fusion.
What is the typical price range for this 7-piece pack?: In the UK market, this shell pack typically retails for approximately GBP 1330. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.
How does this compare to the Tama Superstar Classic?: Both kits are highly regarded in their class. The Gretsch distinguishes itself with its 30-degree bearing edges and 7-ply maple construction, whereas the Tama may offer different mounting systems or shell thicknesses.