What is the shell composition of the Gretsch Brooklyn series?

The shells are made from 6-ply North American maple and poplar. This combination is thicker than the USA Custom shells, providing a distinct, punchy tonal profile.

How do the 302 hoops affect the sound?

The 3mm double-flanged 302 hoops allow for a more open and ambient tone compared to traditional die-cast hoops. They provide the strength of a thicker hoop while letting the drum vibrate more freely.

What is a shell pack?

A shell pack consists of the drum shells and mounting hardware only. It typically does not include a snare drum, cymbals, stands, or a bass drum pedal.

What kind of bearing edges does this kit have?

This kit features 30-degree bearing edges. This design increases head-to-shell contact, resulting in a warmer tone and more controlled sustain.

Where are Gretsch Brooklyn drums manufactured?

The Gretsch Brooklyn series is handcrafted in the Gretsch factory located in Ridgeland, South Carolina, USA.

What is the finish on this specific model?

This model features the Deep Marine Black Pearl finish, a classic wrapped aesthetic that is durable and visually striking under stage lights.

Is a snare drum included with this 3-piece shell pack?

No, this is a 3-piece shell pack which typically includes the bass drum and two toms. A matching snare must be purchased separately.

How does the Brooklyn sound compare to the USA Custom?

The Brooklyn is generally warmer and more ambient with a slightly different punch due to its poplar/maple plies and 302 hoops, whereas the USA Custom is known for a more focused, 'classic' Gretsch bite.

For which genres is a 20-inch bass drum suitable?

A 20-inch bass drum is highly versatile, offering enough punch for pop and rock while remaining sensitive and controlled enough for jazz and fusion.

What makes this kit 'recording-ready'?

The combination of the 30-degree bearing edge and the maple/poplar shell construction produces a rounded tone with controlled sustain, which helps the drums sit well in a mix without excessive dampening.

How does the price of the Gretsch Brooklyn compare to other professional kits?

At approximately GBP 3281, the Brooklyn is positioned as a premium professional instrument, competing with other high-end American-made kits like the DW Performance Series or Ludwig Neusonic.

Does the kit include hardware like cymbal stands?

No, this is a shell pack and does not include hardware such as cymbal stands, hi-hat stands, or a throne. These must be acquired separately.

Gear article

Gretsch USA Brooklyn 20 3pc Shell Pack

The Gretsch USA Brooklyn 20 3pc Shell Pack is a professional-grade acoustic drum kit manufactured in Ridgeland, South Carolina. It features a unique 6-ply maple and poplar shell construction finished in Deep Marine Black Pearl, designed to deliver a warm, punchy, and recording-ready tone.

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Overview and Construction

The Gretsch Brooklyn series represents a modern evolution of the classic Gretsch legacy, which dates back to 1883. This specific shell pack features a 20-inch bass drum configuration, suitable for a wide variety of musical genres. The shells are constructed from six plies of North American maple and poplar, making them thicker than the shells found on the flagship USA Custom series. This increased thickness contributes to the kit's distinct resonance and structural integrity.

A defining characteristic of the Brooklyn series is the use of 30-degree bearing edges. This shallower angle increases the surface contact between the drumhead and the shell, resulting in a warmer, more rounded tone with a controlled sustain that is highly sought after by recording engineers.

The '302' Hoops and Hardware

Unlike many Gretsch kits that utilise heavy die-cast hoops, the Brooklyn series is equipped with 3.0mm double-flanged '302' hoops. These hoops are inspired by the ones used by Gretsch throughout the 1950s. They provide a unique middle ground in performance:

They offer the stability and projection of a thicker hoop.
They allow the drum to breathe more freely than a die-cast hoop.
They result in a more open and ambient tone while maintaining a full, punchy character.

The hardware is finished to a professional standard, complementing the aesthetics of the Deep Marine Black Pearl wrap.

Sound Character

The Gretsch USA Brooklyn is designed to offer a 'new personality' within the Gretsch roster. While it retains the fundamental 'Great Gretsch Sound,' the combination of maple/poplar shells and 302 hoops produces a tone that is noticeably warmer and more ambient than the USA Custom line. The sound is described as punchy and full, with a natural compression provided by the 30-degree bearing edges that makes it feel 'pre-processed' or recording-ready straight out of the box.

Target Audience

The 20-inch 3-piece configuration is particularly well-suited for drummers who require a versatile, portable kit for both studio and stage use. The Deep Marine Black Pearl finish provides a classic, timeless aesthetic that fits various performance environments. Because of its controlled sustain and warm tonality, it is an excellent choice for jazz, pop, rock, and session work where drum clarity and controlled overtones are essential.

Market Comparison

Within the professional drum market, the Gretsch Brooklyn competes with other high-end North American-made or professional-spec kits. Notable alternatives include the Ludwig Neusonic series, which offers a different blend of maple and cherry, and the DW Performance Series, which utilizes 100% North American Maple. While kits like the Yamaha Rydeen or Tama Superstar Classic serve the entry-to-intermediate markets, the Brooklyn sits firmly in the professional tier, evidenced by its bespoke shell construction and '302' hoop technology.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the shell composition of the Gretsch Brooklyn series?: The shells are made from 6-ply North American maple and poplar. This combination is thicker than the USA Custom shells, providing a distinct, punchy tonal profile.
How do the 302 hoops affect the sound?: The 3mm double-flanged 302 hoops allow for a more open and ambient tone compared to traditional die-cast hoops. They provide the strength of a thicker hoop while letting the drum vibrate more freely.
What is a shell pack?: A shell pack consists of the drum shells and mounting hardware only. It typically does not include a snare drum, cymbals, stands, or a bass drum pedal.
What kind of bearing edges does this kit have?: This kit features 30-degree bearing edges. This design increases head-to-shell contact, resulting in a warmer tone and more controlled sustain.
Where are Gretsch Brooklyn drums manufactured?: The Gretsch Brooklyn series is handcrafted in the Gretsch factory located in Ridgeland, South Carolina, USA.
What is the finish on this specific model?: This model features the Deep Marine Black Pearl finish, a classic wrapped aesthetic that is durable and visually striking under stage lights.
Is a snare drum included with this 3-piece shell pack?: No, this is a 3-piece shell pack which typically includes the bass drum and two toms. A matching snare must be purchased separately.
How does the Brooklyn sound compare to the USA Custom?: The Brooklyn is generally warmer and more ambient with a slightly different punch due to its poplar/maple plies and 302 hoops, whereas the USA Custom is known for a more focused, 'classic' Gretsch bite.
For which genres is a 20-inch bass drum suitable?: A 20-inch bass drum is highly versatile, offering enough punch for pop and rock while remaining sensitive and controlled enough for jazz and fusion.
What makes this kit 'recording-ready'?: The combination of the 30-degree bearing edge and the maple/poplar shell construction produces a rounded tone with controlled sustain, which helps the drums sit well in a mix without excessive dampening.
How does the price of the Gretsch Brooklyn compare to other professional kits?: At approximately GBP 3281, the Brooklyn is positioned as a premium professional instrument, competing with other high-end American-made kits like the DW Performance Series or Ludwig Neusonic.
Does the kit include hardware like cymbal stands?: No, this is a shell pack and does not include hardware such as cymbal stands, hi-hat stands, or a throne. These must be acquired separately.