Gretsch USA Custom vs. Pearl Masters Maple Gum
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 พ.ค. 2021
- How does Pearl's Masters Maple / Gum set stack up against the ICONIC Gretsch USA Custom? Watch this video and find out!
Buy these EXACT drums here:
Gretsch USA Custom 4pc Drum Set - Amber Walnut Burst Satin
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/GUSAC-4AWBS
Gretsch USA Custom Snare Drum 14x6.5 10-Lug Satin Millennium Maple
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/GRSL6514S1LTCST-SMM
Pearl Masters Maple/Gum 4pc Drum Set - 22/10/12/16 - Silver White Swirl LACQUER (not a wrap!)
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/MMG924XSP/C187
Pearl Music City Custom Solid Maple 14x6.5 Snare Drum - Natural With Kingwood Royal Inlay
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/MCCM1465S/C1002
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My god. The Pearl might be one of the best sounding kits I've ever heard.
Tony is the man behind the incredibly recorded production of these videos
Thanks my friend!
@@tinterlande hi Tony, trust you are doing well, would it be possible for you to share the USA Custom tunning settings please? 🙂, thanks! I have almost the same sizes, exception is the bass drum (24"x18")
@@FelipeMartinez-zz6tt unfortunately I did not record the settings this time around. Which tuning did you like?
How cool is this? These guys get paid to play and help people with their buying choices regarding new gear!
Pearl has always sounded more contained and controlled to me than the competitors. Under mics that can be a huge benefit. They’re somehow louder but also much more held back. Gretsch are live animals. Lots to work with when you have sound, but being resonant and rascally can also be a hindrance. Pearl’s kick is so tight and punchy it hurts but I still love it. Gretsch toms are slightly more interesting and wild. Both are amazing. I literally can’t decide what I would pick if I had the choice. I love Pearl and Gretsch, so already my bias is confused, but side by side all I can say is I might pick either for different applications. Hard to say who the victor is here.
Solid effort by Pearl with a great, dialed-in sound, but there's still nothing topping the OG Gretsch. Just more character across the range.
Yes, Gretsch all the way!
Disagree. The pearls sound better
See I personally found the same but with the Pearl but hey thats the beauty of music, each to their own! Plus I'm by no means taking anything away from the Gretsch as they are incredible sounding drums!
The Pearls sound great, don't get me wrong, but to my ear they sound like a drier version of a standard Masters kit more than a Gretsch clone, and I think for my money I'd either go all the way toward an original-recipe Pearl maple shell or all the way toward the Gretsch USA.
@@supraphonic88 it’s all good. I’d take either.
Gretsch definitely has the advantage. Often imitated, never duplicated but...the Pearl sounds very good as well. Great demo and keep them coming.
Thanks for watching!
Gretsch has the proven formula and already a masterpiece. Pearl has the crazy high quality research and you know you’re getting something top notch. It’s like picking one diamond over another diamond. Both are fine jewels.
Bought a set of Gretsch in '82, that was a year before their centennial anniversary. They only made USA custom back then and they've never ever let me down. The drums just keep on sounding better the older they get!
Really great and in depth comparison with honest reviews! Both kits sound awesome! Keep up the good work guys!
The Pearl Masters Maple Gum is fantastic. The Pearl Snare 🥁 is a Dream ☺️👍🏻
Good Lord the full mix of the Pearls in the lower tuning blew me away. Those toms! Nice vid guys.
Thanks Brad, they do sound killer!
They both sound really good. The Gretsch sounds more raw and dark and less focused. The Pearl sounds more modern and clear
Agree with this 💯
@@adamfrost8417 Yes they both are interesting😊
Both are good. I’d go with Gretsch or maybe both
No mine is better
I always associate pearl with sounding great for any metal/rock genre and gretsch for jazz/rock. So awesome that we get to hear both side by side (almost lol)
I'll be honest. If that were a blind test I would've thought that pearl was a gretsch kit hands down. I was not expecting the pearl masters to sound like that at all.
50+ years. Played lots of drums. Listened to lots of drummers. Some good. Some not. But the over riding factor is, when it sounds good, it's usually the drummer rather than the equipment. Don't over spend. Don't listen to hype marketing. Buy decent quality, then practice. It'll sound good.
My sentiments exactly.
I'd say playing matters far more than the kit itself, but playing on a great set that is properly tuned will elevate a players sound in my humble opinion. To your point though, a mediocre drummer on the best kit ever won't sound better than a great player on a decent kit
WOWWWWWW..... this is exactly what I was looking for, I was between the Pearl Maple/Gum and the Usa Custom, I personally prefer the Pearl on low tuning but the Gretsch in higher tuning.
the OG for me gretsch by far. we don't deserve you dcp. well I won't speak for everyone. I don't deserve you
I like you
@@tinterlande ❤
Jermss, tell a priest! Confession is good for the soul! Ha ha! Shane will grant you absolution. 😜🤣❤️❤️
Both sound great. I own a USA Custom and love it, also own a Pearl Masters Studio Birch kit, so I know that Pearl produces a great quality product as well. You guys nail it when you say pick the one that inspires you to get on the kit and play. For me that is the Gretsch. Keep making these great videos please!
Tony!... you're a hell of a good drummer. There are few people that do such a good job of inventing grooves that really enable us to hear the tonality of each tom. I look forward to hearing you every time a new kit is showcased.
Wow, thank you!!!
Your an inspiration Tony.I like your style brother.
@@davidsuprenant893 way too kind sir! Thank you!
Thanks for making this video, I really appreciate the work you guys put into these. Personally, I've always been a Pearl guy since I've heard them. Heck I even play one. After listening to this, I still prefer Pearl for their modern yet control sound. Makes them easier to work with in the studio 🔥
I actually own the exact set that is in the video (at least I believe I do, bought it 2 years ago December from DCP) and it is an amazing kit…and I am a Pearl guy on three other kits - 60’s MIJ, Decade Maple and Session Studio Select. Would go with the USA customer all day long. No matter where you tune it, it sings and rumbles just like it should. Impressed every time I play it.
You have over 50k subscribers! Congratulations DCP!
Thank you!
Great review guys 👍🏻 4:50 - Shane, funny you mention Todd Sucherman - you guys could be brothers 😉
I would pick the Pearl by a slight margin. I like the look better, and they sound tighter which could end up being more versatile between live and recorded. And I prefer the kick on the Pearl but I slightly prefer the toms on the Gretsch. But when factoring in the snare that slightly tipped me in favor of the Pearl. All things considered in my opinion it is extremely close and either one is a great choice for this sound.
Thanks for doing this! Lifelong Pearl fan, but have always loved the sound of Gretsch too. The Pearl 10" & 12" rack toms are shallower than the Gretsch in this comparison, which I suspect is why they lacked some of the resonance and sustain of the Gretsch rack toms. I thought the Pearl floor tom and kick sounded great. One can get Pearl Maple Gum in the Music City Custom series too, so maybe a more "apples to apples" comparison would be Pearl Music City Custom Maple Gum kit compared to a Gretsch kit a similar wrap finish. All drums must be same sizes & depths and use the same heads.
Right if i could get that pearl kit with the measurements of this gretch kit I'd be happy 😁
Always love comparison videos
Keep em coming please
You got it!
I'm at 2:28 seconds and that 10x8 Gretch is one of the best sounding rack toms I've ever heard. Gonna watch the rest of the vid now!
Thanks for this excellent comparison of these great drum kits. I agree, either is a good choice. I would buy either one but as a long time Pearl player (I owned a Gretsch kit once also), I prefer Pearl hardware and although the Gretsch snare was a perfect match, the Pearl MC Customs sound wicked. I want one and would love a Pearl Maple Gum kit. I did think Pearl sounded better to me than Gretsch at the low tuning. Both were excellent at the high tunings.
Visited DCP expecting to buy the Pearl Maple Gum. Tried them both. Went home with Gretsch USA Custom.
Well played sir! 👍
Congratulations!!!
My first kit was a Pearl I purchased from a pawn shop over thirty years ago. I had a entry level Gretsch kit I donated to a church a few years ago. I like both kits, but the Pearl is the winner for me. Thx for the video..
I've always looked down at Pearl. But, for some reason, almost every Pearl kit that I have heard sounds fantastic.
I think the Pearl drums seem to have more attack. They both sound very nice.
That USA Custom kit (and snare drum!) is incredible sounding AND looking kit!
“That Great Gretsch Sound!”
Another Great One Guys!
I think both of you were spot on with your analogies !
I’ve Owned Both Brands and in my opinion The Pearls are the better Drum 🥁
Thanks !! And keep up your Great Work!🎶🥰
the pearl rack toms are awesome. nearly hyper drive sizes though. head to head i would say both floor toms sounded almost identical. i think the gretsch bass drum had more thunder in it but that might be a tuning thing. so i think i would love to play the gretsch bass drum with the pearl toms and a snare drum out of my collection. at the moment i would pick the tama charlie benante signature or my pearl dennis chambers from the late 90s.
Always enjoy your fabulous video reviews.
I would love to own either one of these kits, both were beautiful. I am finding it difficult to choose between them.
Thank you so much!
I have to agree with Tony on the quality of the kit hardware. Pearl makes incredible hardware, and their mounting system is superior to the Gretch. However... I think the tone of the Gretch kit is more pleasing to my ears.
The Gretsch was my favorite. I loves
the “cone” sound of Pearl as the sounds really shoot forward like an arrow, but the Gretsch was warmer and cleaner it it’s overall overtones. Plus the finish on the Gretsch. I prefer Pearl over Gretsch on a usual basis btw.
Headphones brought out the differences for me. I felt the Gretsch was more lively, and the Pearl was more refined. Both incredible. I liked the look of that Pearl better than that Gretsch, but like the livelier, sound of the Gretsch more.
7:32 but is it SUPER rock solid? Again, great episode guys!
Good catch
Wow! Great head to head! That Pearl kit is probably the best sounding kit I have ever heard! Damn!! I’m not kidding! Amazing!
I don’t know if anyone noticed, I hope so, but I love that the stereo image follows the video image. Nice detail.
Thank you very much!
My dearly departed guru of drums, Barry had a Gretsch kit. I may be biased (I miss my teacher). Gretsch has that soul. I don’t care that they may record less well. Both lovely kits, but give me Brooklyn, which is still the best place I’ve lived.
For my ears, toms from Gretsch sounds awesome. But bass drum from Pearl I like more.
For me it was the other way round. Interesting. 😀
I own a gretsch 80's black nitron jasper kit with a pearl music city custom reference pure snare.. the best of both.... and loving it...
Both sound great, but I really Love the sound of the Masterworks.
Great Video! Sorry to be the party pooper here, but I choose Pearl all the way and by far. Found it more versatile that can cover a full spectrum/variety of styles and approaches. For a Vintage and Explosive sound Ludwig is the king on that, without a doubt. For the Modern sound I’ll have to say kudos to Pearl. By the way, I already have this exact Pearl Masters Maple Gum in Silver Swirl 10,12,14,16, 22 in my studio. Also, placed yesterday the special order for the 8” tom. It will take a couple of months, but I’ll wait. The Maple/Gum sound is completely beautiful, contain, ideal, rock solid and pristine; as Tony mentioned. The Pearl can cover a wider range of styles, than the Gretsch. Nevertheless, and don’t get me wrong the Gretsch sounded amazing too. But if I have to choose between the two, I’ll choose Pearl. Ooohhh, I almost forgot, I already choose...LOL. Take care guys, stay safe! Warm Regards from Puerto Rico! 🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷
In terms of sound, you have to give it to Gretsch. Those toms sound like toms are supposed to sound, deep, throaty. But I did like the Pearl snare sound better. Also, The Pearl Drums look like they are a better constructed, but I'm only judging from what I see in the video. Thanks for another terrific video. DCP is such a great asset to the drumming community.
3:51 why yall had to do him like that tho🤣🤣💀
Respect to Pearl but the Gretsch kit is on another level
True
AMATEUR CLAIM...
The price is also at another level....
They both sound great, but I gave Pearl the edge. Again, you can't make a bad choice here.
Pearl but not by much.
The Gretsch mounting hardware will give you a bit more sustain and less lugs also gives more resonance over the Pearl. This makes them more open sounding. Something so attractive on a drum set.
Fantastic review thank you..
Thank you for watching!
I think the Pearl is just a little brighter and tighter. I can hear it mostly in the kick and snare sounds. The Gretsch sounds ever so slightly fuller and rounder to me overall. Both kits sound great though!
You said what I was going to say. For the music I play I like the Gretsch better but only a slight lead.
Both kits sound great. The Gretsch kit tuned high sounded more mid range than highly tuned. The comparison would be more useful if the tunings were the same.
Great video, guys... So, my take on Pearl is somewhat hard to grasp (for most people): Though they offer prime-quality materials and craftsmanship (super durable and consistent) their bulky L-shaped tom-holder doesn't allow the toms to move neither vibrate as they'd be supposed to... Even with the newer (slick) mounts, it's still a "hold tight" situation. That's so clear when you see/hear them against Gretsch in this demo. I've had a BLX set in the early 90's and that was an obvious issue to me, coming from a previous (80's) Tama Artstar which had lots more resonance and tone. Interestingly, they continue to bet on sturdiness over everything else... Kudos for your channel!
Well said.
This is very true, pearl drums always sounded muffled to me and I didn’t know why for so long. I used to play pearl but now I play a sonor sq2 and I am blown away how much more resonant it is
@@thesneakygamer4343 exactly, they get choked by that thick tom-holder hardware. I'm sure they'd sound a lot more resonant otherwise.
You actually get lot more options with the Pearl Masters Maple Gum if you order it with the Music City Custom Program and is ready in only 3 weeks. Got one and is absolutely killer! Nothing to envy about the Gretsch USA Custom, I’ve played them both.
Not a big Pearl fan, especially the later day Masters.. but I really do like this maple/gum. I still have to go with Gretsch, just such a naturally good sounding drum that is a bit more open, and has tremendous history.
Great video guys both really good kits however one thing espically in my area of the country is Gretsch pretty much always has the edge on resale value so you can get at least more of your investment back if you ever decide to sell or trade js
I very much like the warmth of the Gretsch set. I like how it looks as great as it sounds too. :)
Great vid. I think an awesome vid idea would be to put a bunch of modern vintage kits to the test against each other ie Broadkaster v Ludwig Legacy v Rogers v Sonor Vintage
The Pearl maple gum is probably my favorite sounding kit ever
What can I say.... I just love the sound of Drums! Thanks and Blessings Shane and Tony!
Thanks for listening!
Love your reviews fellas.
Chhosing with my ears (as you should), it would be the Gretsch
Thanks and good choice!
They both sound great!
If feels to me that there is less difference as you move thowards the bigger sizes, and very different on the 10" tom. The USA Custom for me, and thanks for testing 8" and 9" depth on the 10" and 12" diameter, it's usuallly 7" and 8" latelly. Sounds fantastic, thanks for the video!
My Girlfriend is a Master Drummer and your expert advices will help me choose the right one for her.
Super Interesting !
Great video. The Pearl is the better sounding kit to my ears in this video by a long way. Its clarity and control in the highs and control of its low end is clearly more apparent. I dont like the seven inch depth though on the high tom.
Thank you :)
For my part I would be happy with either kit. I'm still a fan of Gretsch but I like what Pearl has done with their drums in the past few years. There was this video with Nick D'Virgilio of Sweetwater and he demoed a set of Pearls
an 8 piece kit that totally rocked! On my Sweewater I've got a set of Pearls
on my wishlist close as I could find to what I saw in the video.
Big Big Train is at the top of their game.
The reason I watched this video is because these are my two favorite brands. But they are in two different classes. They should have used a Pearl Masterworks series against the USA Custom. I understand the shell recipe is the same and maybe this is just what they had in stock, but you have a shootout between Gretsch top of the line against Pearl third from their top. But bottom line: they both sound fantastic 👏
Wow those pearls sound so great.
Thank you for this well done side by side non bias comparison. Almost scientific ;)
I like the sound of the Gretsch Toms. I liked the Pearl Snare much better.
Really enjoyed the video. For what I am looking for I will take the Pearl. The kick is perfect and the Toms sound are more warmer and more low end ( for my taste)! Is it me or the Gretsch toms sounds thinner than the Pearl???
Thanks and have a great weekend!
you are awesomely educationall!!
Glad you think so!
since the recording quality of your demoes is so high and everything you do sounds great I thought the Pearl would be in the same tone quality as the Gretsch but no. it just convinced me even more that Gretsch has a better full tone. i own a Usa Custom and heared the Pearl in a store. its Gretsch all the way for me!
Thanks for the kind words! I try to make sure the character of each kit is well represented.
@@tinterlande mission accomplished
@@kuriza69 ❤️
would have like to hear the Pearls with deeper toms - 10x8, 12x9. May have given them a bit more sustain and less dryness.
Excellent!
Both kits sounded similar to me. I agree though that the Pearl seemed slightly more contained, which in turns makes it seem like the Gretsch kit sounded “fuller”. They are both great sounding. For me, I’d go Gretsch but mostly for the made in America and the “museum quality” of the brand.
I’m a Tama guy and no kit hits my ears and feels as good in my hands as Tama Starclassics and Tama star drums but in this video, I would def go with the pearl. Has a beefier sound with some nice attack to it. The Gretsch is def warmer and rounded sounding though but I prefer the beef and quick attack hence why I absolutely love my Starclassic BB’s.
Hi guys. Love all your videos. Ever think about a snare give away ?
Yeah the Gretsch kit rings longer and sounds more open. But honestly I’m really digging the sound of that Pearl kit!
Yeah the Pearl's sound fantastic , l may have to upgrade soon
Hello fellows - I've played both kits - I've got the Gretsch kit mic'd correctly and think it has the edge. It's under TH-cam
" Ray Field Drum Solo 2" if you get this your read on the Mic work would be appreciated. Thx ! And thanks for all your awesome reviews - Ray
I want the Gretsch rack toms and the Pearl floor Tom and kick. I’m keeping my Ludwig steel snare
Great comparison video. I’d go with Pearl - better overall including hardware.
I've been spoiled by inears, the room mics, when it comes to the cymbals, starts to sound like someone got water in my headphones lol pearl and gretsch are in my top 3 drum brands.
Dw, gretsch and pearl in no particular order. All have distinct differences but you throw some mics on any line of drum and they just sing. Great job boys!
I've just bought one here in the UK.
I agree with Shane: Gretsch was the best. This was defined in the head to head.
They are so similar it seems to come down to being a case of picking the brand / look.
Your guys tuning in the lower section is amazing. Do you use a tune bot? Or how do you get it sounding so dang perfect??
please tell me more about the hihat ... what kind of HHX is? 🙏
I have to say.. The one inch depth differences on the Rack Toms is what makes the big tonal/sustain difference. IMO if you would’ve used a Masterworks Studio with the same depth on all the drums, the Pearl kit would’ve sounded just as good. If you don’t believe me, listen to the floor toms and bass drums side to side. Those are the same sizes and the Pearls sound better IMO. Anyway cheers guys
They both sound great. In this video, I prefer the Pearl myself, I think it's a lot punchier. However, I've owned a Masterworks and I'm currently playing a Renown, so for me the difference would be how they both sounded in the mix. In my experience, the Masterworks sounded great (of course!), but the Renown just sounds a lot 'fuller' to me behind the band. Both these kits sound 'true' to their 'brand identity', the Gretsch seems like a more 'classic' sound, and the Pearl is very tight and focused.
I think it's nice that pearl starting making a maple gum shell but what took you so long. Gretsch has been making them for so much longer.
Let's give credit where credit is due
Keep in mind, Gretsch has their shells made for them by Keller
My two favorite brands of drums
Would have loved it if you had added a DW Jazz Series kit to this comparison
I like the finish on the Gretsch too
Both are awesome, but to me has to be Pearl. I love that short sustain and the snare!!! OMG. Gretsch has a lovely low end BTW
Is that a really objective comparison with the rack toms and the different measures?
They are so similar sounding. I’d go either way
The rooms mics are my favorites. Full mix sounds too perfect.
Those Pearls sound pretty incredible.. Maple/Gum for the win.. also Pearl makes killer snare drums!
great video! but i gotta say the hh side crash stole the show IMO!! What is that thin beauty??