For decades, Gretsch has been synonymous with top-tier drum craftsmanship. The brand is a staple option of rock and jazz drummers.
And the Gretsch USA Custom kit is one of the company’s top products, offering the perfect blend of vintage warmth and modern bite.
In this review, we’ll dive into the details of what makes the Gretsch USA Custom one of the most attractive flagship kits on the market. We’ll discuss who it’s for and whether the price is worth what you get.
The kit comes with a wide range of amazing features, but here are the main ones to look out for.
Firstly, it has 6-ply maple/gum shells. Gumwood is a less common wood used for drums, so it gives the kit a unique sound.
The shells all have 30-degree bearing edges, affecting the sound and giving them more of a vintage vibe.
Each drum has die-cast hoops, strengthening the tuning and making the kit feel a bit heavier.
Lastly, each shell comes with Remo Permatone heads, which are fantastically durable heads that offer a wide tuning range.
The Gretsch USA Custom drum kit epitomizes quality and attention to detail. The 6-ply maple and gum shells are meticulously crafted using Gretsch’s legendary shell-building process. This blend of woods provides a sound that’s both warm and resonant, with enough modern edge to suit today’s recording and performance environments.
The addition of the Silver Sealer interior finish not only enhances the durability of the shells but also contributes to how they sound, adding a subtle brightness that cuts through mixes with ease.
We mainly love how consistent this drum kit sounds. Whether you’re in the studio or on stage, you’ll always get the same tuning and performance.
Gretsch’s famous craftsmanship is on full display with the USA Custom drum kit. The 30-degree bearing edges—a hallmark of vintage Gretsch kits—create a rounder tone with enhanced warmth and controlled sustain. These edges are a nod to the brand’s heritage while catering to the needs of modern drummers.
The 4mm die-cast hoops are another standout feature. They provide superior tuning stability and a balanced sound, making it easier to achieve the perfect tuning across all drums. The hoops also contribute to the kit’s ability to produce a rich, full-bodied tone with every strike.
All the finish options for the USA Custom kits are top-quality. It’s actually quite hard to pick which one is the best, so you’ll find a good pick for whatever your visual preferences are.
The Gretsch USA Custom kit’s performance is nothing short of outstanding. The maple and gum shells deliver a perfect balance of warmth, punch, and clarity, making this kit suitable for a wide range of musical styles—from jazz and blues to rock and pop.
The toms, crowned with die-cast hoops and outfitted with Remo Permatone heads, offer a cutting attack and smooth tonal response. The bass drum delivers deep, resonant lows that fill the room without overpowering the mix.
While this kit excels in live performance settings, it’s equally at home in the studio. The modern construction and classic design elements make it easy to achieve a mic-friendly sound that engineers and producers love.
Since this is a flagship drum kit, the Gretsch USA Custom comes with a high price tag. However, the value it provides is undeniable. For professional and experienced drummers who appreciate quality, craftsmanship, and iconic sound, we’d say that this kit is worth it.
It’s definitely not a good option for beginners, though. It only comes as a shell pack, meaning you don’t get any cymbals and hardware. Beginners would be better getting a much more affordable setup that comes with everything they need.
Overall, the Gretsch USA Custom is a solid drum kit that any pro drummer would love. It’s been used by big players like Mike Johnston, Mark Guiliana, and Taylor Hawkins.
It also brings out that warm vintage sound that so many of us love hearing from older records.
It’s definitely worth getting if you’re looking for something new!
Founder of TheDrumNinja
I’m crazy about drums, it’s been my passion since I was 12 years old. I played in numerous bands going through different styles like Rock, Progressive, Pop & Jazz-Rock. After being featured in major music publications (Drumeo, Guitar Guitar, AudioIssues, MusicThinkTank) I started this website to share my knowledge and create a resource for drummers of all levels.
We specialize in helping drummers of all levels become rhythmic assassins and develop ninja-like skills, quickly. Our mission is to create the best resources for all musicians and build a community where you can learn and share everything related to your musical journey.
Our team is committed to exceeding our clients’ expectations with uncompromising honesty and integrity. We focus all of our energy on helping musicians of all levels achieve their goals and build a foundation of skills that will last a lifetime.
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“9 Powerful Tips To Get Faster On The Drums (And The Mistakes To Avoid!)”
