Gretsch USA Custom vs. Pearl Masters Maple Gum

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...
Gretsch USA Custom Snare Drum 14x6.5 10-Lug Satin Millennium Maple
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/GRSL6...
Pearl Masters Maple/Gum 4pc Drum Set - 22/10/12/16 - Silver White Swirl LACQUER (not a wrap!)
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/MMG92...
Pearl Music City Custom Solid Maple 14x6.5 Snare Drum - Natural With Kingwood Royal Inlay
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/MCCM1...
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[@waltheisenberg7626]

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.

[@ed.polinski]

My sentiments exactly.

[@waynebrucemanbat5787]

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

[@Truly1Tom]

How cool is this? These guys get paid to play and help people with their buying choices regarding new gear!

[@jermss_]

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

[@tinterlande]

I like you

[@jermss_]

@@tinterlande ❤

[@DrummerGrrrl]

Jermss, tell a priest! Confession is good for the soul! Ha ha! Shane will grant you absolution. 😜🤣❤️❤️

[@austing.8870]

My god. The Pearl might be one of the best sounding kits I've ever heard.

[@1dudecrush]

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.

[@supraphonic88]

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.

[@axeln48]

Yes, Gretsch all the way!

[@briandavis2885]

Disagree. The pearls sound better

[@AlessioBarelli]

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!

[@supraphonic88]

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.

[@briandavis2885]

@@supraphonic88 it’s all good. I’d take either.

[@stijnwigger]

They both sound really good. The Gretsch sounds more raw and dark and less focused. The Pearl sounds more modern and clear

[@adamfrost8417]

Agree with this 💯

[@stijnwigger]

@@adamfrost8417 Yes they both are interesting😊

[@ramencurry6672]

Both are good. I’d go with Gretsch or maybe both

[@CoomerGremlinDGGfan]

No mine is better

[@dakotajensen181]

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)

[@danyheld9952]

The Pearl Masters Maple Gum is fantastic. The Pearl Snare 🥁 is a Dream ☺️👍🏻

[@ericcurtis8824]

Gretsch definitely has the advantage. Often imitated, never duplicated but...the Pearl sounds very good as well. Great demo and keep them coming.

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks for watching!

[@ramencurry6672]

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.

[@richardbrinkman7620]

Gretsch. Gretsch. Gretsch. Gretsch. Gretsch

[@joecap2919]

LUDWIG..😄

[@jesuscorderomusic]

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.

[@munton5150]

Tony is the man behind the incredibly recorded production of these videos

[@tinterlande]

Thanks my friend!

[@FelipeMartinez-zz6tt]

@@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")

[@tinterlande]

@@FelipeMartinez-zz6tt unfortunately I did not record the settings this time around. Which tuning did you like?

[@_xw3n_]

3:51 why yall had to do him like that tho🤣🤣💀

[@TheDrumphile]

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.

[@abetechead16]

Right if i could get that pearl kit with the measurements of this gretch kit I'd be happy 😁

[@Ms74Biker]

For my ears, toms from Gretsch sounds awesome. But bass drum from Pearl I like more.

[@ingemosh5430]

For me it was the other way round. Interesting. 😀

[@robertcozart6081]

I think the Pearl drums seem to have more attack. They both sound very nice.

[@three11audioguy]

Respect to Pearl but the Gretsch kit is on another level

[@rexross5189]

True

[@harryballsacky]

AMATEUR CLAIM...

[@ikerzuazaga6218]

The price is also at another level....

[@claudeabraham2347]

They both sound great, but I gave Pearl the edge. Again, you can't make a bad choice here.

[@captainjay-gf6ws]

Pearl but not by much.

[@munton5150]

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.

[@dionsheds]

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 🔥

[@johnnymossville]

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.

[@Chickboom34]

Visited DCP expecting to buy the Pearl Maple Gum. Tried them both. Went home with Gretsch USA Custom.

[@tinterlande]

Well played sir! 👍

[@kennethjimenez4445]

Congratulations!!!

[@footnotedrummer]

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.

[@CoomerGremlinDGGfan]

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.

[@ronaldzeoli7528]

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

[@briandavis2885]

Keep in mind, Gretsch has their shells made for them by Keller

[@jacobgoulart293]

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.

[@dmark2639]

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!

[@ThreeCeeProductions]

You said what I was going to say. For the music I play I like the Gretsch better but only a slight lead.

[@Riddim4]

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.

[@RichardFortin77]

My Girlfriend is a Master Drummer and your expert advices will help me choose the right one for her. Super Interesting !

[@seppoinnanen5577]

I've always looked down at Pearl. But, for some reason, almost every Pearl kit that I have heard sounds fantastic.

[@jorgeaflynn]

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! 🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷

[@gordgibson6654]

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!

[@ingemosh5430]

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.

[@drummerboy1066]

Great review guys 👍🏻 4:50 - Shane, funny you mention Todd Sucherman - you guys could be brothers 😉

[@blackwash]

I saw the title of this video and my first thought was.. "How DARE you" lol ;) ... but for real, keep it up with the great, honest vids.

[@arthurazoubel5344]

Just came here to say that jazz drummers still don't have a lot of money

[@marcgingergagne6701]

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!🎶🥰

[@bradanderson1442]

Good Lord the full mix of the Pearls in the lower tuning blew me away. Those toms! Nice vid guys.

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks Brad, they do sound killer!

[@scottsiegner5239]

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.

[@danlc95]

I'd like to hear one of these against a dw collectors series. I've been playing dw since 2004, and I feel like they're just TOO resonant. Even with PinStripes on them, they're not big on attack/definition, and have loads of sustain. Kind of weird.

[@timothydavis3348]

I thought I liked Pearl sound better, but then head to head, Gretsch sounded better, except Pearl bass drum was better. Could be mic issue on this. Both are awesome.

[@OlliVimpari]

7:32 but is it SUPER rock solid? Again, great episode guys!

[@adamfrost8417]

Good catch

[@ianmattimore1098]

Love your reviews fellas. Chhosing with my ears (as you should), it would be the Gretsch

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks and good choice!

[@ricoandkona794]

I like the sound of the Gretsch Toms. I liked the Pearl Snare much better.

[@jeffballou2940]

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.

[@benjiarehart2878]

Both sound great, but I really Love the sound of the Masterworks.

[@Ydna_Orazzib]

I don’t know if anyone noticed, I hope so, but I love that the stereo image follows the video image. Nice detail.

[@drumcenternh]

Thank you very much!

[@davidedwards7448]

Hello Shane and Tony!! Great video Eh!! GRETSCH is the date you take out to fine dining and PEARL is more like "TIM HORTONS"!! Did I say TAMA STAR MAPLE oops...?

[@tiktocdrummer]

This should be easy : Pearl made in China, Gretsch made in South Carolina. Need I say more?

[@Chris-kj3bp]

The Pearl maple gum is probably my favorite sounding kit ever

[@DonaldSturgeAnthonyMcKenzieII]

Gretsch sounds like Tony

[@dancalabrese3523]

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.

[@artcorvolet]

Shane shouldn't demo kits

[@tomkelsey2303]

Pearl C.E.O.: "Gentlemen, we need a new line of drums." Pearl Underling: "How about, sir, if we totally copy Gretsch?" C.E.O.:"Yes, of course! But what about new tom mounts?" Underling: "Copy Tama?" C.E.O.: "BRILLIANT! Make it so."

[@strong_voice_of_truth]

I don't know what it is, but you can always tell a Pearl by sound, no matter the shell type. I don't love this wood combination and wouldn't buy either. They both sounded flat and uninspiring to me. Just one guy's opinion.

[@Gretsch0997]

Gretsch wins the 10” Pearl wins the 12” and the Floor

[@weschilton]

Pearl drums always sound self-muffling to me, especially at lower tunings. That snare drum though was killer.

[@williamzmyndak7124]

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.

[@billyrhythm]

In the playing demos, I much preferred the sound of the Pearl. I thought the tone was pure, with the primary note singing beautifully, with the Gretsches being more "smeary." But in the head to head, I preferred the Gretsches. I'm not sure why that would be.

[@mattwhite2172]

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!

[@Oneness100]

I wish Pearl offered the Maple/Gum kits with hoops that were painted a solid color. I hate bass drum hoops that have a wrap finish, they always look kind of cheap..

[@johnnymerritt9544]

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

[@cliffhellums3138]

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 👏

[@PaulMarangoni]

5 lugs on 10" (and 8") Gretsch toms too, not just 12".

[@DaGretschguy]

That USA Custom kit (and snare drum!) is incredible sounding AND looking kit! “That Great Gretsch Sound!”

[@jgerman5544]

5 lug toms are the devil. 👿

[@footnotedrummer]

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.

[@tinterlande]

Wow, thank you!!!

[@davidsuprenant893]

Your an inspiration Tony.I like your style brother.

[@tinterlande]

@@davidsuprenant893 way too kind sir! Thank you!

[@pfunnk14]

Gretch on the stage, pearl in the studio.

[@justhadrums]

Porcaro was the inverse of that

[@handidrummed]

Gretsch is very popular in studio

[@pfunnk14]

@@handidrummed i mean... yeah, no kidding. I was stating my preference for this video.

[@larrytate1657]

They’re very similar, Pearl did a really good job making their take of a Grestch USA custom.

[@larrytate1657]

And pearls hardware is amazing.

[@Killemgrillem00]

Fantastic review thank you..

[@drumcenternh]

Thank you for watching!

[@Killemgrillem00]

So i live in a town where rich people throw things out. My buddy goes to the dump/recycling center and picked up a brand new Pearl Masters kick Bass. Never hit plastic still on the legs. I paid 300 for it. Yeeeeeehaaaaaaa..

[@paulgiacalone4471]

The Great Gretsch Sound , often copied but never replicated. The first to make the maple/ gum shell with die cast hoops. I believe Tama tried to replicate it a long time ago with the Star Classic, but it’s just not the same . Good but not Great . Made in the USA .

[@rjrfletcher2355]

They are so similar it seems to come down to being a case of picking the brand / look.

[@gillespittet8705]

Gretsch for the win

[@toddcooper5781]

Gretsch all the way…

[@roberttaylor1275]

Very similar full Mic.. but the pearl wins full room... because if you're playing in a bar..and two 15" speakers on a stick!!?? That's why Pearl wins...in a reality room!!!😁💥

[@garydossett6688]

Would have been great to throw the DW Jazz in there too.

[@barrycardiss4851]

You should do a blind test for the viewers to listen to and decide before a reveal...

[@jrfrondelli2023]

It's no secret that Pearl aims squarely at Gretsch-land with a maple/gum formulation, and this video clearly demonstrates that they have their own thing, and are not really Gretsch clones. Here, the Pearl is more controlled, the Gretsch, more open. It is quite possible that this is because the Pearl kit is wrapped, while the Gretsch is satin lacquer. Food for thought.....

[@adamfrost8417]

The Pearl kit is a lacquer finish!

[@justinfiutem4065]

The Pearl finish is indeed a hand painted lacquer finish. It is not a wrap.

[@daynelawless]

The Pearl sounds solid, thick and naturally EQ-ed. The Gretsch sounds thin, cheap and fragile.

[@m.august3173]

From my point of View (Germany) the Pearl Masters Maple Gum have a different pricepoint. Most of the Master MMG Drums i have seen on the internet are more or less 1.000 Euros cheaper than the Gretsch USA Customs. To my mind thats an argument for Pearl, because the average production quality is better than Gretsch. But i have to say, since Gretsch is a part of the german GEWA Company (which also owns Brands like DW, Paiste, LP Percussion, PDP, Gibraltar Hardware, Toca Percussion, etc.) the production Quality on the average product increased. Especially the Catalina Series. Fun fact by the way: GEWA ist now owned nearby 50% by Thomann, the largest music store here in Europe and it seems to be, that also the other half of the company will be bought by Thomann.

[@rayfield8890]

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 KZbin " 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

[@SOUNDFORMULASTUDIOS]

Those toms on the Pearl kit sounded so weak! 👎🏻 Bring back the Masters Custom MMX Series Those drums were the real deal 👍🏻 Sorry guys !

[@JanusJanavas]

My vote goes to Gretsch. Always buy the real deal. But I admit Pearl did a good job with this kit.

[@anguse2068]

I own the Pearl MMG (in the Natural Hand-Rubbed Satin Maple finish). Take it from me that the reason the Gretsch rack toms sound more resonant in this demo is that they are on RIMS style mounts. I have a set of Gauger RIMS mounts and these thin shelled Pearl drums sound more resonant and full on the RIMS than on the stock Optimounts. It really pains me to say that because the Optimounts are both more practical and better looking than clumsy RIMS mounts, so I have wanted to love them tried every setup tweak out there (including those posted by Pearl USA’s Gene Okamoto) to try and get the Optimounts performing as well as the RIMS. But to no avail… my ears cannot escape the fact that an Optimount does rob some of the resonance and tone and the drums open up and “sing” on the RIMS!

[@odeskoo]

I've got some gretsch drums and they definitely have a classically sweet sound. but for this particular comparison, Imma have 2go with pearl

[@Monsterdrumma]

Sorry the pearl sounds like any average nice kit then the Gretsch come with that totally fat, warm, rich super full punchy loud cutting round tone, everything you could ever want out of a drum imo!

[@sumnerkinney2166]

You have over 50k subscribers! Congratulations DCP!

[@drumcenternh]

Thank you!

[@DenOfTimbsllc]

Gretsch, pearl makes great drums, don’t get wrong. The thing is, Gretsch did it first and is better DW, it’s the fact that they spent years perfecting the drums and the way they sound and feel. Good job pearl! You did great but Gretsch is better.

[@soiramdrumhead7821]

Gretsch sir... 😊

[@adrianjimenezdrums]

I don't know how many times I have seen this video and the comparison of the 4 high end Pearl drums. I have to say that it is a shame not to have had the same measurements on the toms. The floor tom does reflect the sound differences, assuming they are in the same tuning. For me, the best way to notice the character of the drums is with the room mic. As Shane says in another video, in the end whoever buys the drums does not hear the amplified sound of the PA. If you record in the studio then yes, but most of the time we hear the acoustic sound. That said, you are my reference as a drum shop and it is a shame to be so far away. Here in Europe there is no one like DCP. Where do you go here to order a Masterworks and not have to teach the guy in the store the customization variables? Thanks.

[@stromghouls]

gretsch.

[@af7119]

You can't go wrong with either of these. My preference is the gretsch sound, but the pearl build.

[@caspercotton]

I've had several Gretsch and currently own a Pearl maple/gum kit. The Pearl is just a better constructed kit. The sound is Gretsch like, but more modern and the hardware is a lot better. there is something to be said for the Gretsch name though.

[@HankNinja]

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.

[@chesterfarrington9853]

I want the Gretsch rack toms and the Pearl floor Tom and kick. I’m keeping my Ludwig steel snare

[@Maxroffe56]

Some people don't know what drums could/should sound like. That's the only reason I can think of why anyone would buy Pearl over Gretsch.

[@natefromdetroit]

Thank you for this well done side by side non bias comparison. Almost scientific ;)

[@DirtySk8RatStaney]

Yeah the Gretsch kit rings longer and sounds more open. But honestly I’m really digging the sound of that Pearl kit!

[@pipebandrudiments]

the controversial title drew me in and I was already triggered before even seeing the video. Are you guys nuts? Pitting Gretsch and Pearl against each other in the same video? Who does this? The only way you're maintaining an online presence is if free-speech-loving Elon Musk buys the entire internet. ;)

[@mauriciocortezbowles6446]

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

[@JC-zt6qv]

These kits are way too big for my taste but I can’t decide whether or not I’m going to buy a Gretsch or Pearl, both are my favorite brands

[@jeffreyalexander7504]

If you want that maple/gum shell sound, why not get the original? Plus, there are more options with the Gretsch USA as it is customizable (sizes, heads, finishes, heads, mufflers etc). Pearl did a great job here, as have other companies that tapped into this type of sound. Gretsch invented it. Just sayin'