The Ultimate USA Drum Set Comparison - Noble Cooley / Ludwig / Gretsch / DW

Feel the patriotism course through your veins, as we compare the best USA made drum sets, head to head! Links to purchase these American kits are just below the timestamps:
Timestamps for the impatient:
00:00 - 01:59 Introduction
02:00 - 03:03 Noble Cooley Intro
03:04 - 05:04 Noble Cooley Horizon Demo
05:05 - 06:52 Ludwig Intro
06:53 - 08:44 Ludwig Classic Maple Demo
08:45 - 10:41 Gretsch Intro
10:42 - 12:43 USA Custom Demo
12:44 - 14:15 DW Intro
14:16 - 16:05 DW Collectors Exotic Pure Maple Demo
16:06 - 16:24 Cymbals Used
16:25 - 19:00 Head 2 Head Comparison
19:01 - 20:10 The End
Drums used in this video, with links to purchase:
Noble And Cooley Horizon 5pc Drum Set Burnt Ale Gloss
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/HORIZON5PC-BALG
Noble & Cooley Solid Shell Classic Walnut Snare Drum 14x7 Natural Gloss
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/FGSSW147P2FCWB-NG
Ludwig Classic Maple 5pc 22/10/12/14/16 Drum Set Digital Black Sparkle
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/DBS21-2210121416
Ludwig Copper Phonic Snare Drum 14x6.5 Raw w/Tube Lugs
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/LC663T
Gretsch USA Custom 5pc Drum Set Satin Chestnut Duco
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/USACUS5PCRK-SCST
Gretsch USA Custom Ridgeland Snare Drum 14x6.5 Satin Natural
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/GRSL6514S1CLXT-SN
DW Collectors Series Exotic Pure Maple SSC 5pc Drum Set - Ivory Ebony
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/DWCOLL-3-72021
DW Collectors Purpleheart Snare Drum 14x6.5 Natural w/Black Nickel Hw
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/DRU46514SSN
Cymbals used:
Zildjian K Sweet Ride Cymbal 21"
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/K0731
Zildjian K Sweet Crash Cymbal 19"
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/K0705
Zildjian K Sweet Crash Cymbal 18"
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/K0704
Zildjian K Fat Hat Cymbals 15"
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/K1436
Tunings:
10” G3 195hz / D4 294hz
12” D3 148hz / B3 247hz
14” B2 123hz / F#3 185hz
16” G2 98hz / D3 147hz
Snare C#4 277 / F#4 375hz
Microphones used to capture the drums:
Bass Drum:
Audix D6 Dynamic Bass Drum Microphone - www.drumcenternh.com/audix-d6...
Audix A133 Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone - www.drumcenternh.com/audix-a1...
Snare Drum:
Audix i5 Dynamic Microphone - www.drumcenternh.com/audix-i5...
Audix ADX51 Condenser Microphone - www.drumcenternh.com/audix-ad...
Toms:
Earthworks DM20 Small-diaphragm Condenser Drum Microphone - www.drumcenternh.com/earthwor...
Overheads:
Earthworks SR25 Small-diaphragm Condenser Instrument Microphone - www.drumcenternh.com/earthwor...
#usadrumsets #bestamericandrums #bestdrumsets
Room Mics:
Earthworks QTC30 Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone - www.drumcenternh.com/earthwor...
www.drumcenternh.com
Follow us on:
/ drumcenternh
/ drumcenternh
/ drumcenternh

[@pfunnk14]

Noble&Cooley are so freaking good. Just superbly made and sounding drums.

[@sp1epiphany]

c and c custom is also amazing

[@MyDyerMaker]

Ludwig, Noble Cooley, Gretsch, DW- in that order.

[@binaryenvoy3090]

I used to like Gretsch least from these brands, but suprisingly when I see the comparison, I like Gretsch best :)

[@glennedwardgo]

I liked it best too with the exception of the kick.

[@haroldbrooks4235]

There's a reason Gretsch has been around for so long. I loved the sound Lenny White had when he played them. Then there's Vinnie Colaituta and Steve Farron also had that great Gretsch sound

[@med6369]

I agree 100%. The Gretsch speaks and pokes out better. The note drops, then gets out of the way. It's a much cleaner sounding set when you start putting other instruments around in.

[@keithpratt1849]

Either the USA Custom or Brooklyn will become my high end kit next year. They sound next to musical.

[@chrish7336]

@@med6369 Older sets could get clean cutting sound even with a bottom head missing. The newer sets not to keen on, if you play a variety of music you don't have the control over the ring/muffling of the drums (any modern set), That said I much prefer the sound of the Noble Cooley snare, to much ring in the others for my liking.

[@wayne5022]

As a Gretsch owner and fan, I have to admit that I was really impressed with the Ludwig set. The kick drum sounded better, in my opinion, than that of the Gretsch set. Thank you gentlemen for the informative and entertaining upload. All the very best to all at DCP.

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks for watching, Wayne!

[@chrish7336]

Gretsch owner here as well. Its just to bad they don't honor the lifetime shell warranties on sets from the 60's. Also to bad that they don't still use the old style mounts and muffles which I prefer.

[@nortuber]

Nothing beats a Ludwig kick.

[@jeffcherry1643]

Currently playing Brooklyns but own and have owned Ludwig , I like the Gretsch with Ludwig snare but they all sounded dang good ! 20:11

[@search4truth104]

They all sound good, but to my untrained ear I thought Ludwig sounded best, just a resonance they have I cant describe.

[@nbl95]

The crazy thing to me is that Ringo Starr bought one of those ludwig maple kits in like 1963, and The Beatles went on to do pop, country, folk, latin, psychedelic, hard rock, and the Ludwig just sounds great on whatever style they played.

[@Retroman1]

Noble and Cooley is such an underrated company, thanks for showing how dope they are

[@Brandondrumkc]

That kick was insane.

[@larrytate1657]

Agree They sounded great.

[@goodtimejohnny8972]

I never heard of them until I saw a recent Mellencamp show. Now I've been saving moolah!

[@tweevers2]

Back in the 90's the only time their name would come up would be in music stores. If someone mentioned 'boutique' drums they would bring up Noble and Cooley. I saw a couple drum clinics with drummer/teacher Frank Briggs in the 90's.He used Noble And Cooley kits and snare drums. They were so expensive and a luxury. People would say they were the best drums one could acquire.

[@calmac9720]

I don't think that they are underrated. No one who hears them is likely to say that they are just 'so so' drums. They do not have the same exposure as the bigger companies so they are less well known. Chris Whitten- UK session drummer brought them to public prominence when he toured with Paul McCartney in the late 80s/early 90s, but they are probably better known to U.S. drummers since then.

[@nortuber]

Awsome job guys, thank you! Now I want a Noble&Cooly kit with a Ludwig bass drum and the DW snare :)

[@julianmendoza203]

Brother you need help in the snare department Noble and Cooley are the absolute best. It is no wonder most LA Studio have them no questions asked.

[@peteyaskovic5567]

My favorites in order: Ludwig, DW, Noble and Cooley and Gretsch. The Ludwig's sounded the most beefy but cutting and clear not to mention the kick drum is just awesome. But all fantastic drums!

[@rolomcfury]

Came for the drums. Stayed for the romper.

[@raconteurful]

Thank you for all your efforts in producing this video. Great job! It's difficult to pick the best from such a fine bunch.

[@mcwalton6721]

I'm a die-hard Ludwig guy and you just can't beat their tone and character. Having said that, they all sounded good.

[@chrish7336]

To much ring out of the Ludwig Snare for my liking

[@Juniscrazy]

@@chrish7336something you can control but live it will cut through the music, that’s a good thing.

[@search4truth104]

I have come to the conclusion that - to my ear Ludwig drums have the best sound.

[@johnmcmahon7068]

Best drum comparison I've ever seen ,you let the drums speak for themselves . This helped me make up my mind with my next pro kit. Cheers.

[@tiedupsmurf]

Your time and effort is appreciated Noble & Cooley to me sounds the best

[@adamfrost3722]

Thank you.

[@drumcenternh]

We appreciate that!

[@jonashellborg8320]

All of those kits sounded awesome. It was nice to see you play what you felt like on each kit, what vibe, feel each kit gave you. Great comparison video, it was a pleasure to watch!

[@drumcenternh]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@tinterlande]

Thank you Jonas! Each kit did make me play a little differently, good observation!

[@JakeStaffin]

This is one of my favorite videos you guys have done, 4 exceptional kits from some of the most iconic brands ever. It makes it really hard to choose a favorite because of how nice they look and sound!! Side note- I'd love to see a full video from your time at the Gretsch factory!!

[@brentharmonmusicproduction]

You guys do better drum demo's out there than some of the others that I've seen

[@daveeccles1181]

I’ve got a1963 Ludwig but I was impressed by the new Ludwig

[@joeywaters7927]

Terrific video, the effort was astronomical I'm sure! The Gretsch and Ludwig have more cut than the Noble & Cooley and the DW, and the Gretsch is the overall winner to my ears. They have a lot of punch and plenty of high-end clarity that would be present in any mix.

[@DaGretschguy]

I love that Gretsch USA Custom kit, and that Ridgeland snare drum is just killin’! Thanks guys!

[@drumcenternh]

Glad you like it!

[@cagg311]

Great video as always. All sounded great. But man, the noble and Cooley took the win for me.. I've never really heard of them before this video. The history behind the company is also amazing.

[@drumcenternh]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@CornerStoreDrums]

The ultimate store for ANY & EVERY drum need!! -Indiana Love 💯🥁

[@drumcenternh]

You're the man, Al.

[@jasonb2180]

I think I like the Noble & Cooley the most, maybe followed by the DW. All great options!!

[@drumcenternh]

Agree, all great options!

[@OliKember]

Thirded!

[@anthonysaponaro6318]

@@OliKember 4th’tid

[@edwardx.winston5744]

All very good. No losers here. My favorites were the N&C snare and the Gretsch toms. N&C kick was my winner for best kick, but that Gretsch kick was so tight that it was an interesting contrast to how open the Gretsch toms were. The way you guys record these things is amazing, though. You guys could mic up 5-gallon pickle buckets and make them sing.

[@Diatonic5th]

The Noble & Cooley kit with the DW snare is my favorite. That snare sounds amazing.

[@keithferris9574]

That Noble and Cooley snare is likely the best sounding snare I've ever heard.

[@williamperri3437]

I liked it as well but I liked the Ludwig way better.

[@TheJester134]

I own both. Noble and Cooley is a far superior drum.

[@julianmendoza203]

absolutely, it is on another planet.

[@frankmilano]

EPIC job. I’m a Gretsch Broadkaster guy. Got them from you guys, and you were very helpful. As much as I LOVE my kit, if I owned any of these kits with my choice of heads, I would never have to look back. Thanks for doing this. Can’t wait to make the trip back up from Jersey. Your shop is mind blowing 👊

[@Not_Andrew_Huberman]

I have 5 kits and they're all Ludwig, if I bought another.. it'd be a Ludwig. After watching this video, I have to say the Ludwig is my favorite. That being said.. I really wanna copperphonic now.

[@drumcenternh]

After this video, I feel like everyone should have a Copperphonic!

[@graysonhoward1562]

I’m about to buy a kit for my studio and I’m thinking about going classic maple Ludwig kit with a supraphonic snare. I’ll be recording in a well treated living room and my only fear with this is that they’d be too powerful for too small a room. You seem experienced so could you help me out?

[@robertobernardi739]

Bravi ragazzi e' tanto tempo che vi seguo . Grazie per la ottima recensione che avete fatto sulla batteria TAMBURO .✌️😉

[@alkingborn4620]

As usually happens you nailed it once again. N&C and Gretsch sound very similar and are definitely my favourites as well as cymbals, simply amazing

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks so much Al!!

[@joc8]

All these kits sounded amazing, I'd be happy with any one of them... I'd have to be in the room and have a play to choose. Having said that, I really enjoyed the demo, and look forward to the next one! Thanks guys!

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks so much Joanne!

[@EricT43]

Wow. The engineering and mixing was top notch! These all sound incredible. I have to say the Ludwig sounded best to my ears, followed by N&C, DW, and Gretsch. Not what I expected!

[@drumcenternh]

Thank you very much!

[@tinterlande]

Thank you Eric!

[@philphilison1623]

Very nice! Remo heads for the win 🥳 This was a big step up in film making all due to the segment layout/format of this video. Please continue this format in the future. It is nice to hear what you both think about these products. After so many years of playing and selling drums you are able to share a valuable unique insight. Think of video making like a song. Intro, verse, chorus, verse, chorus, instrumental, chorus, outro (optional prechoruses and bridges sparsed in for color). Intro, thoughts, gear, thoughts, gear, funny whathaveyou, thoughts, gear, outro. You guys got this!

[@Romans219]

Always a pleasure watching Shane's crew share my favorite instrument.

[@drumdad1242]

Love the sound and look of the Gretsch USA Custom

[@brammie]

I have a Gretch Catalina Maple, and a George Way Tuxedo Maple/Poplar set, and love both of them. But this Noble&Cooley you showed sounds so great, that I wanna drive up to NH today, and take it home.

[@TM_Stone]

Mixing and audio sounds great Tony along with your playing!

[@tinterlande]

Thanks man!!

[@drumcenternh]

Thank you very much!

[@anthonymedd8718]

Noble and Cooley... All the way ❤️👍🏻

[@Drumbo_Limbo]

Hot damn, that Noble & Cooley sounds insanely good. They all do, of course, but the Horizon’s tone felt “fullest”. That with the Copperphonic would be the chef’s kiss of chef’s kisses. Somewhat related, you all deserve huge kudos for the quality of videos you make now - and especially the mixes of the kits. Memphis Drum Shop used to be the king of the hill, and their set-up still sounds great. But DCP’s sound is incredible, like if drum sample libraries actually sounded like real drums in a room.

[@tinterlande]

Thanks so much Alex, I care a great deal about making them sound as good as I can!

[@Drumbo_Limbo]

@@tinterlande The work shows! You should feel proud.

[@ViktorSyrotin]

Tony, please tell me which audio interface you are using. Thanks for the great work.

[@tinterlande]

@@ViktorSyrotin Presonus StudioLive 32AC, nothing fancy but gets the job done. Thank you!

[@ViktorSyrotin]

Sounds great, Tony, thank you!

[@petermasalsky8844]

Another great job, guys. I really enjoyed all of the kits and would be happy if I found any one of them on my doorstep. And I completely agree on the Ludwig snare comment.

[@drumcenternh]

Thank you Peter! Can't go wrong with any of these!

[@TimBatkin]

As a Brit and Gretsch USA Custom owner I decided that the best drums in the world were those from the US and made from US maple. A great heritage and tradition in drum making. I could easily have gone Ludwig DW or Noble. I especially like, if true, that Noble made snare drums for the battle of Gettysburg.

[@bakedalaska4363]

It wouldn't surprise me if most of that superb "North American Maple" is actually from Canada with its ideal growing climate. Can't say I've ever seen North American Maple explicitly advertised as "USA Maple" though I'm open to being proven wrong. I think that calling it North American Maple obfuscates its origin without actually being dishonest.

[@chrish7336]

@@bakedalaska4363 I believe you are right, while there is MAple in The Northern USA, not sure if they could support the drum making quantities, so I am pretty sure they also get from canada

[@bobdadruma]

I own the Ludwig Classic Maple so I am partial to them but the Noble & Cooley really tickled my heart.

[@patdeniston3697]

I'm a Ludwig guy but all those kits sounded killer. Hard pressed to pick a favorite but that gretsch kick was the best by a good margin

[@adityarifqi5286]

i will stay with ludwig no matter how hahah

[@drummerkev1627]

Another fantastic head to head video versus America’s best! Although I own a DW Collectors pure maple kit. I have to say that N&C sounds fantastic! That said, they all sounded really good, but the N&C seemed to have a little more attack than the others to my ears anyway. Love your videos guys!

[@remygaron8311]

You guy,s are the best to srewed my mind i think i know is i love em all thanks for the awesome segment👏👏🤟🏼🤟🏼🥁🇨🇦

[@musicatto1]

That was an outstanding comparison! So well. done - congrats and thanks much guys! All kits sounded really great to me, and I'd be happy playing any one of them. Agree with the other comments about the great sound of the N&C. They definitely caught my ear too (maybe just a surprise for a lot of us, due to the fact they are not heard nearly as often as the others?) That said - in addition to the N&C, I'm gonna give a nod to DW kit. I just loved the tom sounds there. But again - all sounded like fantastic drum sets.

[@Lumerdrums]

again you nailed it. I love your content :) btw this noble cooley set sounds gorgeous

[@tinterlande]

Thank you and yeah it does!

[@jcsk8]

03:05, 6:55, 10:47, 14:17 To my ears that Noble & Colley is my favourite. Oh, and best looking too.

[@Jackalope40]

Love the güey you break down each drum individually, in a row, by mfg. very useful! The Gretsch drums sound the warmest to me. All great kits tho!

[@Claes_Isacson]

You’ve done it again guys! 👍 Great work on the vid! Since I’m kind of a Ludwig guy, I’m going to have to say those are my fav. But all of the kits sounded killer! 🥁

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks, Claes!

[@zzettecarla]

Cool shoot out and I appreciate the head-2-head cuts. Really clarifies the tonal subtleties. Oddly, to my ears, the Ludwigs sounded the most balanced and complementary to how I imagine I sound. I'm not a heavy hitter, and as lovely as the Gretsch's were, they deserve to be struck hard and they'll give it right back at you. The Ludwig's appear to want to "play along" with the player and I expect they'll take well to a wide range of tunings. I really appreciate your channel and my local drum shop, Buffalo Drum Outlet closed as the owner retired, so I'm without a shop. I dig the dog hangin' with you guys too. Feels friendly in Portsmouth. Cheers!

[@mgdrummer77]

N&C kit w/the Ludwig copper snare: MONEY!!!

[@tinterlande]

This is what I would choose personally 👌

[@mgdrummer77]

@@tinterlande just curious, was the outside kick mic left on in the "room" portion of the N&C demo? If not, man, that kick throws some serious low end acoustically. Love it!

[@tinterlande]

@@mgdrummer77 Nope! All you are hearing on the room mix is the stereo rooms with no low end boost. The N&C kick definitely threw the most low-end!

[@footnotedrummer]

Ok... the drums all sound amazing, but the real showcase in this video is Tony. Damn, dude! You have gotten so good over the past few years. Amazing playing, brother.

[@DrumLab88]

My wife just bought the N&C kit from this. Video for me for Christmas and I am moved to tears at the beauty and quality of this work of art of a drum set. Just absolutely gorgeous drums and built by a company with so many years of history.

[@kosycat1]

Listening to this on my studio speakers, its sounds like the ludwig has the most distinct sound . I wonder if thats because they are the only wraped drum here. its a slightly less resonate sound to me. Which I do not mind being a ludwig owner and a '70s drum fan. i dont like my drums very resonate. But I really like the sound of all of these. I'd be happy playing any of them. Might have to visit NC this winter while im up in vermont snowboarding

[@drumcenternh]

It's worth the trip...if you like drums.

[@brucedoane5244]

All fantastic kits! Have to say, if I wasn't on a budget, hands down I go with N&C. Especially the snare. However, on a budget considerations, I'd have to go with Ludwig. Best sound for the money in my opinion.

[@CrappyProducts]

The best drum review channel, not even close

[@tinterlande]

Thank you very much!

[@trafalgerdavis7839]

The NC's are great sounding drums.

[@yehmate1528]

I've watched a lot of your videos and I think this is one of the best. Loved the DW Purple Heart snare, Amazing

[@drumcenternh]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@johnhoof1]

All sound fantastic. My ears and heart say Gretsch. It really has that great Gretsch sound. You really can’t go wrong with any though and I’d happily have all four.

[@drumcenternh]

Good choice and no, you really can't go wrong!

[@drummer42050]

N&C kicked butt....attack, tone...unique !

[@drumcenternh]

Agreed, killer sounding kit!

[@ekimnamtnuts]

The Noble & Cooley sounds the most transparent to my ears. Definitely the brightest and most resonant I think followed by the Gretsch. They’re all pretty close and all great kits though. Great video and some nice chops to boot! Well done!

[@gaddygadd]

USA! USA! USA! USA!

[@gregbartlett5818]

Favourite is the Noble Cooley!! Have a great high frequency transient but gutsy, warm mid to bass end. All the others lacked that high end attack. At least to my ears. 😏

[@themodernshoe2466]

These all sound amazing. If i have to choose, it's Ludwig, DW, Noble and Cooley, Gretsch

[@JacobPorras-dj3cq]

You don’t know how much I’m in love with DW, it just looks gorgeous, sounds good. I personally go for it cause I’ve always been a huge fan of DW, I still and always dream about it, so” i will give it a shout out for DW, 🎉John Good🎉 you’re a perfect example of a DW community, U just Rock and thank you for being showing your hard work, were just drum Families, so thank and God bless U. ❤❤❤

[@julianmendoza203]

the tom from DW, by far the best thanks to John Good and his shell designs and technology, however; the snare and kick drums from N&C are on another planet.

[@jemmace2586]

Addendum, the Noble and Cooley AND Ludwig are absolutely top drawer as well, of course, if I was going to make a custom special order it'd be either of the Gretsch, Noble and Cooley or DW.

[@descallyjr1]

What I love most is in the end I still think the Gretsch is the best on the kit I've been playing Gretsch (all Ludwig snares tho) since I was 11 years old? I love that you boyzz did the individual drum sound comparisons at the end -that's epic! And I still hate DW. Bought my first Customs over the years and blended it with the Renown kit I bought from y'all about 3 yrs ago. Well done video and I'm going to watch again with Bluetooth connected to good stereo.

[@TheQuestion31]

I liked the focus of the Gretsch toms

[@pbaker7160]

The N&C toms sound phenomenal!

[@Antoniovixc301]

I’m just excited reading the title!!!! 😍

[@drumcenternh]

Then I think you are really going to like the video!

[@user-yb2vq5el2u]

The NC kit was surprisingly good. The Gretch had more sustain. I think the DW overall had the best drum sound and the DW snare was killer. Thank you for putting this together

[@metzilla]

I wish the Ludwig would have had the same depth rack toms as the rest, but ... great video ....and quite honestly, ... they all sounded great!

[@jedfearon]

I love it! Strong opening with the romper joke too!

[@mineralt]

I wish all the newbs on r/drums would watch this and realize ring is good…the amount of tape on heads I see is infuriating with the newbs

[@lukeparsons4965]

They get confused because their ring is so not good

[@pinbackstack]

plus you get naturally controlled ring with drums that have reinforcement rings, so theres no need for that subreddit to complain about how all ring is harsh

[@ask_me_about_sharks]

Every drummer should experiment as much as possible with different heads and really do a deep dive. It’s expensive and took me about 4 years to comfortably spend money on heads about every month. Finally found a match that sounds incredible and doesn’t need to be muffled. It’s a very odd combination that I’ve never seen anyone try. Coates reso 7’s on the bottom and hydraulic glass on the top. I play an all maple wood hoop kit. Holy fuck drums are so sick

[@user-yq5od9uj3f]

I'm not a nube, been playing on and off, since the 60s. For me, listening to snare or cymbal ring is like how some folks respond to someone running their nails across a chalk board. It's just difficult and uncomfortable for me to listen to. It's sensory defensiveness, if you know what that is. I wish they would bring back the internal adjustable mufflers that snares used to have back in the 50s. I think some makers want to bring them back but there is resistance to that. Muffling in all of it's forms, has become its own cottage industry. Very profitable and those profits might be threatened with an internal muffler having a comeback.

[@Woody-lj6jf]

.most drummers previewing drums can't help but turn it into a freestyle solo when all I wanna hear is those drum tones! Thanks guys

[@ChristopherSmithNYC]

Those N&C toms are insane. The DW Floor sounds nicest to me. That whole DW actually.

[@sleightofmind2016]

I picked: !) Ludwig 2) N & C 3) Gretsch 4) DW

[@ezralorentzson4015]

Well, I can see why Noble and Cooley are known for their snare drum. Sounded of the best out of all to me. Nice pop!

[@dancalabrese3523]

Great video guys! Somehow, they just get better each time. Overall, I'd have to go with Noble and Cooley as my favorite with Ludwig a very close second. In the head-to-head that Gretsch bass drum was killer and the DW snare made me do a double take. All great sounding, beautiful kits.

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks as always Dan!

[@sumnerkinney2166]

What a GREAT JOB MEN! That was a tremendous amount of work I am sure. I appreciate the showing of the colors. Adam has guts. Where can I get rompers like that? I go with the Ludwigs.

[@adamfrost3722]

Amazon - 40 bux!

[@TheCliffzone]

I find this very inspiring. Wow very nice work there in all the drums.

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks a lot!

[@yehudarakia137]

Great sounding sets 👌 Nobel & Cooley should send you a big check $ for this video...they just sound awesome here 👌. Gretsch Kick sounds terrible in comparison to other - The rest of the set is fantastic. It is amazing how similar Gretsch and Ludwig 16" floor tom sound. DW has Unidentified buzz coming out of the rack toms , but their Bass drum and floor toms are the best. * If I had to choose one set, Ludwig is my choice. Overall kit just sounds the best !!!! Thank You guys for all your work, love this Chanel ❣️

[@raymondcardona2635]

Gretsch BASS DRUMS sound best in a 14 inch depth. More attack, and you don’t loose any bottom end fatness. They made a mistake using a long shell bass drum. With a Gretsch drum, you don’t need it.

[@andreasbreitwieser1449]

like every time when you make this kind of comparisons: I would take them all !!!! But its also a little bit of an image thing, and so would be my ranking: Gretsch first, by a hair's breadth before Ludwig, by a skin of one's teeth before Noble and Cooley........ and then...............

[@yujproductions]

this video is not about which kit is better, its about which sound you want. its definitely helped pushed me more towards the kit i came in wanting a little more (Gretsch USA custom), but otherwise, to me, the NC kit is about equal to the DW kit which everyone usually foams at the mouth over

[@andreaskanto3084]

If I had to choose one kit I would go with Ludwig or DW. The other two sets had soundcharacter that I didn't like. Great video, well done.

[@goodtimejohnny8972]

Timestamps for the impatient....I want to hear them all! If I happen to hit the power ball I will buy them all!

[@ddrum1090]

Not mentioned here, but I love C&C so much. fav USA drum set. From this video, I think Gretsch takes the cake for me

[@vinnie4635]

Love the channel. You guy's are the Bomb 💣💥🔥. 👍

[@adamfrost3722]

Thanks, Vinnie!

[@911diaries]

So basically, you can't go wrong with any of these high-end kits :).... They all sound amazing!!! Hard to choose one; I'd go with the Gretsch, but that's probably in most part because that's what I've been playing for the past 13 years :)

[@2008alde]

Ludwig classic maple is not Ludwig's high end kit. Their Legacy Maple are and they harken back to thinner shells with re-rings. These classic maples remind me of the Ludwig's when they got ris of the re-rings and when with thicker shells in the late 70's so I suppose in a way they are "classic" but not high end .. my opinion of course.

[@lilbacon7777]

@@2008alde Does Ludwig still produce new legacy maple kits? They're a little difficult to find for sale ignoring the fact that they're expensive

[@2008alde]

@@lilbacon7777 you would have to find a dealer that sales them. Most like they would have to be ordered. You’re better off trying to find a vintage kit that has been maintained at roughly half the price. The only caveat is that Ludwig dropped the ball during the very last 60sand 70s because of Ringo popularity. Attention to finishing like the bearing edges left a lot to be desired . I am considering having minor recut on two kits I own from 1972 .

[@CharlesTPrimm]

I really dig the Classic Maples, personally. Thanks for the great video! All beautiful drums indeed.

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks for watching and you can't go wrong with a Classic Maple!

[@michaell.8938]

The Gretsch kit was my favorite. They just sing. I will say that DW snare kicked ass though.

[@fab5720]

Being completely unbiased (luckily), I must say that the Ludwig sounded - for me - best, really well balanced, nice sustain and a great bassdrum. Impressive. Runner up - the Gretsch. The N&C was a bit disappointing for me, it lacked some low-end. Would be great if you could do somthing similar with the go-to asian drumbrands, Pearl, Yamaha, Tama, Mapex.

[@dwprado25]

The prices are insane but that’s high end products and craftsmanship.

[@armystrong2727]

Great video guys really enjoyed the side by side comparison

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks! Glad that you enjoyed it!

[@jackdelessio1591]

I recently asked ya'll for a comparison like this, and here we are! All are fantastic. It would take better ears than mine to tell a huge difference, and, in the hands of a good sound man, any would work. I own Gretsch, and play Ludwig at church, but if I had to pick one here it would probably be the N&C. (But, since playing a set at NAMM a few years ago, I've always wanted one). Not crazy about the finishes. N & C is ok, and the Gretsch is classy. But I'd have the Ludwig in WMP. Love most DW finishes. Owned a Redwood Burl. Not crazy about this one, but love the purple heart snare.

[@figbag]

they all sound incredible.

[@TheNextLevelBandSanDiego-ro1cx]

great video.... tuning and performing....thank you!!!

[@goodstick2126]

I am a drummer /percussionist. When I play percussion, my bandmate drummer partner plays Noble an Cooley drums and I've been listening to them for years. They sound very much appropriate to this video. They are the most expensive drums on this market. And are probably the most beautiful drums. DWS don't sound any better in this demonstration in my opinion than the Gretch drums or Ludwig except for they may look better and resale value is better because the woods that they use. Gretch drums Toms have five lugs and make them distinctive in their sound. Those Ludwig Drums were totally consistent to the 65 silver Sparkle Ludwig I had. I got many compliments with my Ludwig Drums. I love the Gretsch drum sound as a whole. They sound good and feel good. My friends Noble and Cooley's are solid Maple shells and he spends a lot of time tuning them. They are not very forgiving drums they were solid ply Maple shells. After years of playing the shells warped and he had to send them back to the factory to get edges recut. Bob Gadson engineered those N&C. They came with pinstripes on the batter side of them which we really studied them for quite some time what was the better drum head for those Noble and Cooleys. By price Noble and Cooley's cost more. DW next, then Gretsch, then Ludwig in price. Gretch drums round edges surprised me. It was distinctive from the other drums. For this demonstration and for the price I think I prefer the Grinch drums. Thank you for the wonderful demonstration, I hope I didn't write too much.

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks for watching, we appreciate your feedback!

[@williehamilton1533]

Way off. That dw kit can cost over 10,000 dollars and they have others that cost most than that . N& C OLNY sets that come close in price was the oak set. Then their union series , which I think is one of the best sounding drums of any price range that I've ever heard. But, I think all N&C drum sets are amazing sounding .

[@keithpratt1849]

Very similar. The Gretsch had the best in way of the overtones. Also the bass and snare sounded great. The Ludwig's had it happening also. It would be a blessing to own any of these kits. Leaning towards Gretsch when I can make the investment.

[@jackfino7136]

If I win huge $1.9 billion powerball tonight I will buy a Red Neil Peart inspired DW set White Phil Collins inspired Gretsch concert tom set and Blue Ludwig John Bonham inspired Vistalite kit ….. all with Zildjian cymbals and Noble and Cooley Zildjian alloy cast snare drums 🥁👌🙏👍😎 and Promark sticks remo heads and DW hardware