Vinnie Colaiuta Plays His Restored 90's Gretsch Kit For The First Time

[@ChrisPernaDrums]

Vinnie kills me, glasses hanging from his mouth like someone’s dad just sitting down behind a set of drums and casually throwing down.

[@nigelmoyes9798]

I can’t let the Bluetooth hands free headset hanging out of his ear slide either 😂 What a legend.

[@rwfrench66GenX]

Steve Vai tells an awesome story about when Vinnie was recording Mo N Herb’s Vacation and how Zappa made it even more complex than The Black Page. Steve said Frank, Bozzio and himself were in the studio watching Vinnie through the glass and Vinnie had some sushi 🍣 on the ledge of the sheet music stands and during this really intricate bar Vinnie reached over to get a piece of sushi 🍣 pushed his glasses up with his middle finger and finished the bar all left handed without missing a note! Frank threw some papers up in the air and he and Bozzio walked out after that! 😂

[@prod_adrian]

@@rwfrench66GenX Hey. Cool story, would love to hear that. Is the clip with Steve Vai talking about this up on KZbin?

[@Maxroffe56]

🤣

[@mysa.relind977]

He is such a natural I love him

[@magiscichoam]

Absolutely, one of the finest, most accomplished and most musical drummers ever. His creativity, chops and technique are of the very highest order. Bravo!

[@skiptrace1888]

Yes the drummer is fantastic! But the drums are not . My first drums was a set of shoeboxes. These drums sound worse than my shoeboxes!

[@magiscichoam]

@@skiptrace1888 I agree. The kit doesn’t sound impressive at all. It might be the way the kit is “miked” for this post. I saw Vinnie perform with Jeff Beck at the Crossroads Guitar Festival in 2007. His Gretsch kit sounded fantastic and perfectly resonated and musically complimented both Beck and Wilkenfeld. In my opinion the best sounding kits I’ve heard are Rogers Script Badge maple kits from the early 1970s and Sonor SQ2 medium maple kits from 2012.

[@artcorvolet]

@@skiptrace1888 this is a cell phone recording 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@skiptrace1888]

@@artcorvolet got it!

[@lendog8153]

@@skiptrace1888 I disagree

[@chrispierce1305]

His single strokes around the kit are both effortless and a thing of beauty.

[@danielm4114]

Vinnie's tossed off two minute warm up is some other drummer's- any other drummer's- life time achievement goal.

[@leonardoguida.]

Especially because any drummer’s life achievement goal would be to play on his set probably

[@23ograin53]

This was so much more enjoyable and appreciable for me than if it had been close miced. We get to actually hear the drums, not the mixing board.

[@abidababida7096]

A testament to the quality of Gretsch as a great company. I had a very rare late 60’s Jasper shell kit that my dad bought me when i was a kid in around 1977. In 2008 i agreed to sell it for 3k., but the badges were missing from when i recovered it in the 80’s. Inside the shells was still a sticker claiming a lifetime warranty on the drum kit. Gretschcouldn’t believe i had one of these kits and still that the stickers were still on! they sent me 6 new badges free. (normally 40 each)

[@rogerringold616]

Gretsch Family bought company back/DW drums oversees production/ now recently DW bought by Roland....just dont sell to CBS....THE LIST OF QUALITY COMPANIES they #$%%##^&*& over Rogers drums/Fender guitars/Steinway.....on and on....criminal unethical....ruined quality let TM patents go undefended. .....shameful tax write offs or worse.

[@babar69110]

Found a 60's round badges in 2002. Same, stickers inside shells, with lifetime warranty and serial number :)

[@DG-sf9ei]

You Frank Gretsch or something? ?? No way anyone else would post a stupid and naive square box comment like a Gretech fanboy.

[@TopDownDrumming]

I’d watch hours of this. Amazing fluidity and technique with both traditional and matched grip.

[@jimmythebold589]

better yet is his sense of melody. technique takes a back seat to actual music. vinnie delivers big time on the music front, as well as the technique front. i love his dynamics. i hate bashers....

[@felixweber6593]

His ease on the drums is purely mind blowing... I am in awe every time I see how relaxed he is, how the most challenging pattern seems just easy for him.

[@RADJAGOR]

My favorite drummer. he can really play in any context.

[@danielmorales3382]

This drum kit sounds excellent, the attack and projection so amazing! And obviously Vinnie Colaiuta behind the drums elevates it to another level!

[@DG-sf9ei]

Lmfao, then either your not a drummer or never owned anything other than Gretsch. These sound like tin cans with nothing other than echo and dissonance. Maybe listen to a drum solo on a Ludwig, Slingerland, DW, Roger's, or even Yamaha and Tama. Then you've heard what full bodied drum quality sounds like.

[@misakiyoshida]

@@DG-sf9ei Dude, you can't even spell and sure comment a lot for someone who hates Grestch with a burning passion. A good drummer can make any name brand kit sound decent.

[@drumlover1687]

Amazing! He seemingly has limitless technique. Vinnie is a rhythmic virtuoso.

[@bamamoondog9039]

This kit belongs in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, along with a display in tribute to Vinnie.

[@jaquestraw1]

Couldn't agree more

[@rogerdat7807]

RRHOF is a joke. Try the Smithsonian.

[@martianslotplayer9769]

@@rogerdat7807 How about both. He's deserving.

[@rogerdat7807]

@martian slot player lolol... thats a fact as well!

[@ohrid59mk76]

this kit belongs on the stage with Vinnie behind him ! for now !

[@roadrocket7]

Kudos to Paul Cooper and his team at Gretsch. I know Paul from back in the day(s) in West TN; I also lived in Studio City CA, circa 1980/81, when Vinnie was blowing people's minds at The Baked Potato. Drummers kept raving about some "kid named Vinnie with monster chops". And here he is...keeps getting better & better. ❤️

[@johnz4412]

Such a master drummer. His musical credits are legendary.

[@GamingDrummer89]

That 14" Floor Tom sounds just so perfect, as does Vinnie's playing (as usual)!

[@LeonardSmith-qv8do]

Vinnie, lovely relaxed playing, and that traditional left hand grip looks just great, single strokes GREAT

[@calebcoleman1806]

Us 90’s kids going, “Restored? 90’s isn’t that long…. Oh no!” But seriously amazing playing.

[@jd0879]

Lol depends when from the 90’s. If it’s 1990 RIP 32 years ago that’s def a restored kit

[@calebcoleman1806]

@@jd0879 True, that was just my gut reaction to the title without thinking too hard first lol

[@ekaram63]

whether it was gigged or in studio would make a huge difference.

[@zagyex]

:_)

[@Heavyhitter20]

I had my Gretch restored by the same guy . Chris heuer and he does an incredible job. He is the best

[@drumguyben7509]

That groove at 1:28 is 🔥🔥🔥

[@iantouzel638]

Those kind of videos are a pure joy to watch, legend playing whats coming trough their mind, testing the drum . Thanks

[@itikutok6568]

Always a pleasure to watch Vinnie. He will always be my favourite.

[@obijuan8466]

Love that blue color. So much better than the original white! I still love my '83 USA custom kit 8,10,12,13,16,18,22. So have all of my sound guys over the years.

[@jaimesorli2436]

my faborite finish...

[@michaelcavazuti3270]

@@jaimesorli2436 Rosewood/Burt Orange!

[@bobasquid3339]

I learned so much watching him play in this short clip. Looks like he wasn't even trying, amazing drummer!

[@alexreid4131]

An absolute pleasure to watch someone who knows their craft

[@dhldt1021]

Awesome kit, cymbals and Vinnie’s warm up is crazy. What a sound

[@hihats]

overall, Vinnie IS the GOAT.

[@derkleinemannvonnebenan3147]

🐐🐐🐐

[@michaelgreen5206]

One of the greatest drummers, no doubt about it!

[@Revelator2025]

Superlative in the Extreme.

[@Jean-om1ok]

You got to chill .

[@vidsforsquids]

No, that would be Buddy

[@carlalbrecht]

Salute to the master! Thanks for so many years of inspiration. Vinnie!! Many blessings. Carl

[@zacamanny]

The title of this video is incorrect. This is part of the unboxing Promotional that Gretsch produced when Vinnie was welcomed back.

[@michaelcavazuti3270]

yep

[@nigelnunes]

Vinnie's blue is to blue what Tony Williams' yellow is to yellow - legend status.

[@nigelnunes]

@Andy Butler Nope, not strictly the drummers - but perhaps their kits . When I see a Gretsch kit wrapped in that blue, Vinnie comes to mind immediately - kinda the same way people associate Tony Williams with his span playing yellow kits. Obviously, it's a testament to both players' incredibly prolific careers. Just an internet opinion, though lol

[@malcolmlarri8236]

wow ! never realized these were restored drums ... looks so great !

[@aaronhorvath3291]

Vinnie what a pro. This guy can play it all you name it Vinnie had something to do with it. Monster reader and a Monster player... And he loves his new blue kit made by one of the greatest drum makers in the world. The big G

[@morbidmanmusic]

This video is years old.

[@CribNotes]

In his late 60's and still got those hands!

[@John-zt6yw]

Vinnie and Weckl have beautiful sounding kits.

[@SteveG123]

Punchy and both warm and articulate sounding drums. Very good.

[@claudeabraham2347]

Gretsch has always made a great sounding drum. Their shells are really well made. Of course Vinnie being the player can get that great sound out of them.

[@rogerringold616]

Gretsch made the 1st series of chrome over brass snare shells for ROGERS DRUMS ....7 horizontal lines ....interesting stuff.

[@facelen4321]

He is just amazing... every time he plays... even just "fooling around"...

[@CamiloMoyaBaterista]

Ok

[@mitchmaule6517]

@@CamiloMoyaBaterista what do you mean "ok" lmao vinnie is on the mount Rushmore of drummers he is one of the GOLD standard for drummers

[@jojothetasmaniansassmonkey8866]

0:36...that moment had a lot of sass in it

[@HiVoltish]

That man is still amazing!!

[@kenfreeman5321]

I love watching Vinnie. He's freaking awesome.

[@jimmythebold589]

I like hearing him, haha

[@kenfreeman5321]

@@jimmythebold589 Agreed!

[@zeus-bx9xw]

Zappa introduced me to Vinnie... my life has been enriched.. 27/04/2023 NZ koitiata..im 65

[@kchez5586]

The thing that I dislike about this video is it not being 3 hours long. So many killer licks and grooves just casually flowing out on the fly... one could only imagine the things you'd hear if you spent an afternoon watching him "just messing around". Legend.

[@michaelgreen5206]

That's a beautiful Gretsch kit, Vinnie.

[@KONAMAN100]

How glorious is that funky groove from 1:11 That deep sounding floor Tom, ouch.

[@claudiabussone5742]

sound amazing and those paiste omg phenomel

[@bobbysdaddy1576]

Well now by got... I'll tell ya what... that feller can sure play some drums. Dadgumnit.. we felt the vibrations in our walls at Strickland Propane. Dang near woke up Buck Strickland.

[@erichellberg9570]

What can you say, it's Vinnie! Been following him since the mid 70's.

[@johnnymossville]

That set sounds monster huge. Love it!!!!

[@adanalcala7999]

His singles are absolutely killer

[@MrFchank]

Became a huge fan when I saw the DVD of Jeff Beck,live at Ronnie Scott's

[@raymondvaughan6262]

That was some playing brilliant live

[@williamweiss6128]

Always love Vinnie since Zappa..started with Paiste 2002 in 78... still have a few.

[@robzalewski1618]

I didn't discover Vinnie until I heard that funky beat he put on the hi-hat in the song Seven Days from Sting. I loved that hi-hat beat and tried it and tied my limbs up like a pretzel. Ever since, I've come to hear a lot from him and he's right up there with Neil, Bonham, Dave Weckl and Buddy as my favorites ever.

[@nigelparker5886]

I love the way he seems to be able to hit them harder and more often than most! He is rather good you know! Cheers

[@drumswest]

Is that an 8" tom? Vinnie is just the best. From the 1st time I watched him as a 15 year old until now I'm always watching with a smile on my face.

[@DynamoStereo2011]

Those cymbals sound great

[@Glitch-nr9ct]

Playin' good and eatin' good. God bless ya' buddy. It's the good life!

[@thechangingtimes]

One of my favorite drummers of all time…. 😝

[@DadBodDrumming]

Wow that is a beautiful shade of blue! Sounds great too

[@RaelNYC]

Zappa deemed him the grand prize winner for hanging with polyrhythms and Zappa didn't sit around giving out frivilous compliments.

[@philiprea8340]

Awesome to watch such a master at his craft

[@ddf235]

He’s so versatile and inventive! One of the best players in the world!

[@rastapastrychief]

AMAZING drummer, love it

[@justrobocon6538]

A master of the craft.

[@JaxonHaze]

First time I’ve seen him use a third 8” tom like that. I dig it!

[@DrJ-hx7wv]

Those Paistes are incredible.

[@rtanidean4931]

What an inspiring musician and person. Balanced as a man. TY. 😊💚

[@MonitorSmith]

Man he can play. Great kit!

[@gelosoriano]

I love how everything sounds.

[@hotstix7014]

Love Vinnie. Great Drummer.. The Kit Sounds Great!!!

[@codersexpo1580]

Vinnie's putting on some weight there. Still...not stopping him from killing it. Masterful and a pleasure to always watch. love the part @36 with the glasses hanging out his mouth...been there done that...and that's about the only thing I can get right that Vinnie does.

[@theram4320]

I have to say that those Paiste cymbals are sooo damn musical and expressive.

[@bealestdrums]

One of the greatest players alive today. Plus I’m a gretsch guy, own 2 kits, plus snares. All USA customs. Hell yes!!

[@u.v.s.5583]

Unquestionable genius of drums.

[@LanceCampeau]

That kit sounds KILLER.

[@BuckJoFiden]

Keep it Greasy is one of my fave drum tracks. Just nuts. Monster talent.

[@ChrisPatrick-q6k]

Dennis Chambers always said Vinne was a splash. & dash drummer, and here you really get that sense of hitting it every time.

[@CheekyFest]

LOVE it - including the colour

[@kellyburns4725]

Just makes me laugh he is so fing good! Long live Vinnie!

[@a.s.vanhoose1545]

My favorite drummer of all time

[@cfyves]

Beautiful sounding kit!!

[@inzudrums]

Sounds great!!

[@BeanieOakley]

First "real" drum my parents bought for me in 1971 or 72 was a Gretsch, white marine pearl wrap, round badge. Still have it in the original square hard vinyl case along with the stand...

[@tobyburch2080]

Is it for sale?! 😂

[@BeanieOakley]

@@tobyburch2080 Naaahh... Too much sentimental value.... Just bragging...LOL🤣🤣

[@casanovafrankenstein8538]

Is it for sale, what a maroon

[@tobyburch2080]

@@casanovafrankenstein8538 thanks man..

[@LeonardSmith-qv8do]

@@casanovafrankenstein8538 Mate it was a joke ,for christs sake, it was a joke

[@robertclarkguitar]

Sounds absolutely killer. Like I really love these.

[@GlennSnell]

There have been so many great rock drummer and jazz drummers, etc...we all know the names. But he is right there in the conversation for one of the best.

[@robbyhill8167]

Did you know that Mr. Colaiuta used to play with the beautiful Faith Hill ?

[@woodshed_moments]

Vinnie used to be a client of my many, many years ago, the one thing that always struck me about him is just how cool and how sweet a guy he is.... truly laid back. But the guy plays with power! He is a zest for odd signatures in crazy accents in his timing... I work with them right about the time he got picked up with Sting, cool guy and one of the best drummers out there.

[@technicalitems731]

Legend. Vinnie plays with wisdom, feel and a pop sense while Weckle plays with precision and education. Both are great. But there is a reason Vinnie plays with the bands that have hits while weckle plays with more specific technical bands and does clinics. Vinnie is a beast. 7 days! He sounds good on all kits

[@Muldoon111]

Ha ha ha! Yes, Seven days is my go to song to get a Vinnie fix. Is that what you were referring to?

[@danlc95]

That's probably why Vinnie reminds me so much of Jeff Porcaro. They both have an elegance and grace to their grooves. Vinnie and Jeff have been biggest inspirations for years.

[@roybeckerman9253]

Love his snare sounds..👍🏿🥁

[@jarodmore2836]

The best!! Vinnie! None other can touch, maybe Buddy & Gadd.

[@stsiapanshynkevich8014]

love the way he holds his sticks😊

[@artsal]

I can watch this all day you are awesome vinnie

[@saydlowski]

Isn’t this an older video from when he returned to Gretsch after Ludwig?

[@FanPhys]

Yes, this is an old video. The Gretsch social media team are craping the barrel indeed.

[@neekondrums]

@@FanPhys I'm sure you meant "scraping" the barrel, but I like the possibility you might have meant "crapping" the barrel. Both make me laugh. 😉

[@FanPhys]

@@neekondrums hahah indeed x)

[@Rockin_Ross]

I thought that too. For Gretsch to tout this as something g new is a flat out lie. SMH…

[@HiVoltish]

Amazing-ness made to look effortless

[@johncopeland3826]

I like Mr James Taylor's description of drummers ! Someone who has the ability to hit things and make music .... pretty succinct !

[@electricbassist8009]

Paiste is great, Vinnie is wonderful, Gretsch is cool. 😍😍😍😍🤘🤘🤘

[@albitcapinigro1107]

Vinnie's just messin' around.. and still he's the greatest drummer on the planet.

[@stevenbatley8666]

Lovely smooth technique ❤

[@gretschludwigdrummer209]

Scraping the barrel with this one it was on KZbin years ago !!!

[@christopherhanna5754]

Alll those superhuman chops but always musical first, legend.. sweet kit restore too...

[@Yourloveismusic]

Vinnie’s (Zeets!) work on especially the 1980 Zappa tour is to me not only my favorite but also the most insane drumming I’ve ever heard ..

[@vincentzito3933]

Hey, I'm Zeets...😎

[@jeffbrumby3442]

Frank says in the Zappa book that Vinnie was far and away his best drummer for his guitar solos

[@rolandschaefer5676]

Drummer, drums and Cymbals are the very finest all over the 🌏!

[@nigelprettyc3]

Very cool I wonder if he still has his 80s Yamaha 9000 kit they sound sweet to