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Thread: Maple vs Ash Drums

  1. #1

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    Default Maple vs Ash Drums

    I'm strongly considering getting a new kit soon and I was just wondering what the differences are between Maple and Ash kits. From what I understand Ash is used in louder, more aggressive playing styles whereas maple is more of a warm wood and used in a wider variety of styles. I could be way off, but I'd just like some help here fellas.

  2. #2

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    Default Re: Maple vs Ash

    SS, that is a good characterization of the difference between Ash shells and Maple shells. The Ash sound will be a bit brighter than the Maple. The thing about ash is that the sound can vary from one ash shell to another if it's entirely ash. If I was considering an ash kit, I don't think I would even think about buying without playing it first.
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  3. #3

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    Default Re: Maple vs Ash

    Ash has a much nicer looking grain than maple. The closest analog to ash would be beech. In many ways, both ash and beech are a combination of maple + birch.

    The finest (pure) ash kit you will get is the GMS white ash (Keller North American shells)


    The rare tamburo is very good:

    In the middle, is ddrum dominion ash. Although, I heard they were Keller shells. Solid product!


    and for the money, Gretsch Catalina ash is a total winner. Beautiful coral blue.
    Last edited by AL LOY; 04-29-2009 at 12:27 AM.
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  4. #4
    Damo Guest

    Default Re: Maple vs Ash

    The difference is predominantly in the spelling of the two woods...

  5. #5

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    Default Re: Maple vs Ash

    I would definitely try out kits with both woods before making your decision on which to buy. There is a reason why maple kits outsell ash by a huge margin. But what's most important is what sounds good to you.
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  6. #6

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    Default Re: Maple vs Ash

    Quote Originally Posted by Norske View Post
    I would definitely try out kits with both woods before making your decision on which to buy. There is a reason why maple kits outsell ash by a huge margin. But what's most important is what sounds good to you.
    And that reason is that about 4 companies produce ash, and it's a recent product in small distribution.

    That's like saying there is a reason maple outsells beech, even though anyone that owned a sonor or yamaha beech can vouch for how good they sound. Equal to maple, and much nicer looking grain.
    Quote Originally Posted by CharlyG View Post
    All it takes is a commitment to your commitment.

  7. #7
    Damo Guest

    Default Re: Maple vs Ash

    There is a reason why maple kits outsell ash by a huge margin.
    There are many reasons in fact, but sound doesnt rank highly as one of them.

  8. #8

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    Default Re: Maple vs Ash

    are the ash kits typically more expensive? i guess i have never really looked into them

  9. #9

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    Default Re: Maple vs Ash

    Quote Originally Posted by Damo View Post
    The difference is predominantly in the spelling of the two woods...
    haha

  10. #10

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    Default Re: Maple vs Ash

    Quote Originally Posted by jydg21 View Post
    are the ash kits typically more expensive? i guess i have never really looked into them
    Nope, less. it costs about 1/3 less than maple.
    Quote Originally Posted by CharlyG View Post
    All it takes is a commitment to your commitment.

  11. #11

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    Default Re: Maple vs Ash

    I have spent alittle time playing on a Gretsch Catalina ash kit that was set up at a drum shop my buddy manages and I was very impressed!

    Just powerful and loud with plenty of high frequency attack and a flat mix of mids and lows. Great sounding drums! Sort of Birch like but with more in the midrange and did I mention...LOUD!?

    I continue to be thoroughly impressed with Gretsch's Asian made Renown & Catalina series!
    This only goes to solidify the fact that their USA Custom kits are among, if not THE best drums on the planet (IMO)

    *sorry, I know this thread is not about Gretsch in general..but it's my only experience with ash drums.


    -Les
    Last edited by Lesizmor; 05-03-2009 at 12:23 PM.

  12. #12

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    Default Re: Maple vs Ash

    thanks for your help everyone.

    AL LOY,
    i was actually looking into the ddrum dominion kit you posted, from what i read its a good product for what its worth. I may take a look at the AMX dominions and see what i can find out about those.

    again, thanks everyone.

  13. #13

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    Default Re: Maple vs Ash

    Smiling Swine,
    I play a ddrum AMX kit and don't have any complaints, especially considering the price paid AMX gives the look of Ash (outer ply) but has Maple shells.

    I have some youtube videos of the kit:

    [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pU1wMhnUcZg"]YouTube - DDrums Always With You[/ame]
    [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOlmlwjq-XU"]YouTube - DDrum AMX Recording SynthTune[/ame]

    Make sure you click the "HQ" button in youtube to hear them in better definition.

  14. #14

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    Default Re: Maple vs Ash

    I've said one, and I'll say it again, we all have our input, i have maple and i love it, but it doesn't matter dude, play both and see what sounds better to you!! What ever YOU like, buy bro!
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  15. #15
    Damo Guest

    Default Re: Maple vs Ash

    To be completely blunt about it, I believe it makes so LITTLE difference to the sound that if I posted audio clips of Maple, Ash and Birch side by side (which we never do as drummers in the real world), NOBODY here could tell me with any certainty which is which.

    That insignificant difference is then further hidden once the kit is micd and EQ'd through a PA.

    The best thing to do is play the kits and buy the one that FEELS best to you. Sound can be altered a million ways from Sunday.

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