A couple of questions condensed to one thread!

[cole1paul]

Ok, first question:
If a guitarist wants to upgrade his gear but doesn't want a new guitar, he (or she) might get new pickups, neck, etc. What would you all replace as drummers (aside from heads)? And which products will have the greatest effects?

Number two:
What EXACTLY is the Gretsch silver sealer and why is it so great? What kind of difference am I going to hear between the Cats and Renowns, as this seems to be the main difference.

Much appreciated guys!

[pastor_bob]

Wow, great thread cole1paul! I'm going to have to think this through a bit, because this thread deserves thoughtful answers.

[Russ]

thats a mouthful. ive never heard of a silver sealer, but ill try my best with the first question. im gonna say sticks first, heads second, hardware third, and cymbals fourth. it will make a lot of people angry to say, 'oh get zildjian, evans, and pearl they're the only brands that sounds good and makes you a good drummer', so the brand you get isn't exactly a solution it's just a starting point for you to decide what you want on your kit for that type of equipment. it's just different for everyone you know? its like, as people we are all on a journey in life on the same train, but we cant all sit in the same section, so we find the place we feel we belong, and enjoy the ride just like everyone else

[yohin]

1st question: Besides drums, cymbals and heads, you can get a different throne, different sticks, some percussion pieces like cowbells and wood blocks and stuff, a new snare....there's more, but those are the ones I think of off the top of my head.

2nd question: Sorry, not sure on that one. But there are definitely bigger differences than that between the two kits. Renowns have diecast hoops and Catalinas have triple-flanged hoops, Renowns are North American maple and Catalinas are Asian maple, etc.

[pastor_bob]

cole1paul, I think, as yohin mentioned, that a new snare is one of the most common upgrades for a drummer. I also think that die cast hoops, or wooden hoops seem to be high on some people's list, as are a different set of snare wires. For me, I tend to look for that perfect cymbal sound.

As to the Gretsch Silver Sealer, I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you! Seriously, it is a carefully guarded Gretsch secret. My guess is that it adds to the projection of the shells, but how much I don't know. Is the "Great Gretsch Sound" about the 30 degree bearing edges, the maple/gum/maple shells, or the Silver Sealer? Most likely, it is a combination of all 3, but to what extent each adds to the sound only Gretsch knows for sure. But hey, I'm a Gretsch Catalina Maple owner, so none of that applies to me anyway.

[cole1paul]

Thanks everyone! Especially PB on the "Great Gretsch Sound" explanation. I might look into some die-cast hoops. Although, it seems like Renowns are getting cheaper and cheaper... hm...

[Scooter]

1. Cymbals
2. Paint

[yohin]

Thanks everyone! Especially PB on the "Great Gretsch Sound" explanation. I might look into some die-cast hoops. Although, it seems like Renowns are getting cheaper and cheaper... hm...

Got that right! On MF there's only a $50 difference between a 6 pc. Catalina and a 6 pc. Renown!

[Northern Redneck]

Bearing edges give you that Gretsch sound. Most companies use a 45 and Gretsch uses the 30 for a more vintage sound. Silver Sealer is just paint, same as aTamas zolacoat. It covers up bad grain on the inside of the shells.

[yohin]

Yamaha does the opposite of Gretsch...they do 60 degree bearing edges on some drums.

[Russ]

could always have your edges done by a shop or company for $10 a drum i believe the going rate was

[kaosotis]

Yamaha does the opposite of Gretsch...they do 60 degree bearing edges on some drums.

The Yamahas I'm getting have a 60 degree bearing edge. Looking forward to hearing how they sound.

[concrete Building]

Kaos? Not getting Tamas?

UNHEARD OF!!

[Russ]

we are in the twilight zone indeed

[backtodrum]

They'll sound like 45 degree edges.

The angle up to the edge doesn't affect sound, it's how much edge comes in contact with the head.

+1 I agree!