Open Box Gretsch Drums Catalina Club Jazz 4-Piece Shell Pack with 18" Bass Drum Level 1 Blue Satin Flame

I bought these as an inexpensive practice kit in the hopes that it was quieter to be kind to my neighbors. I had no expectations for a great sounding kit, I was completely surprised to find these things sound amazing! I also love the feel of playing into them. They're just so lively in sound and feel. I certainly didn't need another snare drum, but it has become my go to snare for recording and club gigs. I've used this kit on several gigs and recording sessions, and added the 20" bd for more punch on bigger venues. I couldn't be happier, and I'm actually considering selling my other two kits. There's just no need for huge and loud drums, and I get everything I want out of these.

I got this kit so I could gig out easier. I can fit this kit in the back of my Subaru. It is very light also. I dont care for the rack tom because it goes out if tune, simply because their is not enough tuning lugs. I wish it had 6 lugs. I dont use the riser thing. It doesn't do anything for me. This is a good but mediocre kit, perfectly fine if it gets a little dinged up (i gig out at least once a week). This is by no means my "dream kit" or my "home kit". It also comes in cool colors, so I guess thats kind of neat. It looks cool on stage. So yah, its an ok kit. I certainly plan to keep it forever.

blues Jam ,compact and ready to play!

Have had the kit for four months now and am having the best time with it, superior sound, good looking set (vintage marine pearl), easy set up right from the box, as portable as you can possibly get, added a paiste 2002 20" ride, sabian 14" x-plosion fast crash aax, zildjian 18" med. thin dark crash(K) & paiste 2002 14" hi hats and this thing singa, you CANNOT go wrong with the shell pack, money well spent AND it's a Gretsch, am now in the market for a 10 x 7 tom and I'll be done ... maybe ...

I've been playing the Catalina Jazz kit for just about four years. I'm pleased to see that Gretsch has wisely chosen not to mess with a good thing! Aside from different finishes, the kit seems largely unchanged. Prior to joining my band, the group was an acoustic Jazz, Blues, Folk trio -- guitar, stand-up bass, and harmonica -? with no percussion. The guys were looking for a some subtle rhythm support, but strongly felt a full kit would be too loud and overpowering. Our first several gigs together, I limited my instrumentation to conga and cajon. Unfortunately, over a three set night, I grew somewhat bored because it was difficult to vary my sound. Over time, I convinced the band to remain open to adding a kit to the mix. The Catalina Jazz kit was a perfect choice for us. The 18" kick drum gives us just enough thump, without overpowering the bassist. The mahogany shells produce a warm tone with just the right amount of resonance. My drumming style is pretty basic. I just try to lay down the beat without getting overly fancy. Furthermore, I don't hit hard and play most songs with a pair of Vic Firth "Rute" sticks, or wire brushes. Compared to most drummers I know, I am pretty quiet. So, I think these facts helped quell any fears my band mates had about dramatically altering the sound of the band. Four years in, I can say that the addition of drums has widened our appeal, and opened up gig opportunities at some very cool venues that were previously closed to us. I attribute at least some of our success to my Catalina Jazz kit. I'm not sure this kit would/should be a first choice for a hard Rock drummer. However, it is versatile and can work with most genres. It could also be appealing for drummers looking for a second kit for smaller venues. I purchased the "natural" wood finish. I've received many compliments about the kit from musicians and non-musicians alike.

I bought this drum set about a year ago and it is the best! Not only does it provide the best sound for jazz and funk set ups, but with some fine tuning, the 18" bass can kick out some thick rock back beats. This drum set is perfect for whatever style you need. The floating tom mount on the bass drum is also the perfect mount to have your tom however you want it. If you are looking for a new drum set, go Gretsch.