Gretsch 6pc Catalina Maple Drum Set-Black Stardust  From Gretsch Drums

The first Catalina Maple drums had 45-degree bearing edges, but since the makeover Gretsch's trademark 30° bearing edge has become standard across all CM drums. The edges are rounded rather than sharp, ensuring plenty of head contact.

As for the bass drum, without dampening or a port-hole, there is no trace of boom and boing; just a drum at the open end of the sound spectrum breathing naturally while still being capable of punching through. Hit softly it is warm, dark and airy. Upping the velocity finds it sounding more generous of note - bigger and obviously louder.

The snare drum is also impressively versatile. Played gently it is perfectly civilized and responsive. The drum's depth adds considerable authority and instils it with unmistakable throatiness - even at timbale-like tunings it still cuts through ferociously. At calmer tensions its note broadens to a thick 'blat' that combines a woody note with just the right proportion of edge ring.

The toms sound exactly as you'd hope Gretsch toms would - deep, musical and gloriously resonant.