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First off. let me say that, overall, I do like this kit. I'd almost say love, but I'm not quite there yet. I think it is a ton of kit for the money and the finish - I got the Walnut Glaze Satin - is beautiful and very well done. I so wanted the glossy finish, but when I looked at one locally, it did not seem as deep of a gloss. I worried I would mark it up (the glossy one at the store already had a deep scratch on it); with the satin I'm not so concerned. Yet it still looks very nice. The wood is good inside and out. It does not look cheap at all, which is more than I can say for some sets at this price point. For example, the wood hoops are actually finished on the inside as well as out, which is a nice touch that most companies don't seem to do. The bearing edges seem fine and the inside of the bass and toms look very well finished. The bass has a ton of boom to it, yet with the right tuning can be easily controlled. I may stick a pillow in there, but for now, it's fine. Also I think the bass riser system is just fine - I think it looks solid and has coatings that will not mar the finish. The toms have a ton of resonance - they sound alive, which is great but it's taking me a while to find a tuning I like. When I tune my 12" really low I'm seeming to get a bit of a scratching sound (from the head against the edge???), but if I tune up a little bit more it seems to go away. Replaced the stock Remo heads with some Evans G1s I had and that seemed to help a bit, but tuning is still a work in progress. It's easy to tune - I just mean I have to find the tuning I like for my particular style of music.The metal parts all look well made, especially the bass drum mount and the main tom holder "gas cap" and shaft tube. I'm proud to own a Gretsch, but I was looking at it this morning and wondering, "Gee, how many places do you have to etch the brand? On the "gas cap," the top of the tom mount, badge on bass, two on the toms, on the tom mount -- but it all looks quality; the chrome is beautiful and thick and looks substantial. Same for the bass and floor tom legs. The only thing I don't like is the mini GTS system. Let me just say I don't like their older, beefier system either. I am just not a fan of tom mounts that hold the drum by the tuning lugs as opposed to being affixed to the shell. No doubt it helps in making the kit sing, but it is such a pain - at least in my opinion - to change out heads. I also find it makes things a bit more complicated in hanging the rack tom in just the right place. Have to make sure the tom is in its final hanging, resting position before locking things down. I'd really just rather have a standard tom mount right on the shell or a system similar to Yamaha's YESS. Also, I don't think the ball and socket gives me as much range as I want. And, finally, getting the tom on the L-arm is always an exercise in frustration, getting it just right in order to finally get it to slip down all the way. Maybe it's just something I'll learn to do better over time, and this is not the only drum I've had issues with that kinda stuff so it could certainly be me.All that said, I like this drum a good deal and if I can find a way to fine tune it and control it a bit more to my taste, I'll probably hold on to it. It's nice and compact but just as big of a sound - if not bigger - than my older 20" bass and 16" floor tom kit I was using. It is very, very musical - it has a personality. I'm not versed in Gretsch enough to know if it is that Gretsch sound everyone talks about, but it has a sound that is very pleasing and, with the right tuning, could be sensational. I know people who gig with these kits - the older versions of them, anyway, and I'm sure these are just as good. I mean I know working pros who gig with them. I'll keep playing with it to see if it is the true kit for me at this time, but it's one you should really, really consider. And don't discount how nice that satin walnut finish is - the others may seem a bit flashier, but this has a classic look that does not look at all cheap. Wish they still had the white marine pearl version, as that's the one I truly love, but this really does scream vintage in this color.

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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.

Just an update to my “hoping to love it” review. After three weeks with the kit I am extremely happy with it. Have a great rapport with it, just feels right. Bought a 10” matching tom for it so now I have lots of options. Found a used dual tom mount so could run two rack toms now. Everything sounds great - we’ll beyond it’s affordable price point. And the hardware is first rate. I keep wondering how did they do it for so little money. But the real reason to buy is the sound and playability. To me this kit is a no brainer buy. And it’s no more hoping - I love it! And I zZounds. Great to deal with, flawless transaction!

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