(see rating details)

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

When the Gretsch Renown 57 5 Piece hit in Motorcity Blue, I went out an bought one as playable art. I had know idea how it sounded, it just spoke to me. Well that kit sounded really good, but I wanted a 14" floor tom. I contacted Gretsch and they said, "keep your eyes open". Then the Bop Kits came out but I still couldn't buy just the floor tom. Eventually I broke down and picked up the Bop kit (when I found it for $750) with the intent of keeping the 14" tom and parting out the rest, and I was amazed at how great this kit sounds. I don't feel like I give up anything compared to a full size kit (well one tom and some low end on the floor tom) . I have 2 other bop sized kits (Mapex) and Ludwig and neither 18" Kick is even close to as big or warm sounding as this Renown. Both renown kits tuned up really well and stay in tune. For the rack toms on the 5 Piece I put Evans EC2 Clears. But left the stock heads on the Bop. They really sound great. The snare took awhile to dial in. I tried 5 different heads, but eventually settled on the stock G1 and I crank it tight. I'm not sure why the bop kit seems so much more fun to play, but you can't help but grin when you get behind it. I have just sold the Mapex and the Ludwig is next. The sound and portabilty of the Gretsch have made it my number one kit.