Having to re-adjust the pedal onto the riser every hour or so is not ideal, but I believe pedal problems are a right of passage for any gigging drummer! In fact, on a very recent tour, I had to do the whole first song without any kick drum. It has a surprising amount of punch for the size, and could definitely be used for gigging! The only gripe - which only really pertains to a gig situation - was the fiddly kick drum riser. If you’re looking to focus on heavier Rock or Metal drumming, you might want to consider something larger, but for anything else: don’t disregard this entirely. They also come with bags which - although a little thin for safe transportation - are perfect to throw over the drums as dampeners.

The shells are made from hardwood poplar and have an excellent tone, especially for Hip Hop and Jazz. The small sizes sound much bigger than expected, and allow for easy ergonomic movement around the kit, which is perfect for beginners. It is definitely fit for this purpose, so you could consider it something of an investment towards a musical future. The ethos behind the sleek, compact design was to offer city drummers a kit they could throw in the back of a taxi and gig with. For this reason, in this price range, it’s hard to recommend anything else above it.ĭesigned in collaboration with The Roots drummer Questlove, the Ludwig Breakbeats is much more than a beginner drum set. The Catalina Club is a go-to for beginners, intermediates and prospective touring drummers alike. If you’re looking for an all-rounder, look no further. The various configuration options will cater to all types of drummers, but the 20” set up is a true rhythmic chameleon. This allows beginner drummers to focus on their technique and playing, without having to worry about frequent re-tuning. The drums will hold tuning, even when being bashed heavily.

Right out of the box, the tonal depth is rich and consistent. The drum shells are 7-ply, 100 percent mahogany and the kit comes topped with Remo Ambassador heads.

Of the many beautiful finishes available, we love the Blue Satin Flame (pictured), but there will certainly be something for all tastes. For the last decade, they have offered the Catalina Club as a beginner-sized slice of this history, at an affordable price. For almost 150 years, Gretsch has been synonymous with supreme quality drums.

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