Gretsch Drums showcased plenty of new gear at the 2012 Winter NAMM show, held last month in Anaheim, California. The NAMM is the world's leading music trade show and Gretsch drew a lot of attention on the show floor with their Brooklyn Series. Made in Gretsch’s US factory, this new series is a tribute to the place where Friederich Gretsch started the drum company back in 1883.
Celebrating 129 years of experience In 2012 it's 129 years ago that Gretsch drums were born in Brooklyn, New York. To celebrate their history, the Gretsch drum design team molded the Brooklyn series by combining classic Gretsch elements while invigorating it with new attributes.
The Brooklyn series drums feature Gretsch maple/poplar shells with classic 30-degree bearing edges and the legendary Silver Sealer on their insides. Toms and snares come fitted with new 302 model 3mm double-flanged hoops, which are reminiscent of hoops used by Gretsch up until the mid-1950s.
These hoops have the same height profile as the classic Gretsch die-cast hoop in order to provide a playing experience that feels the same as traditional Gretsch USA Custom drums.
All other drum hardware components — including lugs, claws, brackets, and spurs — are the same as those used on USA Custom kits.
And Gretsch purists will be happy to hear that the return to Brooklyn means a return to a round badge. The Brooklyn Round Badge has a black/pewter color scheme with a classic embossed Gretsch design.
Gretsch Brooklyn sets are all hand crafted in Ridgeland, South Carolina, USA, by a team of veteran drum builders.
Gretsch snares The Gretsch snare drums on display at the 2012 Winter NAMM Show included one wood-shell and three metal-shell Brooklyn Series models, along with two brand-new Brushed Brass snares that feature a hand-brushed finish that creates a distinctive two-toned vintage patina effect.
Gretsch Energy Also new at NAMM 2012 were the Gretsch Energy series, aimed at the first time buyer but packed with features that are usually found on semi-pro drum sets. The Energy package comes complete with hardware and Sabian SBR cymbals.
The toms feature "quick" sizes, which provide punchy tones and allow for lower positioning to benefit younger drummers.
All hardware is double braced and includes stylized Gretsch Energy pedal boards, 30 degree bearing edges, plus a five Gretsch style lug configuration.
