The Gretsch badge says “Drum Makers Since 1883.” OK, that’s something that gets my attention. They Started in Brooklyn but have been making drums in Ridgeland, South Carolina since the mid 1980’s and continue to make good on “That Great Gretsch Sound!” This makes the Gretsch Drum company one of the longest running drum makers in history….and they’re made in America! To my pleasant surprise, I received two of the newly formulated USA Ridgeland Snare Drums on my front porch to review in my favorite color, ROUND! These drums looked great coming out of the box. I couldn’t wait to get these two down to the studio and dig into them. Gretsch sent a 6.5 x 14 ten lug, and a 5 x 14 eight lug drums. Both drums are identical with the exception of shell depth and the number of lugs. Before I get into the new shell, let’s […]

July 2023 Issue