Maxwell Drums Podcast #22 - Steve Sr. and Steve Jr. Talk GRETSCH

This podcast is long overdue. We finally have arrived at Gretsch, the company we have worked with for many years. We hope you enjoy this!!

Steve Maxwell's new web series takes you behind the scenes at the hippest drum shop in Chicago. With interviews, informational clips, special performances, and updates on the coolest gear in town, you can't afford to miss it!

All interviews and footage are property of Steve Maxwell © 2022

[telecasterbear]

Nice. You two have spoken more to each other in this episode, than I ever spoke with my dad.

[dougcain]

I bought a new Gretsch kit in 1977 aside from the lacquer cracks they look and sound beautiful.

[MD-wkgj]

I’m new to drumming and have done a deep dive at what kit would be best for my needs

I’m going with the Gretsch Catalina Club 4 piece jazz kit.

What really surprises me is the overwhelming positive comments and reviews it receives online.

Online communication can be brutal but nearly everyone who comments online says very positive things.

That’s rare and speaks volumes.

[fholefx]

Very enjoyable, thanks! Hey, next time you get one of those horrible putrid olive satin flame kits in, gimme a call. I'll take it off your hands for you, no charge!

[DR.Detroit]

I purchased the Gretsch USA custom in Mardi Gra 24, 13, 16 and then Maxwell/Gretsch made a 18" and a Matching Snare.
Then Sr. offered to use a solid shell from Craviotto and let Gretsch build it out, I have 12 snares..nothing touches the Craviotto shell with Gretsch hardware.. So happy with this kit. If you have never visited the shop, I suggest it. It is like a museum.

[micheldumonceau]

I bought a (new) Gretsch wood snare drum in 1976 from a shop in Namur (Belgium). I was twenty, did not know much about how drums were made but was very disappointed as I could not seem to get a good sound out of it. Fast forward to four/five years later, I am now living in California, and still having the same problem with thata drum when someone suggested that I checked the bearing edges. As it turned-out, the edges were fine but the lugs had been fitted in such a way that the snare bed was completely off from where the snare wires were positioned.
One call to Gretsch and they sent me a new one immediately after receiving mine; this one sounded great!

[itsjim]

This is great! I always wanted a Gretsch kit. I started playing in the 50's (Yes, I'm quite old) in middle school, thru high school, college, etc., while doing some gigs on weekends - you know the story. I had and played Slingerland and some Ludwig, but always wanted Gretsch. I and others around me generally thought Gretsch was THE best. I felt I was not good enough to make a career of it, so (regretfully) went another direction. Years later (mid-life crisis in late 80's) I stumbled across a good deal on a set of USA Customs in a shop in LA - the owner let me have a good deal on them because (his words) "all the kids today want the Japanese stuff, Pearl, Yamaha, Tama, etc. and the Gretsch just sits here". He'd had them in inventory for about 10 years. They've been sitting in a spare bedroom for over 30 years now - gotta love that Gretsch sound.

[johnfloyd-tm]

You're both good drummers. I dig it. Excellent shows.

[johnfloyd-tm]

Hey, love you guys. It's people like you I like . Haa well done. Gretsch rules. appreciate you 2.

[jamesbrown]

Purchased a Gretsch Brooklyn kit from you guys last week and saw this. OUTSTANDING! And....I love the Brooklyn...tunes so well...punch yet warm. And looks great. I remgver seeing a Gretsch ad: Someday you will own Gretsch. And now I do!

[paulgiacalone]

The Brooklyns also have a 30 degree edge not a 45 .

[BadaDing]

I have a 2010 Brooklyn kit 10/12/14/20 and it's my favorite

[ericdanter]

Mansplaining at it's best! I love these podcasts, so much great info here guys, and I love seeing the passion you guys have for drums and drumming. This is really great stuff for people who want to really research vintage and current drum companies and their instruments. Keep up the great work, long live Maxwell Drums!!!!

[RTEllis]

Just saw that "Elvis" Gretsch kit at Memphis Drum Shop!

[jarrahdrum]

fantastic, I didn't want this to end

[willshaughnessy]

A great podcast guys ..
On a snowy colorado am
It's a coffee and off to my 1959 Gretsch RB ...
Who else would put a drum key in the snare..Brilliant
And Steve hit a great point on tuning..I'm from.the same school as not going for a note as much as going for complimentary intervals..and of course the skins ..read the books..but to play one ..you listen and learn how musical these vintage sets are

[jiffy]

I really enjoy your podcast and Steve he's a wealth and knowledge I'm 62 years old and started playing gretch in the late 70s I had a 10-piece kit of cherry wine I wish I had never sold it I had double bass 12 13 16 6 8 10 12 concert 24 -22 and a six and a half by 14 snare drum sold it two different times through my store over 14 years and I wish I had it back the guy originally sold it to was trying to call me the other day to see if I could find it and I cannot find where we sold the last time but man I'm going to have to buy that book on gretch thank you so much for your podcast and for your brilliance and knowledge of the drumming industry

[joannblondin]

Wow talking about Mark Crane one of the most influential drummer for me on Vanelli’s albums. Thank you 💕

[ronparry]

Mel Lewis had a green sparkle kit when came over with Stan Kenton in 1956. Bel Vue in Manchester.

[Rifle]

Really interesting history lesson on Gretsch....thanks!