Which Is The Better Kit?

I'm buying a new drumset and I'm trying to decide between these two kits.

Gretsch Renown

OCDP Newport

Help me decide guys.

Which ever one you like the sound of better. Both are great kits and should do fine with whatever you are playing.

Thanks SirPsycho. I like the way the Newports look, esp. the 50/50 off set sharks tooth lugs and 22x20 bass drum as well as the Silver Sparkle finish, but for some reason they seem to look like there made cheaper then the Renowns, esp. the V mounts on the toms. I've read somewhere about the V mounts on the Orange Countys start bending toward the drums, so this is obviously a big problem if i'm spending $1400.

Are both these drums made in the same factory?

OCDP is made from Keller shells just like most (not all) custom builders. The Newport is intended to be an intermediate kit in that it's not customized - their prepackaged and sold pretty much as-is.

Gretsch (I believe) makes their own shells and I think the Renown is their top line.

With OCDP, you're paying for Keller shells (which are excellent) and their finishing touches. But you can get custom kits made from Keller shells for much cheaper than OCDP.

With Gretsch you're paying for name/reputation and their excellent shells and solid hardware.

I, personally, would go for the Gretsch unless the OCDPs truly sound better.

Well the Newport's aren't Keller shells, there 100% Maple, just like the Renowns. 6 ply toms and 9 ply bass drum.

Whuh?

The newports are intermediate drums, the renown are professional quality drums. Seems like a no brainer.

Nope.

OCDP's are Keller brand maple shells with Asian hardware added in OCDP's shop. They are made to be aesthetically appealing, especially to those still suffering from youthful exuberance.

Well it looks like I'm pushing more towards the Renowns.

As you should.

FYI

Both kits are exactly the same and made in the same factory over seas....

The Gretsch hardware is cheap and the "V" mounts on the OCDP kits bend under the tension of the toms...

They're 100% maple shells made by Keller. Renowns are 100% maple shells made by Gretsch.

Most custom builders use Keller shells and most will make cheaper kits than OCDP. There are no custom builders using Gretsch shells.

So the only Gretsch drums made in the USA are the USA Customs? Damn. I've been bamboozled!

So are the Keller shells better than the Gretsch shells?

Both Gretsch and the OCDP hardware sucks?

Gretsch uses fairly standard reliable hardware - nothing spectacular - at least I don't think so...RIMS or RIMS-like suspension mounts probably made by Gibraltar. A couple of people have now confirmed the bending with the OCDP mounts. I'm not a fan of either company's mounting systems. I much prefer Yamaha's and Pearl's tom mounts.

Yeah I've heard about the bending with the OCDP mounts, but I haven't heard bad stuff about the Renowns.

The renown hardware should be pretty damn solid, well, everything but the rims mounts... And, you will regret buying an ocdp kit.

just don't forget your pinstripes, o-rings and moongels. mandatory to get the best sound!

You mean duct tape, and bar napkins?

I prefer Smooth White Emperor's.

But the Gretsch mounting system is better than OCDP's v mounting system correct?

Take your $1400.00 and buy a used set of Mapex Saturns and forget about it.

Problem solved, but an interesting banter none the less.

I own the Renowns. They are great drums, and despite what some people may say (most don't own them...), the hardware is fantastic.

Most mid-range kits are manufactured with Asian Maple, not the expensive Hard Rock Maple or Sugar Maple that is used in top end kits. I think as a general rule, if a manufacturer is using the "Good" stuff, they let you know it. This isn't a knock on any of the mid-range stuff at all either. There are some are some great sounding kits out there at great prices nowadays. 15 years ago you either shelled out the cash for a great sounding kit or you had to settle for junk. I am about to pull the trigger on a Sonor Force 3007 studio kit myself. The new Mapex Meridian Maple are also very appealing to me. If you want a decent deal on a kit made of Sugar Maple, check out Taye. They are priced higher than the Renowns and OCP you are looking at, but not by too much.

So the mounts are very sturdy? Which color Renowns do you own?

BV - you seem very focused on the look of the drum. I would suggest finding a set that sounds excellent and from the possible finishes, choose the one that looks best to you; there are a very wide range of finishes that look awesome