From what I understand, the new shells are made by Keller to the old Jasper specs per Gretsch's orders.

I have a new Gretsch USA Custom (rosewood). I have also owned a 70's Gretsch kit and still own a mid 90's Fibes with Jasper shells. I play the new Gretsch (13,16, 22..14x6 snare) with a late 70's Gretsch 12in tom that blends perfectly. There's very little difference (to my ears). I would say the new Gretschs are a little brighter sounding (a tad brighter), but, they will mellow over time. I'm quite pleased with my new Gretsch drums (I have had them about 2 years), the drums are perfect. I use them a lot in recording situations and they shine everytime. Gretsch has a video on their site on how they make their drums. Here's a picture..

Thanks for the review Super B, exactly what I wanted to know. I watched the video and was very impressed with their process. I've owned a couple of vintage gretsch kits from 60s, 70s (currently), and 80s, as well as a Jasper Fibes snare. I have a newer '05 USA Custom snare on the way, I actually thought it was an 80s model when I purchased it as I was going off the square badge in the picture DOH. However, I am very optimistic about the new snare, the price was right and the hardware and finish are certainly in better shape than most of the vintage drums would be in the same price range. It also has the gretsch lightning throw, which I'm happy about, rather than the dunnett or nickelworks which is also an option.

I wish I would have went with the lightning throw off. I went with the Dunnett throw and I'm not that impressed. In fact, it broke in the first 3 months..Gretsch was super cool, sent me a replacement the next day, free of charge. That was the only problem on my kit, the Dunnett throw off. The part I had originally, had a plastic piece, the Gretsch rep sent me the replacement with a metal piece. I was very pleased with the quick response of Gretsch.

The same thing happened to the Nickelworks on my Fibes snare. The connecting rod between the arm and the strainer that recieves ALL of the stress was made of plastic?!? I ended up going with an all metal Trick rather than opting for a replacement NW that would probably have resulted in the same problem. NW also tried to charge me $30 for a replacement, wasn't worth it in my opinion, not to mention it took 2 emails and a 3 week response time to even hear from someone.

Deadhead, your Nickleworks experience seems to be the usual in customer service. That's why, I actually sent in an email praising my Gretsch experience. I was able to get a hold of a Gretsch rep on my first phone call, and he had my problem fixed in 1 minute. Instead of going back and forth,being the "squeeky wheel" and getting frustrated, I actually walked away from a problem delighted. I still perfer vintage drumsets, but, if one wants a modern one, the new Gretsch kits are great.

Good customer service is key, it only takes 1 incident like this to turn me away from a company for good. Good to hear Gretsch is on the ball, it really seems like they have their act together these days.

I've been wondering about the new ones. I have a round badge with a 20" but would love to get a kit with an 18". Seems like the only realistic option cost wise for an 18" is to buy new...but I'm new to Gretsch, so I haven't been following this brand until recent times.

Call Steve Maxwell, he can give you some insight.

If I were to get a top of the line new Gretsch kit I would get a 20" kick, seems more versatile to me.