I don't think they're over priced for what you get. The Gretsch off-shore drums are made well, sound great and look good too. These shellpacks go for around $7 or $800usd new out-of-the-box. That's pretty decent from what I've seen out there. I've checked a few out at the shops and compared to most other brands these Gretsch drums are more for your money in my opinion. I like some of the small Sonor Kits too but I prefer the Gretsch snares. The Gretsch Catalina Series drums are worth what they're selling for and more from what I've seen. They have some killer finishes too.
That may be so, in the US... In Canada, especially in my province of Quebec, the prices are ridiculous..$1100 for a Catalina Jazz kit ?Mind you, some of the ignorant sellers think that just because it's Gretsch, it should mean expensive.. Not so.. Ludwig's discontinued Epic series were made overseas, and will hold their ground with any of the Catalina series drums, and they don't sell for insane prices.. I saw a 5 piece used, but in like new condition fusion set go for $600 Cdn.. To me, that's a good deal for a kit made overseas.. While i agree that Gretsch overseas kits are made well,
I think the market value is slightly exaggerated.. Remember, out of the box at $7-800 in the US, is not so in Canada.
Here, i seen a Gretsch Renown go for $1999.00 new..Here's one from Canada's largest music retailer,
Long and McQuade-- Way overpriced..Also, to be fair, Grestch isn't the only drum company making overpriced asian made kits.. Sonor is probably leading the pack in that department, and don't even have traditional sizes like Gretsch.
https://www.long-mcquade.com/68926/Drums/Acoustic_Drums_and_Sets/Gretsch_Drums/Catalina_Club_Classic_4-Piece_Shell_Pack_20_14_12_Snare_-_Satin_Walnut_Glaze.htm
