

The non-reinforcement hoop design differentiates the new Gretsch Broadkaster shell from most other 3-ply shells on the market today. New Broadkaster shells are USA-produced using state-of-the-art shell making techniques and constructed with North American maple/poplar/maple wood layup without reinforcement hoops. Gretsch R&D referenced the classic Gretsch 1950’s-era 3-ply shell specification as the main design element for the new Broadkaster shell. Here's what Gretsch has to say about these:
#Timeless timber showcase 3 ply full
And, to add even more to the flexibility of the configurations you can get your set with modern heavy duty build out or select a full vintage build out if you prefer not only the sound, but also the "look" of the vintage era. With bass drums ranging from 14x18, 14x20, 14x22 and 14x24, and with toms ranging from 8x12, 9x13, 14x14, 16x16, 16x18, the choices are significant and the warmth and "openness" of the 3 ply sound can now be yours in any size configuration.
#Timeless timber showcase 3 ply full size
The fabulous thing about the new Broadkaster 3 ply series is that we will now be able to experience the sound of those shells in either a full size kit or a smaller kit. Sets with smaller sizes such as 12-14-20 and 12-14-18 really didn't come into play until the 60s with the advent of small combo jazz and bebop. As a result, the larger drums with a full, open sound were in high demand. Why is this the case? Simple: The music of that era was still heavily focused on big bands and the very early stages of rock. It really is two totally different sounds.Ĭonfigurations: In the 50s during the 3 ply era the standard configuration was typically larger sizes such as 9x13, 16x16, 14x22 or 14x24 and either 5.5 or 6.5x14 snare drums. The 3 ply drums tend to be fatter and more open sounding, while the 6 ply drums tend to have a tighter, more focused sound. Sound: The combination of all of the factors mentioned above makes the 3 ply drums very different sonically from the 6 ply.

The new 3 ply kits utilize the Gretsch 302 double flanged rim which is a modern day replica of the old stick choppers, but a bit thicker to protect your sticks. Hoops: The 3 ply drums originally used the double flanged "stick chopper" rims while the later 6 ply drum used the heavy die cast rims. The intent was to produce a superb replica of the 3 ply shell and they succeeded in a big way.īearing edges: The 3 ply kits used a reverse round over edge, as will be explained below, rather than the now-traditional edge found on the 6 ply drums since the late 50s. The folks at Gretsch did a fabulous job on this shell and I know first hand because we assisted along the way with input from original examples of these drums that we have in our vintage vault. Both have no reinforcement rings and as a result, the overall thickness of the 3 ply and the 6 ply are about the same, but with three thicker plies on the 3 ply and then six thinner plies on the 6 ply. The original 3 ply shell drums differed from the 6 ply sets in many ways. That was the name for this series when they were originally sold in the 50s. By the way, the Broadkaster name is not new. The 3 ply shell captures what is essentially the 50s era sound, while the 6 ply shell captures the very late 50s through the 60s and onward. This is a totally different sound and as a result, adding a 3 ply kit to your Gretsch arsenal is a fabulous idea. Make no mistake, this is not a 3 ply version of the 6 ply drums. Now that Gretsch has announced the recreation of their famous 3 ply shells with the new Broadkaster series, we should take some time to discuss the differences between these 3 ply drums and the standard Gretsch USA 6 ply. Gretsch 6 ply versus new 3 ply Broadkaster. !NEW! STEVE'S CELEB AND ULTRA RARE DRUM GALLERY What The Hell Happened to Blood Sweat & TearsĬowbird Music - Illinois Recording Studio

Steve's "From the Past" column for Modern Drummer Rogers Dyna Prototypes and First Two Drums Papa Jo Jones 4x14 Ludwig Black Beauty Snare Drum Lang Gladstone RARE 17lb copper snare drum Joe Segal, Jazz Showcase founder, passes away at 94 Salvador Dali original unique signed sketchġ. Louie Bellson's Rogers Set and WMP 5x14 Dynasonicġ. Larry Bunker’s Gretsch 50s Copper Mist 12 14 20ġ. Joe Morello's Ludwig drum set and Paiste cymbalsġ. CRAVIOTTO TIMELESS TIMBER SNARE DRUMS FOR SALEġ. Billy Gladstone 7x14 original owner snare drum for saleġ. Use keywords to find the product you are looking for.ġ. Top » Catalog » Drum Sets » Gretsch New & Vintage » Gretsch 6 ply versus new 3 ply Broadkaster. Steve Maxwell Vintage and Custom Drums Gretsch 6 ply versus new 3 ply Broadkaster.
