Postby jem » Wed Jul 04, 2018 6:45 am
I'm no hard hitter and most of the things I do are "non-amplified", jazz, folk music etc. so what I say is in that context. I feel a x14 is more "controlled", more "direct", compare a rack tom with a floor tom. At the same time they sound great with a microphone, there is nothing lacking IMHO. I have two Gretsch USA Custom kits, with 18x14 and 22x14 BDs. I also have two Yamaha Maple Custom Absolute kits (old series) with 20x14 & 22x14. The Gretsch USA Custom bass drums are awesome, and they also sound great from the player's seat. The Yamahas are also very good, but for acoustic jobs I prefer Gretsch, more "pure, earthy, round", less overtones etc, the Yamahas are "thinner" from the player's seat, but great with a microphone, attack and bottom. I've owned other kits with 22x18 & 20x16, the 20x16 was ok but I really disliked the 22x18. You ideally should find the same drum in different depths and try them in a few different rooms and settings difficult. For a 18x I also think that 18x14 is "the classic", I believe the second hand value is better on a Gretsch USA Custom 18x14 than a 18x16. Just some random thoughts...