About USA Custom

The epitome and legend of "That Great Gretsch Sound." The USA Custom series is hand-crafted every step of the way in Ridgeland, SC by highly experienced and skilled drumsmiths. The legendary Gretsch formula 6-ply shell is the cornerstone of their legendary sound. Shells are completed with 30-degree bearing edges, Silver Sealer, die-cast hoops and custom finishes - ingredients all combined to make a sound long recognized for its classic clear timbre, balanced tone and explosive projection. Custom design your Gretsch dream kit "a la cart" by choosing your desired drum sizes, colors and hardware options. The Gretsch legend continues.

• Custom drums feature the original Gretsch formula 6-ply maple shell that has been applied for over 50 years. Each drum includes 30-degree bearing edges, our original Silver Sealer inner shell finish and either Nitro-cellulose lacquer or Nitron exterior finishes to give you that "Great Gretsch Sound." Live your legend.
• Coated Permatone heads are standard on all Custom Series toms and snare drums. Bass drums come standard with the coated Powerstroke batter head.
• Matching Custom Series snares are available in a wide choice of depths and lug configurations. All snares drums are available with Lightning, Dunnett or Nickelworks throw-offs.
• Traditional die-cast hoops and GTS suspension systems are standard on all toms for easier tuning and a projecting, focused sound.

What Do I Get For My Money

USA Custom drums are priced as individual shells allowing you to build your perfect set of drums in the sizes you want to play.

The price of a Custom drum does not include any tom arms which need to be purchased separately.

If you would like a quote for a USA Custom drum kit please contact us with a list of the shell sizes you would like (see below for available sizes)

It is worth bearing in mind that although there is normally a limited stock of Custom drums available for immediate purchase, most kits would be Special Order, made exclusively for the customer and shipped from USA, taking between 4 - 6 months.

Available Sizes

Bass Drums

18"x14", 18"x16", 18"x18"
20"x14", 20"x16", 20"x18", 20"x20"
22"x14", 22"x16", 22"x18", 22"x22"
24"x14", 24"x16", 24"x18", 24"x24"
26"x14"

Floor Toms

14"x14"
15"x15"
16"x16"
18"x16", 18"x18"

Rack Toms

08"x5.5", 08"x06", 08"x07", 08"x08", 08"x09"
10"x6.5", 10"x07", 10"x08", 10"x09", 10"x10"
12"x08", 12"x09", 12"x10", 12"x12"
13"x09", 13"x10", 13"x11", 13"x13"
14"x10", 14"x11", 14"x12", 14"x14"
15"x12", 15"x13", 15"x15"
16"x13", 16"x14", 16"x16"

A full range of snare drums are available in the USA Custom series.

Colour Options

Gretsch USA Custom drums are available in 4 options, Nitrocellulose Gloss Lacquer, Nitrocellulose Gloss Curly Lacquer, Nitrocellulose Satin Lacquer or Nitron Covered finishes. You can choose from over 50 different colour options.

Nitrocellulose Gloss Lacquer
Nitrocellulose lacquer is lustrous and durable, plus it posses added benefits. First is sound - the lacquer actually cures and matures with the wood over time to sonically enhance the fundimental drum tones.. Next is appearance - Gretsch uses lacquers that create individually pleasing patinas over light or dark stains. Finally there's the hand application process - 6 lacquer coats are meticulously hand sanded with super fine sand-paper between each coat. The result is a finish that is glassy and vibrant....and toneful.

Nitrocellulose Gloss Curly Lacquer
A highly-figured curly maple wood ply vaneer is laminated to the outer shell then is finished with an exclusive nitrocellulose process as described above. The ornate curly maple wood creates adistictive one-of-a-kind instrument.

Nitrocellulose Satin Lacquer
Hand applied stain is finished with a satin nitrocellulose lacquer to create a drum that will retain it's classic good looks for years to come. The muted satin finish lends a timeless appearance that is easily maintained.

Nitron Covered
The nitron covered finishes combine simmering visuals with lasting durability. Choices include glass glitters, classic sparkles and niton wraps.