Two of the most popular intermediate maple shell packs, close in price. Both are all-maple, but they voice and mount their shells differently.
| Gretsch Catalina Maple | Tama Superstar Classic | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $899 | $1,049 |
| DrumReviewer score | 8.7 / 10 | 8.7 / 10 |
| Configuration | 5-piece shell pack | 5-piece shell pack |
| Shell material | Maple | Maple |
| Plies / edge | 7-ply, 7.2mm, 30-degree bearing edge | 6-ply toms and snare, 7-ply bass drum |
| Finish | Multi-step lacquer (Deep Cherry Burst, Tobacco Burst, Piano Black, Silver Sparkle, Sea Glass Burst) | Gloss lacquer (California Sunset Fade, Gloss Silver Sparkle, Gloss Lacebark Pine) |
| Bass drum | 20 in diameter | 22 in diameter |
| Snare | 14 x 5.5 in | 14 in diameter |
| Rack toms | Rack tom 1: 10 in Rack tom 2: 12 in | Rack tom 1: 10 in Rack tom 2: 12 in |
| Floor toms | Floor tom: 14 in | Floor tom: 16 in |
| Made in | China | Taiwan |
Pick the Gretsch Catalina Maple for a warmer, rounder tone - its 30-degree bearing edges and Remo heads give an open, vintage-leaning voice, and it is a touch cheaper. Pick the Tama Superstar Classic for a more resonant, articulate sound from its thin 6-ply shells and Star-Mount system, plus a wider range of striking gloss finishes. Both are excellent; it comes down to tone preference and finish.