Yup:
I recieved an email reply from Gretsch today..
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Thanks for your email.Our drums are not made by Mapex. Gretsch renown, New classic and Catalina are made to Gretsch specifications, in our own factories overseas. Though many of the specs are the same for each series drum, there are differences that make the two uniquely distinctive. USA Custom Series drums are built in the USA to our exacting specifications. The Gretsch maple shell is the same formula we have been using for over 50 years. Each step of the shell finishing process is done by hand by highly-skilled drum-making artisans. Bearing edges, sanding, drilling, lacquering (or wrap) are all completed one drum at a time. The result is a drum that is carefully hand finished and defines "That Great Gretsch Sound." The Renown series drums do offer many features of the USA Custom drums, as you described in your email. They are also carefully built to our specifications. Though the shells for each series are maple, their exact formulas are slightly different. In addition Renown series drums use automated machinery in much of the finish process. This process is carefully scrutinized every step of the way, quality control is excellent, but they do not go through the rigorous finishing process that we apply to the USA Custom series.The hoops, lugs, tom holders, etc) used by each series are very similar though there is a difference between the bass drum claw hooks. Specs are an indicator of any drum's quality and tonal identity, but they only part of the picture. We encourage you to visit your local Gretsch dealer to compare a USA Custom and Renown kit side by side to hear the true tonal characteristics of each series. We feel each drum series is an excellent choice for any discriminating drummer. Again thank you for your inquiry, we value you as a thoughtful, perspective customer and drummer in our community.
Regards,
Gretsch Drums
Bron:
http://www.drumchat.com/showthread.php/real-gretsch-drums-made-8866.html?s=aa0f6618d1539fd95a5ff7f5e0b44d8d&
