Gretsch Brooklyn Micro Drum Set Review

Gretsch tightened up the spacing on its highly regarded Brooklyn set to create the Brooklyn Micro with a smaller footprint. Hence the name.

Gretsch configured the Brooklyn 4-piece Micro for small venues, studios and tiny practice spaces. It stands to reason that any drummer small in stature will find this set a very comfortable fit.

 

Back to Brooklyn Roots

What’s in a name? Gretsch drums were made in the company’s Brooklyn factory from 1883 to 1970. That’s where the classic Gretsch sound and the secrete Silver Sealer were developed and perfected.

In the early 20^th C., Gretsch became the favorite brand among Jazz musicians. An integral part of their music that blossomed in the Brooklyn borough of the Big Apple.

The Brooklyn Micro drum set taps into that legacy of premium quality and unmistakable sound.

Brooklyn Micro drums share specs with the full-size Brooklyn series, as outlined below. They’re not smaller, thinner or budget-built.

It’s the compact spacing that sets the Micro drum set apart.

Gretsch Brooklyn Micro Drum Set

Here’s the only configuration offered in the Micro:

• 12x16 bass drum
• 7x10 rack tom
• 12x13 floor tom
• 5x13 snare

The removable bass drum riser gives you complete freedom to adjust it to your playing preference.

Classic Gretsch maple shells are finished in satin grey with satin natural accents on the bass drum counter hoops and snare. Gretsch calls it understated, and that’s a good description of the kit’s handsome, somewhat minimalistic look.

Those are the basics. Let’s look at the details.

Gretsch Brooklyn Micro Drum Information

As noted, the Micro drums features the same materials and specifications as the full-size Gretsch Brooklyn kit including Gretsch hoops and hardware:

• 6 plies of North American maple & poplar
• Silver Sealer interiors
• 30-degree bearing edges
• 302 double-flanged hoops on the snare and toms
• G4825 rack and floor tom brackets
• G9013 bass drum spurs
• 4946MT bass drum mounting plate
• GTH-SLC single tom holder
• Lightning throw-off

Remo heads adorn all the drums: Coated Gretsch Permatone by Remo Batter on the snare and toms; coated Powerstroke Permatone by Remo Batter on the bass.

The White Permatone batter with black 12:00 Gretsch logo is optional on the bass.

Likes

Space and sound is what this kit is about.

The spacing accomplishes the goal. Most drummers will comfortably use the Micro setup, and the tight configuration won’t be an issue.

The sound is as advertised, featuring “warm, articulate tonality” you expect from Gretsch’s poplar/maple shells.

There’s no drop-off in quality here, as seen in the list of materials used.

Finally, the finish isn’t flashy, but boasts understated visual appeal everyone seems to like.

Dislikes

Leggy, lanky drummers might find that the Brooklyn Micro doesn't give them enough room to operate.

Nobody will call the price tag micro – but the cost is what you’d expect from a drum set with this quality, fit and finish.

Gretsch offers only one configuration of the set, though  you can customize the configuration if you’re willing to spend more on the pieces you prefer.

Overall 4.5 Stars

This could be a 4 star kit if you end up feeling cramped by it.

On the other hand, if playing space is tight or your reach is limited, this set might prove to be the 5 star kit you’ve been looking for.

With those possibilities in mind, we give the Gretsch Brooklyn Micro drum set a solid 4.5 stars.

Pre-order Gretsch Brooklyn Micro at Sam Ash

Currently, the Gretsch Brooklyn Micro kit is only available for pre-ordering. Click the kit below to be taken to Sam Ash. They've got a slide show so you can see just how beautiful and well built this kit is.

Check it out!

Full Disclosure: If you purchase or preorder this kit using the above link Snare Drum Reviews receives some compensation. This in no way affects our pledge to report truthfully what we have learned about any piece of equipment we review. Our word is our bond.