The 3 ply shells tend to sound subjectively "warmer," and are my personal preference. It's pretty subtle, though, not some night and day difference. They're both great, and I've known people who prefer the 6 ply shells.

+ 1 to poppies statements....

and

My new 6ply shells - 2011 Custom USA with Champagne Sparkle wrap - are very easy to tune up and down and sound incredible........to me.

I love my warm sounding late 50's three ply Gretsch too.

I would say you can't go wrong with either.....but if you can get a mid-50's Cadillac Green kit go for itx-mas3

All kidding aside.....I think the modern 6ply shells are fantastic ....I love playing them, but every time I get behind my late 50's Gold Sparkle kit I have to almost pinch myself to see if I'm not dreaming....they are so nice.

[quote=Gravy;199907]Hey folks,

Has anyone compared the sound between the Gretsch 6 ply shells and the 3 ply shells? Just curious if there is a big difference. The 3 ply shells intrigue me.

Thanks

Ray[/quote

6-ply Gretsch = great drums; 3-ply Gretsch = even better!

My drums: Gretsch 3-ply 20/12/14 Progressive Jazz set w/calf heads; I'm not actively selling them but I'd take $5,000.00, should anyone be interested.

Sonor Phonics 18/12/14; I wouldn't part with them!

Draw your own conclusions.

Ron

I'd like these...

They must sound superb.

Though I was limiting my comparison to classic dimensions.

Ron

You know what they say about dimensions...Eye Ball

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrNOw_66ajI&feature=plcp[/ame]

What do they say?

He looks like Ben Kingsley! He can play, though his b.d. would sound better w/o dampening. It looks like a 20".

He's also got his tribute to Ed Blackwell on you tube.

On the subject of Blackwell and 18/12/14 Phonics, which he's most likely playing here;

This is the sound I strive for with my set:

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBbYtcgNk6g&feature=related[/ame]

Blackwell w/phonics: