From the 1920s through the 1950s, the Gretsch flagship drum set was the legendary Broadkaster Series. It featured a thin, three-ply shell and produced what was to be, “That Great Gretsch Sound.” Today, in the Gretsch Drum Factory in Ridgeland, South Carolina, USA, with the help of advanced drum-making techniques, the Broadkaster has returned, bringing with it all of sonic brilliance of its namesake.
Broadkaster shells are made with a North American maple/poplar/maple formula. Each shell includes an interior-ply scarf joint that supplies added structural integrity to thin, musical shells. Like all USA-made Gretsch drums, shell interiors are finished with classic Gretsch Silver Sealer. The shell is hand finished with the exclusive reverse roundover bearing edge, which allows greater surface contact between the bearing edge and drumhead. The result is tone that is incredibly deep and warm.
Broadkaster toms and snare drums are outfitted with Gretsch’s “302” 3.0mm, double flanged steel hoops. These hoops are similar to “Stick Chopper” hoops used in the 1950s, but are constructed from a heavier gauge steel to stand up to today’s more assertive playing styles. The 302 hoop helps create a more open tone than a die-cast hoop and adds ambient overtones to the overall tonal characteristic.
Broadkaster kits are available with two different hardware packages, standard and vintage. The Standard package includes heavy-duty Gretsch lugs, spurs and straight-sided GTS tom suspension typical to Gretsch USA Custom and Brooklyn kits. The Vintage hardware package features hardware component styles used on 1950s-era Gretsch kits, including drum mufflers, floor tom leg brackets, Rail Consolette tom holder, spurs, bass drum T-rods, throw-off, key holder and Remo® Fiberskyn bass drum logo heads.
Like its legendary predecessors from the 1950s, today’s Broadkaster faithfully produces warm, dense and punchy tones. Thanks to the modern manufacturing advances and finishing technology, today’s Broadkaster has even greater dynamic response and sonic presence than the originals.
Contact one of these Gretsch dealers to place an order.
HERITAGE BUILD
Heritage Build authentically recaptures the classic look and vibe from the revered Gretsch days of the Big Band and Jazz era. The classic G5472 double-ended lug, fitted with our extra-long tension rods, enriches the look of any Nitron, Satin or Gloss finish on your custom Gretsch drum kit.
*Heritage Build in Ruby Red Pearl Nitron
NITRON
* Broadkaster Nitron bass drums are built with satin black hoops and matching inlays. Any other color hoops need to be specifically requested.
60'S MARINE
PEARL
AQUA
SATIN FLAME
BLACK
GLASS
BLACK
SATIN FLAME
BLUE
GLASS
BLUE
SPARKLE
DEEP BLACK
MARINE PEARL
GOLD
GLASS
GOLD
SPARKLE
GREEN
GLASS
GREEN
SPARKLE
PURPLE
GLASS
PEACOCK
SATIN FLAME
RED
GLASS
RUBY RED
PEARL
RED
SPARKLE
SILVER
GLASS
SILVER
SPARKLE
SKY BLUE
PEARL
SOLID
BLACK
SOLID
WHITE
TANGERINE
GLASS
TANGERINE
SPARKLE
TURQUOISE
PEARL
TURQUOISE
SPARKLE
TWILIGHT
GLASS
VINTAGE OYSTER
WHITE
VINTAGE
MARINE PEARL
WHITE
GLASS
WHITE MARINE
PEARL
SATIN
*Due to random grain patterns and color disparities in natural maple, drums may vary slightly in appearance. Add-on drums are most susceptible to these inconsistencies.
SATIN
AZURE BLUE
SATIN BLACK
GOLD DUCO
SATIN
BURNT ORANGE
SATIN
CADILLAC GREEN
SATIN
CARIBBEAN BLUE
SATIN
CHERRY RED
SATIN
CHESTNUT DUCO
SATIN
CLASSIC MAPLE
SATIN
DAKOTA RED
SATIN
DARK WALNUT
SATIN
EBONY
SATIN ICE
BLUE METALLIC
SATIN
NATURAL
SATIN
PURPLE
SATIN
ROSEWOOD
SATIN
SUN AMBER
SATIN TANGERINE
METALLIC
SATIN TOBACCO/
VNTG WHITE BURST
SATIN
TOBASCO
SATIN
WALNUT
GLOSS
*Due to random grain patterns and color disparities in natural maple, drums may vary slightly in appearance. Add-on drums are most susceptible to these inconsistencies.
CARIBBEAN
TWILIGHT
AMBER
WALNUT BURST
ANTIQUE
MAPLE GLOSS
AZURE
GLOSS
BLACK METALLIC
GLOSS
BLACK SILVER
DUCO
BLUE
DUCO
BURNT ORANGE
GLOSS
CADILLAC GREEN
GLOSS
CANDY APPLE
RED
CARIBBEAN BLUE
GLOSS
CHESTNUT
DUCO
DARK EBONY
GLOSS
DARK WALNUT
GLOSS
EBONY
GLOSS
GRETSCH
ORANGE
GOLD
MIST
JADE
GREEN
MILLENNIUM
MAPLE GLOSS
MILLENNIUM
MAPLE WALNUT
MYSTIC
BLUE
NATURAL
GLOSS
PIANO BLACK
GLOSS
PIANO WHITE
GLOSS
POWDER
BLUE
PURPLE
ROSEWOOD
GLOSS
SAVANNAH
SUNSET
SEAFOAM GREEN
GLOSS
SILVER
MIST
SOLID YELLOW
GLOSS
SUN AMBER
GLOSS
TANGERINE METALLIC
GLOSS
BROADKASTER SPECIFICATIONS
BASS DRUM OPTIONS
16" DIAMETER
(Depth x Diameter)
14 x 16, Lugs: 16
18" DIAMETER
(Depth x Diameter)
14 x 18, Lugs: 16
20" DIAMETER
(Depth x Diameter)
14 x 20, Lugs: 16
22" DIAMETER
(Depth x Diameter)
14 x 22, Lugs: 20
24" DIAMETER
(Depth x Diameter)
14 x 24, Lugs: 20
26" DIAMETER
(Depth x Diameter)
14 x 26, Lugs: 20
Satin Black Hoop with Color Inlay
Satin Black Hoop with No Inlay
Satin Natural Hoop with Color Inlay
Satin Natural Hoop with No Inlay
Gloss Black Hoop with Color Inlay
Gloss Black Hoop with No Inlay
Gloss Natural Hoop with Color Inlay
Gloss Natural Hoop with No Inlay
Matching Gloss Hoop with Color Inlay
Matching Gloss Hoop with No Inlay
Classic Chrome Die Cast Claw Hooks with Padding
Chrome T-Rods
Chrome Telescoping Spurs
Vintage Retractable Spurs
Undrilled/No Mount
Classic Chrome Mounting Plate
Gretsch GP Bass Drum Rail Mount w/ ½” L-Arm
Vintage Bass Drum Cymbal Holder with 12.7mm Bracket
Vintage Bass Drum Cymbal Holder with 10.3mm Bracket
Vintage Resonant and Batter Head Mufflers
Remo® Permatone Coated White Powerstroke
Remo® Permatone Fiberskyn with Black Offset Gretsch Logo
Remo® Ebony Single-Ply with White Offset Gretsch Logo
Remo® White Single-Ply with Black Offset Gretsch Logo
Remo® Permatone Fiberskyn with Black 12:00 Gretsch Logo
Remo® Ebony Single-Ply with White 12:00 Gretsch Logo
Remo® White Single-Ply with Black 12:00 Gretsch Logo
FLOOR TOM OPTIONS
13" DIAMETER
(Depth x Diameter)
13 x 13, Lugs: 12
14" DIAMETER
(Depth x Diameter)
12 x 14, Lugs: 16
14 x 14, Lugs: 16
15" DIAMETER
(Depth x Diameter)
15 x 15, Lugs: 16
16" DIAMETER
(Depth x Diameter)
14 x 16, Lugs: 16
16 x 16, Lugs: 16
18" DIAMETER
(Depth x Diameter)
16 x 18, Lugs: 20
Chrome Hinged Bracket (4825 OR 9025) with 12.7mm Leg
Millennium Vintage Diamond Bracket (4820V) with T-Screws and 9.5mm Leg
Vintage Dial-Adjusted Felt Batter and Resonant Muffler
Remo® Permatone Coated White, Single-Ply Batter Head
Remo® Permatone Coated White, Single-Ply Resonant Head
Remo® Permatone Clear, Single-Ply Resonant Head
Gretsch 302 Double-Flanged Hoops
Gretsch 301 Single Flanged Hoops (Custom Build Option)
MOUNTED TOM OPTIONS
10" DIAMETER
(Depth x Diameter)
7 x 10, Lugs: 10
8 x 10, Lugs: 10
12" DIAMETER
(Depth x Diameter)
8 x 12, Lugs: 10
13" DIAMETER
(Depth x Diameter)
9 x 13, Lugs: 12
14" DIAMETER
(Depth x Diameter)
10 x 14, Lugs: 16
Hinged Direct-To-Shell Bracket (4825 or 9025)
Non-Hinged Direct-To-Shell Bracket (4820V)
Gretsch Tom Suspension (GTS) Mount, Hinged Chrome Bracket (9025)
Bass Drum Mounted Chrome Single Tom Holder
Bass Drum Mounted Chrome Double Tom Holder
Vintage Dial-Adjusted Felt Batter and Resonant Muffler
Remo® Permatone Coated White, Single-Ply Batter Head
Remo® Permatone Coated White, Single-Ply Resonant Head
Remo® Permatone Clear, Single-Ply Resonant Head
Gretsch 302 Double-Flanged Hoops
Gretsch 301 Single Flanged Hoops (Custom Build Option)
SNARE DRUM OPTIONS
13" DIAMETER
(Depth x Diameter)
Custom sizes available upon request
14" DIAMETER
(Depth x Diameter)
5 x 14, Lugs: 8
51/2 x 14, Lugs: 8
51/2 x 14, Lugs: 10
61/2 x 14, Lugs: 8
61/2 x 14, Lugs: 10
61/2 x 14, Lugs: 16
61/2 x 14, Lugs: 20
8 x 14, Lugs: 20
Custom sizes available upon request
Gretsch Chrome Lightning Throw-Off and Butt Plate
Gretsch Chrome Micro-Sensitive Throw-Off and Butt Plate
*Micro-Sensitive Throw-Off US Patent No. 7,220,905 Licensed by Pearl.
20-Strand
42-Strand
Vintage Dial-Adjusted Felt Batter Muffler
Vintage Chrome Snap-In Drum Key Holder
Remo® Permatone Coated White, Single-Ply Batter Head
Remo® Permatone Coated White, Single-Ply Resonant Head
Remo® Permatone Clear, Single-Ply Resonant Head
Gretsch 302 Double-Flanged Hoops
Gretsch 301 Single Flanged Hoops (Custom Build Option), Available 14" only"
3-ply North American maple/poplar, Silver Sealer interiors
Rack, Floor and Bass Drums: "roundover"
Snare Drums: 30 degree
Snare: Gretsch "302" double-flanged
Toms: Gretsch "302" double-flanged
Bass: Maple with matching lacquer or inlay
Gretsch 301 Single Flanged Hoops (Custom Build Option), Available 14" only"
Gretsch Straight-Sided GTS with G9025 Bracket
Gretsch G4825 Floor Tom Brackets with 12.7mm diameter legs
Gretsch G9013 Bass Drum Spurs
Gretsch 4946MT Bass Drum Mounting Plate
24-inch bass drum is not drilled
Key-style tension rods
Gretsch GTH-SLC Single Tom Holder
Gretsch Lightning Throwoff
Direct-to-Shell Clip Mount Tom Suspension
Millennium Vintage Diamond Bracket (4820V) with T-Screws and 9.5mm Leg
Gretsch Batter and Resonant Mufflers
Gretsch G4966MT Vintage Bass Drum Spurs
Gretsch GVRMMT Rail Mount Consolette with clip mount
Gretsch G5454TMT T-Handle Bass Drum Tension Rods
Gretsch G5430MT Resonant Bass Drum Muffler,
G5463 Die Cast Bass Drum Claws,
Gretsch Microsensitive Throw-Off,
Snap-in Drum Key Holder in Snare Drum
Snare: Coated Gretsch Permatone by Remo Batter, Clear Gretsch Permatone by Remo Batter
Toms: Coated Gretsch Permatone by Remo Batter, Clear Gretsch Permatone by Remo Batter
Bass: Coated Powerstroke Permatone by Remo Batter, Remo White Permatone batter with 1950s-style Gretsch Broadkaster logo (Standard), Coated Remo Fiberskn batter with 1950s-style Gretsch Broadkaster logo (Vintage)