Paul Marangoni wrote:Sorry, I couldn't resist. Nothing has changed with the American made shells. Same Keller made stuff, finished in South Carolina.
I got the joke... and it's a fair shot, since I'd agree there's probably way too much marketing noise about drums today.
It's just that DW's "corporate acquisition strategy" (for lack of a better term) seems so ambitious the past few years. I've read that they were really only trying to save Gretsch from going under, and I've also read they were more interested in obtaining Gretsch's name recognition than anything else and would sooner or later take over manufacturing. The truth is probably somewhere in between there. Either way, you're right, the details are really just drum nerd shit... there's not a lot anyone can do to change anything, and a person should buy what suits them best independent of marketing.
You did answer my question WRT to shells though, so thanks!