The Sparkle Showdown of the Ages




Picture the scene: a misty arena, drumsticks raised like swords, cymbals shimmering like shields. In one corner stands the Gretsch Catalina Club Jazz Shell Pack in Bronze Sparkle (once €819.00, now €679.00)—vintage bloodlines coursing through its mahogany veins. In the other corner, the Mapex Mars Bop Kit in Blood Orange Sparkle with 6005 Mars Hardware Pack (once €1,044.00, now €899.00)—a birch-built war machine gleaming like molten fire under the lights.

This is no polite product comparison. This is a five-round clash of titans. Bronze Sparkle vs Blood Orange Sparkle. Gretsch vs Mapex. Warmth vs punch. Tradition vs modern muscle. And although it's unlikely either shall truly fall, the sparks from their battle will set the drumming world ablaze.


Round 1: Style & Sparkle — The Clash of Aesthetics

The Catalina Club Jazz emerges first, bronze shells glinting like the armour of a jazz knight from the 1950s. Its sparkle finish is refined, classic, and undeniably elegant. This is the kit that whispers: “I’ve been here before. I’ve played the smoky clubs, the hidden corners, the timeless songs.”

But then—enter the Mapex Mars Bop. Blood Orange Sparkle bursts under the spotlight like a comet tearing across the night sky. Where Gretsch glows, Mapex burns. Where Catalina offers vintage glamour, Mars thunders with modern swagger.

  • Verdict: Old-world bronze beauty vs volcanic orange fury. Both turn heads, but in utterly different ways.




Round 2: Shell Sizes & Setup — The Shape of the Fight

The Catalina Club Jazz fights with precision. Its compact 12" rack tom, 14" floor tom, 18" bass drum, and 14" snare are honed for jazz clubs and tight spaces. It’s a nimble fighter—small in size, but agile and sharp.

The Mapex Mars Bop answers with the same bop configuration, but brings allies: the 6005 Mars Hardware Pack. Cymbal stands, snare stand, pedal—all heavy-duty, all battle-ready. This isn’t just a shell pack, it’s an army marching onto the stage with the kit.

  • Verdict: Gretsch keeps it lean and traditional. Mapex adds muscle and hardware might.




Round 3: Tone & Sound — The Roar of the Drums

Now the true fight begins.

The Catalina Club Jazz sings with mahogany warmth. Every stroke on its toms is buttery and rich, every snare hit smooth but commanding. The 18" bass drum hums with subtle depth, never overbearing, always classy. This is the sound of groove, of feel, of mastery in restraint.

The Mars Bop counters with birch aggression. Its shells explode with punch and clarity. Toms cut through mixes like blades, the bass drum hits tight and focused, and the snare? It barks with authority. This is the kit that demands attention, that fills rooms, that says: “Turn me up—I’m not hiding.”

  • Verdict: Gretsch is warmth, nuance, and soul. Mapex is projection, punch, and firepower.




Round 4: Portability & Practicality — The Road Warrior Test

Gretsch, light on its feet, packs down like a dream. Its compact shells make it the perfect travel companion for gigging drummers weaving between jazz clubs, wedding gigs, and studios. It slips into the car boot with ease, ready to go at a moment’s notice.

Mapex is heavier. The hardware pack adds weight, yes—but also confidence. No flimsy stands, no wobbling pedals. When the Mars Bop hits the stage, it feels immovable, indestructible. It’s not the fastest to load in, but once it’s set up, it stands tall like a fortress.

  • Verdict: Catalina is the nimble traveller. Mars is the fortified castle.




Round 5: Price & Value — The Final Blow

At €679.00, the Gretsch Catalina Club Jazz is an astonishing bargain. A genuine Gretsch bop kit for under seven hundred euro—it’s a dream ticket into the vintage jazz tone and aesthetic.

At €899.00, the Mapex Mars Bop Kit is pricier, but with reason. The 6005 hardware pack makes it gig-ready straight out of the box. No extra stands to buy, no scrambling for a pedal. It’s a higher upfront cost, but you walk away fully armed.

  • Verdict: Gretsch wins the budget-conscious drummer’s heart. Mapex wins the all-in-one warrior’s soul.




FAQ Section

Is the Gretsch Catalina Club Jazz a good jazz kit?

Yes! With mahogany shells, compact sizes, and vintage warmth, the Catalina Club Jazz is a perfect choice for jazz, funk, and smaller gigs.

What makes the Mapex Mars Bop Kit stand out?

The Mars Bop features birch shells for punchy tone and includes the 6005 Mars Hardware Pack, making it gig-ready straight out of the box.

Which is more portable, Gretsch Catalina or Mapex Mars?

The Gretsch Catalina Club Jazz is lighter and easier to transport, while the Mapex Mars Bop offers more durability thanks to its full hardware pack.

What’s the price difference between Gretsch Catalina and Mapex Mars?

The Catalina is €679.00 (was €819.00), while the Mars Bop Kit with hardware is €899.00 (was €1,044.00). Both offer excellent value.

Should I buy Gretsch or Mapex for small gigs?

Choose Gretsch for vintage warmth and portability. Pick Mapex for punchy projection and an all-in-one setup with included hardware.


The Aftermath: No Defeat, Only Glory

The dust settles. Bronze Sparkle glimmers. Blood Orange Sparkle glows. Both kits stand tall, unbowed, undefeated.

The Catalina Club Jazz is the champion of subtlety, style, and soulful tone—a kit steeped in history, light on its feet, and warm in its voice.

The Mars Bop is the warrior of projection, power, and completeness—fiery in finish, loud in presence, and tough enough to take on any gig.

Which should you choose? That depends on your battlefield. If you crave vintage character, portability, and warmth, the Catalina calls your name. If you want punch, projection, and a kit that’s gig-ready from day one, the Mars Bop raises its fiery hand.


One thing is certain: whichever you choose, you join the ranks of drummers who wield instruments worthy of song.


Check out the Gretsch Catalina Club Jazz Shell Pack HERE.

Check out the Mapex Mars Bop Kit with Hardware HERE.