# Gretsch USA Custom Drummers — Which Metal Drummers Use the Gretsch USA Custom? > MetalForge's guide to professional metal drummers who play the Gretsch USA Custom drum kit. > Last updated: 2026-06-25 The Gretsch USA Custom is one of the most storied drum series in American music — handcrafted in Ridgeland, South Carolina with maple and gum shells, it delivers the warm, rounded attack and singing sustain that pro drummers prize. In progressive and technical metal, the USA Custom's response to light touches and polyrhythmic work makes it a natural choice for players who need both finesse and power. --- ## Pro Metal Drummers Who Use the Gretsch USA Custom ### Matt Garstka — Animals as Leaders **Band & Era:** Animals as Leaders, 2012–present **Configuration:** Gretsch USA Custom — 22"×18" Bass Drum, 10"×7" Rack Tom, 12"×8" Rack Tom, 14"×12" Floor Tom **Notes:** Matt Garstka joined Animals as Leaders in 2012 as the band's drummer, bringing a jazz-fusion sensibility to instrumental progressive metal. A Gretsch USA Custom endorser, Garstka's setup leans toward smaller, more responsive shells that suit his linear independence patterns and extensive ghost-note vocabulary. He plays with traditional grip, an unusual choice in metal that shapes his unique touch on the kit. Garstka pairs the USA Custom with Meinl Byzance cymbals for dark, complex overtones that complement the Gretsch's natural warmth. See the full profile → [metalforge.io/drummers/matt-garstka](https://metalforge.io/drummers/matt-garstka) --- ## About the Gretsch USA Custom The USA Custom series was originally introduced in 1990 as Gretsch's top-tier professional offering, built on the legacy of the Silver Series and the classic Gretsch sound. Key features that make it popular with metal drummers: - **Shell construction:** 7-ply maple/gum blend; the gum inner ply adds low-end focus and warmth without muddiness - **Bearing edges:** 30-degree cut with a slight round-over — responsive to ghost notes and dynamic playing - **Hoops:** Die-cast on the bass drum, triple-flanged on toms — balances articulation with rimshot power - **Finish options:** Deep Cherry Burst, Satin Gold Lacquer, Ebony, and many custom wrap options - **Price range:** $3,500–$6,000 (shell kit) depending on configuration The USA Custom thrives in progressive, technical, and post-metal contexts where drummers need articulate attack and natural warmth rather than pure raw volume. Its smaller toms (up to 14") are favored by players building fusion-influenced poly-rhythmic setups like Garstka's. --- ## Frequently Asked Questions **Q: Which metal drummers use the Gretsch USA Custom?** A: Matt Garstka of Animals as Leaders is the most prominent metal drummer associated with the Gretsch USA Custom. He has used the kit since joining Animals as Leaders in 2012, pairing it with Meinl Byzance cymbals for his polyrhythmic progressive metal style. **Q: Is the Gretsch USA Custom good for metal drumming?** A: Yes — the USA Custom excels in progressive, technical, and avant-garde metal where dynamics, articulation, and sensitivity matter as much as raw power. Its maple/gum shell construction delivers focused attack with natural warmth, and the bearing edges respond well to everything from ghost notes to heavy rimshots. For death metal or grindcore that demands maximum cutting power and decay, players may prefer birch or all-maple kits from other brands. **Q: What configuration does Matt Garstka use on the Gretsch USA Custom?** A: Garstka uses a compact setup — 22"×18" bass drum, 10"×7" and 12"×8" rack toms, and a 14"×12" floor tom. Smaller toms give faster response for his intricate linear patterns, and fewer drums reduce clutter while maximising the musical range he needs. He pairs the kit with a Pearl Matt Garstka Signature snare and Meinl Byzance Dual Hi-Hats. **Q: How does the Gretsch USA Custom compare to Pearl or Tama pro kits?** A: The USA Custom is distinctly warmer-voiced than either the Pearl Reference Pure (which is snappier and more focused) or the Tama STAR Maple (which has more low-mid punch). Gretsch's maple/gum blend and 30-degree bearing edges produce a vintage-influenced tone that cuts differently in a mix — less high-frequency attack, more musical sustain. For progressive and fusion-influenced metal, many players prefer that character. **Q: Where can I buy the Gretsch USA Custom?** A: The Gretsch USA Custom is available through major music retailers including Guitar Center, Sweetwater, and Thomann in Europe. See the [Gretsch brand page at metalforge.io/gear/gretsch](https://metalforge.io/gear/gretsch) for current pricing and configuration options. --- [Full Gretsch USA Custom drummers page → metalforge.io/gear/gretsch/usa-custom/drummers-using](https://metalforge.io/gear/gretsch/usa-custom/drummers-using) *Source: [MetalForge Gear Guides](https://metalforge.io/gear)*