Best Gretsch Drums 13" Toms 2026

Premium Gretsch Drums 13" toms - legendary tone and craftsmanship

Last updated: September 3, 2026

The best 13" toms in 2026 are Gretsch Drums 13"x09" TT Renown Maple CB (top pick), Gretsch Drums 13"x09" TT Renown Maple SOP for tighter budgets, and Gretsch Drums 13"x09" TT Renown Maple GN for pros — selected from 5 options, priced $438–$485, ranked by brand, price and popularity.
Gretsch Drums 13"x09" TT Renown Maple CB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Gretsch Drums 13"x09" TT Renown Maple CB

Size 13"
Jazz Rock Alternative Setup
Key Feature:
This Gretsch 13-inch tom uses seven layers of maple to give you a solid, resonant voice. The 30-degree bearing edge helps the drum cut through a mix with a tight attack. It works well for players who want a reliable, mid-range workhorse without fuss.
PROS
  • • Strong 7-layer maple shell provides solid resonance
  • • 30-degree bearing edge creates a focused attack
  • • Silver Sealer finish protects the interior well
  • • Free-swinging suspension offers smooth, natural motion
CONS
  • • Evans head choice varies significantly in tone
  • • Cherry Burst color may show wear easily
  • • Lack of internal dampening for a brighter tone
4.3/5 AudioFu Score
Specs:
2/10
Detail:
4/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 426769
$485
Gretsch Drums 13"x09" TT Renown Maple SOP - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Gretsch Drums 13"x09" TT Renown Maple SOP

Size 13"
Alternative Setup Unique Sound Rock
Key Feature:
This Renown Maple tom delivers a beautifully balanced, warm tone – classic Gretsch quality without the top-tier price tag. It’s a fantastic addition to any kit needing a versatile and articulate tom voice, especially well-suited for genres like jazz, classic rock, and studio recording. The Silver Sealer really helps it sit well in a mix.
PROS
  • • Maple shell delivers warm, resonant tones with excellent projection.
  • • 302 hoops enhance tuning stability and a focused attack.
  • • Silver Sealer interior minimizes unwanted overtones for a cleaner sound.
  • • GTS mounting system allows for optimal shell resonance and placement.
CONS
  • • Silver Oyster Pearl finish can be a fingerprint magnet requiring frequent cleaning.
  • • Maple construction, while versatile, might lack the aggressive bark of birch.
  • • The 7-ply construction, while solid, isn't the absolute thickest available.
4.4/5 AudioFu Score
Specs:
2/10
Detail:
6/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 575183
$439
Gretsch Drums 13"x09" TT Renown Maple GN - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Gretsch Drums 13"x09" TT Renown Maple GN

Size 13"
Jazz Custom Alternative Setup
Key Feature:
This Renown Maple tom is a solid choice for drummers seeking a classic Gretsch sound without the ultra-premium price tag. The maple shell provides a warm, musical tone that sits beautifully in a mix, and the GTS mounting system helps it breathe. It’s perfect for players who value vintage character and quality construction for mid-sized to larger drum kits.
PROS
  • • 7-ply maple construction delivers warm, resonant, and focused tone.
  • • Gretsch’s 30° bearing edge enhances head vibration and projection.
  • • Silver Sealer interior finish minimizes unwanted overtones and sustain.
  • • GTS suspension system isolates the tom, reducing unwanted shell resonance.
CONS
  • • Lacquer finish can be susceptible to chipping with aggressive playing.
  • • Maple construction leans towards warmer tones, less suited for very bright styles.
  • • The included Evans head is decent, but a premium head unlocks full potential.
4.3/5 AudioFu Score
Specs:
2/10
Detail:
4/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 474745
$485
Gretsch Drums 13"x09" TT Renown Maple VP - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Gretsch Drums 13"x09" TT Renown Maple VP

Size 13"
Unique Sound Alternative Setup Rock
Key Feature:
This 13-inch Renown Maple tom is a real sweet spot for drummers seeking a vintage-inspired tone without the premium price tag. The maple shell and Gretsch’s signature bearing edge provide a warm, musical voice that sits beautifully in a mix – perfect for classic rock, blues, and even jazz. It’s a great upgrade for those moving beyond entry-level drums.
PROS
  • • 7-ply maple construction delivers warm, resonant, and focused tones.
  • • 30° bearing edge facilitates tuning flexibility and low-frequency response.
  • • Gretsch’s Silver Sealer interior finish enhances shell resonance and projection.
  • • GTS suspension system minimizes unwanted overtones and maximizes shell vibration.
CONS
  • • Vintage Pearl VP finish can be prone to minor cosmetic imperfections.
  • • The Renown series, while excellent, isn’t the absolute top-tier Gretsch offering.
  • • Evans heads, while decent, might be swapped for preferred aftermarket options.
4.3/5 AudioFu Score
Specs:
2/10
Detail:
4/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 463672
$485
Gretsch Drums 13"x09" TT Renown Maple PB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Gretsch Drums 13"x09" TT Renown Maple PB

Size 13"
Custom Rock Alternative Setup
Key Feature:
This Renown Maple tom delivers that classic Gretsch warmth and musicality without the premium price tag. The maple shell really sings, and the GTS mounting system keeps things tight and controlled. It's a fantastic addition for drummers seeking a versatile, well-built tom for everything from jazz to rock.
PROS
  • • 7-ply maple construction delivers warm, resonant, and focused tones.
  • • 30° bearing edge promotes excellent head coupling and responsiveness.
  • • Gretsch Silver Sealer interior adds brightness and sustain.
  • • GTS suspension system minimizes shell vibration for controlled overtones.
CONS
  • • Piano Black lacquer can be a fingerprint magnet and requires careful maintenance.
  • • Renown series, while excellent, sits below Gretsch’s top-tier offerings.
  • • Evans heads are decent stock options, but upgrading can unlock more sonic potential.
4.3/5 AudioFu Score
Specs:
2/10
Detail:
4/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 455156
$462

13" Toms by the numbers

Measured across all 30 models in this category, so «wide», «short» or «expensive» mean something you can check.

Price
median $196
from $168 to $763
Size
median 13"
from 13" to 13" · 30 models

How This List Is Built

We don't play these instruments — we're a catalog, not a review desk, and we'd rather say so than pretend otherwise. This page covers 5 of 30 13" toms from the Thomann catalogue, which is the largest single source of specification data in this category: 5 in detail, the rest listed with their specifications.

Position is computed, not curated. We parse the manufacturer's own description into actual values — nut width, scale, fret count, fingerboard radius, size, alloy — and rank on them: how many specifications a model has published, how many of them are measurable numbers, and how precisely it meets this page's criterion. A product image adds a little. Price is not a ranking signal: it tells you nothing about whether a neck fits your hand. The same inputs always produce the same order, so nothing here is shuffled to look fresh.

What this list is good for: narrowing a category down to a shortlist by spec and budget. What it isn't: a substitute for hearing an instrument. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.

How to Choose the Best 13" Toms

Budget Planning

  • • Under $200: Entry-level
  • • $200-$500: Intermediate
  • • $500-$1000: Advanced
  • • $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

  • • Sound clarity & tone
  • • Build materials & finish
  • • Hardware durability
  • • Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

  • • Your musical style
  • • Skill level match
  • • Intended use case
  • • Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Higher-priced 13" toms typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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