Cocktail Drums

[Kenneth Nishimoto]

Alright, alright, get this.I've been searching around on the internet for my first kit, dig~? So I'm going around, stop by ebay and BINGO- two hundred and fifty bucks, a GP Percussion cocktail kit. Now, everybody knows- cocktail kits are the hippest things since snapping your fingers, but I'd just like to hear some people's opinions on these fastinating drums before I fork out the cash for one. *Jazz hands*

Oh btw, I mostly play like, funky jazzy jungley technoey sort of stuff, you know~? Fast with improvisation, but smooth like silk, dig~?

[Deathmetalconga]

I've always wanted to try a set. That price sounds like a deal. Go for it!

[Kenneth Nishimoto]

Yeah the reason I ask is because my father (Not a drummer, btw) just keeps on insisting that I save up my money for a real drum set, saying that I wouldn't be able to learn properly on a cocktail kit, dig? Personally, I think that's complete crap, I just love everything about cocktail kits. Don't ask me why, they're just so freakin hip, you know~?

[radiofriendlyunitshifter]

i dig. what's with your dad, man~? cocktail kits that i've seen aren't cheap in the least,

so that must either be a good find, or a beginner kit. i don't know which...

[Kenneth Nishimoto]

i dig. what's with your dad, man~? cocktail kits that i've seen aren't cheap in the least,

so that must either be a good find, or a beginner kit. i don't know which... Yeah, they're made by this no-name brand company "GP percussion" from somewhere in Thailand. Now I dunno exactly what comes from Thailand other than seriously delicious garlic chicken and peanuts and stuff, but I've gone to this one other message board, and apparently, it's not that bad. The hardware is reportedly a little rickity, but compared to the 1,000$ Yamaha Club Jordan, it's a deal Ken can't refuse. F-lam~! F-lam~! mama-dada-mama-dada-mama-dada spang spang a lang spang a lang spang a lang. Yeah, just like buddy rich.

[harryconway]

I'm pretty sure I saw those at the NAMM show. Now for $250, right off the bat, that in and of itself does not scream "quality", but it's not like you're gonna beat the hell outta this kit in a death metal band either. Though that's a thought. It's probably a good way to go to test the water, before you invest in that Yamaha Club Jordan. Remo makes a Trilok Gurtu conga that has floor tom legs, a bottom head and a bass pedal that plays the bottom head, top head played traditional style, with the hands. They also make a short conga with a bottom head and snare wires. Those 2 drums will set you back $600+. You can also go this approach http://cgi.ebay.com/Yamaha-Stage-Custom-Cocktail-Drum-Set-CUSTOM-MUST-SEE_W0QQitemZ120023889894QQihZ002QQcategoryZ64444Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem a hybred idea some cat came up with. Makes sense. Lets you sit down. Gives you a hi-hat. And a seperate snare. Pop's may be right about you not being able to play a "traditional" drum kit so well if you stick with a true cocktail kit lay out. But on the other hand, who says you want to be traditional. You are allowed to write your own ticket on this.

[Deathmetalconga]

I think it would be cool to have two different cocktail kits, like the Trilok Gurtu and the Yamaha, and play them both and once. Maybe even double pedal cocktail drum work? But that would defeat the whole point of cocktail set minimalism.

Kenneth, did you ever get your cocktail set?

www.terrasonus.com

[Deathmetalconga]

I'm obsessed with getting one of these. I have a bead on one locally that may be sold soon, a silver sparkle Club Jordan (see at http://www.yamaha-europe.com/yamaha_europe/uk/10_musical_instruments/40_drums/10_drum_sets/10_drumsets/20_specials/40_club_jordan_cocktail_drum_system/index.html).

There are some small restaurant gigs where this would be perfect. Plus, the proprietors at these places often get really nervous when you bring in a drumset because of the volume. Some won't even allow a standard set, no matter how small. I have a feeling a cocktail set would slip through and work perfect. It has a vibe more like a conga drum than a traditional set.

I've heard people talking about the drawbacks, that they can't do what a regular drumkit does, etc. I think it's wrong to compare them to a regular kit - they are a distinct instrument unto themselves, with different limitations and possibilities. If you really have to play a customary sit-down set each and every gig, then you shouldn't get one of these. If you're willing to play something very different and conform to the constraints of certain gigs - and you don't mind being the center of attention at those times - then a cocktail set is a definite possibility. Cocktail kits definitely have a certain cool factor that a standard set can never have.

I plan to play it standing up, with no foot hihat stand but with hihat cymbals and a small ride and small crash and a cowbell and plastic block. I've heard of people using a tall stool but that seems to defeat the purpose.

www.terrasonus.com