Feedback: Buying new kit in 2 weeks [Archive] - DRUMMERWORLD OFFICIAL DISCUSSION FORUM

zambizzi

12-26-2006, 06:39 PM

Hi all...

So, I'm ready to move past my beginner's kit - a Pearl Forum 5pc. I've been doing my homework for weeks and was set on a DW kit of some persuasion...until I got educated enough on the topic to realize that DW isn't a cheap proposition.

I hunted and searched but the best I could find was a used set of shells on ebay...and you know how that can go...who knows what condition they're *really* in until it's too late.

I want a 7pc. kit w/ 3 mounted toms and 2 floor toms...and I set a price ceiling of $2500 - a real impossibility for DW. So, I priced out a 7pc Pacific LXE kit for nearly *exactly* that much...not a DW but as close as you can get!

What are everyone's thoughts on pdp? Good quality? Good sound? I hear nothing but good things on reviews about them...which I would expect being a DW company.

I wanted good, loud maple shells since I play a lot of rock (and some jazz.) I want to start experimenting w/ recording and will be building a studio/sound-room in my home in the near future.

All comments welcome, thanks!

driver

12-27-2006, 01:17 AM

Not sure on DW prices in America but could you live with buying a smaller DW kit and slowly adding the toms you want? Like I say im not sure how far that much $ goes for DW's in the USA but Its something I would think about. :o)

PreppieNerd

12-27-2006, 01:28 AM

I would Check out the Mapex Pro M Line and Yamaha Tour Custom Drums, because I've heard the Pacifics don't have good hardware

Mista Bob

12-27-2006, 01:40 AM

Ugh, I'd personally *NEVER* ever recomend buying a PDP.
I've heard far too many horror stories with their hardware and shells.
And anyways, their sound is nothing special, they look very cheap, just all around cheap sets in my opinion.
Its like paying extra for the DW name, only, you dont get a DW, instead you get some cheap wannabe kit.

And PreppieNerd, when going with PDP the hardware is the least of your worries.
When you get a drum kit with a shoddy bearing edge, its as good as firewood, because thats about all you would be able to use it for.

If you just *have* to have a 7piece setup...
You should go with something quality, like a Taye Studio Maple.
For a bit over 2000USD you can get a 8x8, 10x8.5, 12x9, 14x14, 16x16, 22x18 and have money left over to buy either a matching snare or some other pro snare of your choice.

These drums sound amazing, they beat out absolutely anything around their price range.

I'd personally recomend getting a smaller sized kit and than getting add-ons later, although theres nothing wrong with that Taye kit.
With your budget I would not be suprised if you could get a 5piece DW kit, I've seen them go brand new for around 2500 plenty of times.

zambizzi

12-27-2006, 05:13 AM

Thanks for the feedback guys...good info.

I bought my 7 yr. old boy a pdp EZ (cheap chit low-end kit) and we definitely got what we paid for there. The LX and LXE look nice and I've heard good things...but ultimately Mista Bob, you're right...it's not the real deal.

We went down to Guitar Center tonight and they had a *damn* nice 5pc. DW (lacquer finish) set, _brand new_, for $3500. It's a wild teal blue-to-black fade and it's just beautiful.

I priced a 5pc kit out at two other music stores in town and couldn't get anywhere close to that. I'd prefer a 6 or 7pc but when you're talking about $600+ for each tom shell (depending on size) that turns into a small fortune fast.

I'm going to buy the DW...I think I'll put down the 25% layaway just so they'll hang onto it for me until the 9th, when I can buy pay it off.

Mista Bob

12-27-2006, 06:04 AM

Nice!

I personally always think the best option is to save up a bit more to get what you *really* want, even if it means not getting quite as many drums as you want, because you can always get those later.

Skitch

12-27-2006, 07:19 AM

I am probably repeating myself here but, when I decided to buy a DW kit, I knew how many drums I wanted and I proceeded to buy all of the drums I wanted and buy the finish that I thought was the best looking finish that I could afford. It wasn't a custom lacquer kit or an exotic, just a finishply kit. I didn't get a snare with my new DWs and I didn't get much hardware because I knew that I was making a sacrifice to get the sound that I wanted. I also wanted to buy the kit which might be the very last drumkit I would buy. I knew that I would have to make my other brand, old hardware work as bet I could because the price tag was too high for what I would want. I also knew that I could either add a snare drum later or find one on Ebay.

Another member of drummerworld, Fat Elvis, just added two drums to his DW kit and had really good luck. If in doubt, search for some of his posts.

Mike

http://www.mikemccraw.com
http://www.dominoretroplate.com

http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=drummermikemccraw

maddrummr

12-27-2006, 07:33 AM

zambizzi

12-27-2006, 08:48 AM

...even if it means not getting quite as many drums as you want, because you can always get those later.

That was exactly my thinking...over the next couple of years I'll ebay (or check local pawn shops) for an 8" mounted and 16" floor tom that matches the kit...then it'll be complete...probably the only kit I'll play on for years to come...

And Skitch...never say never brotha...personally I know I'll be getting another kit someday as my tastes change/evolve and my playing changes to suit.

Fat Elvis

12-28-2006, 10:30 AM

good choice on the dee dubs. Great kits and you will smile from ear to ear each time you play it. I did start with a 3 piece DW (no snare... just kick, 12" tom and 14" floor tom) and then added 2 additional toms (10" and 16" floor) just in the past 6-8 weeks or so. Although my shells were made @ 12 years apart, the finish and sound is dead on. The only thing that is different is that i have black badges on my older shells and the newer gold badges on the new shells.

let me know if i can answer any questions for you.

zambizzi

12-28-2006, 03:09 PM

...let me know if i can answer any questions for you.

Ha! I'm smiling from ear to ear at just the thought of bringing it home...

Realistically, how easy is it to find matching odds-n-ends toms to a DW kit though? How long did it take you? I looked through ebay and there's nearly nothing. I can see why someone wouldn't want to split up their custom kit...it's like selling a Ferrari w/o the doors it was built with.

Also, I've noticed a lot of people often play their DW's w/ an off-brand snare...are their snares less impressive than the other drums in the kit?

zambizzi

12-28-2006, 05:36 PM

Fat Elvis

12-28-2006, 07:40 PM

Ha! I'm smiling from ear to ear at just the thought of bringing it home...

Realistically, how easy is it to find matching odds-n-ends toms to a DW kit though? How long did it take you? I looked through ebay and there's nearly nothing. I can see why someone wouldn't want to split up their custom kit...it's like selling a Ferrari w/o the doors it was built with.

Also, I've noticed a lot of people often play their DW's w/ an off-brand snare...are their snares less impressive than the other drums in the kit?

Well finding drums that match is easy, just not cheap. A call to DW will get them started on making a drum or drums to your exact specs -- finish, width, depth, hardware finish, etc. They match perfectly in sound and in look. I know someone endorsed, so for me it was a bit cheaper -- and quicker -- than many experience. It still was not cheap or quick, by any means, but i will tell you that it is worth the wait.

As far as the snare, i think DW snares are among the finest available, however snares are a personal thing and many people like to mix and match. The only reason i do not have a DW maple snare with a champagne sparkle finish is that they are expensive. One day i will have one though. I think matching snares on high-end kits and not very common since most high end kits do not come with snares, you would either have to find one or have one made to match.

Fat Elvis

12-28-2006, 07:46 PM

Another thing I'm agonizing over...is choosing between two kits that they have. I'm going on my lunch hour today to pick one of the two.

One is brand-spanking new (never been played or setup) but is a finish-ply w/ no rubber gaskets around the lugs. However, it's a beautiful kit...

The other is new but has been in the store for a while...was setup for a while...and has been played. It has a few scratches but looks brand new regardless....it's the regal blue lacquer kit I mentioned earlier in the thread.

What are your thoughts on this?

I personally prefer the finish ply kits -- depending on the finish. I like sparkles and glass's, so for me, the finish ply would be the winner for me. Decide what finish and sizes you prefer and go that way. For me, i now have my ideal set-up (10, 12, 14, 16, 20 kick). I would be more inclined to buy one with sizes close to those instead of a kit with a 26" kick or a 13" rack tom. Thats just me.

DW's are expensive and I know you should be able to get some money off. If you have a Sam Ash close to you, look there as well. They usually have a good collection of DW's and from what my rep at GC said, they often beat GC in prices on their high end kits -- including DW's.

and for god's sake, take a camera when you go to look at them so we can see both kits. That, and specs, may help us help you.

zambizzi

12-28-2006, 07:58 PM

Thanks for the feedback Elvis!

I believe the specs are the same on both of the kits...both are 5pc. and have:

22" kick (virgin)
10" tom (top)
12" tom (top)
14" tom (floor, floating)
14"x5" snare.

I'd like to add an 8x7 tom on top and a 16" tom on the floor to make it a 7pc. I'd gladly order from DW and wait for one that matches perfectly!

I live in Boise so there's no Sam Ash in town. There are two shops in town that carry DW and the other is a small-name shop looking to overcharge BIG time on their d-dubs.

The finish-ply kit is a black and white swirly/marble pattern, can't remember what they called it. The lacquer kit is a regal blue fade.

So, just so I understand it; would I lose anything sound-wise by not having rubber gaskets under the lugs? I'm far more concerned about the sound than the look...though both kits are beautiful.

I'll try to get pics today when I go in!

Thanks again.

Fat Elvis

12-28-2006, 08:21 PM

i looked up the finishes -- let me know if these are the ones that you are looking at (the black and white one is called Black Oyster Glass). Also, as for the gaskets, they are on the lacquer kits to protect the wood and finish but are not on the finish ply kits as the wrap does what the gaskets do. I have enclosed a picture of a champagne glass tom so you can more easily see that they are not on there as well.

i dont think you can go wrong with either kit -- just get the one you like more. Both are finishes that DW is currently offering, so getting additional toms and the like should be easier. I would think that the finish ply toms would be quicker and possibly cheaper because they dont have to paint and fade. That may help you in your decision.

zambizzi

12-28-2006, 09:59 PM

Yep! Black Oyster Glass!

I actually 1/3 down on it...just got back from Guitar Center. I'll pick it up on the 9th!

I was wrong on the drums & dimensions though...and it didn't come w/ a snare (which I had actually expected...the other salesman was just clueless.)

I'll have this:

Toms (top): 8x10, 10x12
Tom (floor): 12x14, 14x16
Bass (virgin): 20x22 (kaBOOM!)
Snare (mismatch): 5x14 satin oil ("Amber" color)

I did it! I literally have to sell my soul (and maybe live off of Ramen Noodles for a while) but it's worth it! Besides, I'm not even using my soul...who needs it?

I'll post pics after I'm all setup in a couple of weeks! Of course, I still have my crappy Zildjian ZXTs but eventually I'll replaces those w/ mix of K Dark & A Customs...

:D

Mista Bob

12-28-2006, 10:33 PM

Hey, could I have your soul?
I could sell it on ebay for you.

zambizzi

12-28-2006, 10:44 PM

Hey, could I have your soul?
I could sell it on ebay for you.

Trade ya for my missing 7x8 tom and some new stands? Hell, I'll even toss in my appendix, I'm not using it either.

Mista Bob

12-29-2006, 10:01 AM

Hmm, but you can't sell organs on ebay anymore. =(

zambizzi

12-29-2006, 03:04 PM

Yeah...that hurt a lot of folks...those bastards.

zambizzi

12-31-2006, 08:47 PM

I thought I'd show everyone the kit I'm replacing...such as it is :D I have to say, the quality is exceptional for as little as I spent to get this setup...the entire rig, including the ZXTs & extra boom stands was <$1000. I've had it for about a year and have been practicing on it for 1-3 hrs. per day.

I can't wait until I afford some K darks & A customs for my DW rig...I'm pretty sure the wife would bury me alive at the mere mention, this soon after the new kit.

zambizzi

01-10-2007, 09:27 AM

Isn't she lovely? ;)

Ozzy Biz

01-10-2007, 09:44 AM

Yes... she is frickin' awesome and now thanks to you I have some serious gear envy that may not go away for a day or two.

Biz

gusty

01-10-2007, 09:50 AM

Isn't she lovely? ;)

congratulations, awsome kit! it'll look beautiful with the new cymbals =)

Fat Elvis

01-10-2007, 10:10 AM

beautiful -- just beautiful. Looks like tons of fun. Congrats -- and enjoy that wonderful kit!

zambizzi

01-10-2007, 05:05 PM

Yeah, the finish was actually "black onyx swirl"...I couldn't find it on the DW site. They have an "onyx" up there but it's much darker...the swirls on mine look more like creamer dumped into a really black cup of coffee! :D

I spent hours tuning and setting it up last night....and a couple of the toms need re-tuning...it's a monster.

Elvis - thanks man! I'll try... ;)

gutsy - yeah, right now it's a gem surrounded by turds...I hope to get the A's and K's this year...maybe I'll ebay them one-by-one...can't afford new now.

Ozzy - ha! thanks man...trust me...the next few months are going to be a financial hell as a result...this wasn't easy at all...and won't be for some time.

Zildjian 242

01-10-2007, 05:18 PM

oh wow, sweet DW's. They should last you forever

zambizzi

01-11-2007, 05:33 PM

ka-POW...they sound good too! I finally got a chance to open them up last night for a couple of hours...holy hell!! I've got a lot of snare buzz but that'll just be a matter of tuning the smaller toms farther from the snare pitch. However, these drums *sing*! They're friggin' loud too.

So, any suggestions for the "perfect" heads for these drums? I actually like the DW/Remo heads it came with...I don't think I'll need to put my moon gel on any of them!

I play mostly rock, blues, jazz, funk....no metal. I want to learn more latin drumming too so I'll be doing that in the near future as well.

Fat Elvis

01-11-2007, 05:37 PM

wow congrats. Yes they are fantastic.

right now i have coated ambassadors over clear ambassadors on my DW and they are good. However I went with Evans G2 over G1 (both clear) on my starclassic and they are AMAZING! I think i will be trying those next on my DW.

golions

01-11-2007, 06:06 PM

zambizzi

01-11-2007, 06:19 PM

Oh man, what a beautiful kit. The onyx swirl is amazing. DW's are such great drums. Give the G2 (clear or coated) over the G1 clear a try. It's a good head combination. Something to compare to anyway. Again, congratulations.

Thanks! I love 'em...I've never had a kit this nice and it's likely the last one I'll own for a very long time. I need to add some things (cymbals, a cowbell, maybe some wood-blocks eventually.)

I've had the G2's before...I like 'em...I've also heard Aquarian are making good heads too...I've only ever used Remo & Evans.

What about the snare? I didn't like the G2 head I had on my last snare...it felt a little "plastic-y"...I like the power-dot Remo weatherking that came w/ the new DW snare...but it needs replaced...they had it on display in the store so it's beat to hell.

Does anyone actually use the DW heads that Remo makes? Or, are they usually considered throw-aways? I kinda like 'em but I'd rather have coated heads...

Fat Elvis

01-11-2007, 06:23 PM

Thanks! I love 'em...I've never had a kit this nice and it's likely the last one I'll own for a very long time. I need to add some things (cymbals, a cowbell, maybe some wood-blocks eventually.)

I've had the G2's before...I like 'em...I've also heard Aquarian are making good heads too...I've only ever used Remo & Evans.

What about the snare? I didn't like the G2 head I had on my last snare...it felt a little "plastic-y"...I like the power-dot Remo weatherking that came w/ the new DW snare...but it needs replaced...they had it on display in the store so it's beat to hell.

Does anyone actually use the DW heads that Remo makes? Or, are they usually considered throw-aways? I kinda like 'em but I'd rather have coated heads...

No, the DW heads are great heads. Defenately not throw-aways. Use them until they wear out or you want to replace them. I would recommend a coated ambassador for all snares. G2's are too thick for a snare head, in my opinion.

aquarian does make some great heads -- i have only used the Studio X Clears -- which are great heads, however i think they are too dampened for your DW. Like you said, no moon gel, no dampened heads.... you paid for top of the line drums, let them sing!

zambizzi

01-11-2007, 06:39 PM

No, the DW heads are great heads. Defenately not throw-aways. Use them until they wear out or you want to replace them. I would recommend a coated ambassador for all snares. G2's are too thick for a snare head, in my opinion.

aquarian does make some great heads -- i have only used the Studio X Clears -- which are great heads, however i think they are too dampened for your DW. Like you said, no moon gel, no dampened heads.... you paid for top of the line drums, let them sing!

Right, I agree w/ that...it would defeat the sound. My rolls weren't nearly as easy or good sounding on the G2 on my old snare.

I almost bought some Remo Fiberskyns...but admittedly that's just because they look cool. :D I have no idea what they sound like.

My instructor uses Aquarians and I like 'em on his kit...sound good, feel good...I'll either get those or the coated ambassadors like you said...I hear a lot of good things about them.

morbius25

01-12-2007, 12:45 AM

I would Check out the Mapex Pro M Line and Yamaha Tour Custom Drums, because I've heard the Pacifics don't have good hardware

Bull. I would go with PDP MX series. Great hardware. I have had no problems out of it at all. That or the mapex m like you said. But have great hardware..

crazyballa17

01-16-2007, 06:54 PM

Wow just a beautiful set man!

I am also at that point of moving up to a pro-level set. Current set is a 6pc Mapex Pro M. Great set but i want a DW.

Peace Easy

Marshmallow Jones

01-16-2007, 07:28 PM

Drummer30

01-16-2007, 10:37 PM

Can anyone provide the low-to-high end for the PDP line. I am thinking about a new kit too, and was looking at Pacific. Wasnt aware they were of iffy quality...

any other recommendations for a good 5-piece kit? i'd have about $1500 to spend.

Go for a Yamaha Stage Custom, that'll leave you with enough to go for up to about a six piece kit. They're just great all around.

Wow, and the DW is just plain nuts. I really almost feel depressed in this section of the forum. Kits like these just make my mouth water. I bet their a hoot to play, but don't forget ear protection if their that loud. Be sure to post when the pocketbook is a little more leniant to some new cymbals.

zambizzi

02-28-2007, 06:31 AM

AND.....she is complete :D

20" K Custom Dry ride
18" A Custom crash
16" A Custom crash
12" A Custom splash
14" A Custom hats

I've also got an 18" Z Custom crash that's sitting on the bench...waiting for a spot on my kit. It's loud and bright and doesn't really fit...I may eventually use it for a left-side ride?

I had my drum teacher over Saturday and his only response was "well I know what my next kit is..."

Marshmallow - I would now recommend against pdp based on what I see in the EZ kit I bought for my son...it's crap. I realize it's their low-end model but I had a Pearl Forum - Pearl's low end model...and it puts this pdp to shame. Save up your money and get a DW from a reputable owner on ebay...plenty of them are going for $1500 to $2500 - and several very nice kits in between. You're close, get something you're going to love instead of something you'll settle for.