Need input for entry pro level kits

[SLEEPY BRiGHT EYEZ]

Well, I've recently found out some bad news which may lead to good news. My rack tom has started to crack and it has caused the shell (mainly on reso side) to go out of round. It sucks because it's the only rack tom I have that I can put a reso head on. I was just getting used to having two headed toms. However, it was a very old cheap drum that was given to me for free so it's not a real loss. I know the toms had suffered extreme temperature/climate changes with a previous owner so I'm guessing it stressed the shell out too. Only since I started wailing on it in the last few months did it crack. The rack tom has been dormant in my drum collection for the ten or so years I've owned it.

The good news. My wife tells me yesterday that it is about time that I deserve a good kit to play on! Can she be any more supportive of what I have been seriously working on for the last year? So I'm looking for a pro kit, but a first pro kit. Make sense? I'm expecting to spend at least a grand, but I probably can't afford anything above two grand. I need to be able to finance it since I don't have a lump sum to blow. I want it to last me a long time.

I'm only interested in a four piece, maybe five piece with sizes 24x18, 14x10, 16x14, and 18x16. With the snare I'm willing to try anything new. If I dropped one tom from this kit it would be the 16, but if I find the right deal I want it part of the kit as well. I'm sure many companies make these sizes, but I figured I'd list them anyway.

I was taking a look at the DW site and I have to admit I have always loved their drums. Any DW users who want to bring me to their side speak up! I'm interested in their custom finishes. I was wondering if I could sketch up some stuff and they reproduce that, or if I have to choose a graphic they already have. The closest graphic finish I like would be the rally stripe one but even that I want to change the colors to my own. Is this possible with DW drums? Complete custom finishes?

I've thought again about assembling my own shells and doing my own finish but the downside is that I don't have the lump sum to buy everything I need. I still want to pursue my finishing abilities but at this time I just want to out right buy a kit that I know will last me a while and has a warranty, etc. In the 10+ years I've been playing drums I've never had a brand new drum kit. Always second hand.

So, any other brand loyalty is welcome. I want opinions on beginner pro kits. Not the pro kit you buy when you are already a mega super star. hahah

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

Although not the top end, a Sonor S-Class sounds like a possible choice. Or a Delite on the second hand market, those are really lovely drums but they are expensive and heavy. As you know, I'm quite the Sonor fan. On the other hand, something like a Yamaha Oak or Beeech Custom could be what you're after, if you're into that tonality. The Beech is fairly attack-heavy and the Oak is a bright kit. They're both considered 'pro' kits by Yamaha, but they are slightly cheaper than the Birch and Maple Customs because there's less demand for the niche woods but again, seriously nice drums.

Or alternatively, take a look over at the Premier Artist Series. Those are some quality and value tubs.

[fourstringdrums]

I would suggest the Oak and Beech too, only if you try out the Oak first. I found it to be very bright and harsh, I didn't like mine at all. Beech on the other hand I think is a safer wood to get without hearing it first. It's supposed to be between maple and birch I believe.

[harryconway]

Yes, Guitar Center is having a sale and Yamaha Oak Custom kits are $2K. And, upon my recent trip to my local G.C. in Pasadena, they had a used Buddy Rich/DW kit and a used Pearl Reference kit each at $2,599. I doubt you'll find a new DW kit for the money you have to throw around, but used, yeah. To me, a pro kit is a pro kit. Certainly some are "more affordable" than others. Case in point DW. Take a $2K drumset, throw a $2K burl veneer/lacquer job on it and what do you get, a $4K kit. Your cash situation is your big handicap. You need to finance, which means buying thru a store. You say you want a new kit, and with $2K your topper, you're really holding budget for a clean used pro kit. Which is what I would get anyways. A "gently" used kit. Why buy a "new" kit, when as soon as you load it into your car, it's de-valued $500. The above mentioned DWBR kit and the Pearl Ref. are good examples. And, if I had $2K cash in pocket, I bet I could go home with either of those kits.

[wy yung]

I think DW are way overpriced for what they are. I'd be more inclined to suggest a Pearl Session, or the aforementioned Sonor S-Class Pro. Both of these kits are wonderful, great sounding lower priced pro level kits.

[Doug Masters]

I recently bought a Gretsch Renown Maple. 8", 10", 12", 14", 22" kick and I added another floor tom (16"). All for around $1700. Great kit. Killer kick drum. You should check those out.

[maddrummr]

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Mapex-Pro-M-5Piece-Rock-Drum-Set-with-Free-Snare?sku=449191

I found this, its got the exact sizes you want accept for the 16 inch floor.

Ive never tried this kit out and I dont know anything about mapex...Im just throwing out options, hope it helps : )

[Michael G]

An entry level pro kit? Nonsense, at your age, you should just save up a little bit more and go that extra mile. Reward yourself, get a top of the line kit, you will not be disappointed and most likely never even think of getting another drumset it will be so good.

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

Now you mention it, the Pro M might be an option. Alternatively a Mapex Saturn would probably be a slightly more expensive, but improved choice.

[fourstringdrums]

I recently bought a Gretsch Renown Maple. 8", 10", 12", 14", 22" kick and I added another floor tom (16"). All for around $1700. Great kit. Killer kick drum. You should check those out.

I agree. Definately if I could've had more of a choice I would've gone for a Renown.

[rhydianjlewis]

I say mapex saturns, they are much better than 'entry-level' pro, but somehow they are at such a great price, i'm sure you will find them under $2000. I've heard nothing but good things about the Saturns.

[SLEEPY BRiGHT EYEZ]

An entry level pro kit? Nonsense, at your age, you should just save up a little bit more and go that extra mile. Reward yourself, get a top of the line kit, you will not be disappointed and most likely never even think of getting another drumset it will be so good.

Well, I guess I meant a low priced pro kit. I know there are beginner kits and mid level kits, and then there's everything over a grand. I was looking for something closer to a grand, with 2k being a definite roof and I probably can't realistically afford that. Depends on what I can finance. I agree that I should have a great kit now. I've been playing for over ten years on second hand equipment and I just want something new and my own and something that will make me happy and last a long time. I don't even need hardware aside from tom legs and the bracket or rim mount for the rack tom. I already have a rack, snare stand, hat stand, a pedal and throne. I'm just looking for a shell pack really. I wish I was a rich fool but I have to live within my tight budget. I just want the best that I can afford.

The Sonar S-Class look mighty fine. Brand new they are way out of my range. As soon as I can I want to talk to the guy at my local shop and see what he thinks and can do for me as far as financing. I'm looking into the other kits suggested. What are opinions of Tama and Taye? What about Pacific by DW?

Thanks again!

[Jusstickinaround]

I saw a Ludwig Classic kit in sizes, 9x13,16x16,14x22, 6x14 in a Black Oyster Pearl wrap at GC on sale for $1,300. Top of the line, all maple, American made kit, I would buy it, but my budget is less than yours.

[JoshRead]

http://www.music123.com/Mapex-SW6225A-Saturn-6pc-Studio-Drum-Set-Violet-Stardust-i503990.music

Mapex Saturn. A 6-piece kit for $1,899. Can't get much better than that. Saturns are easily pro-level kits. Or get a 6-piece Pro-M Classic with a virgin kick for a little under $1500. Also an amazing deal.

[SLEEPY BRiGHT EYEZ]

I applied for the Musician's Friend card and they only want to give me credit for $700. MF gives a year with no interest charges. I'd be paying $60/month to pay that off in a year to avoid interest. After talking with my wife some more I think that's more realistic for what we can afford. I imagine my local shop will tell me the same thing.

I should have about that much money left over from my tax return after buying new cymbals. So I would say there is a possibility I may find a good steal for a better slightly used kit on eBay. I'd have the cash to put out for that instead of financing. I have to sacrifice buying a double kick pedal which I've really been wanting but my wife says maybe that can be my bday or Christmas present this year. I think that's reasonable. I've gone this long with a single I can go a little longer. New cymbals and drums are more important to me right now.

Ah well. I had a good dream going there. A good friend of mine who is an excellent drummer and has worked as a drum tech on a national tour for Jim Bower of Down told me that I could probably get a good mid level kit and with some decent heads it will sound just as good as the ones that cost twice as much. I'm wondering if I can just get a shell pack without the extra hardware if it will knock a couple hundred off some of the better sets to bring it into my range.

I appreciate all the info that has been given me and I'm sorry to have to say I'm reorienting my budget. Maybe I can get some new opinions on this. Alas, that is the life of the poor working family man. hahah!

[masonni]

Sorry gota say it.....

Peace Paragon Maple... I love these drums!

[SLEEPY BRiGHT EYEZ]

Well I've found two kits that have really caught my interest so far. Not the sizes I originally wanted, but I suppose it's another compromise I'll have to make in this range. I admit I can find a home behind any kit. hah!

Gretsch Catalina Maple Fusion w/ free 16" floor
Sonor Force 2005 Stage 2

[Gibbersticks]

Well I've found two kits that have really caught my interest so far. Not the sizes I originally wanted, but I suppose it's another compromise I'll have to make in this range. I admit I can find a home behind any kit. hah!

Gretsch Catalina Maple Fusion w/ free 16" floor
Sonor Force 2005 Stage 2

Hey Sleepy

I just bought the Gretsch Catalina Maple last week and all I can say is WOW!!! I can't believe how good this kit sounds and looks. Its beautiful. I also can't believe what I paid for it. I put Evans EC2 skins on the toms, EMAD2 on the bass drum, and an EC reverse dot on the snare. This kit sounds huge with those skins on!!!! You just can't go wrong with this kit and for the money you can afford to dress it up really nice. I'm married with kids so I just couldn't get what I really really wanted and felt I had to settle on something a lot less. I most definately do no feel like I settled now at all. I couldn't be more happy.

Good luck

[Fat Elvis]

look into a used tama starclassic performer -- i have one and it stands up to my DW very very well. I got mine for uber cheap, but i bet you could find one on ebay or craigslist for under a grand. I cannot stress how good these kits are -- especially for the money.

[SLEEPY BRiGHT EYEZ]

I'm married with kids so I just couldn't get what I really really wanted and felt I had to settle on something a lot less. I most definately do no feel like I settled now at all. I couldn't be more happy.

Wow, that's great to hear. I read a few posts on this forum from people who had some problems with that kit including warped hoops and damaged bearing edges so I was a bit worried about that one. I kind of like the idea of two up two down- without a 13. I'm pretty tired of 13s. I was thinking I could try the 14 on the left of the hats. I love the amber finish on that kit as well.

I know a few people on this forum have Sonors and love them which is why I picked the 2005 for my list. The only thing is it is a bit over my budget, but it comes with hardware. I was thinking I could just sell the hardware to make that money back, or sell my old hardware if the new stuff was better.

I'll probably get to go to the drum shop next weekend and see if he has a nice kit on consignment or something. I'm also going to try to hit up my local GC soon to see what they have on hand.

I was going to try and sell my Premier kit after I get my new one, however I don't expect much from it since it is pretty beat up, and can't even use reso heads aside from the kick. I really don't want to rip someone off on that. It would be a good fixer upper if someone wanted to put the work into it- or just use the toms as concert toms which I always have and they sound great that way.

[Gibbersticks]

Ya I read all those posts as well. Then I went and looked at the kit at Long & Mcquade and it was just beautiful. When I was sitting at it there were 4 guys circling around me waiting for me to get out from behind it. As far as the warped hoops I have no idea what they are talking about. The only hoops that could warp would be the bass drum hoops but no problems there. The amber finish is way nicer than the picture from MF would suggest. That pic looks more brown than mine which has quite an orange tinge to it. Here is a link to a pic.

http://themusicianslounge.com/mxBB/index.php?page=6&smartor_mode=album_showpage&pic_id=4701

[SLEEPY BRiGHT EYEZ]

Man that is a beautiful kit. So you dropped the 10" from your set up? Do you have any sound clips of you playing? I have a snare that I've refinished that I think will come close to matching it. I have a 24" kick that I am planning on refinishing in the same way. I may try to put my 24" in that set up for a unmatched double kick set up. I've done that before with my Premier 22" kick and it was pretty fun. Amber is one of my favorite beers as well... heheh if only they made a Turbo Dog finish. hah!

[Gibbersticks]

Ya I have the 10" out for now. I have to buy A tom mount to mount off a cymbal stand. I ordered a Pearl Icon rack but it is taking awhile to come in. I like my ride in close so I have to move my toms over. Funny you should mention beer, I like to think of it as my Sleeman's Honey Brown finish!!!

http://www.sleeman.com/en/global_images/bottles/honet-botCan.jpg

[n2xlr8n]

Mapex Saturns, no question in my mind.

I bought the "6225" set in in Violet Stardust for $1480.

Keep in mind, I paid 3x that for my 6 pc Sonor Delites, and almost that for my Sonor Force Birdseye.

The Saturns are the best kit I've ever owned. The bearing edges were beautiful, the finish is amazing, and the sound is something you must hear to believe.

Hope this helps!

SRJ

[SLEEPY BRiGHT EYEZ]

I appreciate the couple of you who have posted more info for kits in the lower 1k range. I should have found out my real budget before making this thread. I was overly optimistic and it took my dear wife to pull me out of the clouds. Aha! I can still get a new kit though. I just have to make a compromise. That Gretsch Catalina Maple is my top pic right now unless the guy at my local shop or eBay has a great deal on a better slightly used kit. My band which has recently reunited is planning on gigging again this year so I really need something better than what I currently have. I think that my dedication to my drumming again over the last year proves to myself that this is something I do want to focus on more than I did in the past. I feel it's essential to have a good working kit in order to achieve my goals, even if it's not the top of the line- but certainly not bottom of the barrel.

[ermghoti]

Haunt eBay and craigslist, take your time. You could buy a monster kit, in the sizes you want, for maybe $1k, a bit less if you go with "solid pro" versus "elite."

[rjvsmb]

Hey Sleepy,

Check out Massmusic.net. They offer really good pricing and I found their customer service really good. They offer a live chat option on their site that really adds to their service. If you're not sure about buying online, find what you want online (company, price,style) and see if your local store is willing to match the online price. More times that not they will.

I own a Taye TourPro and love it. Taye will let you choose your drum sizes without charging you extra.

Good luck in your quest.

[Porker69]

I want to suggest you try Ludwig Accent CS Maple of the Accent CS custom Elite with the glitter finishes, if you want 24,14,16,18 sizes you can custom order them for $700- $900 from West Coast Drum Center. They are really good quality, sound great, and have 100% Maple or Birch shells respectively. I would have bought the Maple had they been out when I got the birch ones, but I dont regret it. I dont know if you can tell but me likey the Luddys :)

[rhydianjlewis]

i'v just noticed what a great deal this is:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Mapex-Pro-M-5Piece-Rock-Drum-Set-with-Free-Snare?sku=449191

Originally posted by maddrummer, its too good of a deal to pass up, in the exact sizes you want, under 1k and with a free BP snare which you could sell for $300 probably, if you wanted that is.
Im sure god wants you to get this kit! ok, im only joking but the pro-m's are meant to be really great kits.

EDIT: and, i have just seen, a FREE double bass pedal!!! Now this is getting weird :P

[Fat Elvis]

i'v just noticed what a great deal this is:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Mapex-Pro-M-5Piece-Rock-Drum-Set-with-Free-Snare?sku=449191

Originally posted by maddrummer, its too good of a deal to pass up, in the exact sizes you want, under 1k and with a free BP snare which you could sell for $300 probably, if you wanted that is.
Im sure god wants you to get this kit! ok, im only joking but the pro-m's are meant to be really great kits.

EDIT: and, i have just seen, a FREE double bass pedal!!! Now this is getting weird :P

thats a hell of a deal -- sounds like a winner for the sub $1000 class. I would take this over the catalina maple, personally.

[Ozzy Biz]

I think that Pro-M is definitely a winner. It's the sizes you want, it's the same maple shells (minus the exotic veneer) from the Orion series, and it comes with a free 7x12 black panther snare and a double kick pedal. For under a grand (just). Take it. I think the Pro-M is a better kit than the Catalina maple that you were considering anyway, as it is REAL maple, not Asian maple. I know what I'd be doing if I was in your position...


Biz

[SLEEPY BRiGHT EYEZ]

That Pro-M does look pretty cool too. I really like the studio set. I'd love to have a Black Panther as well. The double kick pedal doesn't look like too much, but I suppose it's better than nothing.

[SLEEPY BRiGHT EYEZ]

I found the Pro M kit at another site for just $800 without the hardware, extra snare, or pedal. I think I may spring for that one. While that BP snare would be nice, I really don't need the extra hardware or that double kick pedal (I want Eliminators).

Also, I found Sonor 2005 kits on eBay brand new for less than that Gretsch kit I was looking at- but it has a 13" rack tom which I am trying to get away from.

[my sacred music]

gretsch catalina birch or maple, cant go wrong!

[n2xlr8n]

I think that Pro-M is definitely a winner. It's the sizes you want, it's the same maple shells (minus the exotic veneer) from the Orion series...Biz

I agree I'd go with a Mapex, for sure, but the Pro-M is not is the same maple shell construction of the Orion. Spec'd the same, yes, but not the same. No offense, you understand.

While both are 7 ply, the construction is:

Orion shells are 6.1mm/7.5mm (BD), with a burl maple exterior

Pro-M shells are 5.8mm/7.2mm (BD)


HTH,

SRJ

[mofle]

I found the Pro M kit at another site for just $800 without the hardware, extra snare, or pedal. I think I may spring for that one. While that BP snare would be nice, I really don't need the extra hardware or that double kick pedal (I want Eliminators).



You could probably sell the hardware, pedal, and snare for way more than $200, so you would get it cheaper from MF. That is a GREAT deal!

[rhydianjlewis]

I agree I'd go with a Mapex, for sure, but the Pro-M is not is the same maple shell construction of the Orion. Spec'd the same, yes, but not the same. No offense, you understand.

While both are 7 ply, the construction is:

Orion shells are 6.1mm/7.5mm (BD), with a burl maple exterior

Pro-M shells are 5.8mm/7.2mm (BD)

SRJ

Actually, there has been a discussion about this before. They are the same shells apart from the burl maple exterior, which must make the shell that extra .3 mm thicker.

The maple used to be different, but they upgraded the pro-m to the same wood as orions.

[SLEEPY BRiGHT EYEZ]

You could probably sell the hardware, pedal, and snare for way more than $200, so you would get it cheaper from MF. That is a GREAT deal!

I was actually wondering if Saluda would accept that hardware or my old hardware as a trade in towards my next batch of cymbals. That way I could buy the kit from MF first with the extras, then use the stuff I don't want as trade-ins towards my cymbals. I gotta get some things together and write them about this.

[bonzolead]

I'm also looking for a good entry-level pro kit I've been looking at the ddrum "dios st" the sheels are aspen/bubinga(very exotic) the bass drum size is 20"x24" and they offer a stripe(vert. or hoz.)glass glitter finish, tom sizes are 10",13" and the floor tom is 16" I believe with a 7"x13" snare.I'm not sure on the prices because ddrum just introduced them at the winter NAMM show.

Good Luck,
Bonzolead

[SLEEPY BRiGHT EYEZ]

I made it by the drum shop today for a couple hours. I have been thinking about this a lot lately. Today I kind of realized that if I go with a kit full of giant sizes I will be stuck with that sound. I want something a little more versatile and I think the music I'm playing now kind of demands it.

I tried out a couple Taye kits, and I really didn't like the sound or the looks. The shop owner set up a new ddrum Diatribe Player set (22, 10, 12, 16) with SKII on the kick and Performance IIs on toms. I loved that kit. Sounded so good. Of course, I think I prefer the Studio-Xs to the Performance IIs, but that's an easy fix. What I also loved about the Diatribe was that it had black nickel coated hardware and die cast hoops. I really loved the lugs and the finish looked nice. The shop owner should be calling me next week with a price quote on a shell pack with sizes 22, 10, 12, 14 floor, 16 floor, and 14 snare. I'm looking to get the blue sparkle lacquer finish.

The guy also told me he would probably take my old beat up Premier kit and miscellaneous cymbal stands as trade in. I should have enough money for my new cymbals, maybe even a little extra but that may go to new heads for the new kit, or maybe a bigger bicycle bell for my hats. heheh Definitely want some bags for these shells and a cymbal bag.

[Legacyrik]

I agree I'd go with a Mapex, for sure, but the Pro-M is not is the same maple shell construction of the Orion. Spec'd the same, yes, but not the same. No offense, you understand.

While both are 7 ply, the construction is:

Orion shells are 6.1mm/7.5mm (BD), with a burl maple exterior

Pro-M shells are 5.8mm/7.2mm (BD)


HTH,

SRJ

huh, wonder if the burl veneer is .3mm thick??? I wonder?

[SLEEPY BRiGHT EYEZ]

Since this thread was bumped I suppose I'll give an update on my kit. Three months waiting so far and it still hasn't made it off the slow boat from China. Waiting sucks. Hah!

I've been scouring eBay for awesome deals. Haven't really seen something that has that 'gotta have' factor within my price range. I found a couple kits on Musicians Friend that I would call runner ups- Mapex M Birch and a Sonor 2005. If I did have to get a different kit I'd want one with very similar sizes and birch wood.