Should I buy a kit just for gigging?

[JRH7]

Just wanted to see what everyone in here thinks I should do. I own a Sonor Designer set that I purchased just last summer. I have been rehearsing with two different bands both of them are ready to start gigging. I am wondering if I should use my Designers or buy a seperate set of less expensive drums to gig on. I would hate to see my Designer get beat-up, of course I have hardcases for them but still you never know. Anyways, what are everyone's thoughts?

P.S. I would spend about 700-900 dollars on decent used kit

[Michael G]

I would recommend so yes. It is more for convience, have your favorite kit at home and have a small gigging kit always packed up and ready to go when you gotta gig. You will always have your regular kit set up, except maybe a few stands and cymbals, so no hassle of tearing everything down then setting it up just right.

Just my 2 cents, because on the other hamd, you can get some nice add ons on the money spent on that gigging kit. Whatever you think you need/want more.

[mind_drummer]

It depend too, where you are planning to gig ?

For example, in Bar, you may get some alcoholic drink spills on you kit but if you plan to gig in ballroom or large hall then it's another story.

My answer from what I see on your first post, I'd say yes, something like a SONOR 3005 or a MAPEX M Birch would get my vote.

[Talon]

If you have the money, then yes, definitely. For me, getting my set damaged (at least a little) while transporting my set is pretty much inevitable, and I hate it. An extra set for convenience's sake, as well as to protect your good set.

[T.Underhill]

Having a second kit for gigging was a good decision for me so yeah if you can manage getting one I'd recommend it. More convenient and your good stuff doesn't get as beat up.

[funk49]

Let me put my penny's worth in on this. I have 2 kits. One is nice. I use it for practice only. My best kit goes on the gig. To me, there is no sense in playing your best kit at practice where nobody but me and the band basicly will ever hear it. If my best kit gets damaged on a gig, I will feel really bad, but, that's life. I want to put out my best sound where it will be most apreciated. That is ,when I'm being paid and people are dancing.

[Fat Elvis]

i have 3 kits -- only two i use. My DW is used for gigging and stays in the cases until i gig. I feel the same way as the previous post. I used to keep my DW at the studio only, but really then only i hear it. Now I gig out the DW and play my Starclassic at the studio.

Where i play, no one really gets close enough to my kit to spill a beer on it or anything like that, and my band mates have enough respect for me and my kit that they are careful around it.

Gig the designers -- whats the point of having a killer kit if you cant play it when it really counts?

[DamoSyzygy]

I too have a beast of a Designer series kit, and Im investing in a 3007 when they come out for the same reason.

Now that Designers are not being offered anymore, it makes sense to look after your investment! Im all for playing the thing - Thats what its for. But if I cant get the time before the gig to set it up properly (if Im rushed, for example) or if Im cramped for room, its not worth destroying it for the sake of one show.

[Bernhard]

I would suggest to have two sets: A bigger one for bigger gigs and a smaller one for little gigs.

I love my drums, but I see no danger to use them. In my last forty years of playing gigs - in the most different environments you can imagine - never something happened to my drums.

Transportation is a risk - but you should take it. Drums are for playing and to get heared. Sad life for great drums to stay only in the practice room - check out their sound in different places.

My Ludwig is now 45 years old - heavy used - and looks like new!

Bernhard

[harryconway]

I love Bernhard's attitude. Drums are to be played. Heard. Enjoyed. Shared. I had and played clear Vistalite's for 25 years. Had 4 bass drums. What if one broke? Never broke a drum. Never scratched one bad. Last 7 years with those drums I never used cases when I gigged. Gigged out with my Yamaha Recording Customs also. I like the big kit/small kit idea. Be versatile. Now, the last 2 years all my gigs have been electronic. So I roll with 1 cart of gear that cost me about $2K. If I need acoustic drums, I have my Ludwig 6ply maple kit.

[SLEEPY BRiGHT EYEZ]

I would go for two kits just for convenience if you have the extra money, but I also agree with others who say use your best kit out. At a show, you want to put on a show. Having a showy kit is part of that. Even though my new kit won't be top of the line, I plan on getting cases to protect them and I will baby them so much. hahahahahah My old drums look quite the part, however they looked pretty worn before I even got a hold of them so I didn't bother getting cases or taking extreme care with them.

[gmrakich]

I use my wrapped kits to gig and the wood finish ones to record. I have to play the Brady out a dozen or so times a year to keep Boris happy. I have gig specific brass too.

[Deathmetalconga]

My best kit goes on the gig. To me, there is no sense in playing your best kit at practice where nobody but me and the band basicly will ever hear it. If my best kit gets damaged on a gig, I will feel really bad, but, that's life. I want to put out my best sound where it will be most apreciated. That is ,when I'm being paid and people are dancing.

I agree. What's the point of having a nice set if you don't play it where people can hear it? Invest in good cases, treat your drums well and they'll last a lifetime.

Many musicians publicly play instruments that cost $100,000 and up - the whole point is to bring the magic of musical performance to the audience and I would never perform on a second-rate kit when I have a first-rate kit instead. In fact, I'd take the money you'd spend on the second kit and invest in upgrades to your current kit.

Instead of getting more of what you already have, another option is to broaden your horizons and get some related instruments that you could pick up relatively easily. For example, if you got some basic hand percussion, like a good djembe, you'd expand the number of gigs you'd be able to play. There are some gigs that can only be played with hand percussion.

[burnthehero]

When I first got my new kit, I wouldn't even want to practice on it because I didn't want to "mess it up". Then I realized how silly that was and now it's my full-time practice and gig kit. I do, however, go to great lengths to protect them while traveling. Road cases are a necessity.

[DamoSyzygy]

the whole point is to bring the magic of musical performance to the audience and I would never perform on a second-rate kit when I have a first-rate kit instead
Absolutely. For me though, the kit I have cannot easily be replaced or repaired so I have to be extra careful.

The sound of my kit is whatever the sound guy makes it, and Ive had excellent live sounds from cheaper gear in the past. Dont get me wrong, my good kit goes with me everywhere - If its feasable. There are some places around town I dont even feel safe walking my shoes into, let alone my kit! :)

[JRH7]

My wife and I were in a shop today and she bought me a brand new set of Sonor Delites. Damn, I am one lucky guy! 10x9,12x10, 14x12, 20x17.5 in black got them for $1500.00 we couldn't pass that deal up! Thanks for everyone's advice. I guess I don't have to sacrafice my sound now.

Jamie

[mofle]

My wife and I were in a shop today and she bought me a brand new set of Sonor Delites. Damn, I am one lucky guy! 10x9,12x10, 14x12, 20x17.5 in black got them for $1500.00 we couldn't pass that deal up! Thanks for everyone's advice. I guess I don't have to sacrafice my sound now.

Jamie

Lucky!

Will we see pictures soon?

[JRH7]

Yeah, I think I need to get picture of both my Sonors. I will see what I can do. I just got a new mac and it works with my camera a little different than my old PC.

Jamie

[Skitch]

Just wanted to see what everyone in here thinks I should do. I own a Sonor Designer set that I purchased just last summer. I have been rehearsing with two different bands both of them are ready to start gigging. I am wondering if I should use my Designers or buy a seperate set of less expensive drums to gig on. I would hate to see my Designer get beat-up, of course I have hardcases for them but still you never know. Anyways, what are everyone's thoughts?

P.S. I would spend about 700-900 dollars on decent used kit

I have one kit that I use for gigs and a kit that goes no where most of the time! You might look on ebay for a great kit in your price range. And all of this is based on your feelings of your Designers getting beat up which will happen! Or even stolen! I have an older kit that I use when I need two drumkits, so the best kit I have stays the best kit I have! I was the one who worked 12 hours shifts to be able to afford them so therefore I have the ultimate say what happens to them!

Mike

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


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

[smutpower]

oh yesss definitely if you got the extra bucks then why not. use the cheaper set for gigging and your fave stays at home :)