Well, Im gettin' a new set!

[Tama Player]

But what???!! fourstrings gave me a good offer but I had to turn it down (financial and opional reasons). Anyway, I'm planning on getting a new set worth between 1200-1500$. My old Imperialstar is an awesome set, but the old concert toms and huge two 24" kicks just aren't cutting it for me anymore. I want a rock/metal kit. A good, solid kit. I would prefer at least 5-6 toms and at least a 20" kick. I need a new pedal (double) and Im planning on selling my new Iron Conra Jr's and getting about 100$ for both. So all in all I have about 1300$-1600$ to spend. I have all the stands I will ever need and my cymbals may be upgraded too. So any help will defintley be appreciated and all suggestions are welcome!

Peace
AGR

P.S. My dad is loaning me a good portion of it so he must aprove of it too.

[hateplow]

You could be a guinea pig and try out the Pork Pie Li'l Squealer kit...
1200 brand new 4-piece rock set up
Or, you could get a nice used kit on ebay, Starclassics, maybe?

[nhzoso]

Congrats Tama, it's always fun shopping. here are a few Rock type kits I found on e-bay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/MAPEX-M-BIRCH-MB5045-2005-STOCK-FREE-THRONE-FREE-8-TOM_W0QQitemZ160084977065QQihZ006QQcategoryZ38097Q QrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/MAPEX-Saturn-5-pc-drum-kit-set-MANGO-BURST_W0QQitemZ290085047065QQihZ019QQcategoryZ3809 7QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

My Favorite,
http://cgi.ebay.com/MAPEX-PRO-M-DRUM-KIT-ROCK-SHELL-PACK-W-TOM-MT_W0QQitemZ160086912722QQihZ006QQcategoryZ38097QQ rdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/Mint-Tama-Starclassic-Performer-5-Piece-Kit-Birch_W0QQitemZ180086190565QQihZ008QQcategoryZ6444 3QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-RMV-5pc-Drum-Set-599-99-Wow_W0QQitemZ150093286770QQihZ005QQcategoryZ38097Q QrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem

Keep us informed. I like shopping through others wallets... ; O

[rendezvous_drummer]

Hey Man! Glad to hear you're buying a New Kit.

I'd suggest looking into the Yamaha Tour Custom Kit. Maple Shells, excellent Yamaha Quality and the best tom mounting system on the market. They're well within your price range too. Check them out buddy.

[Fat Elvis]

cant go wrong with starclassics -- amazing and worth every penny. I am curious about the lil' squeeler kit though -- would like to play one.

[AveyTare]

But what???!! fourstrings gave me a good offer but I had to turn it down (financial and opional reasons). Anyway, I'm planning on getting a new set worth between 1200-1500$. My old Imperialstar is an awesome set, but the old concert toms and huge two 24" kicks just aren't cutting it for me anymore. I want a rock/metal kit. A good, solid kit. I would prefer at least 5-6 toms and at least a 20" kick. I need a new pedal (double) and Im planning on selling my new Iron Conra Jr's and getting about 100$ for both. So all in all I have about 1300$-1600$ to spend. I have all the stands I will ever need and my cymbals may be upgraded too. So any help will defintley be appreciated and all suggestions are welcome!

Peace
AGR

P.S. My dad is loaning me a good portion of it so he must aprove of it too.

do you want to get a new or used kit? does it matter to you?

[Tama Player]

do you want to get a new or used kit? does it matter to you?

Well, I would rather have a new set. But if there is a used that is in excellent condition, I would consider it also.

Thanks for the suggestons guys, Im starting to get really excited about this. So far I like the Yamaha's and Pork pies alot. Perhaps something like this? Just an idea....

[frank0072]

duuuuude, the set with the cards on it makes certain bodyparts grow... :o...

[SLEEPY BRiGHT EYEZ]

Perhaps something like this? Just an idea....

Isn't that a DW kit? Doesn't it cost a lot? Heheh Looks familiar from when I was checking the finishes on the DW site. It would be cool if DW did complete custom finishes again. I asked them recently about that and they said they no longer do it because of high demand, so you can only get a choice of a handful of airbrushed graphics. What was odd to me was that artists who choose to have custom finishes on a DW kit still have to get a kit with a finish on it, then take it to a custom artist to do the new finish. DW wouldn't provide unfinished shells for this purpose, and that only adds more work to the custom artist to have to remove the original finish.

[Fat Elvis]

Well, I would rather have a new set. But if there is a used that is in excellent condition, I would consider it also.

Thanks for the suggestons guys, Im starting to get really excited about this. So far I like the Yamaha's and Pork pies alot. Perhaps something like this? Just an idea....

you're gonna need a LOT more money if you want that set.

[Tama Player]

I really meant the set-up of it. Thats what I was trying to suggest. Shoulda been more specific I suppose, but yes that would be awesome to have. I was looking at the Sarclassic and likes it. What do you guys think?

[Fat Elvis]

I really meant the set-up of it. Thats what I was trying to suggest. Shoulda been more specific I suppose, but yes that would be awesome to have. I was looking at the Sarclassic and likes it. What do you guys think?

if i was buying a brand new kit, the starclassic performer is what i would buy. Without question.

[f4phantom2500]

Can you get a new set like starclassics or tour customs with 6 toms for $1600 (with a double pedal)? I would think he'd have to set his quality standards, or expect fewer toms, for $1600. Why not one of those Mapex M's with the free tom? They're birch shells and all, won't cost an arm and a leg, and you could get one of the ones with the free 5th tom.

EDIT: Or find a nice used kit, best option in my opinion, you'll be able to stretch your dollar a lot further.

[harryconway]

Starclassic used http://www.buysellcommunity.com/sale/BGPPAFPF/ would be in your budget. http://cgi.ebay.com/Tama-Starclassic-Performer-EFX-Birch-Drums_W0QQitemZ330090137268QQihZ014QQcategoryZ6444 3QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem Watch this one. I'd buy this kick and build a kit around it, if I didn't already own a Ludwig 26x14 Classic in clear maple. http://cgi.ebay.com/Tama-Drums-Starclassic-Birch-Performer-16x26-Bass-Drum_W0QQitemZ150094385854QQihZ005QQcategoryZ38093 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem And here's the matching floor tom. http://cgi.ebay.com/Tama-Drums-Starclassic-Birch-Performer-16x16-Floor-Tom_W0QQitemZ150094388117QQihZ005QQcategoryZ38096Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[Skitch]

Isn't that a DW kit? Doesn't it cost a lot? Heheh Looks familiar from when I was checking the finishes on the DW site. It would be cool if DW did complete custom finishes again. I asked them recently about that and they said they no longer do it because of high demand, so you can only get a choice of a handful of airbrushed graphics. What was odd to me was that artists who choose to have custom finishes on a DW kit still have to get a kit with a finish on it, then take it to a custom artist to do the new finish. DW wouldn't provide unfinished shells for this purpose, and that only adds more work to the custom artist to have to remove the original finish.


It keeps the artist's arms loose and flexible!


Mike

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


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

[Exident]

Hey,

hmmm....you really have to spend a lot of money.

right, sell your IC´s and get Yamaha Flying Dragon Pedals! Just a little tip, but i did the same and i was much more happier with the Yamahas.

Would you like to play birch or maple?

If Birch i would take a starclassis set, if you like maple i would perhaps go with sonor 3005 or 3007! Great Sets, i use mine for Metal too but perhaps you would be better with birch because it is more defined.

Starclassic for Birch
Sonor 3005/3007 for Maple.

Hardware wouldn´be very expensiv if you woulrd get your hands on BASIX hardware.
The 8000 Series are absolutly great, cheap and strong!

.T

[Rossy_j]

I'm with Fat Elvis on this one. I tired the Starclassic Maple and then the Performer and preferred the latter hands down. I should mention that I'm in the UK and so we have the B/B Performers. These have inner plies of Bubinga which add a whole load of punch and low end. I haven't had a chance to try out the 100% Bubinga shells, but I would recommend you look into it. Great kits, love mine more than anything else I've played.

R

[Drummer Karl]

Well, it is much money, definitly and I`d really think about our comments and recommendations again and again...following is just my suggestion and opinion, important is that you follow YOUR heart/stomach in the end.

I wouldn`t take the Performers...just because I don`t think they cut enough. Maybe it is just me but the Performers aren`t so cuttish. Overall an awesome kit...of course great for metal but in my opinion too "nice" if you know what I mean.
If you have a limited budget, maybe try to invest in a custom made drum set, I think there are a few great custom makers who don`t want too much for a kit. Unfortunatly I don`t know any Custom brands or makers...

PS: Maybe an Oak Custom? They are loud and cuttish. One of the most versatile kits I`ve ever heard and seen.

Karl

[Fat Elvis]

Well, it is much money, definitly and I`d really think about our comments and recommendations again and again...following is just my suggestion and opinion, important is that you follow YOUR heart/stomach in the end.

I wouldn`t take the Performers...just because I don`t think they cut enough. Maybe it is just me but the Performers aren`t so cuttish. Overall an awesome kit...of course great for metal but in my opinion too "nice" if you know what I mean.
If you have a limited budget, maybe try to invest in a custom made drum set, I think there are a few great custom makers who don`t want too much for a kit. Unfortunatly I don`t know any Custom brands or makers...

PS: Maybe an Oak Custom? They are loud and cuttish. One of the most versatile kits I`ve ever heard and seen.

Karl

thats weird, karl -- cause i feel my birch starclassic cuts very well -- in fact, i think the way the tone is far more cutting than my maple DW. Oak however is a whole new ballgame. I am surprised though because i have never heard of anyone complaining about the cut of birch.

[larlev]

All good kits mentioned above......but......I have to say, why not buy "keller" shells and build your own kit????

For the $$$$ your willing to spend, you could have a huge set....all in the sizes YOU want...

sorry....I am having to much fun with my build.....I feel all giddy sometimes....

[Drummer Karl]

thats weird, karl -- cause i feel my birch starclassic cuts very well -- in fact, i think the way the tone is far more cutting than my maple DW. Oak however is a whole new ballgame. I am surprised though because i have never heard of anyone complaining about the cut of birch.

yeah, can understand. It is not really complaining, actually just my opinion. I think that birch cuts pretty well...but if he really wanna have something really cuttish which eats you I wouldn`t choose birch at once.

...and just another idea: What`s up with beech wood? It is maybe not cuttish and this idea seems maybe kinda strange but this wood is very warm and punchy, isn`t it?

Karl

[larlev]

I guess I am getting old.....I can't really tell the difference between maple, birch, ash, beech, oak....they all cut just fine for me

Too much is made of wood type..IMO.....edges, shell thickness, head choice...all play a much more important role than shell material....

I have made recordings of my 3005 and ash kits...same heads, tuning.....my ears couldn't distinguish between the 2.

I will bet I am not alone in this way of thinking......

[Deathmetalconga]

It would be cool if DW did complete custom finishes again. I asked them recently about that and they said they no longer do it because of high demand.

Um, normally in the business world, high demand is a reason to offer a good or service, not to stop offering it. Am I missing something here?

[Deathmetalconga]

All good kits mentioned above......but......I have to say, why not buy "keller" shells and build your own kit????

For the $$$$ your willing to spend, you could have a huge set....all in the sizes YOU want...

sorry....I am having to much fun with my build.....I feel all giddy sometimes....

I was going to suggest the same thing to him. Looking at your pimp drums and the fun you're having making them is an inspiration.

I'd think you'd need moderate mechanical skills and a few tools, however. I think you'd need a drill press to mount the lugs, or do they come pre-drilled?

[larlev]

Um, normally in the business world, high demand is a reason to offer a good or service, not to stop offering it. Am I missing something here?


Manpower, warehouse space, equipment.....just a few things that would deter a company from offering certain things

Who knows what else.......

[larlev]

I was going to suggest the same thing to him. Looking at your pimp drums and the fun you're having making them is an inspiration.

I'd think you'd need moderate mechanical skills and a few tools, however. I think you'd need a drill press to mount the lugs, or do they come pre-drilled?


Just blank shells.....I just built my router table.....so now I can cut my own edges....kinda scary..LOL

You can get shells from amdrumparts predrilled....however their shell sizes are very limited

[Tama Player]

Thanks for all the opinions guys. Its gonna be at least a month before I order it. I have looked at the 3005 and think its not too bad. But what I realy want is something that is a little warm, a little louder than usual, and it has miniscule ring. (for my toms of course) But as for my snare, I though I could invest a little more in a better snare. Perhaps a warlord or something. My neighbor is offering me his brand new warlord because he doesnt like the sound or something. I love the sound and he's selling it for like 100$. What do you think?

Peace
AGR

[larlev]

Thanks for all the opinions guys. Its gonna be at least a month before I order it. I have looked at the 3005 and think its not too bad. But what I realy want is something that is a little warm, a little louder than usual, and it has miniscule ring. (for my toms of course) But as for my snare, I though I could invest a little more in a better snare. Perhaps a warlord or something. My neighbor is offering me his brand new warlord because he doesnt like the sound or something. I love the sound and he's selling it for like 100$. What do you think?

Peace
AGR

Just remember....on paper.... thinner shells= lower tone....thicker shells= brighter, louder

When you say "ring".....this often comes from head choice and tuning....not from shell material

[Drummer Karl]

WHAT???? A brand new warlord for 100 bucks?

man, if you like the sound and want one...BUY. BUY. What a cool price.
and as for the drumset: Maybe check out beech wood. It just came into my mind suddenly so I wanted to let you know.

Karl

[SLEEPY BRiGHT EYEZ]

Um, normally in the business world, high demand is a reason to offer a good or service, not to stop offering it. Am I missing something here?

That's what I was thinking to myself! What was even more surprising to me, was that they wouldn't even offer to sell unfinished shells to these pro-drummers wanting custom finishes. That means the third party custom artist has to strip the original finish off which is really unnecessary and not a lot of fun to do (I speak from experience). I think it may be because they couldn't keep up with the demand. However, I would think with such success they could afford to meet that demand... I dunno. Who knows. That's all they told me. Hah!


thats weird, karl -- cause i feel my birch starclassic cuts very well -- in fact, i think the way the tone is far more cutting than my maple DW. Oak however is a whole new ballgame. I am surprised though because i have never heard of anyone complaining about the cut of birch.

I could hear a distinctive difference between my Slingerland maples and the ddrum birch/basswood shells I tried out recently. I love the sound of both. Maple has that real nice boom. To me birch 'cuts' much better. I would imagine maple has a natural bump in the low mid frequency range, whereas birch has a natural bump in the upper mid range. I'd love to know if anyone has actually done some sort of analyzed comparison of the different wood types with actual frequency response charts like they bundle with microphones- but that is what my ears tell me. That's just my limited experience. I haven't played on enough kits to know much more than that.

OK, which forum member has the most kits with different types of wood? Hahah! We should get that member to record a sample from each wood type with the same mic and the same heads. Find out how to print out frequency response charts from that, and I think that would be the closest we could come to a scientific test within this forum. It would be fun I imagine.

[dingbat]

I posted this in another thread recently, but it has seemed to fade away. For sale is the Pearl SMX maple kit shell pack from this internet retailer for $999 free shipping, no tax, also the SBX birch series for $930. These series have now been discontinued by Pearl, replaced by the Vision series I believe. The SMX is all 100% maple, and are known to be the same raw shells as the high end Masters MMX, the SBX probably follows the same logic and are the the same raw shells as the high line BRX series, differences being limited finish options and lower line hardware attached the shell, but still very stout and also with 2.3mm superhoops/rims. Not everyone prefers the Pearl tom mounting system, but if you don't mind, you are getting professional built and sounding drum shells with midline hardware attached. This is a good deal on good sounding kits that tune up easily, especially on the maple kits, as the SMX sold for $1250 from all the drum retailers when they were in production. Seems like Pearl has some of these kits in inventory and are blowing them out through their authorized Pearl retailers. As far as adding more toms, plenty of the kits were produced, I don't think you will have a problem finding extra toms on ebay or being blown out by drum shops.

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZexplodie

[Tama Player]

Thanks dingbat, thats something I am going to consider for sure! As for the Warlord snare, ....just bought it! 100$ as I said, (its at his music store)

Peace
AGR