Need to advice on purchasing new kit

[backatit]

Been out of the drumming world for about 20 years! Finally decided to pick up some sticks and get back into it. Need to purchase a new kit. Will be playing mainly rock and country, and a little jazz. Had a Gretsch BlackHawk starter set when I was a teenager. I don't want to purchase another beginner kit, but want a quality kit that I may even use to play some small gigs, but don't want to spend mega bucks. A kit that I'll want to play on for a long time! Any advice on brands/models will be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[Snowdogyyz]

Sonor makes great kits. Right now, they are phasing out some older models for the brand new ones, which means you can get them cheap. Shane at the drumshop in Portland, Maine is currently blowing out Force 2005's, 100% birch shell for around $700 shipped to your door with hardware (2 cymbal stands, bass pedal, hi hat and snare stands). They come in 2-3 different 4 tom combinations, bass drum and snare. These are great intermediate kits and they sound great from what I've been told.

Here is his email address: thedrums@maine.rr.com
and here is the link on sonormuseum's forum that shows the available kits (you may or may not have to sign up for the forum):

http://www.logsdon.biz/cgi-bin/ikonboard/topic.cgi?forum=6&topic=1164

I have bought a kit from him and he is great to deal with. So, if you have any interest in Sonor, this is a chance to get a great kit, dirt cheap! Otherwise, I would check ebay for some yamaha, tama, etc, etc pro kits.

[larlev]

Sonor 3005 kits on ebay..new for $750

A great kit...versatile....and $250 off
You will be very happy with a Sonor....one of the best quality kits on the market..I have owned just about every brand out there, and the 3005's are without a doubt one of my favorites

[fusssion]

Sonor 3005 kits on ebay..new for $750

A great kit...versatile....and $250 off
You will be very happy with a Sonor....one of the best quality kits on the market..I have owned just about every brand out there, and the 3005's are without a doubt one of my favorites


Would it be worth it ....or would it be better to spend a bit more and get the 2 or 3007 series with thier new upgrades?

[larlev]

Would it be worth it ....or would it be better to spend a bit more and get the 2 or 3007 series with thier new upgrades?

Personally I don't see $250 worth of upgrades...more cosmetic than anything...

[backatit]

Thanks for the Sonor recommendations. I'm not that familar with Sonor but going to check them out. What are your thoughts about Pearl? A friend suggested Pearl Export........any advice on Pearl or other brands?

[harryconway]

You need to set a budget. Less than $1K. Less than $1.5K Less than mega-bucks is a little vague. Pearl is dropping the Export (except for the Export Customs) line for the Vision, so those older drums will be washing up cheap. Not that I would want a set, but they're as popular as Honda cars. Yamaha, Ludwig, Ddrum, Peace and Mapex. All strong contenders. And if you shop for a good "gently used" kit, you'll be able to slip into a higher quality kit for the same money spent. Hey, welcome back to drumming and welcome to Drummerworld.

[fusssion]

Personally I don't see $250 worth of upgrades...more cosmetic than anything...


I was thinking ...more lugs on toms, including the snare (8 on the 05 to 10 on the 07)...nicer finishes, ...."fast" sized toms.....I know there is a thread somewhere that has a post in it that discusses this.....changes from the 050 to the 07 .....just wondering.

By the way....you can get the 2005 for 599!!

[larlev]

The 3005 has 10 lug snare and bass......I owned one....

You just have to ask yourself if it's worth the extra $$$ for a different finish....there are some hardware changes, but again..to me, doesn't justify the extra costs

[sharky 007]

Hey I was in the same boat I had not played in over twenty years(had alot to learn) I bought Sonor 3005 great kit for the money.

[backatit]

Thanks for letting me know about the Pearl Exports. I'm thinking of somewhere between $600 to $1000 for the kit, without cymbals.

[Snowdogyyz]

Thanks for letting me know about the Pearl Exports. I'm thinking of somewhere between $600 to $1000 for the kit, without cymbals.

You have many options for that cost, If you are looking brand new, I would recommend the Sonor 2005 or 3005 (birch or maple) or maybe even the Yamaha Stage Customs. Exports are pretty nice as well, but I don't believe the exports or the stage customs are 100% maple or birch, but maybe mixed with basswood (someone correct me if I'm wrong). If you don't mind used, you can get a great set off of ebay, maybe a more "pro" set, although the ones mentioned are fine for playing out and recording as well. I own a Yamaha Maple Custom Absolute and Sonor Delites which are out of your price range, but both companies make excellent intermediate kits as well. But anyway, you are getting some great recommendations from everyone here, so now it's just a matter of YOUR personal preference.

[backatit]

I posted a thread in a different forum yesterday and most everyone that replied suggested I purchase a Sonor 3005 kit. I'm getting back into drumming after 20yrs. of not picking up sticks. Want a decent kit, something that's going to last and could even do some gigs. Don't want a beginner set. Am thinking of spending $600-$1000, without cymbals. Anyone have any other suggestions. I'd really appreciate it! I'm in the San Diego area, so keep that in mind if you know some local shops or independent guys selling quality kits. I'm also up for buying online. Thanks!

[ECVail]

Your story sounds eerily familiar. I just got back into drumming a year ago after not playing for about 15 years. I picked up a Sonor Force 3005 from musiciansfriend.com. At that time, they were selling it with a set of Sabian xs20 cymbals and free gig bags for right around $800. Of course, since then I've added a second floor tom and upgraded all of my cymbals - the xs20s are now in their plastic carrying case.

My number 1 suggestion, if the Sonor's are your choice is: replace the heads immediately. I put Evans G2 coated on all toms and an EMAD on the bass drum and it sounds miles better than the stock heads.

The 3005s are spectacular for the money. I have started gigging with them and they are rock solid. Kinda funny actually, I'm just now in the market for a new kit and it took about 3 minutes to sell the 3005s to another local drummer. He's even willing to wait while my new set is on order.

It's amazing how fast it'll all come back to you. Enjoy!

[drummerchick435]

Mapex M Birches and Pro Ms are nice kits and in your range.

[harryconway]

Check out San Diego Drum & Percussion in Vista. also...this thread, where we continue to flog that age old topic. http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24226 If eBay is your thing. Check there. And a seller on eBay, code name "toydrum" lives in the San Diego area. Well known cat. He might be selling something sweet right now, who knows. And of course, Guitar Center, a great place to try stuff out, at least. Might also look at this thread http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24444 where we talk about picking up a "gentle used" pro level kit with the cash you'd spend on a "new" intermediate level kit.

[Mapex589]

I love my Mapex M Birch kit. You should check them out. Great kit for getting back into drumming.

[GRUNTERSDAD]

www.tayedrums.com. Not a big name but a very good deal on very good drums from a company overseen by one of the best. Drums available from www.musiciansfriend.com

[Michael G]

Yahama Stage Custom, and a Mapex Pro M are two very nice intermediate kits that you should like.