DW Collector's Series worth the price?

[furbeedog@gmail.com]

Hi, I was thinking about buying a custom DW Collector's set, with 12x9, 13x10, and 16x14 toms with either a 22x16 or a 22x18 kick and 5.5x14 solid shell snare all in maple. I've been playing for around 5 years and this set would replace a TAMA superstar with the same measurements only a 16x16 floor tom.

Any thoughts on whether the drums are worth the price and which kick drums size is best?

thanks

p.s. I play mainly rock and blues, any comments on what sizes might be more appropriate in terms of toms? I like the sizes i have now, but I am not very experienced with other sized toms.

-Furbeedawg

[furbeedog@gmail.com]

Also, any ideas on a a 16x14 w/ legs versus on a stand?

[Rickk]

I just got my DW Collectors set this week, YES it is worth the extra money, Love the set, the sound, the Hardware. all is good!!


Rick

[furbeedog@gmail.com]

awesome, what sizes did you get?

[cornelius]

They are worth the dough, but actually the most important thing is to see if you can compare the Re-ring Maples to Birch VLT, or even the new Jazz Series. I could see the Jazz Series in bigger sizes as a great Blues/Rock kit. It will be hard to find those in a store, because they're brand new, but even trying the Birch VLTs is well worth searching around. They are great sounding drums.

[Fat Elvis]

defenately worth the price. I think either size of kick will serve you well. I have a collectors in Champagne Sparkle -- 10x8, 12x8, 14x14, 16x14 with a 20 x 17 kick. I love it!!!

i would go with the floor tom on legs -- just a personal preference. I find them easier to position and I am not a fan of the "wobble" you get with floor toms on stands.

[rendezvous_drummer]

They are really great kits, but I honestly do not know if I would pay $4000 plus for a Collector's Series Kit. The kits up here in Vancouver go for nearly $4000 bucks. Big money for a kit, good kit none the less. I'd go with a Yamaha Maple Custom and have some money left over, but that's just me. If you like the sound and can afford it, then by all means, go for it. And definitely go for the legs on the floor tom. The wobbling irritates me too and the legs are just so much more conveniant.

[MadJazz]

They're only worth it for the finishes. I'd consider them on par with other top brands quality wise.

Please drop that 13" tom for a 14 and/or 10". Go fusion sizes

[Mendozart]

Are you moving on from an older Tama Superstar set? I just recently bought a used, but in very good condition, DW set after 23 years of playing Superstars. I would look for a used kit. There are a ton of them out there. Also go with the fusion sizes as stated above and get a floor tom with legs. I converted my hanging 14x16 tom to a floor tom with legs. Like Fat Elvis said, get rid of the floor wobble.

[fusssion]

If I was going to get a 5 piece DW ....it would be 8x10, 9x12, 12x15, w/ an 18x22 kick and a 6x14 snare...versatility is a must! :-)

[macmarkus]

yes, they are worth the price. i would do it again, for sure. especially the solid snares ...

and now my 2 cents:
take a mounted 16" tom and go for a rim-like legholder ... this is flexibilty at its best.
take the 22x18 bass ... you'll find no better sound at all, right out of the drum.

best regards from a natural satin oiler ;)

[MadJazz]

Also go with the fusion sizes as stated above and get a floor tom with legs. I converted my hanging 14x16 tom to a floor tom with legs. Like Fat Elvis said, get rid of the floor wobble.

Never had a problem with 16" wobbling. A suspended tom will slightly sound longer than one with legs.

[dw D]

Worth the Money!

I have a collectors series 5pc with a Croviotto solid shell snare. Never once did i regret spending the loot. They sounded amazing out of the box and they sound even better today!
The snare is the "jewel" on the crown ( sounds like a whip cracking).
8x10
10x12
12x14
18x22
5x14

[cornelius]

Definitely a floortom with legs. I just received a new DW kit with a 14x14 floortom, and I won't miss my old 11x14 on a stand. Another great floortom size is 13x15 on legs - one of those magic sizes.
Personally I prefer 8x12 (another one of those magic sizes) vs 9x12, but that's me. If you're used to using a 12 and 13, you should try out a kit with a 10" tom and see if you like it. I'm over the 10" "dew" tom sound, but the ground covered sonically is greater with a 10 and 12, than a 12 and 13.

[Rickk]

10-12-14-16 18x22 Bass

[gmrakich]

If that is the sound you are looking for, then they are worh it, but only then. Make sure you are buying them for the sound they produce, not to show how much money you can spend on a kit.

[Skitch]

Hi, I was thinking about buying a custom DW Collector's set, with 12x9, 13x10, and 16x14 toms with either a 22x16 or a 22x18 kick and 5.5x14 solid shell snare all in maple. I've been playing for around 5 years and this set would replace a TAMA superstar with the same measurements only a 16x16 floor tom.

Any thoughts on whether the drums are worth the price and which kick drums size is best?

thanks

p.s. I play mainly rock and blues, any comments on what sizes might be more appropriate in terms of toms? I like the sizes i have now, but I am not very experienced with other sized toms.

-Furbeedawg


Howdy Furbeedawg!

I own two DW Collectors kits and being a repeat customer, would love to help you out as well as being a fellow drummer!

Your easiest question to answer is that the 18x22" Bass drum is probably the way to go on the kick size as I know that it seems like only two inched but the extra length will matter.

I like the Solid Shell snare choice, not that I own one, but I they are remarkable snare drums!

The 12x9" tom is THE size in DW's 12" tom as the tuning range on both of my 12x9" has an incredible range! I can't say on the 13" drum as I don't have a 13" drum! I do play on 16" floor tom every week, and even with a Remo Pinstripe on it, it has resonance to spare!

As far as the style of music you are playing, I am glad that you are being honest as I believe that a 10" in the traditional spot (in front of the snare) might be disappointing to you as the 10" is going to be higher than you are used to. You may want to consider adding one if you can afford it or add it later, if you can't, as this would make for a versatile set up! If you opt for a 10" you may want to consider putting on the right side of the bass drum and the 12" on the left (al a Kenny Aronoff), unless you have the 13" at which point you can disregard this suggestion! But from what I am gathering, you are probably a long-time 5 piece kit player (as am I) and this set up would be different from what you are used to.


Now, you are going to get a bunch of naysayers about DW weighing in and that is their right. You obviously have been thinking about this and have decided that the money may be well spent! You will get opinions of buy such and such brand and stick the extra money in the bank and so on......

Don't listen to them....Do they think about their bank account while playing their drums?

I am not gathering that this is an ego issue for you; you are viewing this as an investment. My DW drums make me want to sit down and practice; is it more enjoyable than on my old Granstars? Yes!

Also, when all is said and done, I don't regret the money I spent on these 2 kits!


Mike

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


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

[MadJazz]

First thing to ask yourself is where are you gonna play. I wouldn't drive around every week with an expensive kit. If you're gigging in bars, leave the DW home.

[Steady Freddy]

I think Dee Dubs are worth the money. Yes, they are expensive, but you'll be inspired every time you sit down behind them. Money only has value if it is spent.

I've never been a fan of gig kits. I want my best gear on stage every time I play. You just never know who's in the audience. We were signed out of a little local club back in the day. I don't see drums as an investment. They are a musical voice and I want the best voice possible when I'm playing out. There are other and better ways to invest.

Playing out is hard on equipment to be sure, So is the road, but if you care for your gear it will look and sound great for a long time. Sometimes gear gets dinged up. It just happens. Get over it!

Drums are meant to be played and not displayed. They are meant to be heard. They are an extension of the players heart and soul. Not of his financial portfolio.

Go for it!

[MadJazz]

I've never been a fan of gig kits. I want my best gear on stage every time I play. You just never know who's in the audience.

You never know how they're gonna sound when miced.
I want my best gear to hold and not be dented when returning home.

[crazyhorse]

I'm going to put on my flame suit now. :) As the new guy that just posted a review of the Taye's I figured I'd respond to this one.

If you haven't bought a set yet do yourself a favor and take a look at and most importantly play some other stuff out there. I could have gotten a DW set if I wanted but went the Taye route instead. They offer the solid maple snares if you want them and I've always been a fan of Ray Ayottes work.

Now I will say that DW probably has some of the best hardware out there so that's a consideration. However, unless you're an endorsed artist it doesn't hurt to mix and match your hardware a bit. I've got old school Gibraltar hihat and snare stands (all aluminum... so light) an Axis bass pedal, etc.

Either way.. DW is king at marketing and not necesarily making sets. Play a couple different brands before you make the leap. Heck for the cost of some of the DW stuff you could get something custom done. ;)

[Tetley]

i dont know bout DW, but shop around, sonor have some lovely finishes with good sound and like someone said earlier you couls get a quality custom kit for the same money as well.

Size wise. i play rock and i've found a couple of size setups work quite well over a 12 13 16 setup.

i've played a 10 13 16 and the even differences in size offered a great range and made for a great fill sound.

also 10 12 16, the 16 has a deep sound that helps anchor the kit while 10 12 rack toms just sounds better balanced than the similarity of a 12 13.

DW make beautiful kits though. And i have my i on them as well.

[Fat Elvis]

Either way.. DW is king at marketing and not necesarily making sets. Play a couple different brands before you make the leap. Heck for the cost of some of the DW stuff you could get something custom done. ;)

honestly, i have heard this for years, but tell me a set in the same price range or cheaper that is better? I think there are kits that may be as good as a DW -- most offer a slightly different sound and finish options -- and if a DW is what you are looking for, then buy a DW.

I dont think anyone thinks DW is great because DW told is they were great. I am in marketing -- i have been a creative director for 10 years and own my own agency. DW is NOT a champion of marketing -- they cannot approach the dollars it would take to achieve something like that. Heck, if marketing is all it takes, then we would all be shopping at Kmart, but Kmart sucks and no amount of marketing dollars will change that. THEY must give a product or service that people value -- DW does this.... quite well.

The fact is, DW makes some of the finest drums available, they have a unique sound, a unique look and a LONG list of endorsers that they have chosen very carefully to help get their word out.

Oh, and it is my opinion that Ayotte's drums with Taye do not approach those of Ayotte. Different class, and i have yet to see a Taye that can hold up to a DW (but in all fairness, i dont know the brand all that well -- i am only speaking from what i have seen).

And as far as the custom kit route is concerned, yes you could get a Pork Pie, C&C, OCDP, Spaun or one of a hundred custom makers, but they will mostly use the same exact shells (Keller) -- which makes those kits less "special" than one might think.

one guy's opinion.

[crazyhorse]

Thus why I put on my flame suit ahead of time. If you don't believe they spend lots of money on marketing pick up any drum magazine you want. Or look at who they endorse. Sure, professional musicians can play whatever they want to... but when you get paid to endorse stuff you can sometimes just let it slide that you might prefer to play something else. ;)

My point is simply that there are a LOT of alternatives out there. Anyone that has picked up a drum stick has heard of DW. They might not have heard of the guys like Taye, etc. If you doubt Taye's quality I strongly encourage you to find one of their monolithic snares and give it a whirl.

I'm not naive... I know that everyone will have their preference and once you make that choice it's hard to look outside the box. It's similar to the thread I read in the cymbals forum about a guy going in to buy a Zildjian cymbal but he played on a Paiste and was surprised at how good it sounds. Drummers are as bad as anyone at being brand loyal to a fault.

The original question was whether or not they're worth the price... to me that answer is no. While the hardware is top notch, I don't believe they sound any better than my Tayes. However, that's VERY subjective and I'll be the first to admit it. :)

[macmarkus]

The original question was whether or not they're worth the price...

i agree that just a few things are worth the price ... my sonor designer set was more expensive than my collector's, but it sounds not better. i tried "cheap" turkish rides which sound as good as my paiste traditional or k constantinople stuff. it's just a matter of taste.

i heard and played a taye in a local drumshop, and it sounded amazing. such as good as the "old" ayottes, which i like very much. but i don't want to have. some people like bmw or audi, some mercedes-benz. a matter of taste, too. ;-)

[crazyhorse]

I should have used the car analogy... That's a good one considering I sell Subarus for a living.

We sell Buicks here and the Buick Lucerne is the EXACT same thing as a Cadillac DTS with different sheet metal over the body.

Some people will pay the extra for the cadillac badge... some people don't care about branding and will buy the Buick because they know it's the same car without the price of the branding. :)

[macmarkus]

i would go for the buick, too ... but your example works just for Fat Elvis' comparison of the keller shell armade ... ;-)

off topic:
your natural taye looks fantasic; like your natural slingerland, too.

[Fat Elvis]

this is from the EXACT same thread question -- but it was a while ago (dont know why people dont search for threads... this has been asked multiple times).

anyway, i saw the suburu thing and it reminded me of an answer that i gave on that thread:

http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showpost.php?p=140263&postcount=7

[crazyhorse]

Elvis: that's pretty funny... but true... Given the Porsche's I lust after (I've owned 3 WRX's including an STi) are so far above the price level of a Subaru and most houses that it's simply not going to happen.... We'd have to talk about getting a set of drums like that Spirit Drum set I was reading about to really compare apples and apples there. lol

I actually sold an STi to a guy that worked at the local Porsche dealership. I drove it down there to do the paperwork just to spite the Porsche guys.

I guess the conclusion is that... you can get whatever you want and as long as you love it that's all that matters.

Thanks for the compliments on my new kit... I'm sitting here at work counting down the hours until I can go home and open it up a bit. =)

[MadJazz]

I drive a porsche. I always wanted one, i have dreamed about it since i was a kid. I am lucky enough to own one. Many people share this dream. Now suburu makes a fast ass car -- it can beat my car. It has well over 300 hp and all wheel drive. It is also less than 1/2 the price of my car new. Apples to apples, you can say that the suburu is better -- its faster, grips the road better, etc.

No kid is going to sleep dreaming of owning a suburu.

There is something to be said for the porsche name, its quality, its mystery and its exclusivity. Its got a great design, great performance, a great name - no matter what suburu produces, it will never approach it. Many would agree the same can be said for DW.

Elvis, like you showed yourself, the porsche isn't better quality wise than the subaru, it's neither exclusive if everyone wants it. It remains a mystery though why some crave it :-D

[Fat Elvis]

Elvis, like you showed yourself, the porsche isn't better quality wise than the subaru, it's neither exclusive if everyone wants it. It remains a mystery though why some crave it :-D

well, if speed and performance are the only mark of quality, you'd be right. But it's not, so you're not. Of course, there are porsche that a suburu could not dream to keep up with (Carrera GT2, Turbo S, Carrera GT) -- so that point is somewhat moot.

And the statement that if "everyone wants it it is no longer exclusive" is exactly wrong -- if everyone wants it but only few can get it, it is INDEED exclusive. Everyone wants a Ferrari -- would not it be somewhat exclusive if you owned one? I think so.

And as far as a mystery why some people would crave a porsche -- well, i cant help you there. Unless you have owned one -- or REALLY driven one, you won't get it. The fact that those who can afford it drive happily by the suburu dealer to pluck down 4x the price for a car should tell you something.

[crazyhorse]

Just to clarify... and to stir the pot... if you drive a Boxter you don't drive a Porsche. At least not in the eyes of the elitist Porsche owners.

But alas, I believe the metaphors are getting a little too far away from the point.


PLAY the drums. Then decide if the brand name is worth it to you. You can be an elitist and pay more for the same thing, you can go against the flow and try something different, but ultimately you need to just play the different brands and close your eyes.

Things to think about:

Do you like the sound of one brand over another? This requires you to listen to them not just guess.
What's more important to you? Is it the name, the hardware that comes with a kit, the finishes available, or just the sound? Could be anything and there is no right or wrong here.
What's your budget? Me personally... I'm looking at spending over $3k for wedding photos in a few months... I don't want to spend $4k on a set of drums... I found the Tayes and jumped all over them
You reallize we're all opinionated a-holes here right? Sad but true ;)

[Fat Elvis]

Just to clarify... and to stir the pot... if you drive a Boxter you don't drive a Porsche. At least not in the eyes of the elitist Porsche owners.

well, i dont drive it anymore -- i sold it cause it would not hold my drums. :)

but i did belong to the PCA, and i must tell you that it is my experience that this is the opinion of those OUTSIDE of the porsche community and certainly not any porsche drivers i encountered. The boxster is every bit a porsche -- everything on it is porsche, and the model i drove (the S) had most of its parts come directly off a carrera (brakes, suspension, engine design, etc). Now had you said the Cayenne or a 924, i would have agreed -- those are not made by porsche (more of a co-op). But the boxster is all porsche.

now back to the topic.

DW's rock. Buy em.

[crazyhorse]

*kills elvis*

Actually since we're so off topic anyways and there is no right answer...

I've been autocrossing and doing solo stuff for several years in my Subaru's. One of the fastest guys in the area owns a beautiful Boxter S and he hands all of us our rear ends at autocrosses. Long story short, he hopped in a Pontiac Solstice the other weekend at an event and was actually a LOT faster in the Solstice (which he had never driven before) than in the Boxster.

But it's OK... I won't pick on ya for your girly miata like car ;) Those PCA guys are always bragging about their cars when us Subaru guys beat them so it's ok I'm used to it. lol

I wish you were in the area Elvis and I'd corrupt you with either my 70's slingerland kit or my new Taye kit. muahahaha

Oh... and funny note about my first drumset. My dad drove a Firebird Formula... he told the guys at the music store that if they could fit the set into his car he'd take it. So apparently a Pearl Export series WILL fit in a 91 Firebird.

[Fat Elvis]

I wish you were in the area Elvis and I'd corrupt you with either my 70's slingerland kit or my new Taye kit. muahahaha

im sure they're both killer. The slingerland would have me jealous though.... i want a classic vintage kit.

[crazyhorse]

I'm on the fence with selling it. If I decide to sell it you'll be the first to know. It's been wrapped for the natural finish (the snare is the original black diamond pearl but I won't be selling it since it was my grandfathers) If I hadn't gotten the new kit I was going to have the whole thing redone with the black diamond pearl. I don't need 2 kits and I don't have space for 2 kits.. but that doesn't mean I won't find a way. lol

[Fat Elvis]

I'm on the fence with selling it. If I decide to sell it you'll be the first to know. It's been wrapped for the natural finish (the snare is the original black diamond pearl but I won't be selling it since it was my grandfathers) If I hadn't gotten the new kit I was going to have the whole thing redone with the black diamond pearl. I don't need 2 kits and I don't have space for 2 kits.. but that doesn't mean I won't find a way. lol

get some pics up of that baby. I dont know much about vintage kits -- i would love to see it.