Is this the bargain of the century?

[Newdrumking]

Hi All,

Not many people would have spoken to me so they will not know me. I am a very new drummer. In fact, I have been drumming since 1st April this year. I am getting better so fast but most of all, rather than just playing I have been reading an awful lot about the different makes etc.... So far I have had 2 kits, bought and sold them over ebay, looking for bargains. I have sold my second kit and I think I got the bargain of the CENTURY today.

Anyway, I will start from the beginning. I bought a Peavey International Series 2 kit for £150 off ebay. Within 3 days I had sold it because the same night I picked it up I bought a Pearl Forum Kit. I sold the Peavey kit for £175 and started to play on the Pearl. It was so much better, even the cymbals where a step up. Then I went to the local drum store to try out some new cymbals. I fell in love with the Sabian AAX series. But at nearly £400 for the ride, crash and hats I could not afford them. On the train home I was reading my Drum magazine when an old guy came over to me. Cut a long story short, he said he was selling his sons kit and he wanted £350 for it, was I interested? I asked him what it was and he said it is Premier and Sabian Tin things! I went to see it straight away.

This is what I bought.

I beleive it to be a Used Premier Cabria XPK Jazz Drum kit


The kit has the following:

22" Bass Drum
14" Floor Tom
14" Wooden Snare
12" and 10" Side Toms
14" Sabian AAX Stage Hats
20" Sabian AAX Stage Ride
14" Sabian AA Medium Thin Crash
16" Sabian AAX Stage Crash
12" Paiste 502 Splash Cymbal

All hardware is made by Premier
A Sabian Cymbal Bag which can hold all of the cymbals


The heads need replacing. So my first question is, what top and bottoms should I buy? I like the sound of the drums in the STING songs on 10 Sumoners tales. Not sure if you have heard it but it is a very bright jazzy sound.

Secondly, how good a deal is it? I am so happy, i just need to tell everybody.

Oh, lastly, It may be an APK but I cannot find any info on APKs coming in the translucent purple colour. Can anybody help me find out what it is? XPK/APK?

Here are some pics.

http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u133/newdrumking/DSCN3062.jpg

http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u133/newdrumking/DSCN3061.jpg

http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u133/newdrumking/DSCN3060.jpg

http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u133/newdrumking/DSCN3059.jpg

http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u133/newdrumking/DSCN3058.jpg

http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u133/newdrumking/DSCN3057.jpg

[Michael G]

Noice, good drums and good cymbals. Not the best deal but very nice, especially for that price.

[Newdrumking]

Gutted! I wanted you to say! bloody hell that is amazing!

I know they are not what the advanced drummers use but they are more than enough for the beginner drummer. I wanted something I could use for at least 2 years before I upgrade. Plus, I decided on the AAx pack but could not afford it.

The fact that I could get more on ebay for the cymbals than I paid was good also, cymbals don't seem to lose there value so when I get really good I will have some money to put towards a better kit!

Any info on the heads?

[Trommur]

Nice kit, but I would flatten the toms and put them closer and flatten the snare. The cymbals are great, espacially for that price, with a kit! The AAX and AA cymbals are one of my favourites.

About the heads, I highly recommend Evans EC2's or Evans G2 on toms. Evand Emad on Bassdrum and Evans Genera hd Dry on snare.

Joe

[d.c.drummer]

Yes, it may be... i have the same advice as Trommur

[Trommur]

Yes, it may be... i have the same advice as Trommur

I don't know how to interpret that? That first line "Yes, it may be..." Was tha shot at me or?

Also NewDrumking, I'd recommend to lower the Ride a little ;)

Joe

[BertTheDrummer]

Def a good deal. As for heads I'd prob say Remo Coated Ambassadors on Top with the non coated version on bottom. Or something similar from another maker.

[Newdrumking]

Nice kit, but I would flatten the toms and put them closer and flatten the snare. The cymbals are great, espacially for that price, with a kit! The AAX and AA cymbals are one of my favourites.

About the heads, I highly recommend Evans EC2's or Evans G2 on toms. Evand Emad on Bassdrum and Evans Genera hd Dry on snare.

Joe

What would you put on the bottom? the same as the tops? Or clear on the top but coated on the bottom. Keep them the same, G2 top and bottom?

[Trommur]

What would you put on the bottom? the same as the tops? Or clear on the top but coated on the bottom. Keep them the same, G2 top and bottom?

I would put probably put Genera G1 on reso... And Hazy 300 Snare Side for snare and Emad black Reso and Emad clear batter on bassdrum. ;)

Joe

[Joe Kearney]

Not a bad deal, but I do believe that somebody on here got a free DW drumset, or am I mistaken?

[Newdrumking]

ok then! maybe you are all right. Maybe it is a good deal but not the best! Can't beat a free DW! :)

Lucky BARSTEWARD!

[Ozzy Biz]

Not a bad deal, but I do believe that somebody on here got a free DW drumset, or am I mistaken?

Yeah, I remember that kit. I think it came with snare, rack and maybe cymbals too. Quite the deal indeed...

[driver]

The lucky bastard would be me :) lol thats a real good deal for you tho man what a great start! I like the finish on your drums most its real intresting. Just the echo what every one else has been saying, lower your ride and flatten your toms. It will make you a better player and its good to do those things when your new to drumming. Great deal. Fat Elvis would be proud!

[drumbandit]

I lovee the snares on those drums. Tighten it up and it sounds amazing. Nice deal.

Tom

[badlydubbedsean]

Not quite THE bargain of the century, but very good bargain, excellent looking jazz kit, and you're very lucky someone just noticed you were reading a drum magazine, and gave you the offer. Well dun!

[Newdrumking]

Nice kit, but I would flatten the toms and put them closer and flatten the snare. The cymbals are great, espacially for that price, with a kit! The AAX and AA cymbals are one of my favourites.

About the heads, I highly recommend Evans EC2's or Evans G2 on toms. Evand Emad on Bassdrum and Evans Genera hd Dry on snare.

Joe

Trom,

went with the coated g2s on top, clear g1 on bottom. Got the hd dry and hazy for snare and emad for the bass. leaving the reso side for now on the bass. may go for a custom one further down the line.

Is this the set up you meant? i went for coated on tops for a warmer tone.

Can't wait to it them!

thanks guys


Tomo,

you are right about the snares, it sounds amazing now and the heads are worn own. it is cranked up tight though!

[da cheese walks]

ahhhh thats not a bad deal at all!!!

the AAXs are worth a hell of a bit arent they??I know theyre used etc...but theyre still great cymbals?

[boomboomda]

I had the same kit years ago and it was a XPK. I am pretty sure that what yours is too.

[Newdrumking]

Right,

New heads are fitted. slightly tuned. Not finely, they sound out but I really need to take time in tuning them. Does this set up look correct? Are the toms at a good angle? Ride close enough etc....?

Oh, and two pics of my dog watching the tv on sunday. He loves hollioaks!


http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u286/newdrumking_2007/DSCN3066.jpg

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u286/newdrumking_2007/DSCN3067.jpg

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u286/newdrumking_2007/DSCN3068.jpg

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u286/newdrumking_2007/DSCN3069.jpg

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u286/newdrumking_2007/DSCN3064.jpg

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u286/newdrumking_2007/DSCN3065.jpg

was i right in going for coated g2s on tom and clear g1s on the bottom? I want a punchy, jazzy warm sound without much sustain.

Thanks all

Phil


Oh, i sent pics to premier. it is an astria XPK from 1999. Birch shells.

[Trommur]

Right,

New heads are fitted. slightly tuned. Not finely, they sound out but I really need to take time in tuning them. Does this set up look correct? Are the toms at a good angle? Ride close enough etc....?

Oh, and two pics of my dog watching the tv on sunday. He loves hollioaks!


http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u286/newdrumking_2007/DSCN3066.jpg

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u286/newdrumking_2007/DSCN3067.jpg

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u286/newdrumking_2007/DSCN3068.jpg

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u286/newdrumking_2007/DSCN3069.jpg

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u286/newdrumking_2007/DSCN3064.jpg

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u286/newdrumking_2007/DSCN3065.jpg

was i right in going for coated g2s on tom and clear g1s on the bottom? I want a punchy, jazzy warm sound without much sustain.

Thanks all

Phil


Oh, i sent pics to premier. it is an astria XPK from 1999. Birch shells.

The Tom angles are a bit for my sake, but you've positioned them right, imo. The Ride is still a little to high, but if you like riding and crashing then Your kit is set to go. Beautiful kit btw!

Joe