Looking for Advice on New Kit - Yamaha Maple Custom Absolute

[drumdog20816]

Hi. I'm new to the site, but have read it for a good while and think it's a great resource for drummers. Given the wealth of experience here, I was hoping some of you might be able to give me some thoughts on a new kit. Currently I play on a Mapex Pro-M, which is cool, but I'm looking for a new kit (new to me at least), and am considering buying a used Yamaha Maple Custom Absolute (not Nouveau, a bit older with triple-flanged rather than diecast hoops and the gold seal) - 10x9, 12x10, 14x12 (toms); 14x5.5 (snare); 22x16 (bass). I've read Stu's and other posts and am wondering if for around $3000 (including hardware, a set of Paiste Sigs, and cases) this is a good deal or if going with a new YMCA kit with the diecast hoops (or nouveau lugs for that matter) are better options.

I'd also be interested in thoughts on whether I should go for something different entirely (Pearl Reference, Maryland Drum Company, Noble & Cooley were the other kits that really impressed me). I play a wide range of styles and want a versatile kit. I can stretch a little on price but want a set that'll last me a good while. Thank you any thoughts you have, recognizing that drum preference is very individualized.

[dblinkhorn]

Well you definitely can't go wrong with Yamaha. The price seems a bit high I guess, but you are getting a set of cymbals and all the hardware. How many cymbals and what sizes are you getting exactly? And what hardware? I think $2500 would be ideal. Could you get all that for any less than $3000?

If I were in your situation I would personally just take that $3000 and buy a new set of shells. I priced a 9x10, 10x12, 12x14, 16x14, and 20x18 for just under $3000 dollars on a couple of web sites. That's what I would get, then save up money for the hardware (which shouldn't cost you too much).

You have a pretty nice kit to tide you over until you get your Yamaha all built-up, but that's what I would do. You won't have to worry about whether or not the drums were properly stored, or any other unforeseen problems with the kit. Also, you will be able to choose exactly the finish you want.

My two cents.

[cdrums21]

The Yamaha drums you mention are awesome, I play the maple absolute noveau series. If it were me, I would spend the $3000 on a brand new Yamaha kit and get the exact sizes and finish that I wanted. I realize that you are getting cymbals and hardware as well, but you could start with a smaller kit, say a 4 piece kit and still have some cash to get new cymbals and hardware. Then, just add a tom or cymbal if you need to as you get the cash. That's just an option and some food for thought. The advantage with that is that you get a brand new kit that is exactly how YOU want it. Whatever you choose to do, have fun and good luck!

[drumdog20816]

Thank you both for your very helpful feedback. I really appreciate it. The hardware looks pretty decent on the kit, all Yamaha stuff (not sure which series), but I have upgraded some of my own hardware (bass drum pedal and hi-hat stand) and would use most of it on a new kit anyway). The advice on getting a shellpack to my specs. and building on it is really good.

dblinkhorn, I'd be interested in your thoughts on the 20 x 18 vs. 22 x 16 kick drum. I'm not very tall and think the 20 might be easier for me to adjust the toms to a comfortable height, but play a decent amount of rock and alternative where a bigger bass sound works well. The 16 x 22 Yamaha bass seemed nice and punchy, yet resonant. My current Mapex 22 x 18 is quite boomy without a good bit of muffling.

Thanks again to both of you for your thoughts.

-Michael-

[harryconway]

I just played a blues gig with the "house kit" being a Yamaha Maple Custom with a 20" kick. Awesome kick drum. It will do everything a 22 will do. I drove a Yamaha Recording Custom for quite a while, with a 22, and honestly, with all the different head combo's/choices we have today, the difference of 20 vs. 22 is very slight. As far as tom height comfort goes, if that's a concern to you, go with the 20.

[ermghoti]

I concur. My kicks are 18x20, and jolt the room. The height difference is surprisingly noticable, especially with the fast-depth toms that are in fashion ATM. I can set my toms about solar plexus high, just an inch and a half or so over the snare, with minimal tilt. Effortless ergonomics.

[drumdog20816]

Thank you both for your input! I am looking into the pricing and availabilty of a kit with a 20" bass. Thanks again.

-Michael-

[dblinkhorn]

Yeah I agree with these guys above as well. My 18x20 DW kick sounds every bit as punchy and "big" as any 22" I've heard. You won't be disappointed, trust me. I would just make sure you get the drum 18" deep, so that while you lose 2" in diameter, you gain 2" in depth to make up for it in a way.

I haven't heard that many 16x20 kicks, but I'm sure they would have a bit less punch, but not tons I imagine. Still, I can faithfully recommend an 18x20.

Another advantage with the 20" kick drum is that you can position the high toms lower down that you could with a 22". On my kit, I like to have everything as flat as possible, and this helped quite a lot. 2" doesn't seem like a whole lot, but lowering my high toms by about 2" gave me a much shallower angle.

[drumdog20816]

Thanks dblinkhorn. I talked with a very helpful and knowledgable person at a drum shop I contacted today, and he actually recommended a 20 x 16 over a 20 x 18 for this kit. Based on what he was saying, the additional 2" in depth with the smaller diameter created less volume or somehow caused the sound to be less focused. It was only his opinion of course, but he seemed pretty experienced. He also recommneded a 14 x 14 floor tom with that kit, which seems like a good call. Availability between the two set ups was similarly limited in my color choice (Vintage Natural).

I would appreciate whether anyone who has played both size kicks has any additional thoughts. I can't seem to find many places with those sizes on the floor to demo. Then I promise to quit bugging you all. Thanks.

-Michael-

[Jeremy]

I don't know about what that guy said about less volume, but I agree with the 16 in depth on the kick, since you don't lose much punch in the sound and it has a better tone and beater response. As for the 14 x 14 tom, ever since i got a 14 x 12, i realized how unnecessarily hard it is to tune a square drum. The 14 x 14 sounded great at one tuning, and got much worse as it moved away from that tuning. the 14 x 12, and now my 14 x 13, sound great throughout a whole range of tunings. The 14 x 14 will have a bit longer tone though, so if you like booming floors that's your best bet.

Really though, any of the sizes you're choosing between will sound great, since those drums are fantabulous, and if you know how to tune, the yamahas can sound like anything you want them to, especially with diecast rims (a good reason to get new ones).

[drumdog20816]

Thank you for your insight Jeremy. I appreciate it.

-Michael

[tkillian]

Save your money and keep playing the Pro-Ms. Try new heads on the Pro-Ms.

Man, think of what you can do with all that money.

I play a pro-M kit and with professional level heads (Aquarian Modern Vintage Batter, Remo Clear Ambassador Resonants) these drums just sing.

Seriously, make a list of what you can do with $2900 which is what you will have after buying $100 worth of new heads. After you make the list ask yourself..."Can I keep playing my gig with these Pro-Ms"...the answer is probably yes.

Just my 2 cents and something to think about.