squid
06-26-2007, 01:35 PM
Well guys and girls, if you think this is another "this kit vs. that kit" or "I got $1000 to spend..." thread, then you are exactly right.
Here are the facts: I'm ready to replace my Mapex Venus kit with something better. This standard 5-piece set (from the early 90s?) has served me well, but it has certainly seen better days. I purchased the set used several years ago with minor cosmetic damage. I have since slowly been upgrading to Yamaha hardware and Zildjian cymbals, including the purchase of my infamous Manu Katché custom snare drum. Over time, the set's black wrap has worked its way loose and the rims have rusted. I had planned to undertake an $400+ refinishing/hardware upgrade project, but I have realized that it is pointless to spend $400+ "polishing a turd," so to speak. And thus the search for a replacement begins.
I play in a four-piece rock band in which all members (except me) play at least an intermediate-level quality instrument or better. I think I owe it to my band mates and myself to finally play an instrument that reflects our abilities and tastes. I am looking to spend $1000 or less on a 4- OR 5-PIECE SHELL PACK ONLY in a custom configuration (24" BD, 18" FT, 16" FT, 14" TT, 12" TT). I need your help making the right choice and finding the best place to purchase. Based on my tastes, knowledge and research, I have it narrowed down to three choices:
1. Tama Superstar Custom
Shells: birch + basswood
Bearing edges: ?
Rims: die-cast
Available finishes: blue metallic fade, amber fade, charcoal, ocean fade, scarlet fade, titanium fade
Complements: love the lugs, like the tom-mounting system, finishes and badges okay
Complaints/concerns: doesn't match my hardware.
Price for reference: $930 (5-piece standard from Musician's Friend)
2. Yamaha Stage Custom Nouveau
Shells: birch + mahogany + falkata
Bearing edges: ?
Rims: triple-flange
Available finishes: cranberry red, fade brown amber, fade raven black, honey amber, matte sienna(+oak)
Complements: love the price, love the tom-mounting system, finishes and badges okay
Complaints/concerns: Hate the nouveau-style lugs
Price for reference: $900 (5-piece standard from MF)
3. Yamaha Tour Custom
Shells: Asian Maple
Bearing edges: 60°
Rims: triple-flange
Available finishes: brown sunburst, ocean blue, sakura white, black onyx
Complements: love the finishes, love the tom-mounting system, lugs and badges okay
Complaints/concerns: might be over budget for a custom configuration
Price for reference: $1000 (5-piece shell pack including snare from MF)
Tell me what you think about those choices.
As stated above, I do not need the snare drum, bass pedal, hi-hat stand, etc. that comes included with most package deals. This would lead one to believe that buying the component drums would lower the overall price tag, but I have found that for many dealers this is not the case. For those of you who have purchased drum sets with customized configurations, what did you find was the best way to go about it? Did you have to wait long for special sizes or finishes? I am willing to consider purchasing used, but I hate waiting for something to materialize that may be slightly damaged, in the wrong sizes, or in the wrong finish. At this point in the game, I just don't have the patience or desire to compromise unless a very good bargain can be found.
I think that's about it. As always, thank you for taking the time to read my long post and sharing your knowledge.
Here are the facts: I'm ready to replace my Mapex Venus kit with something better. This standard 5-piece set (from the early 90s?) has served me well, but it has certainly seen better days. I purchased the set used several years ago with minor cosmetic damage. I have since slowly been upgrading to Yamaha hardware and Zildjian cymbals, including the purchase of my infamous Manu Katché custom snare drum. Over time, the set's black wrap has worked its way loose and the rims have rusted. I had planned to undertake an $400+ refinishing/hardware upgrade project, but I have realized that it is pointless to spend $400+ "polishing a turd," so to speak. And thus the search for a replacement begins.
I play in a four-piece rock band in which all members (except me) play at least an intermediate-level quality instrument or better. I think I owe it to my band mates and myself to finally play an instrument that reflects our abilities and tastes. I am looking to spend $1000 or less on a 4- OR 5-PIECE SHELL PACK ONLY in a custom configuration (24" BD, 18" FT, 16" FT, 14" TT, 12" TT). I need your help making the right choice and finding the best place to purchase. Based on my tastes, knowledge and research, I have it narrowed down to three choices:
1. Tama Superstar Custom
Shells: birch + basswood
Bearing edges: ?
Rims: die-cast
Available finishes: blue metallic fade, amber fade, charcoal, ocean fade, scarlet fade, titanium fade
Complements: love the lugs, like the tom-mounting system, finishes and badges okay
Complaints/concerns: doesn't match my hardware.
Price for reference: $930 (5-piece standard from Musician's Friend)
2. Yamaha Stage Custom Nouveau
Shells: birch + mahogany + falkata
Bearing edges: ?
Rims: triple-flange
Available finishes: cranberry red, fade brown amber, fade raven black, honey amber, matte sienna(+oak)
Complements: love the price, love the tom-mounting system, finishes and badges okay
Complaints/concerns: Hate the nouveau-style lugs
Price for reference: $900 (5-piece standard from MF)
3. Yamaha Tour Custom
Shells: Asian Maple
Bearing edges: 60°
Rims: triple-flange
Available finishes: brown sunburst, ocean blue, sakura white, black onyx
Complements: love the finishes, love the tom-mounting system, lugs and badges okay
Complaints/concerns: might be over budget for a custom configuration
Price for reference: $1000 (5-piece shell pack including snare from MF)
Tell me what you think about those choices.
As stated above, I do not need the snare drum, bass pedal, hi-hat stand, etc. that comes included with most package deals. This would lead one to believe that buying the component drums would lower the overall price tag, but I have found that for many dealers this is not the case. For those of you who have purchased drum sets with customized configurations, what did you find was the best way to go about it? Did you have to wait long for special sizes or finishes? I am willing to consider purchasing used, but I hate waiting for something to materialize that may be slightly damaged, in the wrong sizes, or in the wrong finish. At this point in the game, I just don't have the patience or desire to compromise unless a very good bargain can be found.
I think that's about it. As always, thank you for taking the time to read my long post and sharing your knowledge.