first kit

[the_new_guy]

alright, i'm rather new to drums and i'm looking to purchase my first kit

i've been looking around and my budget is $500 [not including tax/shipping]

any reccomendations would be helpful, but these are what i've found to look...well...not bad for the money

Tama Imperialstar - $499

Ludwig Accent - $369

ddrum Diablo "punx" - $399

please note the $500 budget does not include cymbals, and for those i'm looking at a Paiste PST 3 set

thanks for any help/advice/reccomendations [sp] in advance

[LayinDown]

Welcome to the world of drums, Nick! Out of the 3 sets you mentioned, I would consider the Ludwig Accent. A accent custom kit was my first: it did the job, sounded good w/ decent heads and held up well. I wouldn't reccomend the Diablo kit, only because I have heard more than once that the quality is seriously lacking, even for a begginer kit. Also, don't forget about eBay! Both new and used sets are typically a great deal cheaper on eBay. If you go used, you can more than likely get "more bang for your buck". Don't be afraid to ask questions! Good luck.

[the_new_guy]

i've always been weary of buying things off eBay, even though everybody i know hasn't had any problems...lol, i'll go take a look though

and i also came accross these online

Sonor 1005 Force - $399

and

Sonor 2005 Studio- $549 [maybe a little out of my range, but if it's better, i'd be willing to pay a little more]


i'm just looking for some input on the sets i've listed and any other reccomendations, the help is appreciated

[Norske]

Hey Nick!

Since you only listed three kits, I would assume you've been doing some shopping. If those three are your top picks, then I would definitely recommend Ludwig, but it's so much a matter of taste.

You're listed as being in Wisconsin, and if you're anywhere near the Milwaukee area, or able to drive there on a weekend, check out Interstate Music in New Berlin. They have a huge selection of kits in stock, and have a big online presence as well, meaning that they have a warehouse full of drums besides what's in the store.

Best bet is to play a couple of different ones and see what you like by feel and sound, but I'll guarantee you they will help you out without being pushy. They also have a price match guarantee, so when you find the best price you can, they will either match or beat it. I buy all my gear from them, and they have beaten prices I didn't think it was possible to beat.

[the_new_guy]

no, i'm closer to like Hudson

i'm hoping to go to guitar center in the cities sometime to try stuff out

and the Ludwig was at the top of my list and sounds like a good choice from what i've heard

[hauk]

I have the Ludwig Accent right now and I think it was a pretty good choice for first kit. I also recommend the Sonor Force 2005 if you're willing to spend a little more. I've heard only good things about them and since the 2007s are out now you should be able to get a good deal. Make sure (if you don't buy on eBay) you buy in store rather than through the store's website so you can bargain them down some. A lot of people have shopped successfully on eBay, you just have to be careful. I would stay away from the ddrum just because I have heard they have some quality control issues on their lower end kits (although their pro kits are top notch). I really don't have any experience with the Tama.
I wish you luck in your endeavor!

PS
I just noticed you mentioned going to Guitar Center to try out kits - great idea. It's always best to hear before you buy. You might want to take along someone who has been drumming for a while to help you tune up the kits a little; the floor kits at GC don't have the best reputation for being tuned up well.

[Fat Elvis]

i think the sonor 2005 would be worth a few extra dollars. I have owned a sonor 3003 and it was a very good kit -- and for the price that i bought it for, nothing could even come close.

sonor makes very good drums.

[That Guy]

The Ludwig accents are a great beginner kit. If you buy some Remo Muffl's you can use the stock heads and get a good sound out of them without diminishing the volume, which would free up some money for cymbals.

Sabian B8 makes a good package set for beginners.

[ECVail]

This board seems to be huge Sonor cheerleaders. They're right on. For the money, you can't beat the Sonors. I have a Force 3005 and it's been fantastic. The hardware is great, the drums sound fantastic and the finishes are top notch.

I know musiciansfriend.com is blowing out their stock of the X005s as the X007s are out now. You can get a great deal on a great set of drums. The 2005s are birch, where the 1005s are "select hardwoods" whatever that means - I'm sure someone here knows what combination of "select hardwoods" the 1007 uses.

For $549, you can't top the Sonor Force 2005.

[RUSTE]

I highly recommend the sonor's. You can get a really good deal right now on the 2005's as there discotinued.

Ive owned a ddrum diablo deth punx & all i can say is dont touch them with a barge poll. Mine came with chipped bearing edges, The floortom leg mount broke as did the bassdrum spur ( just about still usable ) Wrapping looked dodgy etc... Its goes on. The best thing about them was the tom mounting system was good.

It might be worth spending that extra to get a more mid range kit than the beginner sets you have mentioned if your serious about drumming. Otherwise Just get something secound hand to bash round for a while to see if its for you.

Ebay is great but just make sure its in driving distance & simply dont pay if there not as stated in the auction.

[the_new_guy]

wow, thanks everyone for the input, so i'm lookin' at the Ludwig and the Sonor 2005

leaning more towards the Ludwig for the price, but we'll see how things go at GC