My Mapex Surprise!

[TenPastTen]

UPDATE ALERT. Post 85 has most recent pictures.

Here's the deal. I have been fascinated with drums/drummers/drumming since I was tiny. I never pursued music so never thought I would actually own drums. Well, for my 30th birthday, my wife threw a surprise party for me with about 40 friends and relatives. My wife sings in a little church band and had her band play some selections for me. The set list included some of my faves: Tom Sawyer, Stranglehold, Barracuda, Hey Man Nice Shot, Sweet Emotion, War Pigs, etc. The big reveal came when she introd the band and announced the drummer was on my new set! What a sweet lady. That was Jul, 06. I've spent the last year or so tweaking - a labor of love. Hope you enjoy!

Drums: Mapex M Birch in Black Forest Green Finish
Fusion sizes:
Bass 22 x 18
Toms 8 x 8
10 x 8
12 x 9
14 x 11
Snare 14 x 5.5
Aux snare: Pacific Maple Natural Gloss finish 14 x 5

Cymbals: Sabian (brilliant finish unless noted)
14" AAX Xcelerator Hats
18 XS 20 MedThin Crash (Natural)
16 B8 Pro Med Crash
10 AA Splash (Natural)
18 AA el Sabor Crash/Ride (Natural)
21 AA Rock Ride
18 B8 Pro China

Heads: Evans
Bass
Stock Reso
EMAD 2 Batter
Toms
G2 Coated Batters
G1 Coated Resos
Main Snare
EC2 Batter
Hazy 300 snare side
Aux Snare
EC2 Reverse Dot Batter
Hazy 300 snare side

Sticks: Various Vic Firth

Hardware: Mapex (and a couple Tama pieces)
Tama Iron Cobra Power Glide Twin pedal

Percussion: LP Black Beauty mounted on bass hoop
Factory Metal Percussion Hi Hat Jingler
I also use some MoonGels.

[radeq]

nice looking kit mate! what head do you have on you second snare?

[TenPastTen]

nice looking kit mate! what head do you have on you second snare?

Thanks for the note. The aux snare has an Evans EC2 reverse dot on batter and Hazy 300 snare side.

[joeybeats]

Great looking drumset. Never played a Mapex, does it sound as good as it looks? That aux snare, do you use it much as a player with one year of drumming experience? I always wanted one, but think I wouldn't get to it enough to justify the purchase. What kind of music are you playing? Do you sit in with your wife's band? Joey

[TenPastTen]

Great looking drumset. Never played a Mapex, does it sound as good as it looks? That aux snare, do you use it much as a player with one year of drumming experience? I always wanted one, but think I wouldn't get to it enough to justify the purchase. What kind of music are you playing? Do you sit in with your wife's band? Joey

Thanks. To answer your questions: yes it does sound as good as it looks (much like your own Neil Peart tribute).
I usually only use one snare b/c of space (however it's the Pacific b/c I have it tuned very sensitive with a crisp pop); I can recommend having an aux snare just to widen the sonic pallette a bit. Plus no one has bought his last drum...lol.
Despite the fusion sizes, I play mostly hard rock, a little funk, and I take stabs at some jazz.
And lastly no, I don't sit in w/ wife's band cuz i'm just not good enough to gig yet. Plenty of missteps and restarts in my drumming, but I love to practice and get better.

[drumr0]

Wow!! What a great looking kit. I like the setup alot. I'd roll over and die if my wife got me anything drum related!!! You say you are learning how to play, it looks like you have all the tools you need become excellent!!

[Mapex589]

I own the same set....color and all but I have legs on my two floor toms. Your wife is awesome to get you that set.....you are going to love that kit. That color rules too. Enjoy my friend!!

[thumper]

Wow-what an awesome lady you have! Mine takes the "easy way out" and gets me Long& Mcquade gift cards....

[Salicete]

Really cool kit, but apparently an even cooler wife.

Congratulations on both counts!

[Class A Drummer]

Great looking set. The finish is great.

You need to upgrade a few cymbals, but thats no problem, and not a necessity.

[fourstringdrums]

Very lovely kit and a lovely wife from the sounds of it :)

[fijjibo]

Lovely story behind that kit.

Mapex rules!!!!

lol - its true.

[spartacus1989]

Beautiful kit! Fantastic setup!

[TenPastTen]

UPDATED PICS.

Here are some updated pics with some new gear. Many poses are the same as my first post; sorry for the lack of creativity. The pics are straight out of the Department of Redundancy Department. Sorry for my goofy reflection in the bass reso in the first pic (any of you photoshop wizards want to make like David Copperfield and make me go "poof" that's fine by me).

CYMBAL CHANGES:

16 B8 Pro med crash out 16 AA Rock crash in
18 B8 Pro china out 18 AAX Ozone crash in

HARDWARE CHANGES:

Mapex 500 series hi hat stand out Gibraltar Ultra Adjust hi hat stand in

The pics also represent my most common setup with the moongels on the toms, the PDP as the main snare, and the Mapex snare collecting dust (space constraints). Enjoy!

[driver]

Great looking kit. Natural light makes it look really clean. How do you like those Hornets? They seem really interesting I'd love to try before I buy.

[Mr. Pasquini]

Have you tried pulling in the floor tom closer? it looks like its way out in right field...

[baz]

...very nice TenPast.

How do you like the el sabor? I have that same cymbal, and I love it.

I would love to take some outside pics of my kit, but that is hard to do when my yard has three feet of snow in it.

Barry

[TenPastTen]

Have you tried pulling in the floor tom closer? it looks like its way out in right field...


Yeah, it may appear that way, but for my size it's where it has to be. I do tweak it occasionaly since it shares a stand with the ride...

[TenPastTen]

...very nice TenPast.

How do you like the el sabor? I have that same cymbal, and I love it.

I would love to take some outside pics of my kit, but that is hard to do when my yard has three feet of snow in it.

Barry

Thanks, Barry.

The el sabor is my favorite cymbal. I hit 3 to 1 over any other crash. I chose it for the crash/ride versatilty and the raw bell.

It was 71 degrees (Farenheit, of course) when I took those pictures yesterday. Don't be jealous though, because hurricane season is right around the corner. I've never shoveled snow in my life and you have probably never had 4 feet of water in your car. I wouldn't be envious of either of us. Yikes.

[Resok]

TenPastTen How did you get that floor tom clamp thing on the cymbal stand? Do you know anywhere I could get one? I've been looking for one for ages here in the uk.
Cheers.

[Mr. Pasquini]

Ok, I was just wondering. very beautiful setup!

[baz]

you have probably never had 4 feet of water in your car.

...unless pee, vomit, and spilled beer count.

I love my el sabor as well. I used to use it as a crash ride, then with my Manhattan ride, primarilly for the bell. I found a used 20" el sabor ride, and 14" el sabor hats, so I know use the el sabor trio with an 18" HHXtreme crash as my LOUD cymbals. I like the trashiness of the extreme crash, as it is not as obnoxious as a china. iIt looks like you use the ozone crash for the same purpose.

Barry

[TenPastTen]

TenPastTen How did you get that floor tom clamp thing on the cymbal stand? Do you know anywhere I could get one? I've been looking for one for ages here in the uk.
Cheers.

Check this link out. I did the UK version, so the clamp is not identical to mine, but I hope it helps. Mine just came in the hardware included in my M Birch kit. Happy hunting.
http://http://www.mapex.co.uk/products/hardware/accessories/index.html

[Resok]

Check this link out. I did the UK version, so the clamp is not identical to mine, but I hope it helps. Mine just came in the hardware included in my M Birch kit. Happy hunting.
http://http://www.mapex.co.uk/products/hardware/accessories/index.html

Cheers mate, I'll have a look.

[TenPastTen]

Great looking kit. Natural light makes it look really clean. How do you like those Hornets? They seem really interesting I'd love to try before I buy.

Thanks for the compliment. I was really pleasantly surprized by the Hornets. I generally like lighter sticks so the 7A was the only model I really was willing to get. But I had to see them in person before I would shell over the money, so I would suggest that to you. There's no way these sticks will have a universal appeal - every hand is different. Here is a link to some other Hornets discussion.
http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34390

[TitanSound]

Tasty looking kit. Really liking the colour too!

[Big_Philly]

Whoa, nice kit man! I like the finish a lot, and that cymbal set-up is great. How's the O-zone crash?
I also like that hi-hat stand, very flexible.

[TenPastTen]

I love my el sabor as well. I used to use it as a crash ride, then with my Manhattan ride, primarilly for the bell. I found a used 20" el sabor ride, and 14" el sabor hats, so I know use the el sabor trio with an 18" HHXtreme crash as my LOUD cymbals. I like the trashiness of the extreme crash, as it is not as obnoxious as a china. iIt looks like you use the ozone crash for the same purpose.

Barry

Bingo. I may add a china eventually, but I hated the "kang" of the B8 Pro. The ozone has almost a small gong quality to it with the wash. And because of what I'm getting out of the ozone, if I do go with another china, I want it to be really quick - not quite Sabian Chopper quick - but close.

[GRUNTERSDAD]

Well after reading this post from the beginning, I must say that the drums, and the wife are both keepers. What a lovely kit. I have to ask, how do you like the Hornets?

[TenPastTen]

Thanks to all for checking out my updates. I appreciate the feedback.

Mr. Pasquini - no big deal on the floor tom thing. And I dig your set up as well. Your cymbal choices seem very deliberate. That let's me know you took great care in selecting them.

TitanSound - Thanks for the note. There seemed to be a problem with your sig link. I can't wait to see your gear.

BigPhilly - Thanks as well. I was blown away by the finish, myself. The natural light is killer. As for the ozone, it is a really unique sound and surprizingly versitile. Like a china with a stick and like a small gong with a mallett or butt end of my Hornets.

[Victor_se]

Hey Nice Set!

MUST sound awesome

Any recording of it?

[donald4789]

beautiful kit. i wish i will marry a woman that great. love the m birch series, i have one too. again, just a great kit, you're a lucky man

[frank0072]

Great set! It's great to be stimulated to play drums by your wife, my girlfriend got me into drumming too and insists on me putting my drumset in the living room when we get married in april.
Nice cymbals. How do you like your hats?

[TenPastTen]

Thanks again for all the replies.

Gruntersdad - Thanks for reading my "story." I am very lucky to have both wife and drums. As for the Hornets, the early reviews are pleasantly surprised. Here is a linkhttp://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34390

Victor - sorry to say i don't have near the capability for good audio. But I'll keep trying.

Donald - just find a woman who tolerates your hobbies rather than resists them. If she embraces your hobbies, marry her.

Frank - A drumkit is a PERFECT centerpiece for any living area. Fine woodwork deserves a showcase. As for the hats, I love them. Very bright and the airwave gives a great chick. Perfect for rock/pop/funk/punk etc.

[Gearhead]

Nice kit! I bet the coated heads on top and bottom really warm the toms up.

[fusssion]

Sweet Ten Past...

No one said anything, but ...tell us about that Gibralter hi-hat stand!! Cool stuff!

[Victor_se]

oh!
And how is the sound of G2 over G1 in your opinion?

[TenPastTen]

Gearhead and Victor - I think the sound of the G2 over G1 is fantastic. Veeeeery warm but still gives a nice tuning range. I had G2 over clear ambassadors, but find the current combo to be the sound I like the most.

Fusssion- About the stand: for me, the jury is still out. While I find the placement of the pedal and the hats to be PERFECT for me, I am finding some sloppiness in the pullrod and cannot, for the life of me, keep my bottom hat flat. I don't know if this is common to all "remote" hats or just this one. I so desperately want the stand to tighten up at the top and then I would recommend it unequivocally. I've just posted on a thread with these questions. Here's the link. http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?p=414769#post414769

[TenPastTen]

OK. I have some new gear and pics to update.

What's new:

Iron Cobra Hi Hat

The Black Panther Thick Flame Maple snare (6 x 14)

14 HHX Stage hats
16 HHX Studio crash
18 HHX China
20 HHX Stage ride

Aquarian heads
Snare: Hi Energy batter/Classic Clear snare side
Toms: Super 2 coated batters/Classic Clear reso
Bass: Superkick II

I also moved my AAXcelerator Hats to an auxilliary position. I relegated the 8 x 8 tom to the gear box and moved the 10 and 12 toms over to make room for a new ride position. For the record, I find this set up veeeeery comfortable. The 14 tom has been moved from a suspended position and put on a snare stand.

Here are some new pics. The last two are the new cymbals and a "Family Photo" of all my bronze.

[baz]

...holy smokes!!!!!

that last picture looks like a scene from Mars Attacks.

Barry

[BrokenGlass]

...holy smokes!!!!!

that last picture looks like a scene from Mars Attacks.

Barry

hahaha

I used to have about two more cymbals than that even! Now i'm a minimalist I guess you could say. Two crashes, ride, china, hats, and a bell and i'm happy.

[pearlygates]

While I'm not a big fan of Mapex drums, I do like the layout and the HHXs are some nice pies!

[Big_Philly]

...my girlfriend got me into drumming too and insists on me putting my drumset in the living room when we get married...
Your girlfriend rocks! Seriously!

I dig the new set-up, TenPastTen. I went the same way, going from a 6 piece to a 5-piece and sometimes even a 4-piece. I love changing my set-up. Nice bronze too!

[Drumalltheway]

wow..that's some nice set up! I like the selection on hardware!!!! it looks great!!! Evans is certainly better than Remo heads!

[katman]

Your drums look great. Specially that Black Panther snare.

I see you've put an Aquarian Hi-Energy head on the BP while you had Evans EC2's on your other snares. What is your opinion on the EC2's? Was there a big difference between the plain EC2 snare batter and the one with the reverse dot? I was wondering whether the reverse dot dampens it at all or kills any tone. And finally, how would the Evans snare heads compare with the Aquarian? I've tried the Hi-Energy before and found it a bit too dead (for my Pearl free-floating brass piccolo). I'm considering the Evans but would like some opinions first.

Thanks.

[TenPastTen]

Thanks for your nice thoughts, fellas. This is kinda version 3.0 for the kit as far as layout and gear. Occasionally I'll swap out the HHX stage ride for the AA rock ride and the same with the 16" cymbals, but this is the way it looks about 90% of the time now. It'll NEVER be changed for the last time.

Drumalltheway - I agree on the Remo/Evans thing. I had no complaints with the Evans but switched all my heads to Aquarian for the time being. "No change is permanent...but change is."

Big Philly - you unintentionally demoted my wife to girlfriend. You're gonna have to take that up with her. You can see how impressive her good side is, what with the drums and whatnot, but her bad side is unmatched ;-).

Yamahammer - I like this set up alot, too. I would like to add a 16 floor tom and maybe move everyone over a spot and run a 12, 14, 16 setup. And the HHXs are unbelievable. I'm having so much fun with them.

Broken Glass - As you can tell, the "Mars Attack" picture shows my entire stable, but never have they all run at the same time. If I had to pare down, it would be HHX hats, 16 HHX, 18 el Sabor, HHX ride. I could certainly manage with just that...but I am addicted, so I've ended up here...

Baz - Too funny. I thought about making a face, or the Olympic rings, or the Steelers symbol but you know what? Cymbals get really hot sitting in the direct sun for 30mins so i just dropped the shenanigans and snapped. Damn 85 degree Aprils!

[TenPastTen]

Your drums look great. Specially that Black Panther snare.

I see you've put an Aquarian Hi-Energy head on the BP while you had Evans EC2's on your other snares. What is your opinion on the EC2's? Was there a big difference between the plain EC2 snare batter and the one with the reverse dot? I was wondering whether the reverse dot dampens it at all or kills any tone. And finally, how would the Evans snare heads compare with the Aquarian? I've tried the Hi-Energy before and found it a bit too dead (for my Pearl free-floating brass piccolo). I'm considering the Evans but would like some opinions first.

Thanks.

Thanks to you, too, Katman. I have no significant complaints about the Evans. I much prefer the Reverse Dot EC than the regular EC for the attack alone. Hitting that dot sounds so good. You still get great tone but it allows for a greater texture difference than a non dot head. In fact, I may be a dot man forever now.

I also changed my PDP snare head to an Aquarian Texture Coated w/ Power Dot. This is my favorite snare head so far. Even better than the Hi Energy. The reason I would go with the Aquarian is the Z 100 coating. It is spectacular. Bottom line, if you felt the Hi Energy may be too dead, then stay away. I am just test driving. But I would recommend the Aquarian texture coated power dot over the Evans reverse dot for the coating alone.

Here is a link to my Black Panther thread if you're interested.http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?p=431690#post431690

[baz]

Baz - Too funny. I thought about making a face or the Olympic rings, or the Steelers symbol but you know what? Cymbals get really hot sitting in the direct sun for 30mins so i just dropped the shenanigans and snapped. Damn 85 degree Aprils!

...You won't get much sympathy from me.

It is -6 C, and there is 8 inches of fresh snow in my yard. Where is this global warming that Al Gore promised us, we are still waiting.

The good thing about this crappy weather is that I was sent home yesterday from work because the wind, snow, and temperature shut down the work site. I also did not have to come in today, so that meant a day and a half off with pay.

Free money means drum gear.

Barry

[TenPastTen]

...You won't get much sympathy from me.

It is -6 C, and there is 8 inches of fresh snow in my yard. Where is this global warming that Al Gore promised us, we are still waiting.

The good thing about this crappy weather is that I was sent home yesterday from work because the wind, snow, and temperature shut down the work site. I also did not have to come in today, so that meant a day and a half off with pay.

Free money means drum gear.

Barry

You can't fool a fooler. You did not need any excuse to justify more drum gear. You know it and I know it ;-)

[CASP3Rdrummer]

WOW thats massive!! those drums look really sick and although i dont like green drums on these it looks just beautiful!!! oh yeah Sabian all the way :):)

..if i had all that gear it would take me a loooot of time to ask for more xD

[baz]

You can't fool a fooler. You did not need any excuse to justify more drum gear. You know it and I know it ;-)

...Busted.

up here the expression is "you can't snow the snow man".

Barry

[Big_Philly]

Big Philly - you unintentionally demoted my wife to girlfriend. You're gonna have to take that up with her. You can see how impressive her good side is, what with the drums and whatnot, but her bad side is unmatched ;-).


Haha, well I apologize but actually I was referring to Frank0072's girlfriend (at the time of writing still his gf but from what I understand it'll be his wife as of tomorrow).
However, your wife rocks as well for giving you a set like that!

[TenPastTen]

Haha, well I apologize but actually I was referring to Frank0072's girlfriend (at the time of writing still his gf but from what I understand it'll be his wife as of tomorrow).
However, your wife rocks as well for giving you a set like that!

As long as we're dishing out apologies, I owe one to you. I read your post in haste and failed to realize you had quoted Frank0072 rather than me. Forum 101...my bad. But thanks for your kind words anyhow.

[cantstandyourfunk]

I own a Mapex Pro-M in rock sizes and I will say this: these babies look as good as they sound! 110% value for money. thse pix make me wanna go shoot mine with a better cam now...

[Big_Philly]

As long as we're dishing out apologies, I owe one to you. I read your post in haste and failed to realize you had quoted Frank0072 rather than me. Forum 101...my bad. But thanks for your kind words anyhow.

That's alright, it happens.

[slingerland755]

Tight setup. Looks great!

[tiffanyl]

beautiful kit!!! Your cymbal choices are also amazing!!

How do you like those HHX stage hats? Did you compare them with groove hats by any chance?

[TenPastTen]

Thanks. I love the HHX's. I tried the stage against the following: HHX Legacy, HHX Groove, HH Regular, Paragon, (all in 14) and it was unanimous between my drum teacher, friend at the local music shop and me. Very cool hats. I wanted to like the Legacy hats the most, but they were not as versatile as the Stage hats.

[mrchattr]

Great kit, man, and awesome to see the evolution of it.

Question for you, though. Do you like having all that space between your drums? Have you tried tightening it all up a little bit? I mean, there's probably a two inches between your left bass pedal and your hi hat pedal, and then another gap between your two upper toms...I personally like them as tight as can be. Either way, though, that's one awesome kit.

[TenPastTen]

Great kit, man, and awesome to see the evolution of it.

Question for you, though. Do you like having all that space between your drums? Have you tried tightening it all up a little bit? I mean, there's probably a two inches between your left bass pedal and your hi hat pedal, and then another gap between your two upper toms...I personally like them as tight as can be. Either way, though, that's one awesome kit.


I have been tempted to start a new thread with updates because it seemed so gratuitous to keep piling on. However, I enjoy sharing the progression, so thanks as well for your comments.

As for the set up, this was merely set up for pictures and never tweaked for playing. I have added a Tama twin pedal attachment to keep the slave pedal and hi hat nice, tight, and consistent. As for the tom spaces, I am pretty much a widebody so I keeps em wide like me. No, really I have them just far enough to keep the rims from banging together. If you look closely, you'll see there is some inconsistency in the setups from one evolutionary stage to another - just a symptom of drum models (they can be such primadonnas).

I have a new tom and will be setting up a precise set up to show my playable rig, soon. Stay tuned...

[drumhead61]

WOW, what a beautiful kit and the progression of it is amazing thanks so much for sharing. It is wonderful that your wife gave you such a surprise, mine kind of sneered when I told her I had just bought a kit...waited all this time in my life to finally do it and she sneers! She says she is happy for me, but...HA. I am still waiting to get my kit...one day in September I am told...HURRRRRY

[TenPastTen]

Updated gear and HUGE picture fest.

New gear:

16 x 13 floor tom and double tom holder
Aquarian Regulator Kick reso head (with custom Mapex logo:-)
Aquarian Double Kick Pad
Tama twin pedal attachment
Tama closed hi hat attachment (sorry not pictured)
Wedgie cymbal washers
Protection Racket hanging stick bag

New cymbals

Sabian
14 Radia China
10 Paragon Splash

Paiste
Twenty Series
13 Hats
18 Thin Crash
18 Crash
18 Thin China
20 Ride

Masterwork Cymbals
Jazz Master Series
14 Hats
16 Crash
17 Crash
22 Ride

I love the classy look the white reso head gives the kit. The class is accentuated by the custom 1.5" x 7" Mapex logo - I was very pleased with that result.

I have included the Masterwork in a four piece set up with the 14 x 11 tom on a snare stand. The Radia was used with my old 16 AA Crash to make a killer stack (white noise anyone?). With the stack mounted from the kick, I moved the splash between the hats and the 10" tom. I have added a Tama closed hi hat attachment with my old AAX mounted on the double tom holder between the 14 and 16 toms (perfect for me). Unfortunately I have no pics of the attachment:-(

The last pictures are additions to my family portraits of cymbals. First the Masterwork and I included pics of the bottoms because that is the only appearance of logos. The last pic is of the Paiste Twentys. And as a reward for making it to the bottom of this post, I give you a link to my original Paiste Twenty thread.http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41657

Thanks for once again endulging me and my addictions and I hope you enjoy!

[GRUNTERSDAD]

Nice looking kit. I'm loving those cymbals, especially the Masterwork Jazz series. and I have to ask how do you like the bumblebee sticks??

[TenPastTen]

Nice looking kit. I'm loving those cymbals, especially the Masterwork Jazz series. and I have to ask how do you like the bumblebee sticks??

Hey Johnny,

Thanks for the note. I thought you'd like the Masterwork being as you are so very familiar with them! I think they look and sound so good in that four piece number I mentioned here:http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41657

I also wish to thank you for your inspiration on how to go about the Mapex logo. When I got the new Aquarian reso, I got a local sign shop to make a custom small size logo from a pdf file. It took 20 minutes and cost me 10 bucks for two of them. It couldn't have been simpler.

As for the "bumblebee sticks" I like them. They are too cost prohibitive to own them exclusively, but I like them. I wrote more about them here:http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34390&highlight=hornets

Thanks again for the compliments.

[7DaysToTheWolves]

I'm actually considering getting the Mapex M birch in the black forest emerald fade. I've played on one of those sets before and they're just amazing to me. I think I'll throw out the 'getting a PDP" idea.

[Jalli]

Woooooooow man! Wow! These are freakin' aawesoome! You got sooo many cymbals. Awesome man, just awesome.

[robertondrums]

Very Very nice man. I presume you don't play outside though. Hahahaha. I'm thinking of getting a duel tama pedal myself. I've always played single pedal and have mastered that and now I fancie learning double. Were did you get your double pedal from? I'm trying to compare prices you see.

Robertondrums

[TenPastTen]

Very Very nice man. I presume you don't play outside though. Hahahaha. I'm thinking of getting a duel tama pedal myself. I've always played single pedal and have mastered that and now I fancie learning double. Were did you get your double pedal from? I'm trying to compare prices you see.

Robertondrums

Thanks for the nice words. Of course, I don't play outside, in fact I'm simply a hobby drummer, but the outdoors make for a good backdrop.

As for the IC twin pedal, there is a tad bit of a story. I ordered a "blemished" IC twin from Musician's Friend in July of 07. Shipping was delayed by weeks during The Big Warehouse move. When I checked on it again, the rep told me my order couldn't be completed bc the "blemished" item was no longer in stock, I politely expressed my desire to no longer conduct this transaction and he offered to ship me a "new" rather than "blemished" twin pedal for the "blemished" price of $260 USD. It all worked out. I am a long way from mastering anything, but the pieces are in place...

[dkerwood]

Holy cow, dude. I just read through this thread top to bottom.

Do you ever sell the gear that you don't use, or are you building enough stock to run a small drum shop?

[cadwiz]

Looks cool! I love the green.

[TenPastTen]

Holy cow, dude. I just read through this thread top to bottom.

Do you ever sell the gear that you don't use, or are you building enough stock to run a small drum shop?

Thanks for taking the time to read through the whole saga. It's been quite a love affair for me.

As for gear hoarding - guilty as charged. Of course there are a handfull of things for sale, and some already sold. All of it through Drummerworld...http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2601&page=2

Thanks again.

[numa_cruiser]

Hey there tenpastten, I was just looking through your showthread and noticed you listed a Tama closed hihat attachment in your equipment list. I've been thinking about picking one up and wondering about it's stability in holding heavier hats...it's the boom arm mounted one right? Does it bounce much? Also, do you get a fair amount of adjustability with the lever or is it wide open and shut tight? pm me

[pearlygates]

Sweet lookin M birch! I just scored a 6pc M birch in Black Forest Cherry myself. Hot kits love your set up!

[TenPastTen]

Hey there tenpastten, I was just looking through your showthread and noticed you listed a Tama closed hihat attachment in your equipment list. I've been thinking about picking one up and wondering about it's stability in holding heavier hats...it's the boom arm mounted one right? Does it bounce much? Also, do you get a fair amount of adjustability with the lever or is it wide open and shut tight? pm me

Just sent you a PM. But for any others who may be curious, the X hi hat mount is awesome. Rock solid and it has a stick activated clutch which allows it to be tight or loose (but not open). Good stuff.

[Ainulindale]

a snare that seems to have captured a solar flare...beautiful emerald drums...Twenty's... an absolutly mezmerizing drum kit and great outdoor pics!

and by the way - your wife is a saint ; )

[TenPastTen]

a snare that seems to have captured a solar flare...beautiful emerald drums...Twenty's... an absolutly mezmerizing drum kit and great outdoor pics!

and by the way - your wife is a saint ; )

Nicely put. On all counts. I got some more pics coming with the Mapex Phosphor Bronze 10" snare and my full compliment of Twentys. Stay tuned...

[nhzoso]

Gorgeous kit bro, it looks better with the AA 21" ride though : ). I came very close to getting this exact kit but found a Saturn that I just had to have. I just ordered a set of hornets myself, they look nice but I agree even if I love them I dont think I can afford them exclusively.

[TenPastTen]

Gorgeous kit bro, it looks better with the AA 21" ride though : ). I came very close to getting this exact kit but found a Saturn that I just had to have. I just ordered a set of hornets myself, they look nice but I agree even if I love them I dont think I can afford them exclusively.

Thanks so much. After about 10 months with the Hornets, I don't see myself getting any more. Especially after my new love affair with Vater 7A Manhattans.

BTW, I'm a huge fan of Mitch Hedberg, too. I love his bits about escalators and turtlenecks. Hilarious.

[Calummordue]

Hey...

which setup do u most commonly use? and cymbals?

[TenPastTen]

Hey...

which setup do u most commonly use? and cymbals?

Sorry for the delayed response. As a victim of the Great Drummerworld Update of 09, my pics are gone from my thread. But to answer your question this has been my setup for the last few months and probably for a long time in the future:

Drums:
Mapex M Birch in Black Forest Green lacquer finish

22 x 18
10 x 8
12 x 9
14 x 11
16 x 13

Black Panther Thick Flamed Maple snare

14 x 6

Mapex Precious Metal Phosphor Bronze snare

10 x 5.5

Cymbals
Paiste Twenty Series

13 Hats
18 Crash
16 Thin Crash
10 Splash
18 Thin Crash
20 Ride
18 Thin China

I have Paiste Twenty 14 Light Hats and Twenty 8 Splash arriving soon and will post updated pics shortly thereafter.

[Elvis]

TenAfterTen,

Nice kit. I bet they sound just as good as they look.
Love the finish, too. I wish I could find a solid green wrap in that ahade.


Elvis

[trkdrmr]

The incredible shrinking kit!!!

I definately like the original setup, very vivid green finish!

The ec snare head never worked for me. It killed my snare response.

Either way, looks like you upgraded in cymbals and downsized in kit.

4-pc or 6 pc, Very nice!

[TenPastTen]

TenAfterTen,

Nice kit. I bet they sound just as good as they look.
Love the finish, too. I wish I could find a solid green wrap in that ahade.


Elvis

Thanks, E. The funny thing is the Mapex M Birch are the only thing I didn't pick out of my gear. However, the finish is a winner and I dig the green the most out of the bursts that Mapex offered in this series. Good stuff.

The incredible shrinking kit!!!

I definately like the original setup, very vivid green finish!

The ec snare head never worked for me. It killed my snare response.

Either way, looks like you upgraded in cymbals and downsized in kit.

4-pc or 6 pc, Very nice!

That's funny. I was surprised that you called it that. But when I went back, I noticed that the last pics were a 4 piece setup. That's very rare for me. I run with 10,12,14,16 and 22 about 99% of the time. I got some new pics coming soon. I can't wait to show off a couple of new things...

Anyhow, thanks for the comments, fellas.

[TraxxFactor]

I love everything about the kit and I am offcially obssessed with that color. How do you like that tom mount on the bass drum? It looks aggravating to me.

[TenPastTen]

Well, I can't resist the siren song of posting my latest pics. I made some hardware changes and have most of my cymbals on hand.

Fresh specs:

Mapex M Birch Black Forest Green (2006)

22 x 18 kick (Aquarian SKII over Unported Regulator)
10 x 8 tom (Aquarian Super 2 coated over Classic Clear)
12 x 9 tom (Aquarian Super 2 coated over Classic Clear)
14 x 11 tom (Aquarian Super 2 coated over Classic Clear)
16 x 13 tom (Aquarian Super 2 coated over Classic Clear)

Black Panther Hammered Steel
14 x 5.5 (Aquarian Texture Coated w/power dot over Classic Clear Snare Side)
Puresound Blasters 20 strand snare wires

Mapex Precious Metal Series Phosphor Bronze
10 x 5.5 (Aquarian Texture Coated over Hi Performance Snare Side)

Tama Iron Cobra Power Glide Twin Pedal
Tama Iron Cobra Hi Hat (w/ pedal attachment)

Various Mapex hardware with a couple of Tama pieces

Paiste Twenty Series
13 Hats
16 Thin Crash
18 Crash
18 Thin Crash
18 Thin China
20 Ride
8 Splash
10 Splash

Paiste Prototype 12 Hats

Other snares include:
Black Panther Thick Flame Maple (14 x 6) Puresound 30 strand snare wires
Pork Pie Brass Patina (13 x 7)

[Ainulindale]

wow, i have said nice things about this stunning kit in the past, unbelievably it has gotten better again - the Twenty's with the new snare...

hell, i need to get a thesaures or something, i can't keep up anymore ;-)

take care and enjoy!

[Infernal Valkyrie]

Awesome drums, I like the cymbals even more! How do the aquarian heads sound? I've heard good things about them, but I've only used remo. A couple guys say I should use evans heads because I play Tamas. Does that make any sense?

[HeadRush]

that is a powerful array of cymbals!

[TenPastTen]

wow, i have said nice things about this stunning kit in the past, unbelievably it has gotten better again - the Twenty's with the new snare...

hell, i need to get a thesaures or something, i can't keep up anymore ;-)

take care and enjoy!

Ah, you're too kind. Thanks for revisiting. I shall never be finished. Mwuahaahaa!

Awesome drums, I like the cymbals even more! How do the aquarian heads sound? I've heard good things about them, but I've only used remo. A couple guys say I should use evans heads because I play Tamas. Does that make any sense?

I've had G2 coated over G1 on this set and they provided a very warm tone. They also had a nice tuning range; I keep mine rather low. I have no complaints about Evans. As far as Evans only on Tama, I dunno. They come stock with Evans heads, but there is no magically exclusive head for any drum that I know of. The Z100 coating that Aquarian uses is superb. Very durable; while my Evans flaked an acceptable amount, the Aquarian have lasted longer. I like 2 ply over 1 ply and this combo is excellent.

that is a powerful array of cymbals!

Thanks, I have really fallen for the Twentys blend of dark, Turkish sound with just the right of silvery high end. Only Paiste can seem to master that combination.

[CASP3Rdrummer]

what did you do with your old sabian cymbals? your kit has evolved enormously! nice job!