Right!

[JCM]

Right! I've decided that I want to buy a kit. It won't be now but in the near future (hopefully). I'm a gospel/jazz/funk drummer and would like the best drumkit suited to these styles. I'm thinking of getting a Mapex 'Pro M' because it is good quality and value for money (£699 on some websites). What do you guys think? Also I want to be using Meinls, Byzances or Classics?

[Class A Drummer]

Pro M's are great. Its a great choice. I would also take a look at Gretsch Catalina's, and if you have the money, Gretsch Renowns. They are all great quality sets. Also, they are not terribly expensive.

[JCM]

I've also thought about getting a Catalina Maple so it would probably be either the Mapex or the Gretsch. Is there any way of getting a 18" bass in either models?

[sXeDanimalsXe]

Ok I don't like to product bash... ok thats a lie.. I like it a little... ok a lot, but the Catalina Maple by Gretsch is not a well made kit. A Pacific kit or pearl vissions is around the same price range and is a way better made kit. I have only played on like 4 or 5 mapex kits and only one of them where low end. The really high end kits seem to be made pretty well, but the midrange-low end stuff doesn't seem to hold up well. Lots of friends of mine have had them and had issues with things like lugs snapping off the shell and stuff while on the road (in bags) the bearing edges are kind of rough... so keep an eye out for these things and good luck!