What would YOU buy w/ $1800 in your pocket?

[zambizzi]

So, I backed out a few months ago but I'm going to sell this kit:

http://drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27221

...shells, snares, and heads only...no hardware or cymbals.

What kit would you go for w/ an extra $1800 in your pocket? It's a secondary kit so it would be used for gigging and/or just playing on occasionally for a change of scenery. I'm doing this because I own another, newer DW kit and almost never play this one...and it'd be fun to own something different.

Some possibilities I've been pondering:

- A vintage kit...maybe a Gretsch or Ludwig.
- A nice, custom 4pc kit w/ a smaller kick...maybe a 20"
- A stave shell pack from a company like this: http://www.joshuatreepercussion.com/ - who seems to have insanely good prices.

...any other suggestions?

[RobertM]

I know of a place where you could get a four-piece Yamaha Absolute Birch with 18" kick for $1800; or, consider Taye Drums--the Studio Maples. They've got some pretty smooth drums: nice thin maple shells, and nothing but good feedback on them from users and drum reviewers alike. Vintage Gretsch will be much more than $1800, I think, depending on the condition of the kit. Never been a Ludwig fan, but that's just me.

You might also consider Mapex Saturns--thin maple/walnut shells for a different sound. You could get a 4-piece with 20" bass for around this much.

Don't know much about stave kits--just learning about them.

Good luck searching!

[aydee]

So, I backed out a few months ago but I'm going to sell this kit:

http://drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27221

...shells, snares, and heads only...no hardware or cymbals.

What kit would you go for w/ an extra $1800 in your pocket? It's a secondary kit so it would be used for gigging and/or just playing on occasionally for a change of scenery. I'm doing this because I own another, newer DW kit and almost never play this one...and it'd be fun to own something different.

Some possibilities I've been pondering:

- A vintage kit...maybe a Gretsch or Ludwig.
- A nice, custom 4pc kit w/ a smaller kick...maybe a 20"
- A stave shell pack from a company like this: http://www.joshuatreepercussion.com/ - who seems to have insanely good prices.

...any other suggestions?

AH, here you are...

this would be my reccomendation, only because a pro-drummer friend of mine plays this kit, and it sounds not only awesome, BUT dramatically different for anything else I've heard.

14326

As a 2nd kit, I'd look at something really diffrent. Works great with a piccolo snare, BTW.

P.S. the Padauk with the birdseye maple shell at Joshutree is awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[harryconway]

My drummer bud just picked up a Rogers big R (late 70's) 24, 13, 16 in black cortex for $199 from Guitar Center in South Bay. Obvious it was a trade in. Anyhow, that's how I'd start spending $1800. Yeah, a good deal on a Gretch, Ludwig or Rogers kit.

[Madwatch]

I would buy a new Starclassic performer kit or look for a good deal on a used Sonor S class kit. Try to get something different than I already have.

[zambizzi]

P.S. the Padauk with the birdseye maple shell at Joshutree is awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know, right!? I can't believe their prices! I shot the guy an email so we'll see.

Sweet Sonor...not a bad idea!

[zambizzi]

Never been a Ludwig fan, but that's just me.

Why not?

20doobeedoowah20

[zambizzi]

I would buy a new Starclassic performer kit or look for a good deal on a used Sonor S class kit. Try to get something different than I already have.

Wouldn't both be quite a bit more than my range?

[GRUNTERSDAD]

Gretsch Renown Maple, or TAYE Studio Maple 4 piece.

[Michael G]

You could afford a used pro level kit from like ebay or craigslist.

[dw D]

Invest in some high risk dividend tax free stocks. Than in about a year you will have 3 ormore grand!!!!

[Class A Drummer]

i would probably buy a Gretsch Renown Maple. They are so amazing. Or one of the older Renown models.

[bonzolead]

i would probably buy a Gretsch Renown Maple. They are so amazing. Or one of the older Renown models.I'm really into the Gretsch New Classics if you had $1800 cash you might be able to get a kit.Cash talks and BS walks.

Bonzolead

[jayp]

If you want an aux kit, and you if you play jazz ide say pick up a vintage Ludwig or Gretsch or camco is you can find it, and get it in jazz sizes.

Since you say you never really played your other kit ide say splurge and go buy a few nice snares(black beauty or something high end custom) and cymbals and mics and heads and accessories.

I know I wanna pick up one of those H4 recorders FourString is using you should check them out if you want a portable recording condenser mic

[-tarek-]

I would get an electric kit, then you could play anytime and have quite band practices in the middle of the night. But if I didn't want an e-kit and I already had a DW, I would probably get a Pearl Birch kit because they sound just as good, but they sound completely different. When I bought mine I compared a Yamaha Absolute Maple, a DW, a Gretch Reknown, a Mapex saturn, a used Allegra, a Tama Bubinga, and a Pearl Masters Birch. The Pearl was the most different from the DW and was the only one that sounded as good in my opinion (well, actually better, in my opinion).

Or a custom kit from a small builder would be cool. With a purpleheart snare.... ahhhhhh...

[PreppieNerd]

I'd get a yellow hipgig

[Deathmetalconga]

I'd get a set of Bosphoruses, hand-hammered and unlathed. I've already priced it out and it would come to about $1,800 to replace my current set of A Customs.

[Deathmetalconga]

I'd get a set of Bosphoruses, hand-hammered and unlathed. I've already priced it out and it would come to about $1,800 to replace my current set of A Customs.

[crazyhorse]

I'd build myself a 100% magnesium alloy drum kit. =)

[Madwatch]

Wouldn't both be quite a bit more than my range?


I wouldnt get both for 1800, but a new starclassic performer is only $1499 for a shell pack and there are deals out there... I am patient enough I could find a good deal on a used Sonor kit.

[That Guy]

I wouldn't buy anything drum related. I would either add it to my 401K or I would invest it in a low risk program.

[hateplow]

and a bottle of 18 year old scotch.

[stasz]

Half of it on an M Birch Kit, and the rest on a nice set up of cymbals including but not limited to 2 Jojo Mayer Fierce crashes, a nice big crashable ride, a 20" vault crash, and a 18" HHX Chinese.

[pasta]

I'd get me some Penguins! Nesting 16 with wood hoops!

http://whitneydrums.com/products/NestingPenguin.php

[Frantic Freddie]

Bein' an old Ludwig guy,I'd say a good 70s-80s Ludwig kit,in the standard 12-13-16-22 sizes is ideal for a 2nd kit,big enough to play most gigs yet small enough to fit darn near anywhere.
Old Ludwigs generally-but not always-need some work,i.e. packing the lugs,some judicious sanding of the bearing edges,cleaning & lubing the rods,etc.....after that,with your preference in good heads you'll have a fine soundin' set that'll serve for many years.

[Unix]

would buy some of my shells lol...

[Skitch]

Something used! You would be amazed at what you can get for that amount of money!

Mike

http://www.mikemccraw.com
http://www.dominoretroplate.com

http://www.youtube.com/drummermikemccraw
http://www.myspace.com/drummermikemccraw

[davidgray]

hey guys. i'm new here. i'm pretty much in the same boat. i've got about 2000 to spend on a new set and am considering all the possibilities. i'm thinking of mapex and ludwig. possible pearl. i have a set of yamahas and i'm looking for something different. never heard of taye though...

[stasz]

I'd get me some Penguins! Nesting 16 with wood hoops!

http://whitneydrums.com/products/NestingPenguin.php

Ooooh, I might have to reconsider my answer. Those tiny nesting drums look pretty nice. I would get the one with the three toms (even though I'd have to save up a little more than $1800).

[Wavelength]

I'd get me some Penguins! Nesting 16 with wood hoops!

http://whitneydrums.com/products/NestingPenguin.php

Man, those are cute.

[WarrenM]

The set at the bottom that uses the floor tom as a bass drum as well is interesting. Haven't seen that before.

[aydee]

I'd get me some Penguins! Nesting 16 with wood hoops!

http://whitneydrums.com/products/NestingPenguin.php

nice penguins!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[zambizzi]

I actually looked at the penguins a while back, before I bought the blue DW kit. However, it's not something I'm familiar with and have never played one...so my worry was how they would sound.

I'm seriously thinking of replacing it w/ a stave kit. I like the idea of solid, vertical blocks. However, again, I've never heard or played one...and they're not common enough (especially around here) to find the opportunity to check one out.

But...man...you basically get a beauty of a hand-crafted, SOLID wood kit for half of a new DW kit. Very, very compelling.

Thanks, everyone, for the suggestions - keep 'em comin'!

[ULTIMATEDRUMMER]

......DRUMS!!..........

[MetalToDeath]

Tama Superstar EFX BLue Abalone, Iron Cobra Power Glides, mein metal kit.

[Paul Quin]

After reading the thread above I might buy a Hang drum.

[Deathmetalconga]

I actually looked at the penguins a while back, before I bought the blue DW kit. However, it's not something I'm familiar with and have never played one...so my worry was how they would sound.

I'm seriously thinking of replacing it w/ a stave kit. I like the idea of solid, vertical blocks. However, again, I've never heard or played one...and they're not common enough (especially around here) to find the opportunity to check one out.

But...man...you basically get a beauty of a hand-crafted, SOLID wood kit for half of a new DW kit. Very, very compelling.

Thanks, everyone, for the suggestions - keep 'em comin'!

Zambizzi, thanks for coming out to see my new band Mobius Trip last week! That's the first time I've ever met a forum member.

I'd encourage you to check out a stave kit. The closest thing around here would be my solid-shell ironwood kit, which is even more unusual. I can have you over to my pad sometime and you can have a go on my set.

Stave is very similar to solid shell. The grains of wood are all aligned in the same direction, instantly and efficiently conducting sound from the bearing edge, though the shell and into the out of the sound chamber. In a plywood shell, the plies are cross-laminated and this diffuses the sound. Glue - the great unknown in drums - also influences the sound and decreases the density. Don't get me wrong, some of the greatest drums ever made are plywood. But if you're looking for a sound that is different, exotic and unattainable otherwise, check out staves.

Staves use very little glue and, combined with the uniform grain, produce an incredible richness of sound - everything that is prized is abundant in staves and solids: projection, volume, sensitivity, warmth, richness and more. You heard my kit last week and the sound is fatter than a Wal-Mart check out line.

The only drawback is that not very many people play staves, but that's a selling point for some of us. I've been drooling over some of the stuff Unix has been cranking out.

[tkillian]

A Mapex Saturn Manhattan Bebop Drum kit in Black or Natural, of Silver Sparkle

[Kamikazee89]

I'm gonna have to go with some recording gear.

[fourstringdrums]

I wouldn't buy anything. I'd replace the $1700 I just spent on my New Classics and put the money in the bank *lol*

[zambizzi]

Zambizzi, thanks for coming out to see my new band Mobius Trip last week! That's the first time I've ever met a forum member.

I'd encourage you to check out a stave kit. The closest thing around here would be my solid-shell ironwood kit, which is even more unusual. I can have you over to my pad sometime and you can have a go on my set.

Stave is very similar to solid shell. The grains of wood are all aligned in the same direction, instantly and efficiently conducting sound from the bearing edge, though the shell and into the out of the sound chamber. In a plywood shell, the plies are cross-laminated and this diffuses the sound. Glue - the great unknown in drums - also influences the sound and decreases the density. Don't get me wrong, some of the greatest drums ever made are plywood. But if you're looking for a sound that is different, exotic and unattainable otherwise, check out staves.

Staves use very little glue and, combined with the uniform grain, produce an incredible richness of sound - everything that is prized is abundant in staves and solids: projection, volume, sensitivity, warmth, richness and more. You heard my kit last week and the sound is fatter than a Wal-Mart check out line.

The only drawback is that not very many people play staves, but that's a selling point for some of us. I've been drooling over some of the stuff Unix has been cranking out.

It was my pleasure...you guys sounded great...and it was really cool to meet you. The Spirits sounded like cannons! Lung-collapsing sustain, I tell ya! I can't believe the punch you were getting out of that 18" kick. I'd love to whack on it sometime.

I have to say, my interest has been piqued. I talked to Unix a little about his work.

I should have titled this "what kit would you buy...". I have to have a second kit, I don't let my son practice on newer kit. Though, a Bosphorus setup wouldn't be anything to scoff at.

Louie's band is playing down at Hyde Park tonight...maybe I'll see ya around?

[Ozzy Biz]

I'd go a Stave kit. Your $1800 works out to be about $2200 AUD, which would get me 2/3 of the way towards a Metro set. Damn they sound good, check out this rosewood stave kit.

www.myspace.com/metrodrums

[Madwatch]

you could get this...

http://cgi.ebay.com/DW-Collectors-Broken-Glass-Shell-Pack-W-Cases-Clamps_W0QQitemZ270165136319QQihZ017QQcategoryZ380 97QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[baz]

...If I had $1,800.00 to spend on drums.

I would probably buy a 14x14" floor tom to match up with my tiger ash kit.

If there was any change I would probably use that for drum bags, sticks, and a few other odds and ends.

If I was to use it to buy a new in store kit, I would probably buy a set of Starclassic Performers in that white silk wrap.

Barry

[Big_Philly]

Probably some good snare drums. I've been eyeballing the Jordison sig. snare, the chad smith sig. snare, and maybe a tama warlord valkyrie. All those combined are still less than 1800 dollars I think, so I'll probably go with the idea of a good bottle of scotch.

[aydee]

Ok, Zam, I've decided.

On reviewing all the terrific recommendations n suggestions...On your behalf of course...

We're going for the Stave Kit .........................!

[Ozzy Biz]

You know you want some of these.....

[aydee]

Hey, Ozzy biz... you cant post porn on the forum ; )

[Ozzy Biz]

Hey, Ozzy biz... you cant post porn on the forum ; )

But drum porn is 100% legal for all ages in all countries!

[zambizzi]

Hey, Ozzy biz... you cant post porn on the forum ; )

Oh but they're so damn sexy! I'll admit it, I'm oogling them inappropriately.

You make a very convincing argument, BTW! I think I'll list the DW's this week and get the money part of the process started.

[Jeremy Bender]

You could walk into a music store or drum shop and find something that's over 2K and ask them how long it's been sitting there and if they would be willing to take 1800 cash right now. Cash usually speaks pretty loudly. Me...I'd like these! http://cgi.ebay.com/1997-YAMAHA-RECORDING-CUSTOM-DRUM-CHERRY-WOOD-DRUMS_W0QQitemZ230170618851QQihZ013QQcategoryZ6444 4QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[aydee]

You could walk into a music store or drum shop and find something that's over 2K and ask them how long it's been sitting there and if they would be willing to take 1800 cash right now. Cash usually speaks pretty loudly. Me...I'd like these! http://cgi.ebay.com/1997-YAMAHA-RECORDING-CUSTOM-DRUM-CHERRY-WOOD-DRUMS_W0QQitemZ230170618851QQihZ013QQcategoryZ6444 4QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

cool rcs,...nice colour too!

[zambizzi]

That settles it...I worked it out w/ "the boss" tonight...I'm gettin' a stave kit! I've been gathering quotes and I think I can pull it off...maybe w/ a few bucks out-of-pocket...but not much.

[radiofriendlyunitshifter]

I'd get a set of Bosphoruses, hand-hammered and unlathed. I've already priced it out and it would come to about $1,800 to replace my current set of A Customs.

really?? i never thought i'd see the day. i always thought it funny that you play such "modern" if you will, cymbals, with the music you play and the type of kit you have.

which line?

----> unless you're being sarcastic...

[zambizzi]

OK, let's say the stave kit costs go beyond my budget and it's no longer possible. I've decided I'd rather keep playing a 6pc. I can always scale it down if need be, but I'd rather not have a kit I can't scale up.

Here are a few options I'm eyeballing:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=150161430545&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=005 - I'm not a Gretsch expert, is this a good buy? I like this, it looks exactly like the last kit my dad owned (though not vintage round badge).

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=140156772547&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=004 - I hear a lot of good things about the New Classics. Is this a good buy? I've already asked the guy if he could order me an extra floor tom. I might be able to talk them down to a good deal.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Gretsch-Renown-Maple-7-Pc-Kit-Blue-Burst-FREE-SHIPPING_W0QQitemZ140158296004QQihZ004QQcategoryZ6 4439QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem - How's the price on this one? How do New Classics compare to Renowns?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=230172687006&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=013 - I've never played these but have always liked Pearl drums.

[zambizzi]

You could walk into a music store or drum shop and find something that's over 2K and ask them how long it's been sitting there and if they would be willing to take 1800 cash right now. Cash usually speaks pretty loudly. Me...I'd like these! http://cgi.ebay.com/1997-YAMAHA-RECORDING-CUSTOM-DRUM-CHERRY-WOOD-DRUMS_W0QQitemZ230170618851QQihZ013QQcategoryZ6444 4QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Those are really sharp. I don't know much about Yams - it's a cherry finish but what wood/woods are used in the shells?

Is this a good deal?

[tkillian]

Mapex Saturn Pro Kit...bebop sizes with a deep snare though...

green, natural, or black finish

[Derek]

Those are really sharp. I don't know much about Yams - it's a cherry finish but what wood/woods are used in the shells?

Is this a good deal?

The Yamaha RCs shells are made of birch and sound fantastic. Yes , thats a good deal at that price.
I saw in this thread that someone mentioned Rogers. Back in the day I had a Rogers kit; sure miss it. They sound great; warm , fat and great tuning range.I used them for all styles of music.
Happy hunting.

[fourstringdrums]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=140156772547&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=004 - I hear a lot of good things about the New Classics. Is this a good buy? I've already asked the guy if he could order me an extra floor tom. I might be able to talk them down to a good deal.

Yes that's a great deal considering my 3 piece in smaller sizes cost $1700.

[/URL][URL]http://cgi.ebay.com/Gretsch-Renown-Maple-7-Pc-Kit-Blue-Burst-FREE-SHIPPING_W0QQitemZ140158296004QQihZ004QQcategoryZ6 4439QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=140156772547&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=004) - How's the price on this one? How do New Classics compare to Renowns?

The price is good as well. Not a great buy, as that's pretty much what you'll pay for a 7 piece Renown anywhere else.

The New Classics have more of an old school sound because of the gum/maple shells. The Renowns have more resonance, while the New Classics have slightly less sustain and more of that old school punch. Here are some mp3's of mine:

www.handidrummed.com/zoomh4test.mp3
www.handidrummed.com/zoomh4testsm57.mp3
www.handidrummed.com/bosphorus_test.mp3 (I play in the beginning, the rest is just cymbals)

I also prefer the tom mount on the New Classics vs. the RIMS on the Renowns although I took mine off.

[zambizzi]

Yes that's a great deal considering my 3 piece in smaller sizes cost $1700.



The price is good as well. Not a great buy, as that's pretty much what you'll pay for a 7 piece Renown anywhere else.

The New Classics have more of an old school sound because of the gum/maple shells. The Renowns have more resonance, while the New Classics have slightly less sustain and more of that old school punch. Here are some mp3's of mine:

www.handidrummed.com/zoomh4test.mp3 (http://www.handidrummed.com/zoomh4test.mp3)
www.handidrummed.com/zoomh4testsm57.mp3 (http://www.handidrummed.com/zoomh4testsm57.mp3)
www.handidrummed.com/bosphorus_test.mp3 (http://www.handidrummed.com/bosphorus_test.mp3) (I play in the beginning, the rest is just cymbals)

I also prefer the tom mount on the New Classics vs. the RIMS on the Renowns although I took mine off.

Thanks for the info! The drums sound great...the cymbals sound exceptionally good! I played a Renown at the local Guitar Center a few months back and it sounded great...looked nice too. I think I may go for that, if I can find a deal.

[fourstringdrums]

Thanks for the info! The drums sound great...the cymbals sound exceptionally good! I played a Renown at the local Guitar Center a few months back and it sounded great...looked nice too. I think I may go for that, if I can find a deal.

Look on Ebay, there is usually a few Renowns on there. I sold my 6 piece for $650. I got screwed because someone sold a 5 piece a few days earlier for over $200 more.

[zambizzi]

Here's a compelling argument in favor of stave drums:

http://www.artisandrumworks.com/why-stave/

...I'm finding it hard to bring myself to replace my DW kit w/ just another common ply kit. I can't find a nice vintage kit for the right price, either. I've been all over eBay for the past couple of days.