Need some help buying my first kit?

[Fassa Albrecht]

I've been playing drums non-seriously for about 6 months. The problem is the kit I use- it's dreadful! It's been cobbled together from a couple of spare kits my university has and the sound quality is terrible especially when mic'ed up for recording.

So I need my own kit. Any suggestions on a decent cheap kit? I don't want to have to get a massive expensive kit because I only play a couple of times a week and need to be able to take it with me on public transport.


Any suggestions? I want to stick with a 5 piecer at the moment,

[rmandelbaum]

what is your budget?

[Joe P]

I'd recommend the Mapex M-Birch. It's only a semi-pro level kit, but it's certainly a good bang for your buck (right now they even have a special, where you get one extra tom) so you can buy a 4-piece and get a 5-piece! I think they go for $700-900.

check it out! http://usa.mapexdrums.com/drums/mbirch/index.asp

[Nineball]

I would suggest Tama Superstar Customs, Pearl Visions or Mapex M-Birch. Of those three I would probably go with the Superstars, they come with die-cast hoops on them which is amazing for a set in that price range. The Pearls are nice and much improved (they badly needed to make a better low price line) over the old Exports, but they only come with 1.6mm hoops on them which you would probably want to replace with 2.3mm.

[drum.lad]

i would recomend the m birch they sound good they look and the price is so good its crazy they would be your best bet

[NIMBY]

im not sure what the price is but maybe a Taye Go-Kit?

they are small and pack into 3 bags which you can take anywhere.
again dont know how expensive they are but you never know

[Fassa Albrecht]

Soz, should have mentioned this.......I'm willing to pay about £250ish ($520).

[hawk9290]

Gretsch Catalina Maple- you can usually find a deal on the for around $500-$600 in the US.

[pasta]

I second the Gokit. You could get a 4 piece but it would be a bit more than your budget (about $750). If you're taking publice transport, you really need something like this.

I would also recommend a Whitney Penguin nesting kit with a 16" kick but those are closer to $1800 US. http://whitneydrums.com/products/NestingPenguin.php

or these mini kits which are in your price range but you'll need hardware:

http://billyblastdrums.easystorecreator.com/items/billys-custom-drums/mini-drum-kit-detail.htm

[Deltadrummer]

Also the Sonor 2005, you can usually find it pretty cheap, if they're still around.