New Wrap or New Kit?

[Jeffrey99]

Hello guys, newb here. I currently have a mid to late 80's Pearl Export set. I would like to know if you guys would recommend I rewrap the kit or spend the money and get a new kit.

The main reason I dislike the kit is due to the seam of the wrap being faced outward, away from me when I'm playing. Frankly I think it looks pretty crappy. Not sure if was done that way by Pearl or if it has been rewrapped sometime in the past but every tom is like that.

I'm not in a band, so very seldom travel with a kit unless it's the seldom birthday bash to jam with some friends. The kit will do nothing but spend the majority of the time in my basement, where I play at.

Now that you guys know alittle about my playing habits, I've always wanted a Pearl Masters Custom set since I started playing drums. As they were always suppose to be some of the best. So I've been looking into buying atleast a 5 peiece set, probably used, about 4-5 years old. I've also looked into a new set of Masters Customs and the new Export Customs but didn't know, compared to the Masters Customs, just how good they were.

So I was wanting some other peoples opinion on which of the 3 I should do, rewrap my current kit, Export Customs or Masters Customs. I don't have a problem with spending $1000-2000 on a good drumset, just didn't know with me not in a band/traveling, if that would be a really stupid idea.

Thanks in advance for all responses and help,
Jeffrey

[eddiehimself]

look mate, if you have the money and you want to, there is NO reason why you shouldn't get the kit of your dreams. So what if you don't travel with it? As long as you enjoy it that's all that matters.

[razorx]

I think you deserve a new set. I just got a new set and i dont gig. I also got all new cymbals too.

[drumr0]

As a former Export owner I would buy a new kit for sure, BUT I would be open minded to other brands besides Pearl. Hit some music stores and try everything out in your price range. There are so many quality brands out now that it would be a hard decision for me to choose.

Don't get me wrong, Pearl makes a fine kit and if that is what you really want then go for it. You won't go wrong with a Masters Custom, they are very nice.

I would check out some Gretsch, Yamaha, Mapex, Sonor, and heck you might even find a set of Drum Workshop (I'm a little partial to these) in your price range.

Even if you never take your drums out much or at all, having a nice kit will enhance your playing experience, and if you do start gigging you'll have a quality kit to gig with.

[Jeffrey99]

Thanks guys for all the responses. I found a beautiful set of Pearl SMX in Marine Blue Fade that I love, only problem is they are discounting you the Session series after this year. Which means I can get a good deal on them, just unless they I buy everything exactly like I want, it may be hard to find additional kits.

I've always been a Pearl man, however I have been looking into other sets, as it doesn't have to say Pearl on it for me to buy it. Only problem is, I can't own a DW set. I can't stand those round lugs. :) Everybody I know seems to love them, I just never have liked the look of them.

Again, thanks for all the responses. Hope to get something new pretty soon. Now it just comes down to what exactly I want with it and if I want new or used.

[shepfu1]

Can I suggest a Mapex MBirch Kit. They sound incredible, they look fantastic and you can get REALLY nice 6 piece kit with all hardware for under a grand. For someone who is not gigging I think this is the way to go.

[drumr0]

Thanks guys for all the responses. I found a beautiful set of Pearl SMX in Marine Blue Fade that I love, only problem is they are discounting you the Session series after this year. Which means I can get a good deal on them, just unless they I buy everything exactly like I want, it may be hard to find additional kits.

I've always been a Pearl man, however I have been looking into other sets, as it doesn't have to say Pearl on it for me to buy it. Only problem is, I can't own a DW set. I can't stand those round lugs. :) Everybody I know seems to love them, I just never have liked the look of them.

Again, thanks for all the responses. Hope to get something new pretty soon. Now it just comes down to what exactly I want with it and if I want new or used.

I understand about the round lugs;) They have actually been rough on my finishply wrap. I'm glad you are keeping and open mind and also looking into some quality used kits too. For the money you are wanting to spend you should end up with a very nice kit no matter what brand you get.

[Jeffrey99]

I want to think everyone for all the responses and help. After doing some serious thinking about it this weekend, I ended up going with a Pearl SMX set (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Pearl-SMX924HP-4Piece-Shell-Pack-Drum-Set?sku=448923) in Marine Blue Fade. They were on sale and there was just something about that color. It's about the only color of drums that I"ve seen that has really drawn me to it and it was too good of a deal to pass up.

[matt986]

Well, I guess im a day late and a dollar short, but here's my advice...once a turd, always a turd...Sure you can polish it up, but at the end of the day, it is still nothing but a glorified turd...The new kit was a great move, congrats on it!! Best of luck with it, As a pearl player for years before I got my SJC, you are going to love that kit..I loved mine :-)

[Jon Jon]

The turd reference rocked.
I personally don't care for Pearl but have played a few kits that sounded OK
I could not stand to get rid of my mid 80's Yamaha Power V POS due to it being my first kit and I feel it sounds great on stage so I re-wrapped it with Stainless Steel. Wish I had some pics to show but trust me it's awesome. Re-wrapping your drums gives you a whole new pride in them.

[Jeffrey99]

I just bought a SMX Kit from MusiciansFriend with a 22" x 18" bass; 10" x 8", 12" x 9", and 14" x 11" toms. Andy from MassMusic had told me they had a 13x10 tom in stock, so I ordered it. I get a email from Reade this morning that it's actually on hold for a international order. Adding the 13" tom would have made it identical to the set I"m playing now. They said it'd be 4-6months for the 13" tom. I asked about a 8x8, 16x14 & 16x16. They have the 8x8 and 16x16 in stock but not the 16x14.

I like to keep everything on the rack, how hard would it be to mount a 16x16 tom? Or is it even possible or recommended? I feel like the 8x8 tom might be a tad too small but I never have played one.

I play mainly pop,rock&metal. I'm just wondering which would you guys recommend for my music style?

Also is there any place other then MassMusic that might still have toms for the SMX kit?

Thanks in Advance,
Jeffrey

[matt986]

try a guitar center. i know my local one had some a few weeks ago.

[Buzter]

8" toms are awesome. I have pinstripe heads. Tune the batter head kinda low and the resonant side higher.
I just bought a SMX Kit from MusiciansFriend with a 22" x 18" bass; 10" x 8", 12" x 9", and 14" x 11" toms. Andy from MassMusic had told me they had a 13x10 tom in stock, so I ordered it. I get a email from Reade this morning that it's actually on hold for a international order. Adding the 13" tom would have made it identical to the set I"m playing now. They said it'd be 4-6months for the 13" tom. I asked about a 8x8, 16x14 & 16x16. They have the 8x8 and 16x16 in stock but not the 16x14.

I like to keep everything on the rack, how hard would it be to mount a 16x16 tom? Or is it even possible or recommended? I feel like the 8x8 tom might be a tad too small but I never have played one.

I play mainly pop,rock&metal. I'm just wondering which would you guys recommend for my music style?

Also is there any place other then MassMusic that might still have toms for the SMX kit?

Thanks in Advance,
Jeffrey