Noble & Cooley CD Maple Bop

[RobertM]

Is a N&C CD Maple bop kit (18, 14, 12) worth $2K or a little more? Would a kit like this be worth getting, or would it be wiser to go with a Yamaha or Pearl Masters?

Wondering because I just heard a kit like this the other day and it runs for about $2200 for the three pieces. Comparatively, I think a four-piece (18, 14, 12, 10) Pearl Masters Premium runs for about $2250 (sans the gyro-lock mounting arms).

I know the N&C solid-shell snares and alloy snares are highly regarded, but I don't know much about the reputation of their CD Maple kits (their only full pro-level series of drum kits, I believe).

[caddywumpus]

One of my bandmates has one. 10/12/14/18. It sounds great! He has another cheaper kit in the same configuration set up next to it--there's NO comparison. I don't know if a 3-piece is worth $2K to you, but if I came across one of these kits, used, for around $1K, I would snag it up in a heartbeat!

[trkdrmr]

To me personally, IMO, Sonor, Brady, Odery, DW and others do a finish just as well. N&C was a good idea in the 80's when few high end kits existed, and they could put a finish and nice hardware on keller shells. They even have a decent resale.

I just don't look at them with any kind of lust factor anymore. For that kind of dough I'd rather have a Stave, Odery or a Brady.

[jayp]

Well I'm selling my MINT CONDITION Ludwig classic maple drums in blue sparkle, bop sizes w/ drum seeker cases by humes & berg, if your interested im selling them.

[JayAlsman]

Look around some more,... I ended up snagging an 8,10,12,14,16, and 20" BD CD Maples Noble and Cooley for $1600 in mint condition. (The bad economy can have some positive outcomes)...if you have the patience, you can find a good deal.

Also, just my opinion, but after owning the Noble and Cooley for about 6 months now, and having played tons of high end kits, I wouldn't trade them for anything...(well there is one kit, but it is in a league of it's own... ID Drums by Steve Badalament http://www.innovationdrums.com/pages/innovationdrums_history.html ... just his snares cost what I payed for the N&C, and are worth every cent)