Your Drums: How did you buy them?

[Knowbuddy]

Hey guys,

I have a question for some of you drummers out there with high-end "pro" drum sets.

How did you get them? What are the methods you guys went through in order to get your "dream kit"? I'm in the market for a new drum set, but being 27 and never having had credit (I think there are a total of 4 items on my credit report), a credit card with a big enough limit to get the kit that I really want is just simply out of the question. So, I thought I would come here and ask some of you guys that are (like me) not terribly rich, some of the ways you gathered the money to get your drum sets in hopes that maybe one/some of you guys will have some good advice on saving tactics, ways to boost my credit, or some other ways I haven't thought about. Right now I'm just doing the old fashioned savings account saving, but it's going to be a long road to make it to 4 g's.

Thanks for any input!

~Buddy

[caddywumpus]

2 magic words: buy used

If you have a particular thing that you just HAVE to have special about your kit, like odd sizes or a totally custom finish, then you'll be dropping big cash on a new kit, and it won't have very good resale value (because it will be "out of the norm"). If you care about a good quality kit with a great sound, then you can easily find hundreds or thousands of them, used, on craigslist and eBay. Get out and play a bunch of kits and find out what features you like/dislike. Then, start searching.

That's my advice. Buy used--save a lot of money and be just as happy as buying new.

[drumhead61]

Hey Buddy,

Welcome to the Forum...yeah, Caddy said it all...buy used there are so many high end kits out there on Ebay and you can set up that pay-pal account and go for it! As for saving you will not have to save as much buying used and it will give you the time to get out and play on some other kits around to see what you want.

What type of music do you play? How long have you played? Is this your first kit? I could recount to you the regret I found after buying new a little less than a year ago and never played before...now I want to upgrade! I am fine with what I have (really), but had I done more of the homework needed I would probably be a little happier, not much because after all I do have DRUMS :-)!!!

Good luck to you and keep us posted!

JIM

[Knowbuddy]

Hey guys! Thanks for the welcomes and quick replies!

No, I have been playing for about 13 years, and this is will be my second set. Yes, I have been playing on the SAME crappy, odd-sized (10, 14, 18, (yes 18!) with a 22 inch bass), discontinued, horrible-sounding Pearl World Series set since I was 15.

I am a graduate of the Atlanta Institute of Music, and I am a mostly funk drummer with lots of jazz influences. I am taking private lessons with Tom Knight (some of you guys may know of him -- toured/recorded with TLC for most of their career).

I have a question about buying kits from eBay. That doesn't scare the living crap out of you guys? I mean... Buying a CD or a lamp of eBay is one thing, but sending someone 2500 bucks for a kit I have never seen/heard in person is terrifying to me.

~B

[caddywumpus]

I have a question about buying kits from eBay. That doesn't scare the living crap out of you guys? I mean... Buying a CD or a lamp of eBay is one thing, but sending someone 2500 bucks for a kit I have never seen/heard in person is terrifying to me.


Yeah! Some people swear by eBay, but I always like to try before I buy. That's why I hung out on craigslist for a couple of years until I found my dream kits. I checked out quite a few nice kits before setting sights on the ones I have now. Nowadays, I just check in occasionally when my students want to buy kits or when I'm looking for cymbals.

But, eBay gives you a LOT more options than just staying local. I would highly recommend knowing exactly what you want before going to the 'Bay, and asking questions of the buyer and looking closely at the pictures. You can get eBurned, but chances are you won't if you do the research and contact the buyer beforehand.

[drumhead61]

Hey guys! Thanks for the welcomes and quick replies!

No, I have been playing for about 13 years, and this is will be my second set. Yes, I have been playing on the SAME crappy, odd-sized (10, 14, 18, (yes 18!) with a 22 inch bass), discontinued, horrible-sounding Pearl World Series set since I was 15.

I am a graduate of the Atlanta Institute of Music, and I am a mostly funk drummer with lots of jazz influences. I am taking private lessons with Tom Knight (some of you guys may know of him -- toured/recorded with TLC for most of their career).

I have a question about buying kits from eBay. That doesn't scare the living crap out of you guys? I mean... Buying a CD or a lamp of eBay is one thing, but sending someone 2500 bucks for a kit I have never seen/heard in person is terrifying to me.

~B

Again as Caddy said you have to do your home work and Ebay has its rating system if the seller has good ratings that means they are regular @ doing business on there and they take that sh*t seriously believe it or not! I have had nothing but good experiences buying that way, but as with anything there are certainly horror stories I am sure. There is one guy on there that sells the Gretsch kits for great prices and he is an established business...so it is all what you want.

[harryconway]

eBay is great. Yes, do your homework. One way to budget yourself is to buy "in pieces". Say, for example, you want a Yamaha Recording custom. Buy a kick. Cherry. Piano Black. Whatever. Next drum you might find in the same finish, the 16" floor. Grab it. You can slowly build up just about any popular make/model/finish this way. This tactic works especially well if you've putting together "vintage" drums.

[BrutalKid]

Yeah! Some people swear by eBay, but I always like to try before I buy. That's why I hung out on craigslist for a couple of years until I found my dream kits. I checked out quite a few nice kits before setting sights on the ones I have now. Nowadays, I just check in occasionally when my students want to buy kits or when I'm looking for cymbals.

But, eBay gives you a LOT more options than just staying local. I would highly recommend knowing exactly what you want before going to the 'Bay, and asking questions of the buyer and looking closely at the pictures. You can get eBurned, but chances are you won't if you do the research and contact the buyer beforehand.

I always wonder if you can try before buying?

I don't always buy things from the internet because you can't return the thing and you can't try it look closely before buying.
Also there are tax and shipping fee which seem complicated to me.

[trkdrmr]

I buy from ebay all the time, but the sellers usually have a solid rating. The items for sale should be photographed from multiple angles.

Be way of any ad that says "Cymbols" or "Simbols" "Snaire" "Base drum" and things like that. I question someones validity that doesn't take the time to list correctly. I understand if English is a 2nd language.

Shipping on kits can be very expensive. But under the right circumstances, you get a good used product for a pain-free price.

Craigs list is an option, because you can examine the kit in person before buying.

[Chazz]

Hey guys,

I have a question for some of you drummers out there with high-end "pro" drum sets.

How did you get them? What are the methods you guys went through in order to get your "dream kit"? I'm in the market for a new drum set, but being 27 and never having had credit (I think there are a total of 4 items on my credit report), a credit card with a big enough limit to get the kit that I really want is just simply out of the question. So, I thought I would come here and ask some of you guys that are (like me) not terribly rich, some of the ways you gathered the money to get your drum sets in hopes that maybe one/some of you guys will have some good advice on saving tactics, ways to boost my credit, or some other ways I haven't thought about. Right now I'm just doing the old fashioned savings account saving, but it's going to be a long road to make it to 4 g's.

Thanks for any input!



~Buddy

What I did was work at my cousins gas station for 1 year...saved enough at that time
to purchase my Ludwig set at a local music store, then I quit...
1. try working a part/time job just so you could get the Extra Cash.
2. I think a lot of these On-line stores like Musicians Friend, even Sam Ash
have their own Store Credit & some have a lay-a-way plans.
3. if you want to improve your credit rating you get a store card
(examples- JC Penny, Sears, Toys-R-Us.etc ) purchase something not to expensive
pay it off... this will help you get a better rating, then Amer Express & other Visa
Promotions will follow in the mail to you.... (I personally say try Not to use them, unless
you have the Monies to Pay off the entire bill, because the interest will Kill You :^)
4. Like others here said - buy Used - try Ebay & Craiglist.. be patient

best....

[Ian Ballard]

Hey guys,

I have a question for some of you drummers out there with high-end "pro" drum sets.

How did you get them? What are the methods you guys went through in order to get your "dream kit"? I'm in the market for a new drum set, but being 27 and never having had credit (I think there are a total of 4 items on my credit report), a credit card with a big enough limit to get the kit that I really want is just simply out of the question. So, I thought I would come here and ask some of you guys that are (like me) not terribly rich, some of the ways you gathered the money to get your drum sets in hopes that maybe one/some of you guys will have some good advice on saving tactics, ways to boost my credit, or some other ways I haven't thought about. Right now I'm just doing the old fashioned savings account saving, but it's going to be a long road to make it to 4 g's.

Thanks for any input!

~Buddy

Build your own or do what I did. I just bought awesome shells and put my existing hardware from my old kit on the new shells. They instantly sounded as good as any "pro" kit I've heard. You'll save thousands... literally.

Avoid eBay. I just think it's silly to buy musical instruments you've never played on... I feel the same about "Musician's Friend" mailorder stuff too. Maybe a few bucks here and there, but you still have no clue how good it is.

If you are a professional and you make a profit from your endeavors (after drum upkeep expenses, travel expenses, etc), maybe it's OK to get a usury loan to get some drums. But you've always got that hanging head of repossession if you suddenly can't make your payments. Banks only have to have 1/9th of the total loan on deposit, so they just create new money and you are responsible for using your labor and using your property as collateral to create the money "for real", so the bank remains solvent on the deal. I have serious moral problems with banks and usury-based loans, so I feel that's the last resort.

The bottom line... for me, anyway ...is that building your own drums is like becoming a Jedi or something. The kit has a personal, harmonic connection to you... as opposed to some random guy in a factory assembling it. I dunno, but I think if you learn the craft of drum-making, there is no kit in the world that sounds as good when you play it, as the one you put together with the same hands that play it.

[Knowbuddy]

Thanks for all the great input guys!

Getting another job is definitely not an option (I have 3 right now! Not counting drumming!)

I've decided to work all day every day until I have enough to buy the one I want. I am an IT guy at a hospital that is a definite 40 hours a week, then I bar tend at a restaurant near my house. I also just started a very small computer consulting business that I'm finally starting to see some money from.

I've picked up extra shifts at the bar, and have done more to push my company than before, so hopefully I will be well on the way to a new set soon. Since a couple weeks before this post, I started saving diligently and am up to about 600 bucks so far. So, it's coming along.

Now I just need to get the money, get the set, and quit all my jobs so I will have time to play them! :D

Thanks again guys!

Oh yeah, Ian, where did you get shells from?

~B

[GRUNTERSDAD]

First you don't need 4000.00 for a good kit. You can get a great kit for 2000 -2500. Try craigslist in your area. You never know what may be out there. There are also many retailers on eBay that have to sell good products to survive and depend on their ratings to continue. It can be scary and there are some horror stories. But you can save a lot of money by going that route. If you are set on spending 4000.00 then I would go custom and then again you can get by for less. Good luck.

p,s. I would also try buying and seeing if the dealer can convince the credit card company to raise your limit. I have done that in the past.

[Knowbuddy]

Yeah, I realize that I don't HAVE to spend 4 g's, but I figure, if I aim for the price for everything I need (ie I PROMISED myself that there is no chance in hell that a new drumset will leave the STORE without being in hard-shell cases) and I need ALL new hardware (minus high hat and bass pedals), so I figured if I set my sights around 4k, I might be pleased if I spend 3, or 2.5....

So, we'll see.

~B

[TheArchitect]

Depends on your goals. I had been out of the game for 15 years and just wanted a decent kit to play for my own entertainment. I test drove a few mid range kits and ended up getting a great deal on on my M Birch kit as it was "last years model". The PDP kit was similar. I was looking for a maple kit wit ha 24" bass drum. I had test drove it but the asking price of $1100 was a little high. The GC memorial day sale combined with the CX series being discontinued got me the very same kit I had previously looked at for $500. My little Gretch kt wasn't really a deal. It just sounded good and fit the criteria of a "little bop kit".

[tom.graf]

Hey all, Just wanted to chime in here with my first post, and support the ebay thing for buying drums. I bought a Sonor Designer Kit roughly 2.5 years ago, and I couldn't be happier. The drums were well cared for, in beautiful condition, and packed very well for their trip to the Chicago suburbs. This was my first ebay transaction, a $3500.00 one at that, with no problems. I did my homework, knew what I wanted, emailed and spoke on the phone with the seller, and in the end was comfortable sending that check.

[goatwacker]

Patience, Grasshopper!
When I bought my first 'Pro' kit, I took out a small loan. The kit was a piano white Tama Granstar Custom. Very nice kit, and the bank loan was my very first loan of any sort. I paid it off in no time due to fact that I was already gigging and working, but still living with my Mum and Dad.
I traded that kit on the Gretsch I have now, and paid the difference in cash that I had saved.
Try to find a bank that offers a high interest rate return on it's savings account. Most financial institutions here in Australia offer such products. Hopefully they have them were you are.
Short of winning the lottery, you'll just have to work hard, save, and be patient.

Good luck!

[goatwacker]

The bottom line... for me, anyway ...is that building your own drums is like becoming a Jedi or something. The kit has a personal, harmonic connection to you... as opposed to some random guy in a factory assembling it. I dunno, but I think if you learn the craft of drum-making, there is no kit in the world that sounds as good when you play it, as the one you put together with the same hands that play it.

lol....Very Zen, Ian. :-)

[rmandelbaum]

- If the ad says to use their private email address, it is a scam

- If the seller has been selling non musical items for a long time and all of a sudden they are selling a high end kit for far less then it is worth, it is a scam

Look for a seller with a good history, and that is willing to answer all of your questions using the ebay email system.
Pay with PayPal, you have some protection that way.

Never send money out of the country.

I have been buying and selling on ebay for close to 15 years. I have never been scammed. I have scored some great deals. Just be smart and you will be fine.

There are some amazing deals up there all the time.

don't go spending 2500.00 on a credit card, it will end up costing you double by the time you pay it off. There thats the old man in me coming out ;-)

[caddywumpus]

Knowbuddy,

The fact that you're 27 and don't have any credit is AWESOME! The whole "credit" thing is totally unnecessary unless you're planning on buying a house or have some sort of huge emergency like an uninsured medical emergency. I would build up some credit in the way diosdude recommended, but don't let that be an excuse for getting into debt to the credit card companies...always pay off your balance on time.

How did our grandparents pay for things? They saved up. If they couldn't afford it, they didn't (couldn't) buy it. Its that simple. In today's society, it's the "norm" to be in debt from school, car payments, mortgages, etc... In addition to that, it's perfectly normal to be in credit card debt--and for what? So we can immediately have a standard of living that our parents spent years and years saving up for to afford...and end up paying way too much for it? My parents didn't have a couch in their living room for 8 years into their marriage until they could afford one. One of my friends has a big, huge comfy sectional that had a sticker price of $1500 that he's going to end up spending $2200 on when he's done paying off the financing...

Paying interest on something that you didn't save up for is not very smart, in my opinion. If you HAVE to buy a new car, and you finance it, you end up paying roughly 150% the value of something that drops to about 50% of its value the second you drive it off the lot. Not very smart, but it's the way us Americans are programmed to think is right. Instead, you should buy a clunker to drive into the ground, and put those "payments" you would be paying into an account and save up for a new one, or a better used one. "You have to build credit" "You have to have a good credit score" "Bad credit or no credit accepted"...it's all unwise financial pitfalls--preying on the minds of those who are young and impressionable, and tricking them into buying into the debt-based lifestyle.

Credit is just a way of allowing people to afford things now that they can't afford, and then paying way more for it over a long period of time. The wise person will avoid credit, with the exception of buying a first house or paying for their college education (to be paid off as soon as possible, once they enter the workforce...). The fact that you've avoided it for so long, Knowbuddy, is great. Don't get sucked in now...

[/rant]

[Knowbuddy]

Wow.

GREAT post!

Yeah man, I just applied for my first credit card like 2 weeks ago, literally. Never even tried before. For much of the same reasons you mentioned, and you're RIGHT! It was a good move, because the only "credit card" I did have is this thing that is for making it easier to pay for dental work. I got it, forgot all about it, and went way into debt on it (which it's pretty much paid off now, one or two more weeks should do it!).

Anyway, thanks for the great and encouraging post!

~B

[caddywumpus]

Thanks! I've seen credit ruin many of my friends' lives. Debt gets you into trouble. I'm lucky enough to have been wiser in my younger years (like 10 years ago--ha!) and realize this. Living off of ramen and in less-than-ideal conditions was also a way for me to be more appreciative, respectful, and mindful of finances. Now that my wife and I (and our kids) have only our mortgage to pay off, it makes life a lot simpler and a lot less stressful. Budgeting and knowing exactly where every dollar you earn is being spent, and spending and saving your money intentionally is key.

Do yourself a favor and keep saving up for your kit, until you can pay for it outright. Maybe even max out the (small) limit on your existing credit card as part of your payment and pay it off right away to "build into" your credit. Actually, the wiser thing to do would be to buy something used that you're happy with--let someone else incur the depreciation of value of the brand new kit. If you absolutely have to go new and custom, then keep saving. It will be that much sweeter when you actually get the kit, knowing it's paid for...

[divingdrummerdean]

Knowbuddy,

Let us know what you come up with when you reach that point, even if it's several months down the line!

Pics are good.

Good Luck!

ddd

[Knowbuddy]

I will DEFINITELY get pictures up as soon as I get the set I want.

I am really excited about this. I am working my arse off and saving every penny I can.

I figure 2 - 3 months and I'll be there. You guys will be the first to see! :D

~B

[Knowbuddy]

Finally found it!

Bump!

Pics soon... ;p

[caddywumpus]

Finally found it!

Bump!

Pics soon... ;p

Waiting with bated breath...

[Knowbuddy]

Oh, dude. It's ridiculous! : D

WEEEEEEEE I have been shaking for 2 days.

[HeadRush]

I can't wait to see em
(even though this is my first time viewing this post haha)

[wloeb]

There is a distinction between bulilding a credit history and building debt. I think that it's important to have some credit cards that you can use and pay off every month in order to build a credit history. You'll need this history to qualify for a mortgage loan and get a good rate. Please note I'm not saying to buy stuff on the credit card and pay over time. Rather save up and then buy with the card and pay it off that same month.

Wayne


Knowbuddy,

The fact that you're 27 and don't have any credit is AWESOME! The whole "credit" thing is totally unnecessary unless you're planning on buying a house or have some sort of huge emergency like an uninsured medical emergency. I would build up some credit in the way diosdude recommended, but don't let that be an excuse for getting into debt to the credit card companies...always pay off your balance on time.

How did our grandparents pay for things? They saved up. If they couldn't afford it, they didn't (couldn't) buy it. Its that simple. In today's society, it's the "norm" to be in debt from school, car payments, mortgages, etc... In addition to that, it's perfectly normal to be in credit card debt--and for what? So we can immediately have a standard of living that our parents spent years and years saving up for to afford...and end up paying way too much for it? My parents didn't have a couch in their living room for 8 years into their marriage until they could afford one. One of my friends has a big, huge comfy sectional that had a sticker price of $1500 that he's going to end up spending $2200 on when he's done paying off the financing...

Paying interest on something that you didn't save up for is not very smart, in my opinion. If you HAVE to buy a new car, and you finance it, you end up paying roughly 150% the value of something that drops to about 50% of its value the second you drive it off the lot. Not very smart, but it's the way us Americans are programmed to think is right. Instead, you should buy a clunker to drive into the ground, and put those "payments" you would be paying into an account and save up for a new one, or a better used one. "You have to build credit" "You have to have a good credit score" "Bad credit or no credit accepted"...it's all unwise financial pitfalls--preying on the minds of those who are young and impressionable, and tricking them into buying into the debt-based lifestyle.

Credit is just a way of allowing people to afford things now that they can't afford, and then paying way more for it over a long period of time. The wise person will avoid credit, with the exception of buying a first house or paying for their college education (to be paid off as soon as possible, once they enter the workforce...). The fact that you've avoided it for so long, Knowbuddy, is great. Don't get sucked in now...

[/rant]

[Infernal Valkyrie]

In response to the question about affording my kit.. I used some of my money I got from being in a car accident. I bought used but off craigslist, I don't feel comfortable with ebay either. Not after buying a cracked 19" signature power crash from some store on there!
I got a good deal on my Ayotte kit and at that time it was a better choice not knowing what exact kit I wanted. I sold the ayottes to buy my brand new Starclassic kit. Sometimes I feel like I should have spend about $8000 on a kit with lesser expensive cymbals.

[DrumEatDrum]

There is a distinction between bulilding a credit history and building debt. I think that it's important to have some credit cards that you can use and pay off every month in order to build a credit history. You'll need this history to qualify for a mortgage loan and get a good rate. Please note I'm not saying to buy stuff on the credit card and pay over time. Rather save up and then buy with the card and pay it off that same month.

Wayne

So true, so true.

Avoiding credit is not a good idea if you want to eventually buy a house.
Credit does not equal debt, much like a beer once in a while doesn't equal being an alcoholic.
But whatever, this is a drum forum.

I worked for music stores, so I always got my gear at an employee price.

My DW kit I got from ebay. As for buying it without seeing it, it's not like DW has ever made a bad kit, so I wasn't worried about the quality. I was wanting a particular color, and couldn't believe one fell into my lap at a good price, so I jumped at it. That worked out well for me.

[caddywumpus]

Avoiding credit is not a good idea if you want to eventually buy a house.


For the record, I got my mortgage, with its very low interest rate, without a credit history at all...

[wloeb]

For the record, I got my mortgage, with its very low interest rate, without a credit history at all...

That's great but it is the exception to the rule. Here in San Francisco almost every mortgage is a Jumbo and a good credit score can save you thousands a month.

[Knowbuddy]

Okay boys (and girls!!!),

Here she is!

I did it finally!

I saved my ass off, got a little help from my mom (repaid, of course), and went and picked them up last night!

Here you go:

DW Collector's Series Exotic - Koa

22" Kick
10" FAST Tom
12" FAST Tom
14" Standard Tom

20" Zildjian Medium Ride
13" Zildjian Hybrid Hats
17" Meinl Byzance Crash
18" Meinl Byzance Dark Crash

DW 5000 Kick Pedal
Iron Cobra Hat Stand

Enjoy the pics! :D

Thanks a lot for all of your input and encouragement. THANKS GUYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c237/Knowbuddy/Front.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c237/Knowbuddy/FromSidfe.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c237/Knowbuddy/Another.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c237/Knowbuddy/Fixin.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c237/Knowbuddy/OverheadDriversSeat.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c237/Knowbuddy/Kissy.jpg

[caddywumpus]

Nice! how do they sound?

[Knowbuddy]

Like GOLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The bass drum is a CANNON. I am definitely going to eventually order an 18 (or maybe even 16") kick drum for it. I will definitely need it if I ever get serious about playin jazz out in public lol. It would just be offensive in a live jazz setting.

The toms sound so good compared to my old kit, and I haven't even TOUCHED them with a drum key yet. To be completely honest, I don't love the way the toms sound right now, but I know it's due to the heads. I want to get some evans genera heads and stick em on there and see how they sound.

I swear my cymbals sound BETTER with this kit underneath em! :D

~B

[diosdude]

Congats on the great kit!! Time for you to post over in "your place/ your gear"

[SharkyBait911]

The kit looks amazing, if you dont mind me asking how much was it ??

[Garvin]

Awesome kit... I must've skipped this part of the thread, but where did you find em'? Craigslist? That is a beautiful kit. Awesome cymbals too!

[Knowbuddy]

SharkyBait911: I got the shells (5), all new hardware, and all hard shell cases for around $5200.

Garvin: I actually went against that part of everyone's suggestion. I really wanted my first "real" set to be new. I was just a personal pref thing. I bought them at Atlanta Pro Percussion in (obviously) Atlanta. I recommend going there for anyone who's never been.

~B

[DrumEatDrum]

Beautiful drums!!!!

Congrats!!!

[HeadRush]

I am in love with that finish!!!!!

[Knowbuddy]

Yeah man! My favorite has always been DW's Mapa Burl, but when I saw these on the shelf, they stole my heart! :D I had to have them.

~B

[MagicLemur]

Great kit. Cool that you got it at Atl pro percussion. I'm from cumming and i've been meaning to go there but its about an hr drive. We had drums 101 up here but it closed recently which is sad since it was a family owned buisness and they made AHA drums which i heard were pretty good. I might go down there for a rhythm traveler kit in the next couple weeks i heard they have a lot of pearl stuff.

[Knowbuddy]

Go! Those guys are awesome. Especially Davis... He's EXTREMELY helpful, you may wanna ask for him.

Yeah, I actually took my first drum lessons from the guy that owned Drums 101. I'm not sure what happened, but I think he just decided to focus on teaching (he does high school drum lines too)...

Definitely suggest going to see the stuff at Atlanta Pro. They have a lot of EVERYTHING.

~B

[divingdrummerdean]

Wow! That was quick!

Those are beautiful! Congrats! That Koa finish really looks deep and brilliant.

About the tom heads:
We just bought a DW kit with the bubinga finish (same badge) for our studio last month. As far as sound goes, I must say the 10" and 12" are the most impressive, especially the 12" as we never could get the sound we wanted from the 12" on the other kit (Sonor - China). We are using plain, coated Ambassadors on top, no muffling. The 14" took a bit more tinkering but now sounds quite nice.

How are you finding the matching snare? Does the timbre blend well with the rest of the kit?

ddd

[baz]

...great score Knowbuddy.

and God bless MoM.

I have a couple of kits, but my favorite one is the one that I bought brand new. There is something in knowing what you want and getting it rather than finding somebody elses dream kit and settling for it. Also knowing that your sweat, toil, and sacrifice were a major part of it will make you appreciate it even more.

I hope that you get many years of great gigs out of it.

for the record, I am a little jealous.

barry

[Knowbuddy]

Thanks for the replies guys!

The matching snare actually came with the set. It sounds REALLY good with the rest of the set, but I'm definitely going to experiment with some other snares. It's a little dry or something. I don't know, I have a hard time describing how things sound to me lol.

It was pretty quick, and that's mostly due to mom, but I have been working two jobs for a while before I posted this and still do right now. So, I felt comfortable borrowing some of the money because I am confident I can get her paid back in a timely fashion (almost done! :D).

~B

[aydee]

Your romantic love-scene with your drums, right at the end, does it for me. I am teary eyed...honest.

May the two of you live live happily ever after.