What drum kit should I buy?

[thrashed]

i am considering buying a new kit soon and I have a few ideas of what I want.
First of all I am at the intermediate skill upwards (i have been playing for 4 years) and my price range is around the £500 mark. one other thing is i already have hardware for the kit so all i really need is a shell pack.

here are some links to some drum kits im interested in:

Tama Superstar

ludwig accent cs series

ludwig classic birch

Grestch Black Hawk SX Series 7 piece

Thanks for your Help!

[needforspeed182]

Id say the ludwig classic birch or the grestch one

[scarlit]

You should also check out the Mapex Pro M and the Sonor Force 3005 kits.

[needforspeed182]

Yah....mapex is a really amazing drum company, same withy ayotte

[Superlow]

Don't forget any low end Yamaha kit's either. I believe the Rydeen got some pretty favorable reviews as well.

[Stevis]

Sonor makes some good kits. Always keep them in mind. You could get a sonor force for around the price your looking for.


Good luck

[eddrummer05]

trashed ludwig and grestch are very good sets,my favorite drummer vinnie colaiuta uses grestch hehe,but i use sonor there very good dont forget SONOR ut any of these 3 brands are very good..good lock

god bless you...

[pc7411]

Actually, since we have a pre-existing thread here, I'd like to mention that I'm looking for a new set, to get away from my old Pearl Forum kit. I'm looking into almost every intermediate kit out there from the major brands...

Pearl Session SMX or SBX
Pacific FXR
Gretsch Renown Maple

I'd like something that can deal with abuse, but still be versatile enough for some jazz stuff. I'd like a Yamaha kit to be on my list too, but there's really nothing that interests me in between the Stage Customs and the Absolute series, and I'm afraid my budget won't stretch that far. I'm open to any other suggestions, too...

[finnhiggins]

Actually, since we have a pre-existing thread here, I'd like to mention that I'm looking for a new set, to get away from my old Pearl Forum kit. I'm looking into almost every intermediate kit out there from the major brands...

Pearl Session SMX or SBX
Pacific FXR
Gretsch Renown Maple

I'd like something that can deal with abuse, but still be versatile enough for some jazz stuff. I'd like a Yamaha kit to be on my list too, but there's really nothing that interests me in between the Stage Customs and the Absolute series, and I'm afraid my budget won't stretch that far. I'm open to any other suggestions, too...

Speaking as somebody who once owned a Pearl Session kit, I'd consider these to be an enormous lemon of an instrument. The Yamaha Stage Customs are better drums, to my ears.

If you're intending to buy new... don't. Buy a used kit from the next price bracket up - Yamaha Maple Custom or Recording Custom, Tama Starclassic, Pearl Masters etc. From my experience the Pearl Session series is basically the Export series with all of the gimmicks from the higher-up drums - mine had ISS mounts, better hardware etc combined with shells that would make any head combination sound apalling. You'd be much better off with an old 70s or 80s professional kit with a beat-up finish and a bit of spending on modern hardware.

As an alternative to those kits above, also try a Taye GoKit - they're portable, and with microphones they sound pretty damn good. I think they sound much better than most of the low-end to semi-pro kits, and they're about the same price.

[Superlow]

Speaking as somebody who once owned a Pearl Session kit, I'd consider these to be an enormous lemon of an instrument. The Yamaha Stage Customs are better drums, to my ears.

If you're intending to buy new... don't. Buy a used kit from the next price bracket up - Yamaha Maple Custom or Recording Custom, Tama Starclassic, Pearl Masters etc. From my experience the Pearl Session series is basically the Export series with all of the gimmicks from the higher-up drums - mine had ISS mounts, better hardware etc combined with shells that would make any head combination sound apalling. You'd be much better off with an old 70s or 80s professional kit with a beat-up finish and a bit of spending on modern hardware.

As an alternative to those kits above, also try a Taye GoKit - they're portable, and with microphones they sound pretty damn good. I think they sound much better than most of the low-end to semi-pro kits, and they're about the same price.


Finnhiggins,

You make an excellent point. I have bought used most of my life I scored a nice Pearl kit and a nice Gretsch kit both used and both way less that what I would payed brand new. Also buying component drums new is also another way of saving money. Nice maple Ludwig drums can easily be bought piece by piece and pretty cheap. This is assuming you already have a kit with hardware and cymbals. Also the next time x-mas comes down the road you can ask your parents to buy you top shelf snare to go with the nice component drums.

[ctdrummer]

Take a look at the Pro M from Mapex. I bought them at a killer price and love them. Nice all maple shells, laquer finish, isolation mounts, and you can get a decent hardware pack as well.

[bug]

Hello! I need for your help! I'd buy a new kit, but I don't know Perl ELX or Yamaha Stage Custom or Mapex M? What is your opinion?

[Speedy]

I would go with Pearl. They are the only company that uses the heat compression system shell. There hardware and quality of the drums in unbeatble and the customer support rocks.....oh and thrashed, go with the ludwig classic birch. Very nice sounding drums.

[bug]

Thanx! But I still don't know what should I buy! The sound is the main thing what I'm interesting! Hope you can understand me because of wrong english! Thanks again!

[pudgytheclown]

all i have to say is that gretsch drums are great (i have a birch catalina) but ive played a black hawk or what ever and in my opinion i think it was some thing of cheap drum set for gretsch to make. the catalina on the other hand is beutiful and has an amazing sound.

[matei_the_drummer]

dude, you have to have a look at sonor's force 2005 exactly the price range your looking for brilliant kit (birch). :)

[jojomayerfan]

If you can get a mapex pro m with 500 pounds I definately would, but it will be tough to find. More realistically you could go with the mapex m birch. It's a really nice kit. Otherwise Gretsch makes great fusion kits. You could look at the Catalina Birch. If you want a standard kit you could also get a Sonor force 2003. Honestly, you can't go wrong with a Mapex.

[somedrummer]

Speaking as somebody who once owned a Pearl Session kit, I'd consider these to be an enormous lemon of an instrument. The Yamaha Stage Customs are better drums, to my ears.

If you're intending to buy new... don't. Buy a used kit from the next price bracket up - Yamaha Maple Custom or Recording Custom, Tama Starclassic, Pearl Masters etc. From my experience the Pearl Session series is basically the Export series with all of the gimmicks from the higher-up drums - mine had ISS mounts, better hardware etc combined with shells that would make any head combination sound apalling. You'd be much better off with an old 70s or 80s professional kit with a beat-up finish and a bit of spending on modern hardware.

As an alternative to those kits above, also try a Taye GoKit - they're portable, and with microphones they sound pretty damn good. I think they sound much better than most of the low-end to semi-pro kits, and they're about the same price.

Finn, man, you really should do a little more research on today's Session drums. Today, they are made of 6 ply maple, no longer use ISS mounts, and frankly sound quite nice.

That said, you could go for a used masters series kit too, and you would be happy. But dont discount the sessions because of what finn said.

[adrummer111]

go for the gretsch set

[maddrummr]

dont rely on everyone here to tell u what to buy. Go to a dealer and check out the sets for yourself and see which one you like best. All these ppl are giving u recommendations, dont go out and trust them first hand.

[Stu_Strib]

Speaking as somebody who once owned a Pearl Session kit, I'd consider these to be an enormous lemon of an instrument. The Yamaha Stage Customs are better drums, to my ears.

Mooooohahhahaha. Finn finally gives me something to say he's wrong!!! Finn has been on such a roll lately with great posts ;-)

As someone who has owned a 2003 Pearl Session Custom (maple) and a Yamaha Stage Custom AT THE SAME TIME, I can tell you that Finn's statement is very dubious indeed! Same as exports???? LOL, that is a horrible analogy. If anything, the Session is the same as the MMX, since they have the same maple shells in similar plies/thickness. The session "suffers" from triple flange rims and a tad bit cheaper lugs is all.

I say this, because the Stage Custom, while an excellent bargain, is leagues away from the Session kit in the sonic department (the toms and snare especially). The kick drum is awesome on the Yamaha though...so much so that it persuaded me to trade in both kits for a Yamaha Maple Custom Absolute (beech toms) kit, and I'm very happy!

The Session kits (from 2002 on at least) where/are a TREMENDOUS deal. I would purchase a Session kit again well before I bought a Tama Starclassic or Pearl MMX for example (because of the price/performance benefit).

I don't know Finn, perhaps "Lemon" in New Zealander means "Great"? hehe


Here are my two boys and my two old kits. Man I miss having two drumsets!

6178

[jamsjr44]

Here are some suggestions:

1. Go to a couple of local stores and test them out and see what fits into your budget and when I mean budget I mean include hardware, cymbals, pedals etc. Some drummers say they want a whole kit for $1000.00 and when they go there all they get is the 5 piece kit, but now they are out of money and can't add the other things they need. If you just mean the drums themselves and you have everything else, then don't worry about it. But you should make a list of everything you want or need and see if it is doable with the money you have to spend. I know a friend who bought the kit, but had to wait a year before he could add cymbals and pedals, seat etc...

2. What type of sound are you looking for, don't take anyone's opinion on here, because you can probably see we all like something different and I would hate for you to buy a kit and get it home and month later not like the sound of it. It is important to try them out if possible.

3. Dependability and Durability in that price range.

4. The ability to expand your kit with the same type of wood shells. Meaning if you only buy a five piece set you just want to make sure that if you decide to add an additional tom or floor tom later on, that you can still get it in the same color and same wood type that is if you are buying used. Something relatively new you shouldn't have a problem at least for a few years.

good luck in your search...

[XAkitAX]

I say the gretsch. I love their sound thats what im planning on upgrading too when i have the money

[stp112192]

there is a ddrum series thats 499$ im not sure how much euro that is but ive heard its nice drumset. its rock kit setup with i mounted tom and 2 floor also with a boom stan and straight stand. they have kinda odd colors but the "devious" color is the best normal looking one in my opinion ill search and give you the link...................
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/ddrum-Diablo-Punx-5Piece-Drum-Set-with-Side-Snare-Devious?sku=445245

i guess it also comes with a side snare neat and its also rate 8.59 outta 10.

good luck looking

stephen petersen

[Stu_Strib]

2. What type of sound are you looking for, don't take anyone's opinion on here, because you can probably see we all like something different and I would hate for you to buy a kit and get it home and month later not like the sound of it. It is important to try them out if possible.

While this has good intent, it isn't very realistic. The kits in this range don't offer a whole lot of sonic differences. The exception from his list is the Superstars, which are incredible bargains.

As for the sound, why shouldn't he be persuaded to like better sounding drums? Yes, there is room for taste, but I'd hate for a young guy not to take advice from people and let his untuned ear choose a horrible sounding cheap drum kit over the more preferred quality sound. Through conversation and discussion threads like this, we can take points from one guy and piece them with another and form our own opinions.

I know the best drummer at my school is a great talent, but at 17, he has an unrefined ense of what sounds 'good'. Our school kit is a Ludwig Accent CS and it isn't bad (not anywhere near as good as the Superstar) but then he has really old thick head on it with tape and felt and all kind of garbage that makes them sound like, well, nothing. Like hitting a blanket.

[ledzeppelins666]

Today, they are made of 6 ply maple, no longer use ISS mounts, and frankly sound quite nice.

What's the difference between ISS and Optimount?

[Red Sky Drummer]

Hardly on topic, but where is the cheapest place to get taye drums, because buying straight from the factory is like buying NEW Yamahas off midwest percussion.

Thanks,
Creez

[badlydubbedsean]

i am considering buying a new kit soon and I have a few ideas of what I want.
First of all I am at the intermediate skill upwards (i have been playing for 4 years) and my price range is around the £500 mark. one other thing is i already have hardware for the kit so all i really need is a shell pack.

here are some links to some drum kits im interested in:

Tama Superstar

ludwig accent cs series

ludwig classic birch

Grestch Black Hawk SX Series 7 piece

Thanks for your Help!

tama superstar or ludwig classic birch. bich kits sound great, and ive heard good things from friends with tama

[max77]

You should buy your drums kit for you.

[Kenny Aldrich]

You should buy your drums kit for you.

NO! I'll let him buy me one no problem!

[rendezvous_drummer]

After realizing that I am VERY VERY short for cash, I just bought a Yamaha Stage Custom Advantage Nouveau.

[Gary McVey]

Hi,

A lot of drummers purchase various kits depending on the style of music they're performing. After all my years of playing, I've settled on just one and that is the CD Maples kit by Noble & Cooley. I suppose a players level of performance might also be considered. If you're a beginner, I don't think I'd spend a lot right off but as I progressed, upgrading may be in your future. I've heard a lot of very fine players and they are using very cheap equipment, so one line of thought is that "equipment doesn't make the player". Well, that may or may not be, I don't really know. I generally let my playing speak for itself and yes, I feel my playing is enhanced by better equipment but I don't think it's a given. I would however, buy the best cymbals you can afford, as they will transfer from one set to another. Buying the most expensive of everything doesn't make you better. Only practice does that.

Just so you know, I've had the following drumset lines: Slingerland (2), Rogers, Ludwig, Yamaha Recording Series and my current, Noble & Cooley. Good luck in your pursuit.

[Butch Axsmith]

You can"t go wrong with SONOR....
Butch Axsmith

[harryconway]

This thread is from 2005. Think the guy might have bought a kit already?

[tamadrummer132]

iv heard good things about the cs customs, but personally id go on ebay and buy a used pro kit. same price. better gear