The only thing about the Stratas is that pretty much nobody stocks them, they'd be a special order. But they're well worth the wait!
Bermuda
These drums really light up after the stock heads are off and the good mylar goes on.
I went with Aquarian Super2 Coated with a clear G1 underneath and I couldn't be happier with the tone.
The snare is still on backorder and it should arrive in a few weeks.
I can't wait until it arrives.
It really is like Jon said when he mentioned that the 60's vibe was alive and well in these drums even though the shells are not the same as vintage.
I love to crank them up tight like Bonham and wail away on them with full hit big sound.
Took my kit on a gig Saturday, and it killed! It's absolutely the best "cheap" kit I own!
As with most lower priced Asian-made kits, the budget heads need to be replaced. ALL of them. My heads of choice are Evans, Strata 1000 batters and G1 clear resos on the toms, and EMAD on the kick. Currently I have a Ludwig reso on the kick, but that will become an EQ3 soon.
I found that the toms sing when tuned high, and have a resonant growl when tuned low, but get a bit boxey in the middle. So if you play jazz, or want a nice deep growl, you won't be disappointed. Also, due to the rounded bearing edges, these drums will respond best with 1-ply heads. The kick has a nice old-school thump, the pillow shown was actually a bit much, I pulled it out and got a nice short boom. It also likes to be tuned either high or low.
These are a real joy to play, I get a nice vintage vibe from them. Definitely my new kit of choice for acoustic gigs where I want a nice, round sound!
Bermuda
I agree 100%. I use two ply coated batters on the toms but I went with Aquarian Super-2 because they are a 7 and 5 mil ply combination and not as thick as standard 2 ply. I tried a coated Emp on the high tom and I didn't like it.I found that the toms sing when tuned high, and have a resonant growl when tuned low, but get a bit boxey in the middle. So if you play jazz, or want a nice deep growl, you won't be disappointed. Also, due to the rounded bearing edges, these drums will respond best with 1-ply heads. The kick has a nice old-school thump, the pillow shown was actually a bit much, I pulled it out and got a nice short boom. It also likes to be tuned either high or low.
Bermuda
Gibraltar makes the ones that I have. I bought them from Musician's Friend.bobdadruma,
I was looking at your kit from the other thread. I like the BD mounted cymbal arms! Are those Ludwig hardware or? Where did you get them? I think I would like to add the mount for a ride cymbal.
Gibraltar makes the ones that I have. I bought them from Musician's Friend.
I have one of those cymbal mounts on another kit that I own. No problems with them. I have had that mount for years on my Tama Stagestar jazz kit.
Ludwig also has their version. The Ludwig ones are more expensive.
Nice pics Knuck, They really show the quality of the build.
Gibraltar makes the ones that I have. I bought them from Musician's Friend.
I have one of those cymbal mounts on another kit that I own. No problems with them. I have had that mount for years on my Tama Stagestar jazz kit.
Ludwig also has their version. The Ludwig ones are more expensive.