Tama Superstar Hyperdrive advice

[MetalFaerie]

Hi All

I am brand new to this forum (joined today). Ever since I was a teen I have wanted to drum, I find myslf tapping the steering wheel and stomping my feet while driving. Anyway, I finally have the chance to buy a kit and after some research I have decided on the Tama Superstar Hyperdrive. It seems to have the most bang for my buck!

The music store in my neighbourhood has a demo model going for R7200 (US$863)
20" X 22" Bass
14" X 5.5" Snare
10" X 6.5" High Tom
12" X 7" Low tom
16" X 14" Floor tom

It is slightly used but I think in good condition. They showed me that the bass wrap has warped slightly from being exposed to the sun in the window. This concerned me at first but I then did research and apparently this happens with the wraps but does not affect the sound. I wanted to make sure it was just the wrap and not the drum so I asked the name of the colour and whether it was a lacquer or a wrap. Apprently it is Red Chameleon in a lacquer. I have checked and it IS a wrap not a lacquer.

The heads are slightly used as is fit for a store demo model but I figure since I am a beginner it will be fine and anyway will probably want to upgrade later.

Do you think this kit is worth $863?
A brand new kit would set me back, R8399 (US$1005)

I am also looking at a Paiste PST5 set for approximately R2500 (US$299)
and as I have back problems, splashing out for the Ergo rider with backrest for R1799 (US$215)

What do you think of the Paiste PST 5's?

Any advice would be most welcome.

Thanks

MF

[uniin]

the kit's an awesome piece of drum. just make sure the shells are in round and i think its definitely worth that money.

pst5's aren't that great... i think either save up for higher quality new cymbals, or search for higher quality used cymbals.

i've never been a fan of backrests on drum stools, i don't think they really work... i injured my lower back playing ice hockey and had back troubles for a while... i just worked out what stool height suited my back the best so that my back didnt hurt.

[MetalFaerie]

Thanks for the advice. I'll keep on looking for some used cymbals. Though used ones are harder to come by in South Africa, they're usually sold with a kit. In your opinion, which cymbals are the best for the price ($299)?

I'll be putting the deposit down for the kit next week after pay day. (buying on lay-bye - hopefully by end July)

I was born with a curvature of the spine which doesn't affect my life too much, just need to be aware when I'm sitting at the computer all day not to slouch other wise I get back-ache. Also have to strenghten abs to help support back. (Still working on that one)

[Phills]

Originally Posted by uniin

pst5's aren't that great... i think either save up for higher quality new cymbals, or search for higher quality used cymbals.

Totally agree.
Maybe buy one set of good sounding hi hats (or one great ride cymbal) plus a cheap crash to start with, and save up for the rest.

[PeteN]

Tama superstar hyperdrive is a great kit but I would offer them no more than $400.00 US because the kit has been neglected.

For just under $200.00 more than what they are asking for an abused and neglected kit you could have a new kit.

[Netz Ausg]

Originally Posted by PeteN

Tama superstar hyperdrive is a great kit but I would offer them no more than $400.00 US because the kit has been neglected.

For just under $200.00 more than what they are asking for an abused and neglected kit you could have a new kit.

+1 - Couldn't agree more.

[MetalFaerie]

Hi

You've definitely made some interesting points.

I will try to negotiate but as it is on lay-bye they probably won't come down by much.

Honestly, if the salesman did not show me the slight bubbling I would not have seen it.
(I will try take some pics of kit)

In SA we tend to have a seller's rather than a buyers market for drums.

I have seen second hand ImperialStars (new type - poplar) for sale for $800.

As I am rather OCD when it comes to parting with money, I do research on kits and opinions before deciding on what to buy.(which is why I really appreciate your opinions)

Initially I wanted a beginner kit but then I thought that it would be a waste as I would get sick of it with a year. So my thoughts with the Superstar Hyperdrive are that It should last me for years. Upgrade heads, get add on drums, upgrade cymbals etc. Unless I become a recording artist, in which case I would definitely be able to afford the Starclassic or whatever is fantastic.

I have also contacted a local dealer of used kits and this is what he sent me:
"
R4999 for a silver Active 5 piece drumkit with a ride and hi hats. US$602
R6499 for a black Mapex 5 piece drumkit with a ride, crash and hi hats US$783
R7999 for a red Mapex 5 piece drumkit with a ride, crash and hi hats US$963
R8499 for a Grey Pearl export 5 piece drumkit with a ride, crash and hi hats US$1023


Please note that all kits come as complete sets including the drums, cymbals, hardware and a stool. In other words, everything you nee to plug and play. I am negotiable on these prices. "

I am sure the cymbals would be really crap but I have asked if he has any decent cymbals for sale. :-)

[DuckusCrapus]

Crap cymbals are easier to get along with than crap drums. I have a TAMA Superstar hyperdrive and love them. Hope to see some pics. Good luck.


DC

[MetalFaerie]

Thanks so much for all the advice.

I put down my deposit yeasterday and managed to negotiate a little bit off the price too.

Should have the kit by the end of July.

(Now let me try upload photos)