Buying Timbale Drums for a Recording Session

[MarkMooch]

Hey guys,

I'd like to buy or rent some Timbale drums for recording next week and I want something that's going to sound great on record, you know that classic Timbale sound you hear on pop records! I see as with all other drum ranges there are higher and lower end drums by most companies like Meinl, LP, Pearl etc. . . but what am I actually looking for? I don't want to spend a fortune on the Porsche equivalent or a timbale but I don't want to pay too cheap & pay twice (and ruin a recording).

I presuming I want 14/15" shells made from quality material like B8 cymbal bronze or Brass with some decent heads on. . . played with of course some decent timbale sticks. . . as well as also needing a stand. A couple if hundred £ second hand would be my ideal price range. I've seen some cheap looking Pearl / Maxwin timbales and some LP Aspire but I'm worried they're not going to sound good on record. Laslty once I have them how should I tune them for that classic Timbale sound? In fourths at the top of the drums range?

Thanks in Advance

Mark