Mike St.Clair
Senior Member
Yea, it's time again. I recently bought and returned some Tama SC b/b drums with a wrap due to the wrap joints. IMO, they were not good and I wasn't comfortable with the beveled cut in the shell and roughness of the job that was done. I may have been wrong as this may be acceptable with wrapped drums, but not to me. I'll stay away from wraps.
So, I'm considering the SCP B/B's in a lacquer, most likely have to be discontinued finishes to get to my price (under $1200). I found one in mohagony that's been for sale a while as well as a red sparkle.
The other two I'm looking in to are the Premier Genistas, assuming my connection can get me a set, and the Gretsch Renowns. I realize the Renowns aren't birch, but I'm also trying to keep my options open to what the "best" sounding semi-pro type kits I can buy for my money. I've had great ownership experiences from my Premier XPK's in the 90's, both my Starclassic birch performers (2004 and 2006), and my Gretsch Catalina birch drums in 2005. I have a local dealer with the Renowns- both the red sparkle 4 pc for $995 and 5 pc black with 8" tom for $1150. No one stocks Premiers, I am a little concerned about service and availability, but I've read quite a few glowing reviews from folks who bought them at those crazy $500-600 deals. I guess I should have jumped on those then...... I only have youtube to go by for sound samples.
I'm getting ready to start playing with my church where the drummer already bought some Tama Imperialstars, but they are his drums. They usually have a shield around them and a few mikes. I already have snare drums, hardware, and cymbals.
Thanks for any input and/or other recommendations. I've looked at the PDP Concepts, sound pretty good, but the lugs and finish choices didn't really push my buttons and the drums above were only a couple hundred bucks more.
So, I'm considering the SCP B/B's in a lacquer, most likely have to be discontinued finishes to get to my price (under $1200). I found one in mohagony that's been for sale a while as well as a red sparkle.
The other two I'm looking in to are the Premier Genistas, assuming my connection can get me a set, and the Gretsch Renowns. I realize the Renowns aren't birch, but I'm also trying to keep my options open to what the "best" sounding semi-pro type kits I can buy for my money. I've had great ownership experiences from my Premier XPK's in the 90's, both my Starclassic birch performers (2004 and 2006), and my Gretsch Catalina birch drums in 2005. I have a local dealer with the Renowns- both the red sparkle 4 pc for $995 and 5 pc black with 8" tom for $1150. No one stocks Premiers, I am a little concerned about service and availability, but I've read quite a few glowing reviews from folks who bought them at those crazy $500-600 deals. I guess I should have jumped on those then...... I only have youtube to go by for sound samples.
I'm getting ready to start playing with my church where the drummer already bought some Tama Imperialstars, but they are his drums. They usually have a shield around them and a few mikes. I already have snare drums, hardware, and cymbals.
Thanks for any input and/or other recommendations. I've looked at the PDP Concepts, sound pretty good, but the lugs and finish choices didn't really push my buttons and the drums above were only a couple hundred bucks more.