I promised I would report back, and here I am! After a few weeks of playing, tweaking, and rehearsing with the Stagestars, here's what I've noticed.
This little "mystery wood" kit, with cheap metal bass drum hoops and tom mounts bolted right to the shell, sounds pretty darn good with good heads and good tuning. I used them for a few rehearsals since the last time I posted here. I wanted to use them a few times rather than post after one practice and get fooled by the "new car smell", so to speak. The bass drum sounds infinitely better since I swapped out the factory batter with an EMAD. Still haven't swapped out the factory reso (been busy), but I'm pretty happy with the punch and low end I'm consistently getting from this little drum. Next step is to port the reso (for mic purposes). We'll see if I'm still happy with the bass drum after I port it. I'm now convinced that this kit, as is, would work for some of my gigs with less than desireable load in/out conditions, but micing the kick would be a necessity in some of these rooms. I'm sure the sound out front will be fine, but I still want a satisfying sound from the throne. I'll be sure to report back after I port the drum.
I did go to Dale's, and I checked out both the Starclassic B/B's and the Silverstars with 20" kicks, 12" toms and 14" floor toms. The Starclassic was very nice, and the Silverstar, while technically a step down from my Saturns, would be plenty good enough for a gigging kit, I'm sure. I don't know about you guys, but when I shop for drums, beyond the specs and features...I just get a feeling when I find something I really like. I had money in my pocket, could've bought either kit, but I just didn't get that feeling, for whatever reason. I'm going to head back up there in a week or two and see if I have a different reaction. For now though, no new drums.
I'm considering selling my Saturns. I actually listed them on Craigslist, just to see if I get any bites. Not sure if I will actually go through with selling them if i get a good offer, or what I would buy to replace them. They're a joy to play, but not a joy to carry around. Having the Stagestars for really small places, and another kit with a 20" kick for general work sounds like a plan; I would just have to find the kit that speaks back to me and won't let me leave the store without it lol. To be continued...if anyone's got any kit suggestions or feed back of any kind, I'd love to hear it.