New Kit Advice

Time for some new tubs. I play in a band 2-3 times a month. Straight ahead rock...Springsteen, Stones, Allmans, Petty. Looking for a nice 3 piece piece shell pack with a budget of approx $2,000.

I've narrowed it down between a Gretsch Brooklyn Series 3 piece in satin mahogany stain, 22/16/12, and an SJC custom 3 piece with a similar colonial maple stain finish, with the same dimensions. I really like the vintage, wood look. I've gotten quotes on both for around $1800.

Our band tends to get a little loud at times, so I need something that its going to be warm, but cut through as well. At this point, I love the Gretsch sound (and look) but SJC, being a custom shop, offers a zillion options for customizing. SJC makes really nice stuff, but for some reason I'm drawn to the Gretsch (I also have a catalina club for smaller gigs).

Any suggestions? Is there something I should be looking at in the same ballpark that I might have missed? Thanks!
 
I presume you have professional cymbals and a snare you love first?

I suggest going to as many stores as you can, and trying every kit for $2500 and below (you'll probably be able to bargain down to around $2000, kits rarely go for their RRP)
This includes kits marketed as "intermediate" kits. A pricey kit may not sound as good to your ears as a cheaper kit, so try as many kits as you can and choose your favourite, only your ears can decide!

However, I would suggest the DW Performance series, Pearl Masters, all the Tama Starclassics, (especially the DW as I know you can get those in 3 piece shell packs) and of course the great Gretsch Brooklyn you're already tempted by, but I suggest not buying a kit until you've played as many kits as you can afford
 
Thanks. Yes, all set on hardware, cymbals, snares, etc.

You think a dw performance 3 pc shell pack could be had for $2k? I would have thought that would be at least $3k..
 
Time for some new tubs. I play in a band 2-3 times a month. Straight ahead rock...Springsteen, Stones, Allmans, Petty. Looking for a nice 3 piece piece shell pack with a budget of approx $2,000.

I've narrowed it down between a Gretsch Brooklyn Series 3 piece in satin mahogany stain, 22/16/12, and an SJC custom 3 piece with a similar colonial maple stain finish, with the same dimensions. I really like the vintage, wood look. I've gotten quotes on both for around $1800.

Our band tends to get a little loud at times, so I need something that its going to be warm, but cut through as well. At this point, I love the Gretsch sound (and look) but SJC, being a custom shop, offers a zillion options for customizing. SJC makes really nice stuff, but for some reason I'm drawn to the Gretsch (I also have a catalina club for smaller gigs).

Any suggestions? Is there something I should be looking at in the same ballpark that I might have missed? Thanks!

Have a look at Tama Statclassic and the new Star line as well as the Gretsch.

Ludwig Classic,Keystone and Legacy lines all are great sounding drums as well

The thing about custom drums is resale value,so if your settled on custom,be sure it's something you can live with forever,and something that no other maker can provide.

The resale value of custom kits is nowhere near the original price.Kits that retailed for thousands,resale for mere hundreds.

Steve B
 
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Good point, and that's why I'm sheepish about going with SJC. I like a new kit every 5 years or so. One thing that's great about DWs are their resale value.
 
Good point, and that's why I'm sheepish about going with SJC. I like a new kit every 5 years or so. One thing that's great about DWs are their resale value.

Yes they do,as well as Tama Starclassic, USA made Ludwig,Gretsch USA classic and Renoun series.

So if you get a new kit every 5 years,you'll probably want to stay away from custom made kits.

Steve B
 
I'm not too sure about the pricings seeing as I live in the UK, but I am pretty sure you could get a DW Performance 3 piece for that price


After doing some quick searches, I have been unable to find a 3 piece Performance kit. I have found 4 piece kits, which come with a snare, which of course can easily be sold

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/PSKit322ES/
http://www.amazon.com/DW-Performance-Series-4-Piece-Shell/dp/B0064S0OAS

I also found a beautiful Gretsch Brooklyn for less than 2k
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gretsch-Bro...e-Rock-Set-Satin-Tabasco-Shells-/251069196719

I did struggle finding a Starclassic kit in that price range, I did find a 4 piece B/B kit in budget (has 3 toms not 2)
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Tama-St...a-Birch-4-Piece-Shell-Pack-560041-i1548548.gc

This means you're likely to struggle getting hold of a Star kit in this budget

Hope I could be of some help
 
You should look at classic maple as well. Spectacular drums. I confess I have them and am a Ludwig lover. That being said, I owned a set of Brooklyn's for a brief time ( long story ). They are awesome drums. Those double flanged 302 hoops are killer. Lend a great open warm sound. They also are pretty loud. Seem to fit your two biggest criteria. Next kit I get to add to my stable will be a Brooklyn. Again, this coming from a Ludwig guy. Good luck with whatever kit you grab. Be sure to post pics. I love drum porn!
 
It's funny, my guy at the drum shop said "I'm not gonna let you order the Brooklyn's until you try the ludwig classic maples"
 
I truly believe that, considering the level of precision in any new drum kit these days, that you simply cannot buy a bad brand new kit, assuming it's not a First Act or Sound Percussion, and also assuming it's not a "lemon" kit. (they happen) So really it's all up to how each kit makes you feel. If everyone tells you Ludwig, but the SJC kit speaks to you.... follow your natural instincts.

I never consider the resale value of drums. I buy them because I want them. Drums are not an investment, they are a purchase. So get the kit that sets your heart a flutter. Go with your heart, not your head, JMO. Also remember that any set you try, they might not be headed and tuned so that they speak their best. If you pass over a great set because it's tuned like crap....well you have to consider that factor.

I've said this before, if at all possible, buy new stuff from a place that has a 30 day return policy. Buy them, take them home, head and tune them, play them for a week, and return them if they are not doing it for you. Rinse and repeat until you cannot return a kit. This is especially useful for new cymbal purchases. Exercise your full rights as the buyer.
 
It's funny, my guy at the drum shop said "I'm not gonna let you order the Brooklyn's until you try the ludwig classic maples"

That's because they just finished fine tuning the Ludwigs, lol.

Dennis
 
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