Yamaha Live Oak OR DW Collectors
- Thread starter 2bsticks
- Start date
I've played them both. Oaks really cut through the mix. They are LOUD. I found them to be a bit harsh for my tastes. Kit was nice though. Good quality hardware etc. Limited finishes.
I have really mixed feelings about DW collectors. To me they sound a bit too muted, especially with the stock heads. It's almost like they're trying to make a maple kit sound like birch. They really should give some options with the heads I feel. I think DW's are kind of a one trick pony. Some people love them but they're not my cup of tea. Lugs can be a turn off for some even though it's a given that they're high quality kits.
As far as high end kits go, I find Sonor, Tama, Gretsch to be more versatile than DW's. To be honest, I'd rather have Ludwig Classic Maple than a DW Collectors. That's me though. YMMV.
Hollywood Jim
Platinum Member
I have a set of Yamaha Live Custom oak drums. Yes they are loud and a bit harsh. But so are rock & roll guitars.
So I use them when I need them for loud rock gigs and outdoor gigs.
I suppose with some Evens G2 coated heads or hydraulic heads it might warm up the sound. I have only tried Evans G1 coated heads on them.
I played someone's DW collectors set for one gig. Nice sounding drums. But they sounded a little boring to me. I don't remember how they were tuned or what type of heads they had. I know this might negate and nullify everything I just said but I'm sorry I just gotta say this, I hate the look of round drum lugs.... LOL
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So I use them when I need them for loud rock gigs and outdoor gigs.
I suppose with some Evens G2 coated heads or hydraulic heads it might warm up the sound. I have only tried Evans G1 coated heads on them.
I played someone's DW collectors set for one gig. Nice sounding drums. But they sounded a little boring to me. I don't remember how they were tuned or what type of heads they had. I know this might negate and nullify everything I just said but I'm sorry I just gotta say this, I hate the look of round drum lugs.... LOL
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2bsticks
Platinum Member
I'm using coated ambassadors on my Live Custom kit, they do mellow a bit with them on. I think I'm staying Put......for now
DutchDrummersDreams
Platinum Member
Oaks and more recently Live Oaks are used as main kits on the North Sea Jazz festival. I have used them myself for 9 years. Loved the sound and with the right heads they arent loud and harsh at all. Especially the Live Oaks.
wildbill
Platinum Member
This doesn't answer your questions, but I'm wondering if you've considered
Ludwig Keystone X:
https://www.ludwig-drums.com/en-us/ludwig/products/drumkits/keystone-x
"....Three-ply Classic Maple core with 1/16" inner and outer plys of American Red Oak...."
DW collectors are great drums .. Really nice kick but I find the toms really ordinary.. and overpriced. i'd take yamaha RCs any day over the collectors
PorkPieGuy
Platinum Member
Without playing or hearing them, I'd go with the DW just on resale value alone.
At that price point, I'd be looking elsewhere (but that's just me).
At that price point, I'd be looking elsewhere (but that's just me).
2bsticks
Platinum Member
I did, I never went with the DW, I did however trade in the oak kit for a hybrid maple kit. I had a hybrid kit a few months ago, let it go for some financial reasons. I was able to find another hybrid kit for a very good price on the used market. I loved the oak drums too, heavy drums
IBitePrettyHard
Senior Member
DW drums are very good, high-quality drums.....that are also overpriced and overrated (IMHO). They aren't as versatile.
Just about every other company makes better sounding drums for the money.
Just about every other company makes better sounding drums for the money.