Orange Ludwig Vistalite Kit Vs Pearl Masters Custom MCX 5 Piece

brenty · #1 10-23-2009, 06:01 AM

At the moment I am contemplating taking the plunge and buying a new kit. AS it stands I have got it down to 2 that fit into my price range. The first one is a Orange Ludwig Vistalite Kit. They tell me it would have retailed for 7 to 8 grand (australian) brand new but coz its the last and a display they have it for 3 which includes hardware. From what I can gather it would be a great kit for live shows and could be good for recording especially for snare and bass drum but not so much for the toms. But it also looks so damn cool. ;-) The other one i was looking at was is a Pearl Masters Custom MCX 5 Piece for around 3400 with hardware and possibly even storage bags. From what i can gather its a good kit also and is made from maple which apparently has a warm sound to it as opposed to the ludwig which i beleive is dry and hard sounding, but still with plenty of volume and attack? Also the pearl is a fusion which i think makes its toms 12' and 14 whereas the ludwig is closer in size like 13' and 14 or something. Anyway I just wanted to gt peoples opinion on what they think. I will be recording for an album in december but after that it wil be primarily used for gigging. Although the recording part is very important what od we think will be best in the long run?
thanks guys

Pocket-full-of-gold · #2 10-23-2009, 06:24 AM

Have you played both? Which did YOU like best?

The two kits are worlds apart mate. One maple, the other acrylic, diff.size kick (26" v 22") and toms (fusion sizes 10", 12" 14" vs stadium rock sizes 14", 16", 18").....they will sound nothing alike. So you gotta play 'em and find out which one you like the most.

I will say 3K Aussie is very cheap for the Bonzo vistalites though...and you get the added bonus of the 402 Supra as the snare as opposed to the 14" x 5" sensitone (steel or aluminium btw?) with the maple kit. Nothing wrong with the sensitone either...great snare any day of the week...but I'll take a supra first time everytime (opinion tho...not advice).

You have to try them out mate. To tell you to buy one over the other with these two vastly different kits, would just be an opinion. YOUR ears have to decide this one.

Good luck.

EDIT: OR.....you could bridge the gap between the two. I see Billy Hydes advertising the Ludwig Centennials in 24", 12", 16" and 14" snare for A$2800. Gives you a maple kit in bigger sizes. Whichever way you go, play everything and decide that way.

Cheers.

Blk Diamond · #3 10-23-2009, 09:50 AM

I admit that I haven't had that much experience playing acrylic kits. Just a little bit of messing around on them at local music stores. I knew that when the time came for me to upgrade my drums that I wanted a maple kit. I love my Pearl Masters Custom kit. In my opinion, the tones I get from them and my choice of drumheads are exactly the classic rock sounds I was looking for in a drum kit.
Pocket-full-of-gold is absolutely right in saying that opinions are just that, opinions. Also that your ears are the only ones that can decide whats right for you. Sit behind the different kits and let your ears guide you. Then have one of the shop's clerks play the different kits while you stand back and hear them from an audience's perspective. And don't forget to have fun.

volvoguy · #4 10-23-2009, 04:58 PM

Definitely two very different kits.

Wood would (wood!) be more versatile for sure.... though Vistalites would be pretty cool if that's your sound.

Either way, you're in a good place! Have fun!

-Ryan

zambizzi · #5 10-23-2009, 05:16 PM

I've never played an acrylic kit but after hearing many YouTube clips, I can tell you that it's not my sound at all. Even the high quality vids give a sound that's tubby, flat, and cold...and even a little "plastic-y".

However, that doesn't mean it's not YOUR sound. Try 'em out.

I owned an MCX kit (now playing Reference) and they are *excellent* drums, all-around. The shells are a bit thicker than I'd prefer but they still tuned up like nobody's business and sounded incredible. I sold mine off but now I'm wishing I would have kept it for a secondary kit for hauling around & playing out. They're great!