Custom Drums...

HUdrummer · #1 03-25-2011, 12:17 AM

What would be the cheapest custom drum set you can buy... and how would you buy it?
New or used whatever is cheapest.

tamadrm · #2 03-25-2011, 12:43 AM

You don't want custom drums.Custom drum are for players who have the money to spend 7000 -15000 on a kit and not think about it.Custom kits also have terrible resale value because they are custom made for someone else.There are also plenty of custom drum makers out there who really just take Keller or Eames shells and mount the hardware you want then finish the shells.There's not a lot of innovation going on so the difference is really in the workmanship.

So to answer your question,no you can't get an 8000 kit for 600....but you CAN do pretty good buying used upper end kits or new entry to mid level kits from Tama,Dixon,Ludwig or Sonor to name a few.Go check it out.....thats part of the fun of buying a new kit.Good luck.

Steve B

Mr.L · #3 03-25-2011, 01:23 AM

Custom drums don't come "cheap" as a general rule.
If it has to do with sizes, you could probobly get a local music store to order something for you. Or you could go on Ebay, Craigslist, Kijiji, or whatever and buy the individual shells.

HUdrummer · #4 03-25-2011, 01:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tamadrm

Custom kits also have terrible resale value because they are custom made for someone else.

If they have terrible resale prices could I get a used one for cheap (under 1000)

MikeM · #5 03-25-2011, 01:58 AM

The idea, at least for me, is that a custom kit should be made to your exacting specifications. My problem was that I was set on 15" and 18" floor toms and there just weren't many off-the-shelf options for that, except for Ludwig (who were struggling with quality issues at the time), DW (too expensive), and Tama (wanted something different having already owned two Tama kits).

I had a local guy do the "custom" drum thing using Keller shells and some non-descript but attractive low mass lugs and 2.3mm hoops. I had him stain them a charcoal black and put an oil finish buffed to a nice shine. He also cut some sharp 45s.

The cost? About 2/3 what a DW would've cost. So the take home message here is that if you're going to go the "custom" route, don't buy into the hype that says you gotta spend two DW kits' worth to get something "special." Other than finishes, there's nothing fundamentally different about them. (unless you're doing segmented shells, steambents, or like an aluminum Trick, or something that really is custom)

I'll gladly put my inexpensive Keller kit up against anyone's kit, custom or not. And I've been happy with it for over 10 years - longest I've ever owned a single drum set.

HUdrummer · #6 03-25-2011, 02:42 AM

Im fine with the sets on the market. They have all the right sizes and stuff. what im wanting is something unique like travis barkers kits and stuff. I dont wanna pay a good $700 to get the same old, same old. I want something like an acrylic kit, or gold lugs, or somthing interesting. Maybe not a "custom" kit but something somewhat interesting.

Mapex----Maniac · #7 03-25-2011, 02:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HUdrummer

Im fine with the sets on the market. They have all the right sizes and stuff. what im wanting is something unique like travis barkers kits and stuff. I dont wanna pay a good $700 to get the same old, same old. I want something like an acrylic kit, or gold lugs, or somthing interesting. Maybe not a "custom" kit but something somewhat interesting.

Your definetley not going to get an acrylic for $700
What is your exact budget?
If its $700 your not going to be able to get a custom kit,MAYBE used, but itd have to be in bad condition
You can still get a nice kit for $700, just look around on the used market

wsabol · #8 03-25-2011, 02:53 AM

Amen Mike.

It depends on your definition of custom. If you want 100% maple shells, itll be less expensive to just go the Keller custom route. There are many Keller custom companies that will build a kit for you, or you can do it yourself.

Morbid Koala · #9 03-25-2011, 03:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mapex----Maniac

Your definetley not going to get an acrylic for $700

I dunno. I think you could. I got a 3-piece clear Vistalite for 500 bucks on Craigslist. Good condition too.

You could probably piece together a Vistalite a la carte on Ebay for close to $700 if you're not playing a huge kit.

Mapex----Maniac · #10 03-25-2011, 03:03 AM

Spoke to soon :)
Heres a arylic for $800 in Burlington Oklahoma
http://burlington.craigslist.org/msg/2235092834.html

#11 03-25-2011, 03:05 AM

Usually you get what you pay for. If getting the cheapest 'custom' drumset you can is your priority then what you will be showing your audience is your thrift. Your cheapness will be the face that your potential fans will see...

You should look for used gear instead.

TravisFans · #12 03-25-2011, 05:39 AM

If you want something custom, you got to be prepare to spend at least .. AT LEAST 2500$++

Ive got 1 custom Orange County and i paid 4250$ for it, and it's a pain in the a** to re-sell it ..

I have an another custom kit building right now and i paid 2980$ with a 30% off.. for a 3 piece kit.

It's a luxury to get something made custom for you.

wsabol · #13 03-25-2011, 06:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HUdrummer

If they have terrible resale prices could I get a used one for cheap (under 1000)

... yea, but then I won't be a custom kit. That just the same as buying a regular high end kit.

Ian · #14 03-25-2011, 06:33 AM

If you want different why don't you buy a kit you can afford and get creative with it. Refinish it, strip the chrome and get your hardware powdercoated, do something different with the best you can afford. You can get lots of great kits for $700.

HUdrummer · #15 03-25-2011, 01:43 PM

Thanks guys. what kits would be the best high end kit? remember i want something unique. im looking for brands like OCDP, Pork Pie, Trick, Crush, DDrum, Dixon, Taye, ext

#16 03-25-2011, 02:03 PM

If you have a decent kit now and want something special, have it refinished. You can probably find a carpenter or woodworker who can refinish your kit for less than 700, or try it yourself.

Also, don't expect used custom kits on e-bay / craigslist / whatever... I happen to be the proud owner of a custom Unix snare drum and wouldn't sell it for any less than it would cost new. The idea of a custom kit is to have a kit that is just right for you - one that you hold on to for the rest of your life. I expect to still play my unix when I am 75 years old (unless it's cracked by then), or at least showcase it. Maybe it'll even have some brothers and sisters by then :)

If you look carefully you can probably get a custom snare for less than 700 dollars. It'll be something different where it really matters.

Ian · #17 03-25-2011, 05:29 PM

What are your goals here? What sizes do you want? What shell makeup? What hardware? If you hold some idea that says "if it's custom it must be of higher quality" you are mistaken. Quality and sound are available at nearly every price point intermediate and north.

If looks are what you are after go to Sickskinz or Rockenwraps and get your hardware powdercoated.

In the meantime, read some of Joey182's threads. The custom debate has been beaten to death there (often to deaf ears...).

TravisFans · #18 03-25-2011, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian

In the meantime, read some of Joey182's threads. The custom debate has been beaten to death there (often to deaf ears...).

M'haha. endless........

eamesuser · #19 03-26-2011, 12:54 AM

Nothing wrong with custom,it is a great learning experience,and your choices are unlimited,if your budget is,but depending on your needs you can do well on a lot less money too.Knowing what you want helps you determine price wise where you would be at.I have done custom before and here is what I can tell you.3 things that you can control cost wise.Shell/construction,hardware/lugs/,finish/cosmetics.There are a lot of great quality mid level kits out there right now,but the finish and size options are limited,with custom you can control that,If you can live with a keller maple shell 6,8,10, or 12 ply,with decent lugs,and finish the outside and inside with tung oil,you can come in underneath a mid level kit,and still have a lot of options at your disposal build wise,add a nice custom finish and you will be somewhere between a mid level and top line kit from the Majors cost wise.If you want a 10 ply shell with a different wood for each ply that will get you into DW sonor SQ 2 territory pretty quickly,add in expensive or custom lugs and you will be above that.And remember that if you are the kind of person that likes to turn over a kit every 2 or 3 years that you will take a heavy hit resale wise with a custom/boutique maker,for instance I have seen GMS kits with a street price of 2800.00 to 3500.00 going for 500.00 to 700.00 dollars used,and plenty of used truth,shine OCDP, etc with asking prices of above 1000.00 getting not even a nibble.

MikeM · #20 03-26-2011, 01:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eamesuser

plenty of used truth,shine OCDP, etc with asking prices of above 1000.00 getting not even a nibble.

That's exactly right, because while they were absolutely custom to the person who ordered them, they're not at all custom to the person buying second hand and that "custom" kit ends up competing directly with any old Mapex (for example).

tamadrm · #21 03-26-2011, 01:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HUdrummer

Thanks guys. what kits would be the best high end kit? remember i want something unique. im looking for brands like OCDP, Pork Pie, Trick, Crush, DDrum, Dixon, Taye, ext

Forget DDrum..lots of build and sound issues.OCPD is now a store brand for guitar center and made in Taiwan.Nothing wrong with that but,its NOT a custom drum.Taye has a lot of customer service issues with warranty problems and they cost big bucks,like Trick,Pork Pie,Crush just to name a few.Do a Dixon search on ebay.They are really decent drums for a great price point,just do it quick,as they won't be alailable in the USA for a time while Dixon reoganizes.And while your there search some of the custom kits.You might get lucky and find a guy who just gave up trying to get his money back and is selling his kit for pennies on the Dollar because say for example he has a 19x21" bass drum,in baby puke green sparkle fade......Really?Just curious ,how old are you and how long have you been playing.The answer to the third question I already know...Travis Barker.

Like what been said above....this has been discussed ad nauseum,with experienced drummers giving you advice you just can't pay for.The best thanks you can give us is to accept that advice although its not your dream kit,buy what suggest to buy ,and practice.
Maybe someday..if you good enough,you will have the coin for something out of the ordinary.I know at 15 ,time seems to take forever,but trust me,the wait is worth it,and someday,You'll be typing these words to another 15 year old drummer.Good luck.

Steve B

HUdrummer · #22 03-26-2011, 04:24 PM

Thank you... And yes Im only 15. Ive only own drums for about a year and a half now, but drumming has always been in my blood. Ive been memorizing drum beats since i was 5. I first played real drums when I was 8. I honestly feel in love with it. Later when I was in 6th grade i joined my school band and played snare. I did that til eighth grade. Then I finaly got my first drum kit ( sound percussion) of a friend for a few old video games. I spent Literly hours a day looking at drum lessons online. I did that or about 6 months. then I got a new drum kit (Classic Cantible Session Pro)from a buddy of mine who moved from Germany to Oklahoma. That kit is now getting old and as my skill progresses those drums get worst and worst. Thats why I want to buy a new kit. I won that will last for a long time.

GRUNTERSDAD · #23 03-26-2011, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HUdrummer

What would be the cheapest custom drum set you can buy... and how would you buy it?
New or used whatever is cheapest.

The cheapest would be the one you build yourself. You buy the parts like all other "custom" drum companies and you put it together yourself. You get the finish you want, the lugs you want, the strainer you want, the hoops you want. Should I go on?
You get more than a 2000.00 paint job.

iontheable · #24 03-26-2011, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HUdrummer

Thank you... And yes Im only 15. Ive only own drums for about a year and a half now, but drumming has always been in my blood. Ive been memorizing drum beats since i was 5.

Its justin beiber ! I knew it!

I'm only kidding.

To be completely honest HUdrummer, do some research. No one here is going to be able to tell you what YOU need.

All these drummers here know one thing for sure, what THEY need. And They have all found that themselves.

And, in my opinion, you haven't been drumming all that long, but you are young. I wouldn't go and blow all of 'mom and dad's money on a $1000 kit..you still need cymbals, missing hardware, heads etc...

Find yourself a modest, used kit for 300-600$ and learn how to master them.

Keep it simple'

And if you're into needing cymbals, I just made a post in the Classifieds' section for a complete Rock cymbal kit. Check it out' and Good Luck!

HUdrummer · #25 03-26-2011, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GRUNTERSDAD

The cheapest would be the one you build yourself. You buy the parts like all other "custom" drum companies and you put it together yourself. You get the finish you want, the lugs you want, the strainer you want, the hoops you want. Should I go on?
You get more than a 2000.00 paint job.

And where would you get all this stuff??? Shells, hoops, wraps, lugs...???

HUdrummer · #26 03-26-2011, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iontheable

And, in my opinion, you haven't been drumming all that long, but you are young. I wouldn't go and blow all of 'mom and dad's money on a $1000 kit..you still need cymbals, missing hardware, heads etc...

Find yourself a modest, used kit for 300-600$ and learn how to master them.

Keep it simple'

And if you're into needing cymbals, I just made a post in the Classifieds' section for a complete Rock cymbal kit. Check it out' and Good Luck!

I have to earn my own money I have a job. Im getting enough money my self to budget around $1200 for every thing. Shells, cymbals, hardware, peedals, heads, everything.

O, sorry bout the double post.

iontheable · #27 03-26-2011, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HUdrummer

I have to earn my own money I have a job. Im getting enough money my self to budget around $1200 for every thing. Shells, cymbals, hardware, peedals, heads, everything.

O, sorry bout the double post.

Well, where are you from? I could suggest some sites where you can order everything to essentially build your own custom kit, if you wanted to go that route.

All I am saying, is that with proper tuning and a solid drummer, you can make those $600 kits sound like a $6000 kit..

HUdrummer · #28 03-26-2011, 05:06 PM

Yea thank you. what kits would you suggest then.

iontheable · #29 03-26-2011, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HUdrummer

Yea thank you. what kits would you suggest then.

In this range I like Mapex Meridians, but that's just me, if you have a local drum shop, go to them, find someone there with a good ear and have them help you tune different kits.

Find something that suites what YOU think sounds good. That's all that matters at this point.

HUdrummer · #30 03-26-2011, 05:26 PM

Do you think you can help me find a 4-5 piece drum kit, with 1 rack tom, 1-2 floor toms, and a 22' by 20' virgin bass with about 10 lugs. also with a cool finish.

iontheable · #31 03-26-2011, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HUdrummer

Do you think you can help me find a 4-5 piece drum kit, with 1 rack tom, 1-2 floor toms, and a 22' by 20' virgin bass with about 10 lugs. also with a cool finish.

PM sent

/20charyo

tamadrm · #32 03-27-2011, 12:00 AM

I don't think that this kid at 15 has the skill or tools to build a drum kit,let alone the maturity and patients.He wants bling not bang.Shades of joey182

Steve B

HUdrummer · #33 03-27-2011, 12:17 AM

I agree I probly couldnt make a drum kit. Im just cant find a kit that matches what im looking for

tamadrm · #34 03-27-2011, 12:42 AM

I would highly recomend you read joey182 thread.You are just not going to find what you want without it being custom built.Do you understand what compromise is about?Sound trumps looks EVERY SINGLE TIME.Tricked out hoops,lugs and wrap is not going to make you sound better.You're not going to turn into Travis Barker with a custom kit.Buddy Rich (you do know who that is right)was asked one time if he was ever going to get a bigger kit.He said"why,I haven't learned to play these yet"What does that say to you?Buy the best you can afford used and you will get not only better quality,but much better SOUND,and if you don't think sound is the more important looks,you are missing point alltogether.That goes for any drummer who would place more importance in style over substance.So thats that...thats my opinion ...and I really have nothing else to say.....do what you want ...its your coin.

Steve B

HUdrummer · #35 03-27-2011, 06:04 AM

What are you guys's thoughts on the Ludwig Element Lacquer Emo??? Thats just about exactly what I want. Love everything about it from what I cans see from the picture on MF. I'm just wondering If it would sound good for my genre's of music ( Hardcore, Rap-rock, Hard Rock, Metal, Hip-Hop, ext...) Because usually when I think of Ludwig I think of like Maroon 5, Daughty, and other "light rock" genre's. Other than that I'm absolutely in love with this kit!!!!

http://drums-percussion.musiciansfri...ack?sku=582209

Fishbones · #36 03-27-2011, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HUdrummer

Because usually when I think of Ludwig I think of like Maroon 5, Daughty, and other "light rock" genres

You don't think of John Bonham and Ringo Starr? Ludwig really isn't a 'light rock' company. IMO it's some of the most versatile kits on earth.

HUdrummer · #37 03-27-2011, 04:23 PM

OK awsome I think Im sold!!!

GRUNTERSDAD · #38 03-27-2011, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HUdrummer

And where would you get all this stuff??? Shells, hoops, wraps, lugs...???

www.amdrumparts.com They have it all

If you don't like that route try a Gretsch Catalina Maple or Birch set.

Fishbones · #39 03-27-2011, 04:40 PM

I say go for it. It'll be a great kit for playing out if you don't mind the large kick drum. Not too outrageously expensive, either. Good find!

EDIT: Just realized -- that kick is 20" diameter and 22" depth. That'll get pretty muddy sounding. I would try to find a sound sample if I were you...

HUdrummer · #40 03-27-2011, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GRUNTERSDAD

www.amdrumparts.com They have it all

If you don't like that route try a Gretsch Catalina Maple or Birch set.

Wow great find, ill remember that website.