Good Beginners set?

[Moksha]

I just checked out this kit at SamAsh today, and it seemed pretty good:
http://www.samash.com/webapp/wcs/sto...re-_-LLC1257XX

It comes with drums, hardware, and a throne. Since I'm new to this, I don't know if its a good deal. The guy at the store told me that this is a good entry set, but I would need to replace the heads within a few months; is this true? What kind of heads would be a good, while not costing too much?

What about cymbals? The guy tried to get me to buy a Meinl MCS set. It cost $250 and came with 14" hats, a 16" crash, and a $20" ride. It also comes with a free 16" china.

Would all of this together be worth $695 (total with tax)? I would end up having to buy more cymbal stands and heads (eventually) that would probably cost $100-$200 more (according to the drum salesperson). Is there a Memorial Day sale coming up that anyone knows of? Thanks for all the help!

[averagedrummer]

If i were you see what you can do for second hand cymbals, Never buy cheap cymbals that won't last when you could by a decent second hand set that will carry you a long time, get hunting online!

And kit wise if you can afford it the Yamaha kit would be much better quality, but you should always put cymbals first, so see what cymbals you can get, just ask on the forums if they are a good price and im sure people will kindly help out :)

Im sure the ludwig kit would be okay if you had a nice sey of cymbals and tuned well.

And head wise, you can get a set of coated remo embassadors (for a 5 piece kit) for about $60ish, which would replace all the batter heads (the ones you actually hit) and would do a good job, and would cost a little bit more for the kick head, about $40, but is worth it

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[Moksha]

Do you have a specific yamaha kit In mind?

[Bertram]

If you're a total beginner you wouldn't need more than a crash, hi-hat and a ride. Try to ask him if you can cut out a 100 bucks and leave the china at home.
Eventually you can skip the cymbals, buy the kit - play it. Then when you want some cymbals you know are good... tried them etc.. then go ebay and try to fetch them for 50 :)
the Ludwig kit is a great beginner kit though ;) it will sound fine if you can have some help tuning it well.

[averagedrummer]

http://www.samash.com/p/Yamaha_GigMa...rdware_1410205

This yamaha kit would last much longer than the Ludwig and much better quality hardware :)

Also if you cant get any good ones of craigslist or wherever, try the sabian xs20's pretty damn good cymbals for there price range

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[LeftoverPenguin]

Originally Posted by averagedrummer

http://www.samash.com/p/Yamaha_GigMa...rdware_1410205

This yamaha kit would last much longer than the Ludwig and much better quality hardware :)

Also if you cant get any good ones of craigslist or wherever, try the sabian xs20's pretty damn good cymbals for there price range

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I'd push for a Stage Custom over a GigMaker. http://bit.ly/m0xSAu

Not that I've spent much time with the GigMaker, but Yamaha's Stage Custom line has proven an incredibly popular, quality product and they sound amazing to boot, especially for the price. I've had mine for around twelve years and I still gig with them. You can get a used Stage Custom for around the price of the GigMaker, and there are quite a few of them around. Just check out Guitar Center's used gear online or Craigslist or wherever you can!

[diegobxr]

Hey Moksha, look, if I were you, first I would worry about getting some used quality cymbals. Zildjian A's, for example, are easy to find used and cheap, and if later you want to change them, they're easy to sell, unlike low-end cymbals. Since you're at it, I'd also look for used (not abused) kits.

Then, about the drums, get whatever you like and save some money for new heads. Almost any drum can be made to sound decent with good heads, while cymbals can't be tuned.

If you're learning, there's really no need to break the bank on your first kit. You'll have time later to buy more drums and cymbals.

God, I remember my first kit.. It was an abused, no name, chinese, late 1980's kit all beat up with dented heads.. but man, I was so happy I still remember the day I went to buy it. :) I had that kit for like 4 years. Put Evans G2 heads and learned how to play and how to tune on it.

Don't get gear-dependant. Get a metronome, a pad, some sticks, a good teacher and something to start playing on and have fun. ;)

Cheers.

Always try and buy used. The guys here know a deal when they see one. It's entirely possible to get some really great gear for half the price than it would be new - gear you'll keep. It may cost you slightly more in the short term, but in the long term it'll last you and help avoid the false economy.