Suggestions on a decent starter set

[WhiteXHysteria]

I am looking to buy my first drum set. I am on a limited budget of around 800 dollars. I'm hoping to get some suggestions on any kits to look at, or different kit/cymbal combinations to look at for my price range for me to start getting some real practice on.

I would like to mainly play rock, as I know what you want to play would probably influence what I should buy.

I know buying used is the cheapest way to go in most cases, but I am also aware of how a lot of people are out to make a couple of dollars on something they have destroyed.

Any help whatsoever would be nice.

I found this set on craigslist, it may not be available now, but if it is would it be worth the 600 dollars?

http://tricities.craigslist.org/msg/2394725598.html

[bobdadruma]

That is along the lines of what you are looking for. Your price range pretty much sets you with a kit like that.
That will get you started.
I would also look for Tama, Mapex, and Sonor kits. They are better quality than ddrum.
Those cymbals are pretty good.

[WhiteXHysteria]

There is a Tama Swingstar with sabian b8's for sale for 275. Ill post the listing due to the feeling that being so much less than most other listings there is probably some major defect.

http://tricities.craigslist.org/msg/2397154818.html

[bobdadruma]

The Swingstar is a good kit. Millions were made.
Don't forget, unless a drum bearing edge is damaged, a drum shell is cracked, or the drum is warped, it can be easily repaired.
Hoops and lugs can be fixed or replaced for cheap. The same goes with all other drum hardware.

[WhiteXHysteria]

Thanks for that advice. I will keep that in mind as I check out different sets.

The bearing edge, that's where the heads sit up against? What kind of effect does it have on the drum if it is damaged?

[Homeularis]

Originally Posted by WhiteXHysteria

There is a Tama Swingstar with sabian b8's for sale for 275. Ill post the listing due to the feeling that being so much less than most other listings there is probably some major defect.

http://tricities.craigslist.org/msg/2397154818.html

Looks good to me. It says nothing is wrong with it aside from old heads.

If you can drive out and check em out, there wont be any loosers.

Offer him $250, he'll probably take it.

[bobdadruma]

That's right the bearing edge is where the head touches the drum. The drum will not tune correctly if it is damaged. It has to be recut if it is NG.
It is expensive to cut bearing edges.

[Homeularis]

Originally Posted by WhiteXHysteria

Thanks for that advice. I will keep that in mind as I check out different sets.

The bearing edge, that's where the heads sit up against? What kind of effect does it have on the drum if it is damaged?

It wont tune right or sound good.

It is pretty easy to tell if theres a problem, especially if he has clear drumheads.
If they are coated, youll have to take the heads off. Kind of a pain if your just checking out someones drums.

Edit: Oops...Double post. ;)

[WhiteXHysteria]

I will inquire further on the Tama set, plus being only 250 or so would leave me with a little bit of money to fix any minor issues. Thanks for the help.

For now I don't really have any other questions that I can think of.

[Davethis]

an exciting time !
you can cut some corners but some you cant - toms and bass drum are places that you can skimp A LITTLE - but get a good head on the bass like a aquarian superkick 2 - it'll make any bass drum sound better
as far as buying new - dont - buy used and any pearl, tama, mapex or sonor line will be fine- concentrate your budget on your pedals, hats, snare and ride
try out as much gear as poss - and buy and sell your gear often to change up and try different stuff out to try and find what you like best-
Ebay and craigslist are GOLD - use them !!
good luck !

[bobdadruma]

That kit should be fine. You're right, it will leave you cash for things like lessons, a good snare, cymbals, and pedals, etc. Don't spend a lot on the basic drums.