My 13yo son has had a Millenium (Thomann) MPS-150 electronic set for a couple of years (effectively Alessis heads with a less sophisticated "brain"), and is taking lessons via school and getting pretty limited by the electronic kit. We'd like to be able to get him an acoustic set for Christmas, but have a hard upper limit of £500 to spend. In the spirit of endeavouring to get a whole kit for that price (drums, cymbals, hardware) that are new (2nd hand not an option in our household for Christmas presents etc - non-negotiable!), I've got some kits / brands knocking around and looking for any good reason to include / reject these or others, or prehaps distinguish between them.
Currently my googling has turned up reviews which are at least broadly positive of:-
Natal Arcadia
Pearl Roadshow
Tama Rhythm Star
Mapex Tornado
Most of these are compromises of course - but it's difficult to get a clear view of what the real compromises are as a non-player (we are pretty musical though). He's no thrash metal fan, nor is he a jazz afficiando, so something "modern" but in the middle of the road feels right at the moment. Obviously I know if you spend more you get more, but he's got plenty of time to invest in high end kit when he's paying for it!! I have toyed with Pearl Exports, but I think that is a price point too high for us to stomach (we've got 4 kids, so Christmas is not cheap!).
Any hints and steers would be gratefully received!! UK buyer, happy to buy from LMS or online.
Cheers!
Currently my googling has turned up reviews which are at least broadly positive of:-
Natal Arcadia
Pearl Roadshow
Tama Rhythm Star
Mapex Tornado
Most of these are compromises of course - but it's difficult to get a clear view of what the real compromises are as a non-player (we are pretty musical though). He's no thrash metal fan, nor is he a jazz afficiando, so something "modern" but in the middle of the road feels right at the moment. Obviously I know if you spend more you get more, but he's got plenty of time to invest in high end kit when he's paying for it!! I have toyed with Pearl Exports, but I think that is a price point too high for us to stomach (we've got 4 kids, so Christmas is not cheap!).
Any hints and steers would be gratefully received!! UK buyer, happy to buy from LMS or online.
Cheers!