I am relatively new to drumming still and I have been really struggling to find a kit that has what I want. I know what snare I want exactly so that doesn't matter too much in the context of finding either a shell pack or completed kit. I want to find a (dep x dia) 22x18 kick drum, 9x12 rack, 16x16 floor, and 16x18 floor. I'm not even entirely sure this is available as a package or not. But I would appreciate any and all advice for this topic. Thanks!
Kit Search Help
- Thread starter HulkRogan
- Start date
-
- Tags
- advice first drum set kit search
jaykaydrums
Silver Member
welcome! 
as for them sizes, you may want to trawl through ebay, facebook groups for drums, or you may need to get a custom kit in those sizes from one of the makers.
as for them sizes, you may want to trawl through ebay, facebook groups for drums, or you may need to get a custom kit in those sizes from one of the makers.
Winston_Wolf
Platinum Member
That exact size combo might be a little tough (I think today 13/16/18" with a 24" bass drum is more common) but it wouldn't hurt to browse Sweetwater/Musician's Friend/etc.'s website and look for some drumsets.
It also depends a bit on your budget. If you cross into most brand's upper middle to high end series your size options increase, in addition to your ability to piece together a set just from the sizes you want. Lower end to middle and your options are a lot more limited in general, though some series like Yamaha Stage Custom have an awful lot of component drum options. Perhaps look at a 3-piece shell pack and add on that 18" floor tom...
It also depends a bit on your budget. If you cross into most brand's upper middle to high end series your size options increase, in addition to your ability to piece together a set just from the sizes you want. Lower end to middle and your options are a lot more limited in general, though some series like Yamaha Stage Custom have an awful lot of component drum options. Perhaps look at a 3-piece shell pack and add on that 18" floor tom...
drumr386
Junior Member
Drum Center of Portsmouth has an extensive inventory of Yamaha Stage Customs that you could probably get those sizes. These guys are great to deal with, I live local to them and recommend them highly fwiw.
drumcenternh.com
Shell Packs
Personalized service from drummers who care. Buy Shell Packs at the Drum Center of Portsmouth, and get free shipping on most orders over $39!
drumcenternh.com
harryconway
Platinum Member
Your budget ?????
Is 9x12 rack tom written is stone ???? 8x12 is waaaaay more common. In almost all scenario's, the 16x18 would be an add-on special order.
DW Performance series could get you 18x22, 9x12, 16x16, 16x18.
Winston_Wolf
Platinum Member
I personally wouldn't let that extra inch of depth ruin what might be an otherwise slam dunk drumset. I've had both depths, and while I like the looks and slightly extra bit of sustain of a 12x9" tom, a standard 12x8" certainly wouldn't be a deal breaker. Much like how I'd actually rather have a 13x9" tom over a 12" by whatever. IF I'm using a single "up" tom tom I'd much rather have a 13 over a 12. They have (in my experience) a wider range and generally feel better under the stick than a 12.
But there are several options out there. If you can't find exactly what you are looking for in a stock shell pack I'd call one of the bigger retailers like Sweetwater or Drum Center NH and just ask them to put something together for you. I know that talking on the phone isn't "normal" these days but if you have money to spend and a clear plan and budget I can't recommend strongly enough that talking to an actual person is the easiest way to get what you want OR find out what you want isn't available. Most big retailers can also do better pricing over the phone too, so it's a win-win situation.
prodigy4299
Member
Hear, hear!
When I got back into drumming two years ago, I went with 1" shorter toms than what I'd had before (10"x7" and 12"x8", instead of 10x8" and 12x9"). I was curious to see whether I'd find a noticeable difference in sustain.
To my surprise, not at all. I don't know if it's due to better tuning accuracy (thanks, Tunebot!) or Mapex's Soniclear mounts, but my Saturns resonate way longer (and more musically) than my 1" longer Stage Customs ever did.
PorkPieGuy
Platinum Member
Yup, look for a 12x8 rack tom. I've owned a 12x10, 12x9, and a 12x8. The 12x8 is the way to go.
Tamboreter
Silver Member
Your budget will be a major factor. Stick with major brands. Reach out to the folks at Drum Center Portsmouth to see how close you can get on your size wishes. Sometimes it's like buying a car at the car auction: You know what make and model is desired, but best not to get hung up on the color. Sometimes our "ideal" specs won't matter in the long run.
It's looking like if I go with DW Performance Series I can get the exact sizes I'm wanting. I'll call them when I finish up work this week to see what they say. Thanks!
yammyfan
Senior Member
I believe that the Design Series comes in those sizes, too. You'll save big bucks over the Performance Series if the Design Series has a finish that you like.
Sadly the Design Series does not have a 16x16 floor tom. It does have a 14x16 though which might be close enough.
yammyfan
Senior Member
For what it's worth, the 14x16 floor tom in the Design Series is a cannon. Easily as good as a Renown 16x16 floor tom, for example.
Happy shopping! I'm sure you'll find a great kit.
plaid sabbath
Active Member
If you have some wiggle room as far as sizes SW has a nice 12/14/16/22 Gretsch kit. The Renown series is really good.
www.sweetwater.com
Gretsch Drums Renown RN2-E4246 4-piece Shell Pack - Burnt Orange Sparkle - Sweetwater Exclusive
4-piece Maple Shell Pack with 12" Tom, 14" and 16" Floor Toms, and 22" Bass Drum - Burnt Orange Sparkle
www.sweetwater.com