Looking for a mid/high level drum kit.

6

6_Sic_6

Junior Member
I am looking to get a new drum kit, after many years with my Pearl Target. No need for cymbals or hardware, I am well served on that area (for now...). Will be used for rehearsal, some gigs, and recording (not pro level stuff)

However I am still struggling to make my final choice. I have nailed down my research to a few models that have a reasonable price for me. I'm not looking for top end drums, just a well built kit for perhaps, the rest of my music life.

These are the candidates:

Mapex Armory
Tama Starclassic Performer
Mapex Saturn
Tama Superstar Classic

6pc Armory is the more affordable, there are nice deals with bags. I don't really like the Superstars, since I am looking for virgin bass drum, but I'm not sure how far are these from the Starclassic Performer (like maybe it's nor worth to go one step higher?). The Saturn's would be the V ( I also have seen them branded as Renew), but not the Evolution.

The Saturn's are one level higher than the Armory, but will it be that noticeable? Sometimes I think these 4 kits are all nice and I can't be wrong, and then when I think I have made my choice I begin questioning myself, "I am throwing more money than necessary?", "I will regret not expending 400€ more"?

Other brands are not really much appealing to me, I would like something different than Pearl, Yamaha and Sonor are not much appealing to me, Gretsch an DW is breaking the bank...

I am also looking for pretty much anything at those price ranges in the second hand market, which is terrible where I live (Spain). Armorys selling for just 50€ less than MSRP (and without the snare!). Also half of the deals don't include shipping, and the fuel spent plus the price paid would be similar to brand new.

Any advice will be welcomed! Thanks!
 
So, you've settled on the dimensions You want? Curious; what are they?..
and you want a Post to hold toms on the bass..
I think you choose some good potentials..
 
Neilage said:
What's your budget, and are you steadfast on buying new?

I'm curious why you said:
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Around 1000 - 1500 €. Some of the kits mentioned would be slighly above that range, but I might consider dropping 100 o 150 more if it's worth it. Maybe with some good luck, I can find something used at 1100 o 1200.

I know Yamaha make good drums, I would consider a Tour Custom, but I haven't found them used. Kinda the same for Birch, Maple or Oak custom... New doesn't fit in my budget, and I have just found a few used and they don't really match my measures... Quite expensive too. Also hard to find with virgin bass drum,

I don't know really much about Sonor, I've only found used AQ2 and SQ2 (way over my budget), To my understanding AQ2 is in this same tier, so it could fit.

Gretsch and DW, only used would fit my budget. I'm not having luck looking finding any of these. Same for Ludwig. I just find old models from the 70's or 80's.

jda said:
So, you've settled on the dimensions You want? Curious; what are they?..
and you want a Post to hold toms on the bass..
I think you choose some good potentials..
Click to expand...

Yep, 22 x 16/18 bass drum.

Toms, I've playing 1up/1down for many years, but I'm looking to move to 2up/1down. 10/12/16 it is.
If I can get also a 14 floor tom in the pack, well that makes my kit more versatile I think. Could come handy in many situations.
I would go with an offset setup for the rack toms, so later on I will need a tom holder stand. But that's something for the future.
 
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What is your concern with Drilled Kicks? I have three and they look and sound Awesome.
If you can take a drilled Kick go with Tama Superstar Classic . you won't regret it. You will also save about $500 . All Maple shells and the set includes a snare.
amazing value . but if want to spend more then get the Starclassic performer. maple/birch shells, better die cast hoops and better Lugs. Nice finishes too.
i have no opinion on Mapex as ive never played them. Happy shopping!
'
 
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6_Sic_6 said:
Saturn's are one level higher than the Armory, but will it be that noticeable? Sometimes I think these 4 kits are all nice and I can't be wrong, and then when I think I have made my choice I begin questioning myself, "I am throwing more money than necessary?", "I will regret not expending 400€ more"?
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6_Sic_6 said:
Any advice will be welcomed! Thanks!
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Saturns are a quite big step up from Armory's. Hardware is upgraded and the walnut/maple is a nice combo.

Armory is intermediate, Saturn is pro
 
classikdrummr said:
What is your concern with Drilled Kicks? I have three and they look and sound Awesome.
If you can take a drilled Kick go with Tama Superstar Classic . you won't regret it.
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Oh, no concern, I've been using bass mounted toms most of my life, the opposite been the exception. I can use both.
If I'm going to buy a kit, just because I really want to get a new one, I think it has to be just the way I like it. If I'm not fully into it, maybe it's not the one. I have always wanted to have a virgin bass drum. Though I wouldn't say it's mandatory.

mikyok said:
Saturns are a quite big step up from Armory's. Hardware is upgraded and the walnut/maple is a nice combo.

Armory is intermediate, Saturn is pro
Click to expand...

Besides the tom mount system, what differences there are in the hardware?

At this price ranges I just expect the hardware to be fine and not a thing to worry.

For example, Starclassics and Superstars share the same Tom mount system, but the Starclassics have some quick lock feature. That's the kind of thing I really don't need.
 
6_Sic_6 said:
Besides the tom mount system, what differences there are in the hardware?

At this price ranges I just expect the hardware to be fine and not a thing to worry.

For example, Starclassics and Superstars share the same Tom mount system, but the Starclassics have some quick lock feature. That's the kind of thing I really don't need.
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I think the rims might be chunkier on the Saturns. The tom mount on the Saturn V and Armory are the same.

I'm not sure about memory locks with the armory. They're great kits for the money but the Saturns are better.

Have a look at the Saturn III too or the Orion if you can find one used.
 
6_Sic_6 said:
Oh, no concern, I've been using bass mounted toms most of my life, the opposite been the exception. I can use both.
If I'm going to buy a kit, just because I really want to get a new one, I think it has to be just the way I like it. If I'm not fully into it, maybe it's not the one. I have always wanted to have a virgin bass drum. Though I wouldn't say it's mandatory.



Besides the tom mount system, what differences there are in the hardware?

At this price ranges I just expect the hardware to be fine and not a thing to worry.

For example, Starclassics and Superstars share the same Tom mount system, but the Starclassics have some quick lock feature. That's the kind of thing I really don't need.
Click to expand...
Oops i just realized you were refering to Starclassic Performer.. Yes , the hardware on that is slightly better than Superstar Classic but not as Good As starclassic Walnut Birch, which is what i bought. The main difference is the finishes and Starclassic is Birch/maple where superstar is all Maple.
 
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6_Sic_6 said:
I don't really like the Superstars, since I am looking for virgin bass drum,
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They make them with a virgin Kick but you have to get the 3 piece and then add the other tom and mount . .. It's a 14x22 but they sound phenomenal IMO. I used to shy away from those but happened on a vintage Yamaha kit with this depth and with a non ported resonant head it was better response than my 16 and 18 depths. .. Here are some deals on demo's : https://reverb.com/marketplace?prod...r Classic 3-piece Shell Pack -&sort=price|asc

xbxlupfcrhesuy3hw4r9.jpg
 
Artstar said:
They make them with a virgin Kick but you have to get the 3 piece and then add the other tom and mount . .. It's a 14x22 but they sound phenomenal IMO. I used to shy away from those but happened on a vintage Yamaha kit with this depth and with a non ported resonant head it was better response than my 16 and 18 depths. .. Here are some deals on demo's : https://reverb.com/marketplace?product_type=drums-and-percussion&product_type_uuid=b3cb9f8e-4cb6-4325-8215-1efcd9999daf&query=Tama Superstar Classic 3-piece Shell Pack -&sort=price|asc

xbxlupfcrhesuy3hw4r9.jpg
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My renowns came with a 22x14 virgin kick, and I love it. I was skeptical when I ordered it, since I had never played one (usually I’ve had drilled 22x18s), but once I got it I was impressed with its response. And it’s relatively light and easy to maneuver
 
Virgin bass drums are hard to find in kits that cost less than $2500. Try not to shy away from a drilled kick, because your options will be very limited otherwise.
 
mikyok said:
I think the rims might be chunkier on the Saturns. The tom mount on the Saturn V and Armory are the same.

I'm not sure about memory locks with the armory. They're great kits for the money but the Saturns are better.

Have a look at the Saturn III too or the Orion if you can find one used.
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What about the Saturn Pro? I found one used, the only downside is the toms being 12/13. I was looking for 10/12.

IBitePrettyHard said:
Virgin bass drums are hard to find in kits that cost less than $2500. Try not to shy away from a drilled kick, because your options will be very limited otherwise.
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Any models you would recommend in that case?
 
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