New Drum Kit - expectations

[blindrobert]

Nice kit! Use that tree stump to the right of the broom!

Thank you!

 

[cbphoto]

Finally pics of the new kit. I realize the positioning of everything is probably off, I'll remind you I'm a rank beginner with more budget than experience. I don't have a throne yet, hopefully in today's deliveries. When it arrives, I'll start getting the setup dialed in, but I promised pics so I figured sooner was better. I think she's a beauty! Sorry about all the wood and tools and brooms in the background - still getting the shop rearranged.
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Very nice!

When you get your throne, set it to a height you’re comfortable with, then place the high hats, bass drum/pedal, and snare drum where it feels comfortable, then play for a while and move things around until it feels settled. Getting the seat height and the three instruments positioned ergonomically helps play them.

 

[JimmyM]

I should read the entire thread before I post. Glad you're sorted to your satisfacto.

 

[BruceW]

Very nice...enjoy

 

[TK-421]

Finally pics of the new kit. I realize the positioning of everything is probably off, I'll remind you I'm a rank beginner with more budget than experience. I don't have a throne yet, hopefully in today's deliveries. When it arrives, I'll start getting the setup dialed in, but I promised pics so I figured sooner was better. I think she's a beauty! Sorry about all the wood and tools and brooms in the background - still getting the shop rearranged.
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Nice looking kit you got there. Congrats!

However, I noticed that you decided to go with a Speed King pedal. While a lot of drummers swear by them, I'm more likely to swear at them! I really have no idea what people see in these pedals, as I find them terrible in almost every way—squeaky, unrefined, lackluster rebound, unadjustable for the most part (nothing much to dial in), and did I mention squeaky?

Once you get your throne and start playing, if the pedal feels good to you, then great! Don't let me talk you out of it. But if you find that your bass drum playing feels a bit off, your right foot feels way weaker than it should or playing quick doubles is nearly impossible, then don't be afraid to experiment with other pedals. Nearly anything you'll find will be a major upgrade.

 

[JimmyM]

Nice looking kit you got there. Congrats!

However, I noticed that you decided to go with a Speed King pedal. While a lot of drummers swear by them, I'm more likely to swear at them! I really have no idea what people see in these pedals, as I find them terrible in almost every way—squeaky, unrefined, lackluster rebound, unadjustable for the most part (nothing much to dial in), and did I mention squeaky?

Once you get your throne and start playing, if the pedal feels good to you, then great! Don't let me talk you out of it. But if you find that your bass drum playing feels a bit off, your right foot feels way weaker than it should or playing quick doubles is nearly impossible, then don't be afraid to experiment with other pedals. Nearly anything you'll find will be a major upgrade.

Last I heard, Ian Paice still uses a Speed King. Certainly was the speed king for its day and they're still making them because many folks really enjoy them, but I have no desire to go back to anything designed before Tama and DW started crushing the pedal scene. Still, that's not me, and honestly, if I sprang for that set, I'd probably like to see it with a Speed King on the bass drum. Briefly

 

[PorkPieGuy]

I can hear those drums just from the pics! Dang, I'd like to try out some clear heads on my Downbeat Ludwigs now.

They look fantastic!

 

[GetAgrippa]

I love the kit man-just the kind of setup I love. Man what a thread-great ending too. I really like how you handled it all-as a past angry person who would explode at things I learned the error of my ways. You handled it all well and you have everything you need and more (I just use hats and ride which is my crash) so time to jump on that inviting baby and have fun. It's really a rocket and once seated off you go on a lifetime journey. The adventure begins-dramatic music background lol.

 

[blindrobert]

I love the kit man-just the kind of setup I love. Man what a thread-great ending too. I really like how you handled it all-as a past angry person who would explode at things I learned the error of my ways. You handled it all well and you have everything you need and more (I just use hats and ride which is my crash) so time to jump on that inviting baby and have fun. It's really a rocket and once seated off you go on a lifetime journey. The adventure begins-dramatic music background lol.

What kind words! Thank you - I'm definitely digging in now.

 

[blindrobert]

Nice looking kit you got there. Congrats!

However, I noticed that you decided to go with a Speed King pedal. While a lot of drummers swear by them, I'm more likely to swear at them! I really have no idea what people see in these pedals, as I find them terrible in almost every way—squeaky, unrefined, lackluster rebound, unadjustable for the most part (nothing much to dial in), and did I mention squeaky?

Once you get your throne and start playing, if the pedal feels good to you, then great! Don't let me talk you out of it. But if you find that your bass drum playing feels a bit off, your right foot feels way weaker than it should or playing quick doubles is nearly impossible, then don't be afraid to experiment with other pedals. Nearly anything you'll find will be a major upgrade.

I had no idea what to get and since I had no experience to draw on, I went with my architect training and made the decision based on aesthetics! Ha!! I love how the pedal looks. Maybe I'll find it annoying when I get better. I find the DW pedals kind of ugly, but people sure do love them.

 

[JimmyM]

I had no idea what to get and since I had no experience to draw on, I went with my architect training and made the decision based on aesthetics! Ha!! I love how the pedal looks. Maybe I'll find it annoying when I get better. I find the DW pedals kind of ugly, but people sure do love them.

That's because they're awesome. But they're not the only ones, you're sort of right about the look, and it seems even the $100 pedals these days are so super good that it's pretty hard to go wrong with any of them.

However, if I said I don't get a little warm and runny over a pretty Ludwig bass drum with a Speed King in front of it, I'd be lying. Keep up the good work!

 

[blindrobert]

Nice looking kit you got there. Congrats!

However, I noticed that you decided to go with a Speed King pedal. While a lot of drummers swear by them, I'm more likely to swear at them! I really have no idea what people see in these pedals, as I find them terrible in almost every way—squeaky, unrefined, lackluster rebound, unadjustable for the most part (nothing much to dial in), and did I mention squeaky?

Once you get your throne and start playing, if the pedal feels good to you, then great! Don't let me talk you out of it. But if you find that your bass drum playing feels a bit off, your right foot feels way weaker than it should or playing quick doubles is nearly impossible, then don't be afraid to experiment with other pedals. Nearly anything you'll find will be a major upgrade.

TK-421, I should have told you about my lifetime of experience making huge/questionable decisions based on aesthetics. I once took a job I knew I wouldn't like because it meant I got to work in the Chrysler Building! (I lasted about a year, but man was I ready to go!)

 

[TK-421]

TK-421, I should have told you about my lifetime of experience making huge/questionable decisions based on aesthetics. I once took a job I knew I wouldn't like because it meant I got to work in the Chrysler Building! (I lasted about a year, but man was I ready to go!)

Ha, I probably would have taken that job too to work in that iconic building.

BTW, a lot of people seem to like Speed Kings, and they are considered somewhat iconic themselves. I just happen to be in the other camp that hates those pedals.

Granted I haven’t played one since high school back in the 80s, but I distinctly remember hating them back then due to the lackluster feel and lack of adjustability. I never could understand what people saw in them. And my understanding is that they haven’t updated the design at all after all these years, so I imagine the new ones feel exactly how I remember them.

But who knows, maybe you’ll be in the camp that loves them.

 

[EssKayKay]

Epilogue: I called the 800 number again today after I didn't hear from the manager who was supposed to call me back. They said another manager would call me back in 30 minutes. They didn't. So I called the local The Company store and talked politely to the manager there - he asked if I could drop by and talk to him in person, no need to bring in the set. When I got there he agreed it was unacceptable, then said he'd either come pick up the set at my house himself or I could keep it and he would give me a substantial discount and new heads. I didn't think the set was damaged, it just wasn't brand new, so I accepted the discount and new heads. The manager was a decent guy and very helpful and I'm glad that I didn't lose my cool with anyone.

I don't think one has to behave like a jerk to get results. I can't bring myself to be rude to operators and store employees who aren't the ones responsible for my experience; when I hear irritation in my own voice I make a point of telling the operator that I'm sorry they are catching my irritation and that I know they aren't responsible. The manager who helped me today obviously cares about music and musicians and good customer experiences. I think if I had gone in there hot-headed and loud he would have shut down and reverted to The Company script ("I'm very sorry that happened, you can return it"). Instead, we talked reasonable person to reasonable person and found a good solution.

Good for you – glad things worked out. I'm afraid I would not have had the composure. Like they say – patience is a virtue.
Best to you Robert. . .

 

[BruceW]

TK-421, I should have told you about my lifetime of experience making huge/questionable decisions based on aesthetics. I once took a job I knew I wouldn't like because it meant I got to work in the Chrysler Building! (I lasted about a year, but man was I ready to go!)

My son works there currently, he took us out to see the building on a recent visit...it certainly is impressive!

 

[RK1]

Let me preface by saying I am new to the forum and also new to drumming:

I ordered a new Ludwig Classic Maple drum kit from one of the big on-line retailers last weekend. I paid the usual going price for the new shell pack - about $2,400. About an hour after I placed the order, I get a call from The Company saying they have a kit that's a floor model in one of their stores, it has some playing marks on it, but no Ludwig boxes or papers, etc. I told them that I'd consider buying that set, but if I'm not getting a new, unused kit then I shouldn't be paying the new unused price - in other words there should be a discount for a demo model. The Company says they'll send me a new kit from the warehouse, which is fine with me.

The drum kit arrived at my house yesterday. Playing marks on every drum head, a few tiny marks on the shells - nothing egregious, but certainly not "brand new". There are no original boxes or what we guitar players would call "case candy".

I know if I was buying a new, higher-end guitar, this would be unacceptable. Are drummers more relaxed about these things - am I being too uptight? As I said, I am new to drumming and this is my first kit - I don't want to be unreasonable, but I also don't want to be a sucker. I called The Company and they are supposed to call me back today (but I will be surprised if they follow through).

It’s no biggie for me. Demo models should save you money, and for Ludwig CMs, you’ll need it. Excellent kit. A staple.

 

[Duck Tape]

Yeah that's not ok. Ring them up and either get a partial refund or the brand new in box kit you paid for.

 

[A J]

I bought it with a CC (The Company’s in-house credit card) so I could pay it off at zero percent over time with their promotion. But I have the money to buy for cash elsewhere, and I have found it in stock at other locations.

I’m not a shouter. I’ll get satisfaction one way or another without having to get ugly towards anyone.

You handled it well, OP. Very impressive. "Being nice" is a lost art. You Sir, are an artist!

I probably would have just returned it, especially after not getting a call back from the 800 number customer service. Like you, I wouldn't have gotten mean. I'd have just sent it back and ordered the same kit from another retailer. It's difficult for me to overlook the retailer's initial sneaky move of sending you a floor model immediately after you opting to go with a new one.

When I used to work as a retail manager, I dealt with lots of customer returns and concerns. Those who were polite and respectful usually got more than they asked for. The angry, cussing, screaming people got a friendly escort to the door.