What was it about your favourite kit ?
- Thread starter RickP
- Start date
Ironjim55
Active Member
It depends on the kit for me, but there are always a number of factors that are considered: Sound, quality of the shells and hardware, size of the bass drum and toms, how easy the bass drum tom mount is to take off and replace, condition of the shells and finish if second hand, as well as whether I like or can live with the finish. All of these, other than the finish, are show stoppers. It has to sound great, have good hardware and be easy to transport (see my comment on the Ludwig Club Date SE bass drum tom mount). Price is a consideration in that my budget is set before I start looking for a new drum set.
The first kits that I bought when I returned to acoustic drumming were bought with a limited budget so I had to make compromises. The Ludwig Accent CS Custom sounded great but the bass drum was not my preferred size...too long 22"X18". The Pearl Midtown was a nice compact size but didn't sound as good as the CS Custom. The Ludwig Club Date SE (Downbeat sizes) was outstanding but I found the tom mount a beast when gigging because it had to be removed to put the bass drum in a bag. That meant taking the mount off the rail and not losing the washer. Time consuming and I needed to carry extra washers. Those kits are gone and my budget allowed me to buy three outstanding kits:
Yamaha Live Custom: 22"X14" (Bass Drum), 20"X12" (custom cut Bass Drum), 10" X 7" (Tom), 12" X 8" (Tom), 14" X 13 (Floor Tom) - second hand no compromises, even love the finish. Only minor negative is it is oak and very heavy to carry.
Gretsch Brooklyn Micro: 16"X12" (Bass Drum), 10"X7", 13"x12" (Floor tom), 13"X4.5" (Snare Drum) - New with no compromises - wanted a more compact with a smaller bass drum. I like the finish, but the Silver Duco will yellow over time. Fits in two bags and is great for small venues and for jazz!
Gretsch Catalina (mixed kit with similar finishes): 18"X14" (Bass Drum - Mahogany), 12"X8" (Maple Tom), 14"X14" (Mahogany Floor tom) - second hand, bought because it was much cheaper in price than the others for outdoor gigs where it could get wet or indoor bars where I worry about the kit because the audience is dancing right in front of the bass drum. Kit sounds fantastic but I compromised on cheaper hardware and finish (mixed shell colors that are similar but not identical). I did not compromise on sizes, I wanted the 18"X14" bass drum.
The first kits that I bought when I returned to acoustic drumming were bought with a limited budget so I had to make compromises. The Ludwig Accent CS Custom sounded great but the bass drum was not my preferred size...too long 22"X18". The Pearl Midtown was a nice compact size but didn't sound as good as the CS Custom. The Ludwig Club Date SE (Downbeat sizes) was outstanding but I found the tom mount a beast when gigging because it had to be removed to put the bass drum in a bag. That meant taking the mount off the rail and not losing the washer. Time consuming and I needed to carry extra washers. Those kits are gone and my budget allowed me to buy three outstanding kits:
Yamaha Live Custom: 22"X14" (Bass Drum), 20"X12" (custom cut Bass Drum), 10" X 7" (Tom), 12" X 8" (Tom), 14" X 13 (Floor Tom) - second hand no compromises, even love the finish. Only minor negative is it is oak and very heavy to carry.
Gretsch Brooklyn Micro: 16"X12" (Bass Drum), 10"X7", 13"x12" (Floor tom), 13"X4.5" (Snare Drum) - New with no compromises - wanted a more compact with a smaller bass drum. I like the finish, but the Silver Duco will yellow over time. Fits in two bags and is great for small venues and for jazz!
Gretsch Catalina (mixed kit with similar finishes): 18"X14" (Bass Drum - Mahogany), 12"X8" (Maple Tom), 14"X14" (Mahogany Floor tom) - second hand, bought because it was much cheaper in price than the others for outdoor gigs where it could get wet or indoor bars where I worry about the kit because the audience is dancing right in front of the bass drum. Kit sounds fantastic but I compromised on cheaper hardware and finish (mixed shell colors that are similar but not identical). I did not compromise on sizes, I wanted the 18"X14" bass drum.
jda
Diamond Member
prior experience
initially it's unknown and just instinct and reputation but then when it's experienced
you keep going back and don't stray granted sometimes veer off but eventually settle on what you knew when you knew it the first time around
So it's almost circular
your judgement your gut instinct was right the first time persist and don't waver nobody likes a waverer
if someone told me 30 years ago a Gretsch brass and Gretsch wood snare would be your ultimate drum I'd of looked at them sideways
especially a stock Gretsch brass. Now I'm thinking of requesting to be buried with one.
So it's performance. The proof's in each individual's pudding.
initially it's unknown and just instinct and reputation but then when it's experienced
you keep going back and don't stray granted sometimes veer off but eventually settle on what you knew when you knew it the first time around
So it's almost circular
your judgement your gut instinct was right the first time persist and don't waver nobody likes a waverer
if someone told me 30 years ago a Gretsch brass and Gretsch wood snare would be your ultimate drum I'd of looked at them sideways
especially a stock Gretsch brass. Now I'm thinking of requesting to be buried with one.
So it's performance. The proof's in each individual's pudding.
Benthedrummer
Silver Member
Colour: white.
Not common in my neck of the woods.
Had an 18" floor tom.
Deeper tom sizes than contemporary kits.
Cheap: $400 AUD.
Had some protection racket cases.
Heavy, ugly, solid and well looked after.
Big deep punchy sound.
Maybe late 80s early 90s?
Not common in my neck of the woods.
Had an 18" floor tom.
Deeper tom sizes than contemporary kits.
Cheap: $400 AUD.
Had some protection racket cases.
Heavy, ugly, solid and well looked after.
Big deep punchy sound.
Maybe late 80s early 90s?
PorkPieGuy
Platinum Member
Ludwig Classic Maple has a sound that I have yet to hear on other kits of any price range. I call it the "Ludwig wallop." I've been playing nothing but vintage kits for a year, but I'm pulling these out for a big show this weekend. I love this kit so dang much. If I had to keep just one, these would be it.
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petrez
Senior Member
Tama Starclassic Performer Maple/Birch since April this year, I was intrigued with that shell combo, and heard many great recordings of it. It has an attractive price point, even though you don't get all of those more expensive Starclassic features (memory locks on toms, quick release system, Starclassic bassdrum spurs and 10-lug bassdrums), they still offer a good package I think. I wanted a big kit as professional as possible within my budget, and these are not too expensive for me to consider adding on to in the future either, if I even need to. I'm satisfied and don't think I ever "need" to get anything more expensive/better either.
I'm not sure that I would say it's my favourite kit though, as there probably are several other kits I would pick over this one if money was not a factor. It works for me for the moment, and I have no desire to get anything else, so that's that.
I'm not sure that I would say it's my favourite kit though, as there probably are several other kits I would pick over this one if money was not a factor. It works for me for the moment, and I have no desire to get anything else, so that's that.
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mikyok
Platinum Member
Yep the new ones and the old ones all have it. It just works for me.
Now the Saturn V Tour was the result of a lot of homework. I wanted a 20x14/12x8/14x14 and in terms of build quality, sound, price it knocked everything else for six.
DutchDrummersDreams
Platinum Member
The custom sizes first (7'' deep rack toms because of my short build, 14'' deep floors, and 16'' deep bd as I like them shallower), then the look (red, and stunning micro sparkles), and of course the price.
I wanted a modern Gretsch, as I was done with vintage and this popped up when searching with said parameters in Houston.
The sound was a surprise.
I wanted a modern Gretsch, as I was done with vintage and this popped up when searching with said parameters in Houston.
The sound was a surprise.
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Jeremy Bender
Platinum Member
My Yamaha bsolute hybrid maple kit purchase was all about the tone quality and dynamic range, its versatility for a variety of music styles and the build quality. They kinda look nice too.
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caddywumpus
Archnemesis of Larryace
What possesses me to buy drum kits? Mostly, the price—if I can’t sell it for more than I bought it for, I don’t buy it.
What compels me to KEEP drum sets is another thing altogether. That’s a combination of how they sound, how they look, and how they function.
What compels me to KEEP drum sets is another thing altogether. That’s a combination of how they sound, how they look, and how they function.
SharkSandwich
Junior Member
1. Brand I liked
2. Sizes I wanted (traditional)
3. It was used, so it was affordable
4. The finish / looks
2. Sizes I wanted (traditional)
3. It was used, so it was affordable
4. The finish / looks
PorkPieGuy
Platinum Member
Yup, I have two vintage Ludwigs as well. I agree.
RickP
Gold Member
You are well on your way to your goal !Ludwig Classic Maple! They have such a pure TONE, tuned high, medium, or low, that just speaks to my soul. And they're a joy to play. I'll say it again: If I could have one in every finish, I would!
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RVC
Active Member
Sound first. I think that’s probably a given for all of us. If I can’t make a drum kit sound great immediately and easily, it’s not a keeper. I’m able to make my favorite kit sound great in any situation with relative ease.
Looks are probably even more important to me than sound, only because I feel I can get sounds I’d be happy with from any brand. The looks of my favorite kit are VERY polarizing - people either really love the look or they really hate it. I happen to really love it.
Sentimentality is a huge factor for me. My favorite kit was a 50th birthday present to myself and will be my final kit. It was also a gift to myself for getting sober after a lifetime of alcoholism. Finally, Mrs. RVC was the main catalyst for me making the purchase. Her support during a difficult time was life-changing and my favorite kit will always remind me of her encouragement.
Reputation, although not an initial factor in my purchase, has benefited me greatly when working with pro sound companies on many occasions. Sound guys are very familiar with the brand and are able to dial in a great sound with a minimum of fuss.
Functionality and reliability weighed in heavily in my decision. One stop shopping was also important to me, as I like to play drums and hardware from the same brand. That’s an “on the spectrum” thing of mine, but my favorite kit is complemented with hardware from the same brand. The hardware always works and is easy to use.
Opportunity, chance, and indulgent parents. That just about covers how “I “ came to buy my one & only kit in about 1977.
Short version: I was a spoilt kid, a kit showed up second hand locally, & my parents bought it. I use it to this day, & never bought another one.
Longer version: I was about 12 years old, out in the fields with my friends & we saw a horse with a grey speckled coat. My friend Michael said there was a drum kit in Jones’ Music window that was the same colour. The next time I was in town I went to look & there is was: a six piece Premier kit in grey shimmer finish. Sizes 22x14, 12x8, 14x8, 16x16, 18x16 and a 14x5.5 Premier 2000 snare. My dream kit.
I pleaded, I persuaded, I begged, I promised… Eventually my parents came to the store with me and bought it as a combined birthday/Xmas/best behaviour for the rest of my life present. I hadn’t played it, I hadn’t heard anyone else play it. It cost £300 and I swore that it would last me my whole life. Aged 58 I still believe that, & it still gets gigged.
Short version: I was a spoilt kid, a kit showed up second hand locally, & my parents bought it. I use it to this day, & never bought another one.
Longer version: I was about 12 years old, out in the fields with my friends & we saw a horse with a grey speckled coat. My friend Michael said there was a drum kit in Jones’ Music window that was the same colour. The next time I was in town I went to look & there is was: a six piece Premier kit in grey shimmer finish. Sizes 22x14, 12x8, 14x8, 16x16, 18x16 and a 14x5.5 Premier 2000 snare. My dream kit.
I pleaded, I persuaded, I begged, I promised… Eventually my parents came to the store with me and bought it as a combined birthday/Xmas/best behaviour for the rest of my life present. I hadn’t played it, I hadn’t heard anyone else play it. It cost £300 and I swore that it would last me my whole life. Aged 58 I still believe that, & it still gets gigged.
KEEF
Senior Member
Somewhat contradictory RVC ??
I bought mine purely on looks.
Any kit intermediate and above can be made to sound good via heads and tuning, so looks, price and hardware durability ( if gigging) are probably more important differentiators than any initial impression of the sound.
The sound behind the kit is nothing like the sound out front and the sound out front in any shop is nothing like the sound out front at a gig (or in your house - in fact sound behind the kit is more important if you're only playing at home) so whatever you think you're hearing when you choose 'your sound' is not truly representative anyway.