DrummerBoy46
New Member
Hi, I’m looking to get a new kit for my son. The choices are between a Pearl Export, Tama Stagestar or a Yamaha Stage Custom. Which would be the best choice please? Thank you.
Which kit?
- Thread starter DrummerBoy46
- Start date
SharkSandwich
Junior Member
They're all good kits but the Yamaha Stage Custom get my vote.
Warrenwood
Active Member
Yamaha.
Palaeographical
Active Member
Forgive me for being presumptuous, I'm sure you have your sensible reasons, but I'm wondering why it's between those three kits specifically. It seems to me like the choice would either be between the Tama Stagestar, Pearl Roadshow and Yamaha Rydeen, or between the Tama Imperialstar, Pearl Export and Yamaha Stage Custom. Right now the split seems to be between two different price grades.
Between the cheaper range, I think I'd go for the Tama or Pearl based on which deal I could get, and between the higher range I would probably pick the Yamaha because it's generally the cheapest for the same quality.
Between the cheaper range, I think I'd go for the Tama or Pearl based on which deal I could get, and between the higher range I would probably pick the Yamaha because it's generally the cheapest for the same quality.
equipmentdork
Junior Member
Yamaha all day.
Dan
Dan
IBitePrettyHard
Senior Member
Yamaha Stage Customs and it's not even close! They are killer sounding drums and will last for decades if they are taken care of.
Here's a clip of me playing Stage Customs at a recent gig...
Here's a clip of me playing Stage Customs at a recent gig...
caddywumpus
Archnemesis of Larryace
Between these 3? The Stage Custom all day long!
If it were me, I’d look on Craigslist/OfferUp/Facebook Marketplace for a used version of one of those kits. Or, find a local drummer who could act as a “drum finder” to find you a better kit for a comparable price on the used market.
If it were me, I’d look on Craigslist/OfferUp/Facebook Marketplace for a used version of one of those kits. Or, find a local drummer who could act as a “drum finder” to find you a better kit for a comparable price on the used market.
Palaeographical
Active Member
I'd also add that any of those options are good for a beginner. You might also just find which finish and look your son responds to the best. A kid who is in love with the look of his drums is way more likely to play them.
Ironjim55
Active Member
Stage Custom! Incredible set for the price and I used to gig with one. It had an incredible sound I sold it because it was very beat up when I bought it and I wanted something that looked better and sounded as good or better than the Stage Custom. Ended up with a Yamaha Live Custom. I also now own a Gretsch Brooklyn Micro and and Gretsch Catalina (mixed set with maple tom and mahogany bass drum and floor tom.
plaid sabbath
Active Member
Yamaha is a great bang-for-the-buck choice. Lots of add ons available if needed. I think my Stage Customs are almost 25 years old. Still chugging.
harryconway
Platinum Member
Yamaha 
petrez
Senior Member
Another vote here for the Stage Customs, allthough the Pearl Export is not far off either. The Stagestar is a lower level kit basically, can't really be compared in the same regard. But have a look at used Tama Superstar Classics or Mapex Armory as well, even better. The Stage Customs are fine though, and have really cheap addon drums if you want to expand the kit later on.
PorkPieGuy
Platinum Member
My thoughts exactly.
RickP
Gold Member
I declined to vote because I honestly don’t like any of the options .
To the OP - take a look at a used higher level kit . In this buyers market you will be able to find one for what you are spending for a new kit of the three options you listed . You will be happier long term .
To the OP - take a look at a used higher level kit . In this buyers market you will be able to find one for what you are spending for a new kit of the three options you listed . You will be happier long term .
yammyfan
Senior Member
To be fair - new hardware comes with a warranty and a guarantee that nobody has used and abused the gear before. Some people (myself included) will happily pay extra for that.