Buying a new drum set? LOOK HERE! Dont make a new thread!!!!

[SonorKen]

I keep seeing 500 threads on what kit to buy. I created this thread so people can discuss new kits, what to buy, and the plus and minuses associated with those kits.

My all time kit reccomendation would be a set of Sonor 3003's. They are killer kits, sound great! I saw an ad in Midwest percussion for a set of 3003's for 769..

Ideally it would be nice if people would put up reviews of kits. I'll do one on my Sonor Delites soon.

[Shoot2thrill]

I'll do a review of my PDP's soon.

[noxealia]

Pearl Export Series Review

Alright, just to state, the Pearl Export I have is from 1996, I won it in an eBay auction. So if things have changed with them please let me know so I can fix this.

Ok, before I get started, here's the kit version I have:

Pearl Export Series 1996 Ocean Blue
22" Bass Drum
10" Tom Tom
12" Tom Tom
13" Tom Tom
16" Floor Tom
14" Snare Drum
---

Alright first of all sounds great, if you're on a budget/it's your first kit. You can tell the difference when it's Pearl. Now as you might've known it IS a begginer set so it IS a wrap. But you can always goto http://members.westnet.com.au/freobonsai/ for refinishing your drums, er...you should make sure you have some kind of wood staining experience before, so you spread it equally. Overall the sound is great, just slap on some evans g2 clear batter heads on the 4 toms(not reso)(10", 12", 13", 16"). and for reso use whatever you like, you should make sure its clear. For the snare be sure to use a evan power center head, and a clear ambassador head for the reso side. And last of all Bass Drum, you should probably keep the Pearl reso side head, but change the kick head to an Aquarian Super Kick II. That's about all, if you need more info you can contact me at: noxealia@noxealia.com . Later.

[sublimeisnice]

from my post in the Review Forum

"I bought the Cheap $300 Pulse Percussion set from musiciansfriend.com. I think for a beginner who has little to no money and isn't 100% sure whether they will stick with it or not, it's a perfect set.

Cymbals- Hi-hat and Ride, are pretty trashy the ride is only slightly better then the hi-hats. The hats sound like a total tin can when they are closed. I find the crash to be rather decent. After having already bought a second crash and having a third on the way I think I'll still keep this one.

Drums- Not sure what they are made of, its very light, but the add in the mag. didn't say what wood it was. The wrap around it is kinda poorly attached, but good enough. The snare wasn't great with its factory heads at all, but a quick change of heads and it's good to go.

Heads- The heads that came with it were pretty bad, esp. on the snare. The toms lasted me a few months before I decided to get new ones.

Hardware- This is wear the kit really falters. The cymbal stands are really tiny and not very balanced. Also the legs for the floor tom tend to slide around no matter how much you tighten. The snare stand is also not very balanced. The hi-hat stand is also a really cheap low end model. and the ability to position the toms(ARRRRRGH!) ...there is none.



For the Pulse Percussion set I'd rate it a 7.5/10 as a beginner set BUT a must have if your not sure if your going to stick with it or not, because you just can't get a cheaper set .(that i've seen)"

[tigerstripes]

Ive played Pearl Forums great beginner kit good hardware, decent sound, and the snare sounded pretty good. I suggest buying a quality used kit though 500-600 US dollars for a beginner set is kinda steep. You can probably pick one up for 300 to 400 dollars on Ebay.

I play Pearl masters now have Birch and maple pieces.....
Great sounding kit, very good hardware, stock heads on the bass are good, dint have stock heads on the toms or snare when I got it so I dont know how they are. I havent had any problems with loosining hardware, actually I have had the opposite happen where the it seems to tighten as I play on them and sometimes a pain to remove the toms, but at least I know they wont loosen and move on me or *gasp* fall off. Price is where these fail....but I got them used so I payed less than half the price you find on musiciansfriend or other discount site. Great serious kit that comes with a serious price tag. For everything I have on my kit cymbals and all cost me about 4,000 US. dollars I estimated to replace them or buy them new would cost about 8,500

here is pics
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v434/oneroaddrums/DRUMS11-05-04.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v434/oneroaddrums/drums411-05-04.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v434/oneroaddrums/DRUMS210-05-04.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v434/oneroaddrums/BIRDSEYE11-05-04.jpg

[drumforyourlife]

...or you could go with Mapex...

i have a Mapex M series, and i am totally in love. It's all maple, with lacquered finish on the drums. It comes in a bunch of cool colors, and is great to play straight out of the box.

the drums themselves sound boomy and resonate great... maybe not ideal for punk rock or jazz, but great for rock and blues.

the stock heads are pretty good, and lasted me a while. I ended up replacing them with pinstripes, and the snare with a powerstroke III, and i love it.

the hardware is top-notch, with strong, double-braced stands all around. my only complaints were that the snare stand won't come up to where i want it for snare-only excersizes, and that the tom mounting system was a little confusing. you'll get the hang of it eventually though. everything on this kit stays where you put it, except the feet on the floor tom. i lost the little rubber caps.

overall it's a great kit to start, and a great kit to use for recording/gigging. looks great, plays great. i would reccomend it to anyone.

the only thing is that it's a little more expensive than other beginner kits, at about $700 USD.

overall, 9/10.

[RichHunt]

Yamaha Stage Custom Standard.

Pretty awesome kit. Easy to set up and tune. Snare is wicked when tuned
correctly.

Hardware is brilliant, best mounting system, I can get the kit virtually anyway I want. Pedal that comes with the kit is average at best.

Bass drum stock head is a shocker and should be replaced quickly, if only I had the money to replace mine.

I had some issues with the hoops on mine, but I think it's because I've played to many rimshots, I'm not entirely certain though, seems to be fine at the moment.

[RavEMasteR]

Yamaha Rydeen:

Awesome kit. Never had any complaints about it aside from the stock heads sounding awful. However, once you change the heads, it should give you the sound you want.

The tom mounting system is great. The mobility offered is sufficient for most beginners, and as long as you don't intend to make up some sort of really wierd setup, it'll work great. Pedal that came with the kit was decent. It uses a strap drive instead of a chain drive, and it has a floaty feel.

The stands are just wonderful. It hardly moved when I use them. Only exception to this is the hi-hat stand.

Best of all, it comes in a great price! RM2300 for a standard kit, or should I say, it's about US$500.

Downsides:

You can't expand your kit beyond the normal 5 piece without buying another Rydeen fusion sized kit.

The hi-hat stand just sucks. It didn't fall over, but when you step on it, it shakes! I worry everyday about my hi-hat stand falling over, wrecking my precious Istanbul hats. Recommend that you replace this POS immediately.

[Agave]

Tama Swingstar;

This was the very first set that I ever purchased, but I purchased it after I had been playing for 3 years, so I knew a thing or two about a decent drum sound. And this kit was good.

This kit is a beginner kit, and that's made very clear everywhere with reviews. However, I have to say that the sound of the kit for it's price still blows me away. It's far FAR better than a forum, when tuned correctly. True, the sound does not have depth, but for a kit where you're just going to practice at home, or at insignificant performances, its great.

The stock heads are better than the Protone pearls, and the hardware is professional looking, and professional quality. Easy to set up, and comes from a reputable brand. Furthermore, you can buy starcast mounting hoops upgrades, to enhance the sound of your kit at a small expense.

I bought my kit, which was a swingstar custom, in rock sizes, with a matching wood snare, and a beautiful amber mist kind of wrap. I may post pictures of it. I was so impressed with TAMA that I moved on to the starclassic series, which is nothing short of fantastic. The kit is also available in fusion sizes.

I highly recommend this drum kit; it has a 5/6 for sound, a solid 9 for hardware, 8 for looks, and a 10 in value for money.

I'll do a starclassic one soon.

[alvyn]

Tama Stagecustom:

Awesome budget kit, apart from the fact that:
1. Throne's a little small
2. Hihat clutch's bad
3. Cymbals suck

The tom mounts are nothing spectacular, but they're sturdy enough. Hihat stand's double braced and pretty decent (just change the hats and the clutch). The straight stand that comes with the kit isn't DW standard, but its sturdy enough.

The snare's a steel snare, and after u've changed the heads on it, it sounds pretty good. 6 lug tho, so it'll take sometime to tune it

Toms are 10", 12" and 14" respectively. 6 lugs. Once u've changed the heads and spent time tuning, they sound awesome.

The 18" bass sounds good too, even with stock heads!

Basically, just get new cymbals and heads, and this baby's read to roll!

I got mine for $800 SGD, or around $470USD.

Great kit for compact places (ie. bed rooms).

[Chris]

Can I cheak something, what do you think of the New Yamaha Stage Custom Advantage Nouveau? I know it came out this year, but im not 100% on it.
It is around £549.99, and im looking at getting these sizes:
Bass Drum - 22''
Rack Toms - 10'' and 12'' (and a 8'' tom, but this is a extra £65.00)
Floor Tom - 16'' (with legs)
Snare Drum - 14'' x 5.5'' (it is wood, but i will be using my snare I ordered today)

Is that good value?
And I have read Richhunt's review of the old Stage Custom, and i was already planning to get new Skins for it anyway, but thanks for saying that the stook heads suck.
(I have a CB kit, and am looking at getting a 8'' and 10'' toms that is £139.99 if this kit gets a bad review)
And please dont say to me get a Peal Export kit, as im not a big fan of them at all.

So thanks in advance :thumb:

[Joseph_Yamaha_SCA]

My all time kit reccomendation would be a set of Sonor 3003's. They are killer kits, sound great! I saw an ad in Midwest percussion for a set of 3003's for 769..

Ideally it would be nice if people would put up reviews of kits. I'll do one on my Sonor Delites soon.
They are actually $779 plus $39 for insurance. which comes out to $819 which i might add is still a **** good price. The site says they are $849 but that changes to $779 + $39 at checkout.

[infeef]

for beginner/mid level kits you cannot top the MApex M/Pro M series. they are magnificent.

[ilikenoise]

Anybody own / had any experience with Tama Starclassic Performers or Maples?

[Vespa]

Yamaha Stage Custom Advantage Drum kit
Intermediate Category.

· 10�, 12�,14� Fusion Toms
· 14� Snare
· 22� Bass
· Blue Fade Colour
· Yamaha YESS system and Stands.

Looks-In the shop choosing my kit the Yamaha stood out from the crowd- it looks like a pro kit.
This comes down to the YESS system in my opinion- it means that the Yamaha can easily be adjusted to anyone’s taste.
The Blue fade looks really good under light and always is a crowd pleaser!

Sound-Birch & Philippine Mahogany Shells
An outer layer of birch and an inner layer of falkata are combined with carefully selected Philippine mahogany plies and sealed together with our exclusive Air Seal System. This unique method ensures a perfectly round shell, which is a crucial factor in achieving superior tone quality and ensuring durability. Toms and floor toms feature an 8-ply construction while the bass drum utilizes 9-plies for added tone and durability.

Toms-With the correct heads the toms have the perfect blend of the fat yet slightly resonating that I know many people are looking for.
They have a very warm and cutting sound to them.

Snare-Again with the correct heads and tuning the snare drum gives the perfect sound to what I’m looking for and can be easily tuned to anyone’s needs.

Bass- The bass is the best sounding drum on the kit compared to others, it has a huge bottom end boom and is still very tuneful in its sound and resonance.
With the Remo Powerstroke 3 I have put on it has a huge boom to it and sounds awesome.

Hardware-This is where the Advantage beats any competition even out of its price range.

High-Tension Lugs
Incorporating a springless casing design, the precision-machined lug nuts offer noise-free control. Similar to those found on our Recording Custom drums, these high-tension lugs are manufactured as genuine one-piece units.


The YESS (Yamaha Enhanced Sustain System) system is a very clever invention- A piece of hardware that slots into the bottom of a stand and accommodates 3 holes for toms and or cymbal stands.
On the Advantage you get 2 YESS systems and 3 stands. It is also possible to put a YESS system on the bass drum to accommodate the average set up.

So on my kit I have-One YESS fitted stand holding 2 toms and a cymbals stand,
One YESS fitted holding 1 tom and a cymbals stand,
And a single stand holding my ride.

It allows for so many combinations of set up.

The tom mounts have a ball and socket device meaning 360 degrees of rotation and allows for precision adjustment and placement.

The pedal is a good beginner pedal but I felt the need to upgrade it, it is sturdy enough but lacks control in my view.

The stands themselves are very sturdy and can change between straight stands and boom stands. The hi hat stand is very weak and cannot hold up my hi hats allowing them to drop slightly, this means a lack of control.

Summary-The Yamaha Stage Custom Advantage is a supberd kit for the money and has many features found on high end kits.
Not only does it looks the business but it sounds great too.
The hardware is where the kit stands out and beats the competition hands down in my opinion.

+’s
Great hardware
Great Looks
Great individual sound
Easily customised to the players needs/tastes

-‘s
Bad pedal
Bad hi hat stand

Overall-5/5
The perfect kit at such a great price.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7...ase_pid/444491/
Musicians Friend link


Pictures-
The YESS system for my 10" tom and 16" Crash
http://img32.photobucket.com/albums...acon/YESS_1.jpg

The Drums with no cymbals-
http://img32.photobucket.com/albums..._no_cymbals.jpg

The full kit-
http://img32.photobucket.com/albums...new_front_2.jpg

Another kit different set up etc-
front view:
http://img53.photobucket.com/albums...DSC00220000.jpg
Side
http://img53.photobucket.com/albums...DSC00221000.jpg
Top-
http://img53.photobucket.com/albums...DSC00234000.jpg
Thanks to Yamaha drums for some information and Joseph for pictures.




http://www.musicianforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=171093

[Vespa]

Sabian AAX Cymbals, Pro

Sabian AAX 16� Stage Crash
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7.../base_id/50551/

What Sabian say-Precise. AAX delivers pure, bright shimmering tones. Like stainless steel, AAX is cool, modern, and extremely efficient. With its streamlined design and sound-shaping Auto-Focus Response feature, AAX is the ultimate breakthrough in modern cymbal making. Tap with your finger or thrash with a stick, Auto-Focus Response maximizes sensitivity, equalizes high & low pitch levels, and purifies sounds by filtering out conflicting overtones. AAX sounds are pure and accurate. Ideal in the studio, ideal onstage. AAX delivers the freedom to sound great in any music.

Looks- it looks really nice, especially in sunlight, it really reflects and looks the business. The Sabian logos are well stuck on/however they do it and are nice and large for others to see.

Sound- When hit it creates a loud yet controlled burst of sound with a medium decay, it is the perfect balance and compliments other cymbals.

The bell is very small but you can use it in certain situations when noise levels are low.

The controlled sound is perfect for riding on the crash in the songs where it is needed, it doesn’t drown everything else out and provides a nice background sound.



Sabian AAX 18� Explosion Crash-

Looks- It is a gorgeous cymbal with an un-lathed huge bell, it really looks raw and superb.

Sound- It is the loudest thing on earth I think and hitting it full whack will drown out any other noise on the drum kit or even in a band.
When we practice I have to half hit it, it still sounds good but not to its full potential.
It is a cymbal for live use when you need a loud crash.
It is good for accenting beats because of its short sustain and quick decay.
The bell is louder than that on my ride, it sounds great and when I can I use it instead.

Sabian AAX Stage 20� Ride-

Looks- It is a subtle cymbal for its size, there is no definite beginning of the bell, it just starts rising up, un like that of the 18� Explosion Crash.
This minimalist look in my opinion is a nice contrast to the Crash Cymbals.

Sound-It is very normal in that it hasn’t got too much wash and hasn’t got too much ping, it is a mix of both, in my view I would prefer to have a pingier ride.
As you move up the cymbal you get more ping but its no huge gap between that and at the end of the cymbal.

Sabian 14� Stage Hats-

Looks- They look really professional and are the same looks as the 16� Stage Crash.

Sound- A very loud chink and very cutting these hi hats are the best I’ve used so far.
They are very loud and can be heard over most sounds the kit and cymbals make.
When half open they have a very washy tone and texture to them.
When fully open they sound like a very small ride, even the bell is large enough to use and sounds really good.

Overall-16� Crash - 4.5/5
18� Crash- 4/5
20� Ride- 3.5/5
14� Hats- 4/5

+'s-
They all look and sound great especially with each other, they all compliment one another in their tones and sounds.

-'s-
They are all very 'normal' with no special features to distinguish them from other cymbals of the same category, apart from the 18" Crash.

Thanks to Sabian.com and musicians friend.

[Reaganista]

I recommend Pacific CX and Saluda mist customs.

[wesm9787]

ok.... i think i'm the first one with an actual question... lol
anyways.... i've already got a tama swingstar, and some pretty nice or at least decent cymbals, but i'm looking to get a shell pack cause i don't especially like the color, and they're in standard sizes and i want to get a fusion set... i've already tried out a pearl export kit in fusion sizes and i found it was a whole lot easier to play on and a lot more comfortable than on a standard kit.... and i'm hoping to get something fairly cheap but still pretty good that will last me for a while and sound good... i've been looking at maybe some pearl exports or a pacific fs set.... anyone have any opinions on either of them or maybe something better they'd reccomend? thanks to anybody who responds :thumb:

[jeffdude22]

How about the difference between Sonor 2003s and 3003s.
Not cosmetically or anything, because I know they have different finishes. Unless the finish affects durability.

[Der Meister]

anyone have any opinions on either of them or maybe something better they'd reccomend? thanks to anybody who responds :thumb:

By shell pack do mean you don't need hardware? if you do, the Pacific is a great choice, better than an export, i always thought Pacifics where at the same level with sessions, pro M, 3003 (i'm talking sound wise, some pacifics cost more for the laqeured finish but the sound doesn't change does it?). :smash:

[wesm9787]

By shell pack do mean you don't need hardware? if you do, the Pacific is a great choice, better than an export, i always thought Pacifics where at the same level with sessions, pro M, 3003 (i'm talking sound wise, some pacifics cost more for the laqeured finish but the sound doesn't change does it?). :smash:
yepp, just the drums... i already have decent hardware and pretty good to great cymbals so i don't wanna spend the extra money on the shitty hardware that they give you with a new set most of the time ... :lol: i have actually been looking to get a pacific 800 2-leg hihat stand since mine has 3 legs and doesn't go as high as i'd like it to, and maybe a new boom stand or 2.... but i can live with what i have now if i can save a bunch on my set seein as how i don't have a whole lot to spend (right now i only have about 500 saved up)

[Der Meister]

£500, $500 US or $500 Canadian? Go for either Mapex Pro M, Pearl session, Sonor 3003 or the Pacific. The cheapest for the Uk would be the Pro M and the Sonor both for £650, they come with stands but you would get over £100 on eBay for them so really its only £550. The sessions usually come as a shell pack. But remember most shell packs = no snare. The Pacifics, Pro M and 3003 all come with snares. Hope that helps.

[wesm9787]

£500, $500 US or $500 Canadian? Go for either Mapex Pro M, Pearl session, Sonor 3003 or the Pacific. The cheapest for the Uk would be the Pro M and the Sonor both for £650, they come with stands but you would get over £100 on eBay for them so really its only £550. The sessions usually come as a shell pack. But remember most shell packs = no snare. The Pacifics, Pro M and 3003 all come with snares. Hope that helps.
lol sorry.... it's 500 bucks US... and i saw one of the pacific fs sets online at sam ash that was just the toms, bass, snare, and tom holders for around $550 or $600 i think, but i figure maybe i could find one used that's in good condition for about the same or cheaper and sell off any hardware i don't need, or maybe keep it.

[xxixamxyouxx]

My review is for Peace DNA sets.

All the toms are 9ply Maple Shells, snare as well. The snare is lightweight and is remarkable. Right when I bought the set I bought a Remo Ebony Pinstripe batter head. Tuned the batter and res just the way I like it and WOW, wow......it is so full of crack and powerfull. It cuts through every other part of my set like no other snare ive ever played. Currently I have Evans Powerdot as my batter. It has nice crack with the snare and a full all around sound.

All the toms i played with the factory heads on for a while, tuned them up and them as well stunned me. The full bodied response from these toms are so warm and projective. THe factory heads were great and lasted a long time. A lot more than what I expected.

The bearing edges are very good I feel as well on these drums. To tune seems like such a sinch (I dont know if that can be acredited to the drums themselves or the fact ive been reading up on tuning better, im sure each has a role played) and the tone of the drums stays for a while up against rough playing before another tune is really needed, and if anything is needed its about an 1/8th of a turn on the lugs at most, nothign major at all.

The bass drum is wicked. Its so full and bassy and just blasts. It took me the longest to tune to my liking but wow it hammers like crazy. The factory heads as well, worked well.

The hardware given with the set is what I expected, its good but nothing amazing, its good enough. Came with 2 cymbla stands and 1 of which is a boom. They work for what they ar eneeded for I think. The boom stand arm sometimes tilts a bit but nothing major. The hihat stand is surprising good I think. The legs do not rotate making it hard if you are a double bass player trying to use this stand. The snare stand I liked so much, I moved it into my show/primary set. The bass pedal was nothing to marvel over. Though I do enjoy the beater. The pedal has 3 adjustments for its length/abgle. It moves from side to side as well when playing. It latches into the bass drum fine, but the actual pedal plate itself isnt held in place well and slides.

The price of these drums I feel were great as well. My 6pc was around $1,150 (us currency). They do not sell the DNA sets in a 6pc so the 14" tom of mine had to be special ordered.

The finish on this set is stunning. It is put on very well and shines so much. It is so bright and colorful and just yells out. When I played a show with this set I got tons of comments on the finish.

I feel these drums are great for an intermediate set, ive been playing for just about 3 years and feel this is the perfect set for me at this point. Plus the drums come with black hardware which I thought was cool. The drums are light weight as well, which is a good thing with hauling in my opinion. These drums sounds and looks great. I think this set is amazing!

9/10

www.peacedrum.com

So hopefully now if anybody is interested or curious this will help clear up some questions

v My Kit v
http://www.awod1.com/dandrums.html

[EdBanger]

Ive started drumming and im planning on getting one for christmas.
Would I be able to change the skin's on the drum set ?
Hope I don't sound to much of a retard.

[wesm9787]

Ive started drumming and im planning on getting one for christmas.
Would I be able to change the skin's on the drum set ?
Hope I don't sound to much of a retard.
well.... yea... all you need is a drum key and you'd just take the old heads off and put the new heads on and tune them.... if anyone wants to put a link up to the tuning bible thingy, i'm too lazy to go find it myself :D

[EdBanger]

Cheers for that punkdrummer9787

[J0llyhunter]

wat would u choose between pearl target, swingstar, sonor 1003, mapex orion? are there any other good sets for under 600 US?

edit: or around 600US?

[wesm9787]

wat would u choose between pearl target, swingstar, sonor 1003, mapex orion? are there any other good sets for under 600 US?

edit: or around 600US?
the yamaha rydeen is about 500-600 US i think

[Der Meister]

wat would u choose between pearl target, swingstar, sonor 1003, mapex orion? are there any other good sets for under 600 US?

edit: or around 600US?

Mapex Orion? thats one of their top kits! you can get one for less than 600 US? I think you mean V series.

[Sick-O]

Oh sweet theres a thread for my question... thats great cuz I really didn't wanna make a new thread and hog up crap :thumb: .. so anyway i'm new to the drummin' scene and i've been taking lessons for a couple months now and i'm gearin' up to buy a new kit and i'm trying not to spend over 300-400$ (American) so I was just wondering if anyone has any suggestions for good,durable kits to look out for? Also websites to check out would be kool too...Thanks :D

[dimension53]

iv just ordered a premier artist birch standard sizes in sapphire shud be good
with premier 6000 hardware.

[J0llyhunter]

=Der meister
Mapex Orion? thats one of their top kits! you can get one for less than 600 US? I think you mean V series.

naw, i checked it on music123.com, its 599.99US

[Der Meister]

go for the orion then!!!!!

[pear.master.brx.punkster]

tigerstripes and ken you two i think have the best kits on the forums

[pear.master.brx.punkster]

i use a pearl masters studio brx i love the reso on these drums great sounding kit, live sound amazing kick out a great loud vibrant sound. fantastic kit.

[J0llyhunter]

i wish i had the money...

[Der Meister]

^^^the orion is a professional kit. for 600 thats the bargain of the year!!!!!

[J0llyhunter]

well. haha, i was just only saying. seriously i dont think i can afford anything more than 1000CDN and that includes cymbals and everything, so that leaves about 700-800CDN for my kit. anyways, is yamaha rydeen better or pearl target?

[parijatkumar]

Oh sweet theres a thread for my question... thats great cuz I really didn't wanna make a new thread and hog up crap :thumb: .. so anyway i'm new to the drummin' scene and i've been taking lessons for a couple months now and i'm gearin' up to buy a new kit and i'm trying not to spend over 300-400$ (American) so I was just wondering if anyone has any suggestions for good,durable kits to look out for? Also websites to check out would be kool too...Thanks :D
www.massmusic.net

I suggest saving up more or going second hand.

[Bass_N_Drums]

here is pics
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v434/oneroaddrums/DRUMS11-05-04.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v434/oneroaddrums/drums411-05-04.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v434/oneroaddrums/DRUMS210-05-04.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v434/oneroaddrums/BIRDSEYE11-05-04.jpg

Kinda reminds me of jordisons set-up.

[zildjiandrummer2]

tigerstripes....do you use the vruk pedal attatchment thing??? i saw it online somewhere and was thinking about getting one...is it any good??

[TTTSNB]

I currently own a Tama swingstar 6 piece drumset (12,13,14,16 toms, 14 inch snare, 22 inch kick). It serves me well, but I am looking for a kit that gives me a decent, more recordable sound. I intend to get 2 bass drum, and 4 or 5 toms. (I play alot of extreme metal) What brands would you people suggest that would give me great quality for a reasonable price?

[PowerStamp]

for beginner/mid level kits you cannot top the MApex M/Pro M series. they are magnificent.

M/Pro M aren't beginner/mid level, wrong range.

MAPEX>
V = Beginner
M = Intermediate
Pro M = Intermediate-semi pro
Saturn = Semi Pro-Pro
Orion = Pro

or something very similar. That's the order they raise up in.


Regarding the Orion for $600...
It's an ORION ORBITER. It's not a real Orion set. If you read the description, it's the pretty much the exact same thing as the Pro M, with better finishes, they were testing out the all maple qualities. And it's a shell pack.

Review of my Pro M Studio set later.

[amgeex]

well.... yea... all you need is a drum key and you'd just take the old heads off and put the new heads on and tune them.... if anyone wants to put a link up to the tuning bible thingy, i'm too lazy to go find it myself :D

Here's the link: The Drum Tunning Bible - By Prof Sound (http://home.earthlink.net/~prof.sound/index.html)

I'll post my review on my Ludwig Accent Combo set as soon as I get some spare time. :cool:

[adrock1740]

Sonor 2003's Fusion Size

10,12,14 inch tom (ordering a 16 soon)
20x18 kick
14x5.5 wood snare

Paiste 502 Pack
14 hats 16 crash 20 ride

i cant say enough how good the quality is on sonor's low-end kits. with the right heads and tuning the drums sound close to professional quality. both of my cymbal stands toms on them now and are not bending.
plus you cant beat the woograin. :D

i wish i would have worried about cymbals more and got some better ones, but they sound decent enough for now ( saving up for some sig's :naughty: )


Drums 1 (http://www.drumpix.com/showphoto.php?photo=1931&sort=1&cat=2&page=1)
Drums 2 (http://www.drumpix.com/showphoto.php?photo=1930&sort=1&size=medium&cat=2&page=1)
Drums 3 (http://www.drumpix.com/showphoto.php?photo=1928&sort=1&size=medium&cat=2&page=1)
Drums 4 (http://www.drumpix.com/showphoto.php?photo=1929&sort=1&size=medium&cat=2&page=1)

[tigerstripes]

tigerstripes....do you use the vruk pedal attatchment thing??? i saw it online somewhere and was thinking about getting one...is it any good??

Vruk it has a technique all its own to use or you can play normal heel up with it on and have a nice footrest, which is what I do with it mostly, but I have worked with the technique a little but its not high on my priority list right now.

tigerstripes and ken you two i think have the best kits on the forums

Dont forget about DBJ's killer beast.....

Kinda reminds me of jordisons set-up.

the kit may remind you of Joey's but I dont play like him and I dont listen to his music(noise). And I definetly do not use Ahead cymbal killers....

[Double Bass Jim]

Your a smart man, stay away from those cymbal spliters.

[PowerStamp]

MAPEX PRO M 6 PIECE STUDIO *100% maple*
22x18 Bass
10x9, 12x10, 14x12, 16x14 Toms
14x5.5 Snare

Approx running cost:
$1200-$1300 (For 6 piece)

This kit is incredible. Simply amazing.
The bass drum is a cannon, blasting out. With a mic, it sounds incredible. Loud, deep, powerful, and if you need it and have good control, it can be soft as well.

The toms have a good range from size to size, and with the Mapex I.S.S. mounting system (and included tom stand for the 2 biggest toms), positioning them where you want them is a fairly simple task once you get familiar with how the thing works.

HARDWARE INCLUDED:
Mapex Performing Artist Series:
Hi-hat Stand
Straight Cymbal Stand
Boom Cymbal Stand
Double Tom Stand
(NO THRONE)

The stands are very durable. Double-braced, very thick yet not too heavy without being too light. Currently the boom is holding my 20" ride (switching it to the straight though) with no problems.


Overall this is a great GREAT second or even third kit, depends on where you started and your budget.
Absolutely amazing for the price, it feels like a full on pro kit without the price tag of one.

[Reaganista]

Unless the Orion Orbiter is some kind of knock off gimmick that they've attached the Orion Birdeye's name to I'm changing my recommendation to that. That's crazy.

[PowerStamp]

From what I read up on it, the Orbiter is just a better looking Pro M.
http://www.mapexdrums.com
Orion Birdseye and Birdseye Maple are all they mention there, no mention whatsoever of an Orbiter.

http://www.music123.com/Mapex-Orion-Orbitor-5-Piece-Shell-Kit-i150503.music
That's the link he's referring to. $600 Orion Orbiter shell pack.

All the features and accents of Pro M
Mapex designed the Orion Orbitor to test market the all-maple Pro M Series, so it has all the features and accents of the Pro M, in limited edition finish colors - Aquamarine, Boston Pewter and Tobacco Fade. Hardware is sold separately. Only a handful of this limited edition models remain, so get yours while supplies last.

AKA: Mapex Pro M with cooler looking finishes.
It's still not a bad buy, but it's not a full on Orion Birdseye.
http://www.music123.com/Mapex-TBE6225-Orion-Classic-Birdseye-Maple-6-piece-i99464.music
THAT is a real Orion.

[I'd Hit it]

Wow, if I could get that Boston Pewter set in the studio sizes as mentioned by PowerStamp, I have found my new drums *jaw dropping*

[RichHunt]

Can I cheak something, what do you think of the New Yamaha Stage Custom Advantage Nouveau? I know it came out this year, but im not 100% on it.
It is around £549.99, and im looking at getting these sizes:
Bass Drum - 22''
Rack Toms - 10'' and 12'' (and a 8'' tom, but this is a extra £65.00)
Floor Tom - 16'' (with legs)
Snare Drum - 14'' x 5.5'' (it is wood, but i will be using my snare I ordered today)

Is that good value?
And I have read Richhunt's review of the old Stage Custom, and i was already planning to get new Skins for it anyway, but thanks for saying that the stook heads suck.
(I have a CB kit, and am looking at getting a 8'' and 10'' toms that is £139.99 if this kit gets a bad review)
And please dont say to me get a Peal Export kit, as im not a big fan of them at all.

So thanks in advance :thumb:

I find Yamaha to be a pretty safe brand for almost anything from drums to pianos to motorcycles ( although I wouldn't know :smash: )
I don't know what the stock heads on the toms sound like, cause I replaced them straight away. The snare is pretty decent, but a Remo coated ambassador is much better.

I have an 8" tom on mine and it's great, it's got an uneven amount of tuning lugs, which I don't know if that's generic across all 8" toms but it's a tad annoying, but you get over it very quickly :D.

It's a great kit, I admit, it's not the best ever, but that's granted considering it's not the most expensive kit ever :).

That kit you listed up there sounds pretty good for the price. I haven't really heard much about the Nouveu, but it's replacing my line of drums (Stage Custom Standard), or it's at least replacing the Advantage and the Advantage is replacing mine. Whatever.

They look gorgeous though I reckon.

[RichHunt]

The hi hat stand is very weak and cannot hold up my hi hats allowing them to drop slightly, this means a lack of control.

Am I the only one who has absolutely no problem with my yamaha hi hat stand?

Did they give the wrong one or something, because I absolutely love mine, it's smooth and sturdy and has greatly designed legs. Mine are in a leg shape so that they're not all even so I can easily fit in a double pedal, unlike the rockstar ones and man others which has even hi hat legs which (although it's a great pedal) make it hard to put the pedal in.

P.S. Sorry to double post.
:smash:

[Agave]

Sick-O, I would go for a tama stagestar. If you can afford it, a swingstar. Durability is something tama is seriosuly known for, much better than pearl

[the_Outnumbered]

can someone please gimme clearer info on these?

pearl export
poplar shells n excellent shell construction(don't have the sizes i want)
how's the hardware?

tama rockstar
basswood and philippine mahogany, (have the sizes i want)
but how's the shell construction?
one of the most durable hardware around along with yamaha

i need more info on the pearl export and tama rockstar....umm...just answer some of the questions above....thanks a lot.....but if i'd just say there's a shootout between pearl export and tama rockstar....who'l win?...thanks once again

[Splinter364]

Am I the only one who has absolutely no problem with my yamaha hi hat stand?

Did they give the wrong one or something, because I absolutely love mine, it's smooth and sturdy and has greatly designed legs. Mine are in a leg shape so that they're not all even so I can easily fit in a double pedal, unlike the rockstar ones and man others which has even hi hat legs which (although it's a great pedal) make it hard to put the pedal in.

P.S. Sorry to double post.
:smash:
yeah, mines nice and perfect too :chug:

[RichHunt]

can someone please gimme clearer info on these?

pearl export
poplar shells n excellent shell construction(don't have the sizes i want)
how's the hardware?

tama rockstar
basswood and philippine mahogany, (have the sizes i want)
but how's the shell construction?
one of the most durable hardware around along with yamaha

i need more info on the pearl export and tama rockstar....umm...just answer some of the questions above....thanks a lot.....but if i'd just say there's a shootout between pearl export and tama rockstar....who'l win?...thanks once again

Stock protone heads suck.

Rockstar is a good kit, I've found them to have a very mellow deep sound which a lot of people like.

[stevoibanez]

Im looking for my first set. I have around 600 Cad to spend. What is the best set I can get for my Money

Also, I saw a Ludwig set (don't know the model), with cymbals, for 500$ cad. I havent tried it out yet, so what do you think, is it worth it?
thanks

[J0llyhunter]

im assuming that youre probably talking about the ludwig accent. loads of ppl have that kit, though im not sure if its really that good. i have 700CDN in my pocket and i still cant figure out which kit i should go for. *sighs*

[Der Meister]

mapex Pro M would be a great choice

[J0llyhunter]

but arent they like WAY over 700CDN? i forgot to say i needed some hats as well

[Der Meister]

well isnt that orion (the birdseye one) just a Pro M with a better finish? I from Uk so US and Canadian currency confuses me.

[Sick-O]

www.massmusic.net

I suggest saving up more or going second hand.


Sick-O, I would go for a tama stagestar. If you can afford it, a swingstar. Durability is something tama is seriosuly known for, much better than pearl

Kool thanks guys...good lookin' out! :thumb:

[Agave]

I've decided to sell my Swingstar to replace it with a Pearl Sessions Series Maple drum (SMX). Anyone who owns the set and has a review of it, do post it.

[Osiris X]

You do realize thats one big *** step, right? Even if you do sell that swingstar, youre only gonna get about $250 for it, and a shell pack for a sessions is atleast $700.

[Vespa]

Big jump, but id go for it.

[Kane2oo2]

id also like to know what people think of the pearl sessions,

[Agave]

Um, yes I am far more than aware that it is a big step. I currently also own a tama starclassic, but this is for my other house (between Hong Kong and the UK). I needed another good kit there now, because my band has now started performing decent gigs, and the swingstar obviously wasn't up to it. Any useful comments would be appreciated

[spike9908]

im also looking into a pearl session but i want the birch so if anyone has anything on the birch please post it for me.

[llama123]

I currently have a pearl forum and i have been playing for around a year and 4 months now. I'm thinking about a Mapex Pro M or a Sonor 3003 as all i hear is good things about them (although I do not know which 1 I would go for as of yet). Would the jump from a Forum to one of the 2 stated above be a significant change that would it be worth it? and also is the Pacific Cx in the same league as the mapax and the sonor?
Thanks for any help.

[peoplecallmeandrew]

i think that those stage customs rule. idont own a set but i use them from my church every wednesday for the shows we put on

[Der Meister]

I'm thinking about a Mapex Pro M or a Sonor 3003 as all i hear is good things about them.

Go for the pro M, its a great sounding kit.

[PowerStamp]

The Pro M is a fantastic kit, worth every cent. :D

[J0llyhunter]

has anyone had the sonor 503?

[Osiris X]

503?
Well if the 1003 is bad then the 503 must be cardboard boxes.

[J0llyhunter]

so if u had to choose between tama stagestar, sonor503,pearl target, and yamaha rydeen which one would be the best in terms of durability, stable hardware and sound quality?

[Der Meister]

yamaha rydeen

[Eddy slave]

I am thinking of buying a Mapex Q5244 is this a good beginer set?

[J0llyhunter]

wat series are they? i dont kno wat mapex ur talking about

[Fuzzy]

so if u had to choose between tama stagestar, sonor503,pearl target, and yamaha rydeen which one would be the best in terms of durability, stable hardware and sound quality?

Swingstar all the way. I love mine, it sounds absolutley great (Tama Resonant heads, Remo Pinstripe Batter Heads.) It's worth every penny, a great entry and even mid-level set. I don't plan on upgrading for a while, maybe in a year, but if this kit still sounds this good I doubt it. :thumb:

[Far From Invisible]

Yamaha Rydeen, hands down.

[Eddy slave]

i do not know what series they are but i can post a picture of them

http://www.sound1.no/images/product_images_big/mapex_q_5244_xl.jpg

[PowerStamp]

The Q IS a Mapex beginner kit, I believe it's a step below the V or the VX Plasma.

If you want cheap, go V.

[J0llyhunter]

Quote:
Originally Posted by J0llyhunter
so if u had to choose between tama stagestar, sonor503,pearl target, and yamaha rydeen which one would be the best in terms of durability, stable hardware and sound quality?



Swingstar all the way. I love mine, it sounds absolutley great (Tama Resonant heads, Remo Pinstripe Batter Heads.) It's worth every penny, a great entry and even mid-level set. I don't plan on upgrading for a while, maybe in a year, but if this kit still sounds this good I doubt it.

i think i meant stagestar . lol

[Fuzzy]

i think i meant stagestar . lol
yyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyeah.
I ment that. :lol: How about..

If you can afford it get a Swingstar! If not, any Tama drumset is good. Stagestar included. :thumb:

[SonorKen]

I have some Mapex V-series drums, they are a nice kit for the cash.

[J0llyhunter]

so stagestar > rydeen? :confused:

[XAQ]

Hey guys. At the moment i've got one of those entry level Enforcer kits, the kind you get on ebay for 300 bucks. So I'm looking to go a few steps up in the world of drumkits. I'm looking for a set in the range of 700-100, like the tama rockstar custom. I was wondering who makes the best kit of this caliber, out of all the major brands. Thanks.

[J0llyhunter]

hmmm. u gotta test out all of the drums urself and see who u like best, the top ones out there are tama, yamaha, pearl, dw, mapex and sonor.. etc. there isn't really one top one, ppl have different tastes in drums

[XAQ]

What I really meant to ask was what are the relative merits of each brand, pros and cons maybe.

[Der Meister]

tama rockstar custom- phillipine mahogany/basswood
Mapex Pro M- All maple
Pacific- maple or birch
Sonor 3003- Maple/basswood

out of those I'd pick a Pro M, then a 3003. Blind test the drums in the store, see which one you like.

[89_DJC]

i am thinking of getting a set of premier olympics, nebody know anything about these drums, had any experience with them, please share your thoughts on them.

[MerDeNoms]

Sessions shells packs are 1200 usually (for and SMX, maple) and 1100 for a SBX (birch). They are incredible drums, and anybody looking for a set in that range, I recomend you get them. Even with the stock pro-tone heads, they sound great. The finishes are godly. I would take them over any other drum for that price.

[The Chemist]

Tama Royalstar are nice, full sounding drums that are great for almost all music styles.

The kit I'm using have the following shells
1.12x9 Tom
2.13x11 Tom
3.16x16 Floor Tom
4.16x16 Floor Tom
5.22x16 Bass

The shells maple and come in a nice selections of stains and wraps. I'm having the dark Maple stain only Made for the Royalstars. The snare I'm usind is a swing star, so I haven't included it. The drums run around $550 new for a 5 piece.
The drums are equipped with triple-flange rims, and the unique Tama Uni-ball mounts. All in all, a nice beginner drum.

[spike9908]

Sessions shells packs are 1200 usually (for and SMX, maple) and 1100 for a SBX (birch). They are incredible drums, and anybody looking for a set in that range, I recomend you get them. Even with the stock pro-tone heads, they sound great. The finishes are godly. I would take them over any other drum for that price.

massmusic.net has the best prices on the two, $899 for the SBX (http://www.massmusic.net/shop/index.php?shop=1&itemid=14905) and $999 (i think) for SMX (dont have the link). and does anyone have any good pictures of SBX tobacco burst color. i cant decide between that and blue burst

[Flyin' Brian]

I'm looking for a smaller set that I could easily store in an apartment or something, since I'm up at college. My friend purchased a Gretsch Catalina Club set about a year ago and really likes it. You guys know anything about those sets or any quality downsized sets?

[Expresso]

What would be the highest quality 5 peice set I could buy for under or around $1,000 (US)? I've heard alot about Sonor 3003s...

[J0llyhunter]

yea. get sonor 3003!!!! i wish i had 1000 to spend

[Der Meister]

Mapex Pro M

[Expresso]

What are the differences between the two? Hardware, finish, and sound are important...

I'll be doing some research on both.

[Der Meister]

The Pro M is all maple, the 3003 is maple/basswood. They are both laquered finishes. The hardware is ok on both of them. Go the shop and try them out.

[ECTWest]

What do you all think of DW Pacific MX and LX kits? I am considering buying either one of those, a Pearl Export set, or a Tama Rockstar Custom set for my next drum purchase. It'll be my second kit, my other one is an old Royce kit from the 80's :-)

So what do you think of those pacific sets?

[Der Meister]

I'd get the Rockstar Custom out of those, look into Mapex Pro Ms and Sonor 3003s, the pacific and the RS custom are far better than the export.

[Flyin' Brian]

So nobody knows much about Gretsch drums?

[Der Meister]

my cousin used to have a gretch set when i was like 7, before i started drumming, it was an amazing kit from what i remember.

[Eddy slave]

need help to decide what drum set to get.
Mapex Q5244 with Zildjian Planet Z cymbals
14" hihat
16" crash
20" ride
or
Yamaha Rydeen with no brand cymbals
14"hihat
20" ride
the Mapex is 500£ and the Yamaha is 580£. what set should i get?

[Der Meister]

go to http://www.adcdrums.co.uk and get a Mapex M for £479, the deals your looking at are a terrible rip off.

[OpercussionO]

i never really looked at mapex. what drummers play mapex?

[Der Meister]

Chris Adler from lamb of god and Nick Vergilio(sp?) from tears for fears are the only ones from memory.

[I'd Hit it]

don't forget Jordan Burns from Strung out

[MerDeNoms]

Mike Portnoy used to play them too.

[o_zo]

Sorry to bring up this old thread again but I'm about to get new kit and was wondering if i could get some peoples opinions.I'm trying to decide between:Mapex pro m,Tama rockstar,sonor 3003(which I'm leaning towards at the moment) and something from PDP. All cost roughly the same. Also,what's the difference between s-class and delites?Are s-class considered semi-pro? Thanks in advance :thumb:

EDIT-Oh yea,has anyone tried 3005's?i might be interested in one.

[-TheGlassPrison-]

Way to bring back the old thread Travis!

I bet you ken will be able to anwser your question

[Der Meister]

better to bring up this thread, which is for these questions, than making a new one.

I'd probaly go for the 3005 o_zo, with the pro M just behind it. The hardware tipped it for me. S-class aren't much up from the 3005 and will drop in price probaly.

I'd just go for the 3005

[-TheGlassPrison-]

And Travis.. its one HAWT kit too..

[o_zo]

And Travis.. its one HAWT kit too..
I know,autumn high gloss looks GOOD. :D Are 3005 already out in stores and stuff or what? If so,has anyone played one?

[White Riot!]

So nobody knows much about Gretsch drums?


Gretsch Kits are good.

I own a Catalina Birch kit , and its awesome.

[-TheGlassPrison-]

Gretsch makes some amazing drums..

Beautiful sounding,looking and its an all around good company to deal with

It's also been around a hell of a long time!

I'de trust my $ with them anyday.

[PowerStamp]

Between the Pro M and the 3003/5, it's a close bet.
I was personally stuck between the two and chose the Pro M, but the 3003 was a very close pick for me as well.

I'd say to play the two in store if you can and pick.
Regardless you'll be happy and fine with either one.

[-TheGlassPrison-]

Like i said Travis, I'll do some searching for you when i go down monday!

Powerstamp.. this is off topic but you need to re-load your avatar.. its all crazy because of the crash!
Just thought i'd let you know

[PowerStamp]

yeah, I know lol
It's been like that and I keep meaning to change it but I'm lazy. I'll do it now as nothing's distracting me for another 5 minutes lol

[smorgdonkey]

I want the Red Baron kit...

[-TheGlassPrison-]

It's back! hurray!

[smorgdonkey]

you need to re-load your avatar.. its all crazy because of the crash!


Man...he must have hit that crash hard to mess up his avatar...he'll be buying a new cymbal soon if he keeps doing that.

[[LP213]]

Any Taye Kit=Bad @$$

[-TheGlassPrison-]

The board crash?
Wtf?

[l3n]

:lol:

[-Funky monk-]

Ive played Pearl Forums great beginner kit good hardware, decent sound, and the snare sounded pretty good. I suggest buying a quality used kit though 500-600 US dollars for a beginner set is kinda steep. You can probably pick one up for 300 to 400 dollars on Ebay.

I play Pearl masters now have Birch and maple pieces.....
Great sounding kit, very good hardware, stock heads on the bass are good, dint have stock heads on the toms or snare when I got it so I dont know how they are. I havent had any problems with loosining hardware, actually I have had the opposite happen where the it seems to tighten as I play on them and sometimes a pain to remove the toms, but at least I know they wont loosen and move on me or *gasp* fall off. Price is where these fail....but I got them used so I payed less than half the price you find on musiciansfriend or other discount site. Great serious kit that comes with a serious price tag. For everything I have on my kit cymbals and all cost me about 4,000 US. dollars I estimated to replace them or buy them new would cost about 8,500

here is pics
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v434/oneroaddrums/DRUMS11-05-04.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v434/oneroaddrums/drums411-05-04.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v434/oneroaddrums/DRUMS210-05-04.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v434/oneroaddrums/BIRDSEYE11-05-04.jpg



ewww hydros. lol

[TTTSNB]

ewww hydros. lol
That kit rules.

[-TheGlassPrison-]

That kit DOES rule...

[l3n]

That kit rules. Period.

[maniac0796]

That picture is just wrong...
Anyway, my review is of a Tama rockstar, as i've seen a few posts about them.
My kit is Tama rockstar custom, therefore it is painted, and not wrapped. It's the 2nd kit i brought. It's construction is basswood and phillipine mahogony. It has a strong construction, with lots of umpffff behind it. It comes with all of Tama's highest roadpro hardware, unlike that crap that comes with the swingstars, and it's all very strong and sturdy. The stock heads are okay, i'm still using them, may aswell wear em down and use em, and they sound okay.

So in total, looks = 8, construction = 9, hardware = 10, sound 9. After playing this, i would defilnatly buy another Tama no doubt.
Just to recap, it was a Tama rockstar custom in caramel fade,
22" bass
12" tom
13" tom
16" floor
14" matching wood snare
2 ply basswood, 2 ply phillipine mahog, 2 ply basswood
£800 brand new

[440561]

Ok, im not in need of a kit urgently, but Im going to look to upgrade to a better kit soon because I currently have an extremely low end kit. One of these (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Stagg-Full-Size-5-Piece-Drum-Kit-Blue-Brand-New-Boxed_W0QQitemZ7407397585QQcategoryZ38097QQrdZ1QQc mdZViewItem).

I think that by the end of summer this year or at least by christmas I will want a much better kit. I have £300 at the moment and if I get my paper round soon I should get an extra £30 mer month. So do the math- I could have at least £400 by the summer holidays including pocket money etc. I could even strike up a bargain with my parents so that if I do well in my exams in a few weeks time they will put money towards a new kit. Also I know a mate who wants to start drums soon so I can sell my current kit to him. So if I had around £600 tops what is a good, middle range kit.

I think Mapex is out of my range at the moment and besides, its not a huge expensive kit that I want. One that I can transport easily, a 5 piece preferably, I already have cymbals.

Got ideas?

edit: Ok I said mapex might be out of my range but Ive just discovered some good lookers for £400.

[maniac0796]

Tama Superstar, or one of those gretch kits that everyone seems to approve of....

[440561]

Ill look. But what about a mapex M birch? Ive seen a few on eBay for less than £500. they look very good.

[440561]

Anyone there? Which Gretsch kits did you mean that "everyone approves of"

[maniac0796]

Umm, dunno, i think Gretsch Cataline Birch or something, i don't know much about em...

[440561]

Im not too sure about them. Anyway, what is everyones opinions on Mapex M birch. Are they worth they money?

[440561]

bump

Ive been waiting ages and this is no better than starting my own thread. But I wont cos Ill get flamed. There must be tonnes of people out there who have had experience with a mapex M. Help!

[maniac0796]

My school has a mapex M. I've only palyed it a few times. It's a nice kit and it gives a good sound. They're like the Tama rockstars of Mapex i think. I've only ever played one, i don't know much about them. They give a good sound, consider one, i would probably

[440561]

Ive found several kits on eBay. Bear in mind im on a budget of less than £500 preferably, here's what ive found:
Mapex VX
Mapex M Birch
Mapex Voyager
and also this (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/DDRUM-DIABLO-PUNX-DRUM-KIT-SET-SILVER-BLUE-HARDWARE-NEW_W0QQitemZ7407348329QQcategoryZ38097QQtcZphotoQ QcmdZViewItem#ebayphotohosting).
Cool or what!
What's the best buy guys? Opinions of other drummers are what matters to me now!

[Berk]

That kit is low-end. I heard it has horrible shells.
Check PDP out.

[Maggot Dream]

I'd stay away from the Ddrum, although I can't say I know a whole lot about them.

Of those, I'd go with the Mapex M Birch.

[GhostGrooveMike]

I'll do another Rockstar just you have more points of view.
Rockstar Customs
Rockstar Custom are a great value for the money, and have amazing finishes such as Custom Mahogany Fade, which I have. It looks amazing and from the other finishes I have seen they're all great.

Sound- The toms sound great. they can be tuned to many different ways, and sound good in various types of music. The bass drum is great. It has a nice thump with no muffling or pillows. Nice natural sound. The way a bass drum should sound. The snare is pretty basic. Not terrible but to get the full potential of a rockstar a different snare might be preferable, but the snare is the least ofyour problems

Hardware-All the bad mouthing going on about star-cast. I've never had any problems, and I've had the kit for 3 years. No warped hoops, and the drums stay in tune pretty well.

All in all the rockstar is great for intermediate-or advanced player such as myself.
For fun My kit

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a116/mike192/driversview.jpg

[Quinto]

rockstars are discontiued^


i have a pearl forum and imo it is the best begginer kit you can get, it may be expensive but if you get it used you can find a good deal on it. the hats that come with the set are pretty good, better than a lot of beginer cymbals, with new heads you can tune these drums to sing. the protones that come with it are total crap except for the snare reso.

the hardware, or what i got of it was good. the hihat hat stand is druable and has a nice hihat holder thing, its very sturdy. the straigh stand holds up great, and the snare stand you dont even notice is there it is so sturdy. the tom mounts are very good for the most part, as long as you use the memory locks on them you wont have a problem.

ive heard swingstars, and id say they kill those, they kill no names, and they kill pulse kits.i havent heard the rydeen, but i think it would hold up against them too.

and you can add a 10" and 14" to your set up from musicians friend

[jadester48]

you could look at getting a second-hand kit.
My kit is a vintage Rodgers '70s kit and it sounds great! 24" bass, 13" and 14" toms and an 18" floor tom. I got it for ~£300 ($600) off ebay
you can also usually get pearl exports for only £300-£400, although that's without postage

[maniac0796]

It sucks they stopped rockstars, because i wanted a 14" floor tom, so my only chance is ebay, unless you can custom order them or something....
good review on the rockstar, mine was crap, didn't know what to write.

[ofDooM]

Yamaha Recording Custom...

They are absolutely incredible drums. The birch wood gives it a nice low toned attack. The shells never go out-of-round. Hardware for yamaha, is probably the best. After decades, this drumset will never go dull soundwise.

If one were to have one of these, they would never again have to buy a new set. Lookin for larger? Just order new identical parts.

They are simply incredible for the few thousand you pay for them.

[Rayne264]

im thinking of giving away my yamaha stage custom (long story) and getting a mapex pro M. do you think it would be much of a change, because i want to get a set thats better than the stage custom, but im not too sure as of yet what to lean to.

[NewMetman]

Does anyone have any Taye drum experience? I just wanna know how they match up, i got a Rockpro myself and i love it. Only problems ive had with the hardware is you gotta really tighten tom clamps to stop the moving, and the pedal is so-so. I do love the suspended tom system though, and how i got mine tuned. Nice and high pitched, with a lot of reverb echoey sound. Kind of like timbales

[White Riot!]

how exactly is tightening them properly a hardwear problem>

[NewMetman]

I just meant, i thought mine were tight enough, didnt want to strip anything, but i noticed as I played, they'd get lower over the course of about a week or two, so i just tightened them more

[Sijo Ulsa]

OK....I've been working for about three years and have saved almost five grand. Should I buy a set with two bass drums or a double pedal? Which one sounds better? Again, money doesn't matter. Tell me which brand and which make, too.

~Sijo Of Kaos~

[bpd906]

OK....I've been working for about three years and have saved almost five grand. Should I buy a set with two bass drums or a double pedal? Which one sounds better? Again, money doesn't matter. Tell me which brand and which make, too.

~Sijo Of Kaos~

Do you want us to play them for you as well...:p

Heres the deal man, before you blow a load of cash, go to a decent drum store and try em out. For that price, you have many options. As for whether you should get two bass drums, thats preference.

[440561]

Tama Swingstar. Opinions?

[440561]

*bump*

What do you think of the kit? I need answers asap!

[_Austin_]

Ive found several kits on eBay. Bear in mind im on a budget of less than £500 preferably, here's what ive found:
Mapex VX
Mapex M Birch
Mapex Voyager
and also this (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/DDRUM-DIABLO-PUNX-DRUM-KIT-SET-SILVER-BLUE-HARDWARE-NEW_W0QQitemZ7407348329QQcategoryZ38097QQtcZphotoQ QcmdZViewItem#ebayphotohosting).
Cool or what!
What's the best buy guys? Opinions of other drummers are what matters to me now!

M birch, man! cant go wrong with any of mapex's models :thumb:

I also hear bad things about ddrums shells...

[440561]

Yeah but scrap that list, what do you think of the swingstar?

[_Austin_]

Its okay, but the only experience i have with a swingstar is the one in the studio at my college...

The toms are tuned very low, and everything has been set-up by a technician, so its not at all drummer friendly.

Sorry im not much help, but have you ever heard someone complain of something wrong with a mapex?

I am forever hearing people complain about pearl and tama, and compared to a mapex i think a mapex would be a good choice for a starting/replacement drum kit

[440561]

Well I have heard a few bad comments about Mapex but I know they are good. When you say that the kit at your college isn't at all drummer friendly, isn't that because it isn't tuned well and set-up wrong. With new heads and good tuning, wont the kit be just as good as any other kit the next "stage up"?

[Jersey's Best Dancer]

Has anyone here ever e-mail conaway drums to get a qoute for a drumset before? I e-mailed them on Thursday afternoon and still haven't gotten a response.

[PandaDrummer]

It takes about 3 or 4 days,well, thats how long it took for mine

[Jersey's Best Dancer]

It takes about 3 or 4 days,well, thats how long it took for mine

oh ok, thx.

[Massik Kretal]

Okay Sonor S-class Pro or Yamaha Absolute Maple?

[We_Love_Lime]

Yammy?

[Icky_Mettle]

That's probably something you're going to have to decide for yourself, massik. There are brand inequalities in lower range kits, but when it gets to S-Class and the nouveau maple, it's purely preference and the features of both. The nouveau maple is more of a custom feel, in that you can pick your finishes and such...it's also more expensive. With the sonors, I doubt you'll need 100 finish choices, because all of the finishes are brilliant...especially the grained maple and the aqua green.

[cliffisanarcissist]

DW Maple Custom Drums and DW Edge Snare

Blue Sparkle FinishPly
12x9 Rack Tom
16x13 Floor
22x18 Bass

DW Edge In Natural Finish
14x6



Overall sound: The drums are extremely warm and resonate. The respond well at just about any volume and take any tuning. Tuned low, the toms sound punchy and deep, tuned high the almost sound like they are piercing and sharp. The bass drum sounds good at any tuning, but I find a little bit higher than medium tension is where it sounds the best.

Edge Snare: The edge snare is probably one of the best snares I've used. I really like to tune it high, because you get the crack of the metal. The drum typical sounds like a thick shelled bronze drum thats a little bit warmer than most.

Positives:
Amazing Sound
Easy to tune
Beautiful
Indestructable Finish (I've had drunk guys fall on my drumset at shows before)

Negatives:
Exspensive

[herostyle]

Sets I am considering getting:
Mapex M Birch
Tama Superstar SL Custom 4 piece
Tama Superstar EFX 4 piece

WHich one should I lean to?

[We_Love_Lime]

Mapex.

[Mitch2oo6]

Me too. I want mapex. I want a nice Pro M kit. Six piece, two mounted toms, and two floor toms.

Yes.

[static]

Bump.

[wesm9787]

Holy hell this thread is old. I forgot I merged my old account with this one and saw a post by me on the first page and freaked out until I realized it was 3 years old. :lol:

[DrummingBen]

Yeah I was like, how did this get to nine pages in like 7 hours lol, and who were all those people at the front. But yeah, probably worth bumping from the looks of it.

[puppet.master]

i dont really think this was worth a bump and maybe the original post should be edited for 3007s i think they are now?

[fishbulb]

I wish Sonor Ken would come back...

[wesm9787]

Yea I was actually under the impression that he was back until I realized this thread was 9 pages long and 3 years old. Ken was cool. He should come back.

[The Ska Man]

I wish Sonor Ken would come back...
Same here man..

Bump.

Propage.

[static]

i dont really think this was worth a bump and maybe the original post should be edited for 3007s i think they are now?


I think it has potential, if used right.

[Chippy569]

damn i thought ken was back. **** you, xmii.

[static]

I'm so sorry baby. :*



LedZePpeLin1307: your mom has potential, if used right