In the brand or the wood?

[stevensonmat2]

I plan on getting a new set soon, problem is there are so many cool sets in the range im looking at, and I dont know how any of them will sound. Im curious if any set by any brand of the same wood composition will sound basically the same, or if different brands have any distinct sounds?

[ofDooM]

brands have nothing to do with it.

wood
density
plies
heads
size
tuning
quality
mounting

those are some of the factors that contribute to sound.

[stevensonmat2]

Cool, thanks. I kinda figured it was just the wood but I wanted to be certain.

What do yall think of this set?
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Mapex-M-Birch-Fusion-5Piece-Drum-Set-with-Free-8-Tom?sku=449726

[Bonham#1!]

Well before buying something as big as a kit you should at least have a general idea on how the kit will sound. Be sure to post pics when you get it:thumb:

[stevensonmat2]

^Yeah, im pretty sure im getting a mapex of some kind, but I cant try any out since my GC doesnt carry them. :(

[Zildjian]

Birch kits rule. My favorite

[Bonham#1!]

I think if you get that Mapex, then emereld green ftw.

[pitchfork]

M birch = pro kit at a semi pro price, serious pwnification of otrher kits in that price range.
They are my favourite shell, never used a set of drums i liked more and I have used some expensive high enders, I wouldn't have it any other way.
Go m birch you won't be disapointed and you will get a lot more drum for your money compared to the bigger names.

[Sean]

I thought I liked birch kits.

Until I tried one out.

I would save a little more and go Pro M, but whatever you like.

[ofDooM]

birch kits arent that much different from maple ones. there are some minor distinctions, but to the human ear, you wont tell much of a difference.

ever hear a high end birch? perhaps recording custom?

[maniac0796]

Birch and maple don't sound any different really. Unless you get the natrual maple shells.

[Panopticon]

what you should first do, is find out what kind of wood you want. Research the sound characteristics of both and find out what you want.

Once you have this, you're list should be narrowed down quite a bit. Then what you should do is figure out a price range and stick to it. This should further narrow it down. Then research all the kits in this price range and see what they all have to offer. Rule out kits where the cons outweigh the pro's. This should narrow you down to about 2-4 kits. You should try all of these out before you buy and pick the one you like the sound of most. Then pick the desired finish.

[White Riot!]

I say it would be good to compare Catalina Birch versus Mapex M Birch so you have a reference to another similiar kit

[stevensonmat2]

Yeah I was digging those catalinas, but with the Mapexs I get mroe toms for the money. I Like the simplicity of those catalinas, however.

[stevensonmat2]

What do you yall think of this set compared to the mapex?
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Gretsch-Drums-Catalina-Club-Mod-4Piece-Shell-Pack?sku=445677

[Panopticon]

Catalina's are known for going out of tune easily...

They are nice kits though.

[White Riot!]

I wouldnt touch the club mod.


Maybe a catalina jazz kit , if a small 18" kick is your thing. (like me). Those catalina jazz kits rock!

[stevensonmat2]

Nah, I want a kick that booms bass.

[FooBuddy1989]

^^^You havent heard boomy bass until you've played a 28" kick

[White Riot!]

Catalina Birch........I own one. The kick is big sounding.

[stevensonmat2]

:eek: moon shouldve used that instead of an actual cannon on that show.

[FooBuddy1989]

^^Moon is the man

[Quinto]

i have a renown maple, and it sounds amazing, since we were talking about gretsch.

[derryk]

I have an M birch, excellent kit.

Don't forget to look into BEARING EDGES.

Also, you should look into Taye drums, but I think I like ETP2's idea, narrow your list down. Maybe not by wood, but by things you absolutely MUST have.

[White Riot!]

The renowns are the same shells and compontents that go into USA customs except they are made in asia , and they sound like USA's except louder!

[stevensonmat2]

what are bearing edges?

[FooBuddy1989]

^^^isnt that the part of the shell that like slants in for the head?

[zfzgg]

Yes...for a vague description.

*Waits for someone to post useful link*

[Panopticon]

bearing edge is where the head and shell meet. It's almost always angled but sometimes rounded.

[stevensonmat2]

Why did e say look into bearing edges? What do I need to look into>?

[pitchfork]

:eek: moon shouldve used that instead of an actual cannon on that show.
it wasn't a cannon, it was a kick drum but it all went horribly wrong when the pyro man put double explosive in there and weith not realising there were any in there put another double portion of explosive, he hit the button and killed the hearing in petes right ear and cut his leg open with a cymbal.
SHowered the crowd with bits of cymbal and kick drum etc.
Moons the man.

He used a lot of birch kits come to think of it.

[ofDooM]

bearing edges affect the sound of the drum a lot. the quality, shape, and angle affect the sound a lot.

a poor cut edge can make tuning a lot harder.