Mid-range question

[coventrydrummer]

Hey there. I've been playing for 9 years now, and through all that time have been using a rusty old Beverly entry-level kit. I need an upgrade, but my budget can only get something mid-range. I've been looking at the Tama Superstar Custom and the Pearl Vision VBX Birch. Which one do you prefer, or is there another option? Many thanks in advance. :)

[billdrum]

I'd look at Mapex or Sonor for the same money. Everyone has their preferences, and there's nothing wrong with the kits you're looking at either. All will be a serious upgrade over what you've got!

[Mr Pink]

AvoID PeaRL........

[coventrydrummer]

Thanks. Am seriously considering the M Birch now. :)

[Talos]

Well you could look at the Gretsch, PDP and Yamaha for some other quality kits.

[jsmusicbox]

Pearl's not that mad, especially for a mid-range kit. I have a black Pearl travel drum set, and it's not that much smaller than a full kit and it's lasted me several years.

[Mirror.Circuit]

AvoID PeaRL........

Actually, the visions are quite decent, if you can get them for a decent price.
I got mine for 540$, solid birch.

[Cheungman]

Pearl's midline kits have gotten better and the forum isn't a bad entry set. That said, there are alternatives that would be a better bang for your buck.

[Harrow]

Gretsch Renown and Mapex Pro M are probably the best mid range "cheap maple" kits.

[Damo]

Id be going for the SOnor Force 3007 if your money can stretch that far. Great quality, 20 lug kick/snare, lacquered finishes.

[Quinto]

renowns arent cheap maple, theyre $500 more than the pro-m if not more.
you really cant go wrong with yamaha, look in to the stage customs, and stage custom noveau, theyre now all birch.

[Harrow]

renowns arent cheap maple, theyre $500 more than the pro-m if not more.
you really cant go wrong with yamaha, look in to the stage customs, and stage custom noveau, theyre now all birch.
Are you joking me? Renowns are dirt cheap for the quality they are. If they aren't mid range where the hell are you placing them? I certainly hope you aren't grouping Gretsch Renown maple shells in the same category as Sonor Delites/DW Customs/Pork Pie etc...

[Talos]

Quinto is right in that the Renowns are about $500 more then the Pro Ms, but that doesnt mean that theyre a professional kit like Sonor Delites, DW, Pork Pie, etc.
The Gretsch professional line is the New Classic range.

[Harrow]

I really like the fact that the Renowns come with a virgin bass drum which isn't offered with any of the Pro M shell packs.

[oliv_da_skinmasher]

Noot to rain on your parade or anything but

http://www.massmusic.net/shop/images/19793.JPG

Pro-M virgin kick

[Harrow]

That's a limited edition shell pack that costs FAR more than the Gretsch packs I mentioned :P

[oliv_da_skinmasher]

Maybe. But you did say ANY of the Pro M shell packs lol.

But yeah I do agree with you, and I would take Gretsch over Mapex anyday

[lewisniven]

Sonor Force 3007 all the way, you just cant get better bang for ur buck imo. Solid maple shells and top quality hardware.

Ive been playing a 3005 for 3 years now and sound engineers always compliment me on how good it sounds, i love it to bits.

[Harrow]

Yeah Sonor Force are some nice drums, I've been toying with the idea of buying the jungle kit for a while now.

[oliv_da_skinmasher]

Same here actually. Very tasty lil kits aint they

[Harrow]

Yeah I just wish the floor tom was a 13x13 haha