ADVICE PLEASE - Drum Kit Hunting - What? Where?

[thedunnyman]

Hey guys,

I have always been a drum kit fan and used to play on a beginner's kit (~$600) but then sold it because I thought the toms sounded crap plus I had a crash-ride and just basically didn't like the sound quality.

Now I'm planning to go back to drumming. I was eyeing electronic drum kits but someone from Allans Music told me that if I was going to spend some money, I might as well buy a real one...so I think I'll go there.

Now I'd like to spend around $2000 to $2500. Well I'm budgetting for that much anyway. Would that be too much? Considering I've never really played professionally.

Here are some things I would be considering or might need help with. If anyone can assist, please do sell! I will greatly appreciate it!

Looks
I was planning to go for a black one. I reckon they look the best. Would there be any colour that would look cool. I'm thinking a nice blue or red would look good as well.

Brand
I dont' know much about brand and quality. I used to have a Tempo Dixon (or Dixon Tempo) - not sure which one is the actual brand. Are there any leading brands? Or brands that are more worth the money? Or is it all depending on what you buy? I've always thought that Pearl made the most superior drum kits but that could be because of advertising and media!

Hardware
Should I buy ones that include hardware? Is it more expensive to buy separate hardware? Is it worth it? I'm not very sure about this.

Cymbals
How many cymbals should I get to make it worthwile? I'm currently thinking of a crash. Obviously lalso a hi-hat. Rides are pretty common right? I just never seem to use them because I reckon they sound crap. (Maybe it's because of my older drum kit). Should I get any other 'splashy' sounding ones?

Double-kick pedal
I was thinking of getting a double-bass drum pedal thingo but it looks SO expensive for just a pedal. I'm basically playing solos because I'm not in a band. Are these worth the money? Any opinions?

Brand new or used?
I'm not sure whether I should buy used or brand new. Do drum kits wear out over time? Is it safer to buy a brand new one? I searched eBay and couldn't find many decent ones that tickled my pickle.

Where to buy?
So stores I know around me are: Drummers Paradise, Allans Music and Billy Hydes Music. I guess I could also go Trading Post or eBay. Anyone have any suggestions? Or does anyone have a kit for sale?

Many thanks,
Duncan

[dantheman65]

Originally Posted by thedunnyman

Now I'm planning to go back to drumming. I was eyeing electronic drum kits but someone from Allans Music told me that if I was going to spend some money, I might as well buy a real one...so I think I'll go there.

You're going to make your mind up because a saleswhore at Allans told you to buy a 'real' drum kit if you have some money? You listened to him? They are completely different and one isn't better than the other they are just used for different purposes each with it's own pros and cons.

Looks
I was planning to go for a black one. I reckon they look the best. Would there be any colour that would look cool. I'm thinking a nice blue or red would look good as well.

That's completely up to you. At least black kits tend to be cheaper than kits with other finishes.

Brand
I dont' know much about brand and quality. I used to have a Tempo Dixon (or Dixon Tempo) - not sure which one is the actual brand. Are there any leading brands? Or brands that are more worth the money? Or is it all depending on what you buy? I've always thought that Pearl made the most superior drum kits but that could be because of advertising and media!

Its a Dixon and they're shit. There aren't so much leading brands but brands to stay away from. Most companies do a kit or two in each price-range and it's up to you to decide which is most suited to you. You summed it up wonderfully re: Pearl - they have fantastic marketting. Pearl kits are mostly shit until you get into the upper echelon. Stay away for your price range. Good quality kits come from Tama, Sonor, DW etc. etc.

Hardware
Should I buy ones that include hardware? Is it more expensive to buy separate hardware? Is it worth it? I'm not very sure about this.

Most kits that you'd buy will include hardware. You can get shell packs (just the drums without any hardware) but it's quite rare unless you're into the pro lines. It's not worth buying separate hardware unless you specifically require some funky stuff but you won't.

Cymbals
How many cymbals should I get to make it worthwile? I'm currently thinking of a crash. Obviously lalso a hi-hat. Rides are pretty common right? I just never seem to use them because I reckon they sound crap. (Maybe it's because of my older drum kit). Should I get any other 'splashy' sounding ones?

This paragraph worries me a bit. You seem quite willing to go drop a large amount of money on a kit but you're not sure if rides are even commonly played?

It may be a wiser idea for you to play in a band or take lessons or what have you for a while and then work out what you want. If you go and lay your money down without any education you're going to come out of the store the salesmens friend - a dupe. You'll get something you didn't really want or require and in a years time when you *do* have a clue you'll be kicking yourself. It's like me going and buying a flute - I have no idea at all what to look for.

Double-kick pedal
I was thinking of getting a double-bass drum pedal thingo but it looks SO expensive for just a pedal. I'm basically playing solos because I'm not in a band. Are these worth the money? Any opinions?

They're not much more expensive than single pedals if you're buying them separately but you shouldn't really need to buy one separately. Double kick pedals are mostly used for heavy rock/metal though they do see some use in other genres. Unless you're playing one of those stick with the single that will come with your kit.

Brand new or used?
I'm not sure whether I should buy used or brand new. Do drum kits wear out over time? Is it safer to buy a brand new one? I searched eBay and couldn't find many decent ones that tickled my pickle.

I'm a big advocate of buying second hand but you have to know what you're looking for so take a long a knowledgeable friend. Kits don't wear out but the hardware can depending on how it's looked after/age. You can get a hell of a lot more for your money second hand.

Now i didn't mean to come off as an asshole before but I'm just playing devils advocate. It doesn't really sound like you know what you're talking about - just that you want a new kit. Now theres nothing wrong with that at all and getting a new kit can really motivate you into playing but I think you'd be wiser to grab some new heads for your kit in the meantime and play in a band/take lessons for a year.

Then after that year has passed you will really know what you're looking for and will be in a much better position to make an informed decision.

Good luck!

[SquarkyD]

I pretty much agree with all of the above.
If you do decide you need a kit now, another brand to look out for would be DDrum, we got a few cheap DDrums kits at work and for the money they are great. If you go 2nd hand look for brands like Tama, DW, DDrum, Yamaha, Mapex. But the best advice you can take, is to play as many kits as you can and dont settle for the first kit the salesperson shoves down your throat cause they get the best commission off it.

[closed_gate]

Hey mate,

First of all are you in brisbane? I have gone around to so many drum shops in brisbane it isn't funny. I have finally found the one shop that you can never go wrong with. Access Drumming. The fella that owns the store has been the most helpful person I have ever met throughout my drumming career. He has never told m to go for another brand over others (except pearl, I agree, They are a waste of money unless buying a reference) He will answer all your questions... Well, He will get you to answer all the questions, he will just be there to help.

Even if you are out of brisbane give him a call and ask him about the products, tell him what you are after, ask him all the questions. you won't go wrong.

www.accessdrumming.com.au

I think that's the site.,


Good luck with your drumming,

- CG

[thedunnyman]

Thanks fro the replies guys. It's been really helpful.

Regards to Pearl drum kits, woudl the Export series be classified as high priced or low priced?

Because I've seen some on eBay..wondering if they're worth it?

[closed_gate]

They are top of the live for under 2k the next series the sessions are 3.5k

[dantheman65]

Originally Posted by thedunnyman

Thanks fro the replies guys. It's been really helpful.

Regards to Pearl drum kits, woudl the Export series be classified as high priced or low priced?

Because I've seen some on eBay..wondering if they're worth it?

Stay away from the Exports. There are far far better options in that price range.

[closed_gate]

Originally Posted by dantheman65

Stay away from the Exports. There are far far better options in that price range.

Yeap, to right. (If you add my last two posts together about pearl it will make sense)


I personally say go have a look at mapex M series at Allans, and the gretsch.

[rickbishop]

Don't write electronic kits off completely, as they can be handy.

If you're just learning, they mean you can practice at any time without pissing anyone off. Having said that, for a REAL sound, cymbals and a real snare drum can not be replaced by an electronic kit.

Personally, I'd buy a full electronic kit, plus a snare and some decent cymbals. When you do have the opportunity to practise at loud volume, you can use the snare and cymbals to learn the nuances of playing the real thing.

[thedunnyman]

Originally Posted by closed_gate

Hey mate,

First of all are you in brisbane? I have gone around to so many drum shops in brisbane it isn't funny. I have finally found the one shop that you can never go wrong with. Access Drumming. The fella that owns the store has been the most helpful person I have ever met throughout my drumming career. He has never told m to go for another brand over others (except pearl, I agree, They are a waste of money unless buying a reference) He will answer all your questions... Well, He will get you to answer all the questions, he will just be there to help.

Even if you are out of brisbane give him a call and ask him about the products, tell him what you are after, ask him all the questions. you won't go wrong.

www.accessdrumming.com.au

I think that's the site.,


Good luck with your drumming,

- CG

Yup I gave that guy an email so hopefully he can help a bit.

I've got another question: i found a Tama Rockstar drum kit selling for about $1000 with few Sabian/Zildjian cymbals, double kick and etc.

It's about 10 years old though. Is this worth it? I can't even find any Rockstar kits as all I see is Superstar. Were these any good? Or was it a crappy model series? Also, do 10 years do a lot to drums?

Thanks

[closed_gate]

If I remember correctly the superstar is like the Forum range in pearl. however, saying that it doesn't mean it's bas quality. Tama are known to produce quality kits at reasonable prices, (just any other brand that isn't pearl)
Does it have Diecast hoops? cause then I can remember which one it is.

It sounds like a very good deal, If you an list what it has, and post a pic if you have seen it, that would be good.


Yeah, Duncan should be able to help, I need to get a very cheap kit off him and some mesh skins for teaching.

He probably won't reply til tuesday, cause as far as I know they arn't open on mondays.

Good luck with it mate.