[Tainojim]

Try out a Gretsch Maple Custom kit. They sound great even with the stock heads that they come with.

I preferred to use Remo Pinstripes all around the kit. Then again, it's a matter of taste and type of music that applies.

Remember that there is a huge difference in sound between live and studio recordings.

All of the other brands make good drums also. It's a matter of how huge your wallet is in the end.