[ak47fan2009]

Hey everyone, I have one question to ask and was wondering if anyone could help me. I am finally getting my first set and i have $300-$400 extra to spend, this is perfect because im still learning. I have looked around my local quitar center and found 2 sets im interested in.
One is a brand new 4 piece Sound Percussion set with snare, kick, hi tom, floor tom, and all hardware it is $200 the two downsides to this set is no cymbals and i need all three basic toms (hi, mid, floor).
the second is a 5 piece pulse kit used for $225 no hardware or cymbals......

I guess my real question is, is it just cheaper to buy the 4 piece kit and buy the cymbals and mid tom or should I get the 5 piece kit and buy hardware and cymbals?

Im asking the question mainly because I've never personally played on either brand of set haha. Sound doesnt matter a lot with me because I've only been playing for 6-7 months. Thanks for any help that is given.

[butter]

If you aren't concerned with having the middle tom match the rest of the kit, I would say go with the 4 piece and buy the extra tom separately for $40-50 or so. Then you can buy some brass or B8 cymbals if you like.
If you go with the used one, you can get a hardware set for around $100 and then get cymbals. The cheaper option will depend on the cymbals you buy and how much the tom costs if you choose to get one. If you go with the SP kit you may be able to get better cymbals.

Good luck and happy drumming!

[Infero Exicution]

I would say go for the set with the complete drums, because buying separate drums can become a sound issue and they can be styled differently from the drums you originally have. And buying cymbals is fun, as you learn what sound you like. and hardware bought sepratly is usually of higher quality.
But then the used pulse, if you want it like new, you'll need some new heads, but thats not really a priority. there are a lot of used cymbals out there as well, and some cymbal cleaner will fix 'em right up.
good luck man!

	Pulse Drums Shop for Pulse Drums at Musician's Friend

[ak47fan2009]

Alright thanks you two. I dont care about looks right now, because like before Im still learning and im not performing haha. Sound is not really touching a nerve on me yet, cause iv only heard one good kit in person and it was owned by my uncle. So pretty much im just looking at which is cheeper. keep them comin guys.

[BOOGIEMANBERNIE]

Congratulations on reaching this important, enjoyable part of your musical career!

I say 'musical' because you are a musician (learning, like us all - we never finish!). So, might I suggest that you start listening to which kit sounds best to your ears. Maybe you could ask someone else to play while you stand back and listen? Sound should be important to you - seek advice about heads and tuning. I would always recommend quality (build and sound) over price, therefore better second-hand good than new not-so-good.

Also, do you really need three toms! After forty-five odd years I'm still learning to play a four-piece kit... actually, still learning to play the snare! I don't know who your musical heroes are but, for instance, Gene Krupa (mostly), Joe Morello and Ringo all played on four-drum kits and never sounded one tom-tom deficient.

Well done buying from your local music shop and all the best with your choice!

Bernie

[slingerland59]

I'd keep looking if I were you. You can get a complete 5 piece kit with cymbals and stands and throne for $500 easy, and in a better quality than your first 2 options -- e.g. an old Pearl forum or export set. There are lots of drummers out there who are upgrading and want to unload old kits on Kijiji or other sites. I say support our colleagues first rather than buying from a music store.

	Pearl Drums Shop for Pearl Drums at Musician's Friend

[theja7ke]

Pearl Forum sets are legit beginner sets for sure. You can make this set sound pretty good with the right heads!

	Pearl Drums Shop for Pearl Drums at Musician's Friend

[philiprambo]

Good one.Keep it up.Thanks for sharing.

[drummertom]

I agree with slingerland59. You can get a used "professional" drum kit with cymbals for the cost of buying a low end entry level kit new. You will need some help from a seasoned drummer to check the condition of the kit for fatal flaws such as un-repairable damage. Maybe your uncle could help you. A seasoned drummer can also see the potential in the kit...maybe by just adding some new heads and good tuning. It is true that most kits can be tuned to sound good. Quality drums are easier to tune and hold there tuning longer. It also depends on how you want to tune them. So you see...you really do need some hands on help from a seasoned drummer. If not your uncle, maybe a drum teacher or local drummer you admire. Your local college or music store is alway a good place to start your search. College drum teachers are usually very versital, but tend to be a little expensive. For entry level, your local music store may be best. Building your drumming skills and knowlege from the experience of teachers, friends, and mentors provides tremendous value and insight to any drummer. At 56 years old, I am still learning from chatting with drummers and other musicians. Now a-days we have Youtube. Wow, Youtube is absolutely amazing...imagine watch and hear any drummer in the world play..sometimes with commentary afterwards. Yes the drummer (musician) learning curve is near vertical these days...Good Luck.

[05WideGuy]

Inyour situation and with your budget, there are hundreds of nice used kit to be had. Check out Craig's list and eBay every day until you find what your looking for. I wouldn't touch either of the two kits you are looking at! JMHO!