[BaNaNa1994]

Hey,
Im BaNaNa1994, no thats not my really name, and I have been drumming for about 2 1/2 years now. Ive read a lot of these posts here, but Im still a little comfused. Im a looking to buy an "intermediate" drum set for a reasonable price. I have to pay for most of it myself. I currently own a Union set, and while its not bad, im looking to upgrade. I really focus on hi-hat, snare drum, and bass drum in rock, and I already have a ride cymbal that I love for jazz. Im new to buying sets, because this one I have now was a christmas present. Im wondering, what companys will work best for me. My teacher has a Yamaha, and I love the way that plays, but is that the best company for me? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

-BaNaNa1994

	Yamaha Drums Shop for Yamaha Drums at Musician's Friend

[UPSTROKE]

BaNaNa 1997;
Finding a new kit can be like looking for a needle in a haystack.
Rule#1: Don't go buy any bodys "favorite brand".
If you are in an area where there are several music stores around, go visiting.
Please-do not let anyone push you into a quick purchase. Take your time. Listen to a lot of different sets in your price range. Get the sales clerk to be REALLY helpful. When you find a few you might like, try to separate them from the other drums. That way you can hear them by themselves. Maybe take the 9"x12" tom from several sets you like and put them together. You will notice quite a difference. Do that with all the drums if you can. When you find a brand that you like--start to shop price. But remember--service after the sale may be just as important. Finding a dealer that wants to know you personally will really help. That beats the heck out of being just another notch on some salesmans profit for the day. Obviously a long, involved job. But, you are going to live with these drums for quite a while. Good hunting.

[BaNaNa1994]

Thanks, that has helped. I plan on going out to look at some stuff tomorrow.

[guss]

Dont be afraid to try a used kit, some sound better then the used.

[mouse]

Keep in perspective that the drum head can affect the drum sound.
Some new heads they put on drums are crap and if a head is worn on a second hand kit it may also sound crap or possibly make a crap drum sound good if it's a good head and tuned well.
If you know someone ( not a drummer in a magazine please) with a particular brand / model of kit, that sounds great with the heads they are using to you, that will give you a ballpark of where to start looking, maybe.

Probally best advice i can give is buy something you can get parts for, a popular brand. Check if possible the bearing edges are good, all hardware is good on secondhand gear.
Shell sizes, depths, colour (you can always wrap a kit), accesories, cymbals included?, the deal, are all going to be deciders, as said above, take your time
Perhaps do some comparing with what is around your area, will be surprised at what is on the market and when you know what is available your choices will be more informed, you are less likely to get ripped off too.

[skinslapper]

Hi there B1.

I was gonna give you a tonne of good advice, but it seems this lot has beaten me to it. Good job fellas.