Need some on a new kit

BandanaDrummer · #1 (**permalink**) 05-13-2010, 10:13 PM

All right, I've been lucky enough to score some serious money, around 3300. I am trying to deciding on a new kit, as I don't really know what's a good kit. If anyone has a good recommendation on drums, hardware, or cymbals, I'd really appreciate it. I play Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, and every thing in between.
Thanks, Morgan

**dtxtremeiiispecial** · #2 (**permalink**) 05-13-2010, 11:09 PM

Hey, Bandana, welcome to Drumset Connect!

You're traveling in style! Let's see if we can get you somewhere that makes you happy.

First, a definition. What's a good kit? A good kit is one that sounds good to your ear (and won't fall apart, etc.) You need to play the drums and listen to someone else play the drums to determine whether they sound good to you. (Some drummers have bought the most expensive drums and decided they didn't sound much better, if any, than their mid-level kit. That's not where you want to end up.) You must play the drums. More in a minute.

**dtxtremeiiispecial** · #3 (**permalink**) 05-13-2010, 11:17 PM

Some drum brands with excellent reputations are: Tama, Yamaha, Gretsch, Pearl, Sonor, Drum Workshop, and Mapex. You can feel confident looking within these brands. There are all kinds of other drums out there -- custom mades, lesser-known companies, exotic drums -- and you can find some good drums out there, but the brands I have listed are a safer bet for someone inexperienced.

Moderators or experienced members, please weigh in on this list of 7 brands. More in a few minutes.

**dtxtremeiiispecial** · #4 (**permalink**) 05-13-2010, 11:23 PM

The next step is to have you tell us what you want in a kit. What configuration, how many drums, type of shell material, what you want in the way of cymbals. I realize you may not know what you want in some of these things, but please tell us what you do know that you want. After that, we can make some more suggestions.

OK, let us have it, Bandana!

BandanaDrummer · #5 (**permalink**) 05-13-2010, 11:33 PM

OK, I would prefer a 6 piece kit, preferably in birch. sizes something like
10x8
12x9
14x12
16x14
22x18 bass
snare, i would prefer 13x6.5
cymbals are narrowed down to Sabian or Meinl

**dtxtremeiiispecial** · #6 (**permalink**) 05-13-2010, 11:39 PM

Great! Maybe you don't, but if you have some idea of how much you want to spend on kit vs. cymbals, that would give us a price guideline in looking for a kit. If you don't have that, we'll look for a kit anyway.

Also, I'm thinking you're wanting two mounted toms and two floor toms, right? Did you want a virgin bass drum, or doesn't it matter?

BandanaDrummer · #7 (**permalink**) 05-13-2010, 11:43 PM

I don't have a guideline on pricing, sorry.

**dtxtremeiiispecial** · #8 (**permalink**) 05-13-2010, 11:47 PM

OK. Virgin bass drum, meaning no hole is drilled in it for a tom mount? The mounted toms are mounted on cymbal or other stands. The bass drum stands alone. Or are you OK with toms mounted on the bass drum?

BandanaDrummer · #9 (**permalink**) 05-13-2010, 11:50 PM

the virgin is alright

**dtxtremeiiispecial** · #10 (**permalink**) 05-13-2010, 11:56 PM

OK. I'm going to look among the brands I mentioned. No reason you can't do the same. I'll be looking at brand websites first to find the right configuration. Then I'll go to sales sites to find price. The only thing I'm not sure I'll find is that 13 by 6.5 snare. You could always buy a snare separately. But maybe we'll find one.

I may be gone for a while. Every time I find one I think works for you, I'll post it. But this is nitty gritty stuff and may take a while. Not to worry, I'll get there eventually.

Have fun looking around, Bandana! This is your party! Enjoy!