Getting into drums

SureShot · #1 (**permalink**) 12-16-2007, 11:15 PM

Well Im getting a drum set fairly soon. And my budget is $400-450 cdn.

At all my local shops begginer kits such as Trak or CB are 400 bucks.

So, in your opinion which is better of those 2? And do you think buying used would be a better option?

Thanks for the help.

shazaam · #2 (**permalink**) 12-17-2007, 07:07 PM

For the set itself, and your budget, you can more than likely find a nicer used set than any new ones

Long as it hasn't been in a really moist environment and such, there really shouldn't be much wrong with it...aloong with hardware that isn't screwy/cheap.
Far as teh trak or cb kit, just heard of cb bout a month ago...and I just learned of trak :P No clue what kinda wood is used on either, but if they sound good...why not I guess?

SureShot · #3 (**permalink**) 12-17-2007, 08:12 PM

Oh, I just found this set online
Buy Ludwig Accent 5-Piece Drum Kit and Zildjian ZBT Cymbal Set online
Ludwig.. comes with zildjian symbols, free throne and free shipping. 479.00 and i have a $45 discount.

is this set good?

shazaam · #4 (**permalink**) 12-17-2007, 10:57 PM

That actually wouldn't be a bad setup for starting out. After you get better and know you'll be sticking with drums after 2 years or more maybe, then upgrade to something nicer.

Church Drummer · #5 (**permalink**) 12-18-2007, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SureShot

Well Im getting a drum set fairly soon. And my budget is $400-450 cdn.

At all my local shops begginer kits such as Trak or CB are 400 bucks.

So, in your opinion which is better of those 2? And do you think buying used would be a better option?

Thanks for the help.

I started on a CB percussion set, with a decent set of heads the shells can be decent sounding. The Hi-hat stand is a little cheesy, but overall the set is sturdy, and servicable. The cymbals that come with it are little more than trashcan lids. The ludwig accent set may be a better deal, but the CB set will get you started. I still have mine as a backup.

mogul buster · #6 (**permalink**) 12-20-2007, 11:58 PM

I got 2 cheap drumsets on the same birthday 5 years ago..........I combined them (except the bass drums) and love the sound for cheap drums.........it's a Sunset and a Peace with my Rogers wood snare I never got rid of since I was
14. I have since learned that if I had known I was getting a drumset..........I would have offered to shop for it. There are deals on better wood if you shop.
Definately shop around........Musicians friend has good deals........but I'd go used for sure. Check E-bay and Craigslist.......some people are desperate for money and will take a little for a great set. Cymbals are very important too.........I'm looking to upgrade to Zildjian A's.........I currently own Planet Z's...a Sabian..... a Paiste.....and a no namer. The cymbal websites have fun sound tests to see if you like the sound before you buy........check them out.........you may not like the sound of ZBT Zildjians, or Sabian B8's or whatever.

Just remember.........a used great sounding set is much better than a new cheap sounding set............heads help alot too when trying to improve sound and quality on a used set.

HBdrummer1 · #7 (**permalink**) 12-23-2007, 12:58 PM

I picked up a set of CB's to teach my stepson on for christmas and they don't seem to be that bad for a starter set. The hardware (as with all low cost sets) isn't high quality but the drums themselves sound pretty good... got him a 5pc with throne, Sabian hats & a ride for $375 (holiday special) and the hardware can always be upgraded in time as needed. So if those are the only two kits you can get locally for your budget, and you don't want used the CB's aren't a bad choice for a first kit.

toxsic · #8 (**permalink**) 12-25-2007, 09:05 AM

A buddy of mine got a set of CB's, for a starter set they worked great. He put some better heads on them. They sounded fine. I'd check out the ludwigs also.

CJDG · #9 (**permalink**) 12-27-2007, 03:31 PM

Search around...
Musician friend for sure.... do your research though. Check the reviews before you buy.

Industry standard over the years has been this kind of setup:
6 1/2 x 14" snare, 12, 13" rack toms, 16" floor tom, 22" bass drum.
20" ride, 16" crash, and 14" hats.

As far a shopping for one... craigslist can sometimes help, the local drum shop, or check in the area of colleges were people sell their stuff to pay for the next class. Don't ever consider $$$ to be the main factor of what you buy. Test a few things out and see what works. I have a combination of different hardware because I purchased my hardware used... The main point is that it works.

Another thing to consider, if you can wait. Get a decent snare or practice pad and then work your way up from there. I can't stress enough to start with one drum as a trial phase and then if you find you are serious enough to do the work you will get the rest of the kit. If you are like me you get bored with just one sound and then try to make that snare do SOMETHING else...

Do you see my point here? You don't hurt your pocket too much, you get to focus on how to manipulate a drum to maximize it's potential, and you get some quality time focusing on what kind of sticks you prefer. Jumping into a full kit right off can be intimidating.

I agree with the above posters as well.... Why buy new when you can get a better quality used.

Hope this helps.