Best Drum Setup ($1k to play with)

[cdtotten]

Hey guys,

I have played the drums off and on over the past 10 years when I got tired of playing guitar/piano which I am both proficient at. My question is, my wife is allowing me $1k to purchase a drum kit and I am curious what you all would buy to fill it out. The last set of drums I actually purchased was a pearl soundcheck set that were pretty crummy... just never sounded right. Probably user error, but was curious what you all would do. Going to be starting drum lessons soon, so very excited to get going.

Thoughts?

[JoshW]

Pardon the mess in the background, but here's what I play:

https://p.twimg.com/AuGgjKwCIAQ10iY.jpg:large

That's actually a PDP set, made by DW - Zildjian cymbals (and a Sabian or 2), DW 5000 series pedals, and, I actually have 2 sets of hi-hats but I need to get another stand for them.

There's probably more than a grand there because of the cymbals, but I'm really impressed with the PDP kits.

Or, the new Pearl Export series kits are phenomenal sounding for ~$700. You'll still need cymbals, though. I'd recommend getting a starter pack.

[Nick3641]

Originally Posted by cdtotten

Hey guys,

I have played the drums off and on over the past 10 years when I got tired of playing guitar/piano which I am both proficient at. My question is, my wife is allowing me $1k to purchase a drum kit and I am curious what you all would buy to fill it out. The last set of drums I actually purchased was a pearl soundcheck set that were pretty crummy... just never sounded right. Probably user error, but was curious what you all would do. Going to be starting drum lessons soon, so very excited to get going.

Thoughts?

I would actually wait and see what your teacher suggests. Are you taking your lessons at a music store? If so, you might be able to find a really solid used kit. Used kits aren't always beat up and lousy. There are a lot of musicians who are selling some high end gear for cheap these days because of the economy. You may be able to get a packaged deal with hardware/cymbals, too. (If you need hardware/cymbals) I don't know what you already have/don't have.

As for what brands. I've always been big on Yamaha. Their hardware is great. However, the kit I have now is a Mapex Saturn and I couldn't be happier. I also currently use Pearl snares and Gibralter hardware. So, I'm kind of all over the place. It ultimately will come down to what you like and what you feel comfortable behind. I hope that helps. If you have any questions, let me know. I'm sure some of the other guys/girls on here can offer some advice, as well.

[steve4134]

That's funny I have the same kit by Pacific mine is the lx series with all maple shells. What i find best to do is use ebay but search on distance from you. I bought the following and STOLE IT because i lived in the next town over. Shipping would kills this deal but seller allowed me to pick it up. Check out my link. And i feel you with cymbals , much more money than i thought.

Steve

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...L:NCCB:US:1123

[mtlewis23]

What kind of music are you playing? Are you playing gigs with the kit or is it just one to have around the house and use to jam with your friends?

[cdtotten]

Thanks for all the responses so far. I am just playing at home for now, no gigs or anything. So just a solid set that is going to sound good and be a decent investment. Just hated spending $600 last time on a set that turned out to pretty much be crap.

[mtlewis23]

Ok man. Well your best bet would be a map ex. I just got one in January and it is the most solid investment I have ever made. It sounds awesome, tunes well and is relatively inexpensive for its quality. It works for any style of music and you can beat the hell out of the thing without breaking anything. It is an awesome kit. I think mine cost me somewhere around 950. Another great brand that can sound great and is a great bang for your buck is Ludwig. That was my first kit and it cost me around 750. The thing lasted nearly 8 years! Keep in mind those prices are shells only. Talk to your local music store (that isn't guitar center) about some way to get a good deal because hardware and cymbals can require another mortgage if you aren't smart about it. Hope this helps! Can't wait to hear what you choose!

[steve4134]

So what did you end up doing ?

Steve

[cdtotten]

Haven't bought anything yet, but do have a friend trying to unload his kit I found out about. I think it's listed on craigslist currently... let me see if I can find the link to see what you guys think.

[cdtotten]

http://louisville.craigslist.org/msg/3066922286.html

Thoughts? He offered it to me for $550.

[dre2142]

Originally Posted by cdtotten

my wife is allowing me $1k to purchase a drum kit

we see who wears the pants in this family

[JoshW]

Originally Posted by cdtotten

http://louisville.craigslist.org/msg/3066922286.html

Thoughts? He offered it to me for $550.

egad! $550? You can get an entry-level kit for that much, and it will be brand new. That kit looks like it's seen better days. I'd avoid.

[JoshW]

Originally Posted by steve4134

That's funny I have the same kit by Pacific mine is the lx series with all maple shells.

I'm more than pleased with it. Sounds great, travels well, and does well in the studio.

[Typical Monkey]

Nice looking kit, though everything depends on the what type of cymbals you're using, which you didn't share with us. PDP does make a great starter kit, I have to say though, the only new kit I would ever recommend to someone would be orange county's new beginner lines. They sound incredible, but other than OCD"s I'd always suggest a used kit. You cna find some incredible vintage stuff on craigslist.

[Typical Monkey]

Originally Posted by cdtotten

http://louisville.craigslist.org/msg/3066922286.html

Thoughts? He offered it to me for $550.

I'd say not worth it, you can find a better deal. The shells on that are crumby. The only things that are worth anything are the A custom ride (one of my favorite rides ever), avedis crash, and z custom crash. See if he'll take $250 for the cymbals (the rides worth 220 haha) and find your shells elsewhere. Gotta low ball that CL.

[Nick3641]

Originally Posted by Typical Monkey

I'd say not worth it, you can find a better deal. The shells on that are crumby. The only things that are worth anything are the A custom ride (one of my favorite rides ever), avedis crash, and z custom crash. See if he'll take $250 for the cymbals (the rides worth 220 haha) and find your shells elsewhere. Gotta low ball that CL.

I agree.

[carter41dmb]

I'm a pearl guy so I would recommend one of the pearl vision kits. The vbx birch if you can afford it. Also, don't cheap out on cymbals. Stay away from the lower end stuff and search for used higher end. Avoid sheet bronze cymbals and look for Cast bronze.

[RushianSyrinx]

Tama or Mapex are your best bet. Both will you give you quality for your money. I've owned Mapex and Tama mid-line kits and both tune up well, sound fantastic and are great quality. Pearl's mounting hardware has always confused me because you don't have very much flexibility.