Source
r/drums•
Locavore

Advice, on buying Buying a Kit.

Hey drummit!

I need some direction and advice on buying a new kit. For the past year and a half I have been playing a Frankenstein kit, assembled from any peice of hardware and shell I could acquire for free. This machine, being an absolute monster. I have decided to buckle down and buy my own fancy dancy kit.

I have been looking around, and can't seem to find what I am looking for on craig's list. I am really interested in the shells and the actual drums to have a classic natural wood look. Like Blondewood or a dark maple. Playing on that sort of kit also has the sound that I like too. I found one at my local music store for $649, but I have gut feeling I could find something for cheaper elsewhere, Considering that the deal doesn't include the hardware (Cymbals and what not.)

So where Should I look?

Posted Sep 19, 2011, 5:46 PM UTC

723
Epsilon1472•

I don't know a whole lot about shell construction or the sound characteristics of different types of wood, but I'm sort of in the same boat. I really like the natural wood look versus wrap, so I've been on the lookout for a used entry level kit that I could refinish myself. A PDP set or some Pearl Exports would be ideal but I've been holding out to find a set with the size of shells that I want. Here's a guide that might help give you an idea of the process. Since you already have a Frankenstein kit you might be able to incorporate some of the shells you already have and make them all match, even spending a little more to buy matching hardware.

3
LocavoreOP•

Sweet! Thank you very much for the resources, this might be a better method instead of spending a ton of money on a completely new kit.

2
vesus•

Typically, a natural wood finish has a lot to do with the kind of wood being used. And good wood costs more. Thats why pretty much any beginner kit is going to cost less when they can hide the lower quality wood with a wrap.

I have a friend who stained an older export and it was A LOT of work. The poplar wood is cheap and comes off in chunks and had to be sanded over and over. He ended up making it much darker than he originally wanted because it just didn't look good.

Pearl makes some really nice intermediate kits, but from what I recall, they were priced around 1,000 i think... That would be a really great option and you'll probably be able to find a store that has a hardware and cymbal packed for just a bit more.

I would definitely recommend trying to hold out for something quality. I think in the long run you will regret buying something for how it looks, rather than how it sounds and functions as a drum.

1
bag_of_hammers•

For the record, cymbals are not considered hardware. I don't know anything about the prices of drums in America, but the 650 dollars you're talking about doesn't seem like a kit that would be a satisfying buy. Save up to something around 1000 dollars - You should be able to get a good sounding kit and choose the kind cymbals you want instead of buying some rubbish ones in a bundle.

3
LocavoreOP•

Thank you for the correction. Your advice seems solid, I have around 800 saved up, waiting longer would probably pay off... I hadn't really planned on buying a bundle kit. Really, I had just planned on buying the shells and then buying a new hi-hat and ride. Simply put, that's all I really need and want.

3
bag_of_hammers•

That's a really good strategi, and i, myself, tend to go primarely with the "less is more" principle in context of cymbal setup, hardware etc. - What kind of music do you play? Because sticking (pun...er.. partially intended) with one ride cymbal for your setup can be really great, but also equally annoying if you "choose the wrong one". Choosing cymbals is so important compared to drum shells - You can at least tune the drums, where cymbals, even by earth tuning, won't change that much.

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LocavoreOP•

I would much rather spend a significant amount of money on one ride and it sounds beautiful then have several different cymbals, the whole idea just seems silly to me. Plus, with less you are bit obligated to be more creative since you don't have as many sounds in your arsenal.

Also, Earth tuning? What is that? Also, big mistake. NEVER HAVE I TUNED MY DRUMS.

2
bag_of_hammers•

Exactly! I always go with jazzy cymbals with lots of wash and clear stick definition.

Google up earth tuning if you want the real explanation/walkthrough - in in TLDR form, it is essentially: Burying your chosen cymbal(s) and letting them stay underground for several months and sometimes years. It supposedly makes them more dry sounding.

1
GeneralMillss•

Biggest rule I have found is that you can make shitty drums sound decent, but shitty cymbals will always sound like shit.

2
ReadThisName•

If you want a good sounding kit, you have to spend at least $650!

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LocavoreOP•

I have no qualms about spending more then 650, but it doesn't include any of the cymbals or cymbal stands. Which is reasonable but still... SO MUCH MONEY.

1
ReadThisName•

Of cource it's a lot of money, but i would rather wait, save up my money and get a better kit. But if you need a cool looking kit, that sounds ok then sure go ahead, and find one at that price range but for a few more dollars you would get a brilliant kit

Sorry for my bad english :)

1
LocavoreOP•

No worries! I really appreciate the advice. Also, since we are on the topic of drumming.

I feel as though I haven't taken drumming serious enough. I am completely self taught and have never spent any time in front of a practice pad. I know, Big mistake. I know I have bad technique, seeing as I injured myself trying to use practice pad and ever since, I have been getting pains in my forearms (tendons) every time I play drums or piano.

Any advice on how to practice efficiently and with good technique?

1
ReadThisName•

I would say: Go to a doctor, ask him what "wrong" and do what they say and start with a practice pad, instead of going crazy on the kit :) PS: happy I could help a little.

1
FrYBaLLz•

Many different factors need to be thought about before purchasing a kit. Are you going to be playing live shows? Will you just be recording them in a studio? Just having them around to jam on? Maple is always a great hard wood that is a good choice for recording and live shows. It just really depends on the playing style and how you want them to sound. Almost any drum company will have natural wood looking shells for you to check out. I really like the Ludwig Butcher Blocks. Do you want to buy vintage or new? You can find great deals on new gear at Drums On Sale

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LocavoreOP•

Thank you for the resources! I think it will be a combination of jamming and playing live shows really. I will check out the maple shells.

2
oh_shits•

As some others have stated here. $650 is a low end to buying a good kit. There are plenty of other options at that price and just a bit above. A lot of the stuff that DDrum is making is pretty good for your dollar.

As far as looking around, I always go into pawn shops and music resale shops. Sometimes you can find really good deals in those places. A friend of mine found a 7pc DW kit at a resale shop for $700.00.

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LocavoreOP•

I'll see if I can't find any pawn shops around. Where I live, there are no musical consignment shops though.

Sweet find for your friend though.

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spyd4r•

pics of the frankenstein kit?

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LocavoreOP•

I will get right on that. As soon as I get home from work.

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dirtymonkey•

Don't pick out a kit based on looks. People like that made my job easy at the musical instrument store. I'd honestly recommend continuing to search craigslist, pawn shops, and local music stores that sell consignment.

1