Ray
So I'm thinking I want to play drums. And I think that the Toms music sale is coming up at the Sandton store and I've had very good dealings with that lot in the past. And I think maybe I'll pop down and buy a set of drums. So, can anyone recommend a good set to start off with. At one of the places where I do some work there is a drummer who was speaking about different woods with different sound and volume and so forth. I mean, is it worth buying mix 'n match you know - different bits of kit that you put together to form a complete set?
See you later - ray
AlanRatcliffe
Toms should have a strong display of Tama kits, which are great (Hoshino Gakki - the same company that owns/makes Ibanez). The Rockstar kits are the lower level Tama kits (unless they've brought out something else since I last paid attention), but still great kits - solidly made shells and good, durable hardware.
However, Pearl, Mapex, PDP, Gretsch, Ludwig, etc. all have good kits in the same price ranges (but avoid the cheaper kits like the Pearl Forum). Just stay away from the real cheap entry level stuff. Maybe see what they have on special and check back to discuss?
Don't worry too much about wood types - it's all maple or birch ply wood with any of the respectable brands, both good choices. Maple is a bit warmer, while birch has more punch and focus. Even meranti can be a good wood for drums as long as there is a maple inner and outer ply - in drums, meranti seems to take on the character of whatever is facing it. Still, as long as the ply is of a good enough quality, don't worry too much about the wood - your drum heads make more of a difference to tone than the woods.
When you look at prices, don't forget to include pedal, throne, sticks and (of course ?) cymbals. Can add up to quite a bit. Zildjian and Meinl both have cymbal kits that are decent and relatively affordable. You'll need a crash, ride and hi-hat pair (cheaper sets often have a crash/ride, which is neither here nor there - crap at both jobs) - BTW - also make sure your kit has two cymbal stands rather than one.
That's all I can think of now, but if I forgot something, just ask and I'll respond once I've had a few hour's sleep.
