Aces High Bulletin Board

General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: SuBWaYCH on November 30, 2008, 10:50:59 AM

Title: Anyone here play the drums?
Post by: SuBWaYCH on November 30, 2008, 10:50:59 AM
I"m looking to buy my first kit and I've been looking at a Pearl kits. I'm already "ok" at playing and keeping rhythm. I know how to read music (I play the viola) and i"m slowly learning how to read the sheet music for drums.

I"m looking at a Pearl Forum 5-piece shell pack that does not come with cymbals and hardware (does come with a tom-holder). Looks pretty sweet if I do say so myself. It costs $350.
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Pearl-Forum-5-Piece-Standard-Shell-Pack-White-with-Black-Hardware-483567-i1430200.gc (http://www.guitarcenter.com/Pearl-Forum-5-Piece-Standard-Shell-Pack-White-with-Black-Hardware-483567-i1430200.gc)

I found a pretty good Hardware set that is also made by Pearl for $160. Comes with a snare stand, a Hi-hat stand, 2 cymbal stands and the bass pedal.
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Pearl-Export-800-Series-Hardware-Pack-Regular-448976-i1371561.gc (http://www.guitarcenter.com/Pearl-Export-800-Series-Hardware-Pack-Regular-448976-i1371561.gc)

And lastly I found a Meinl Cymbal pack that is $150 and comes with a 14'' Hi-hat pair, 16'' Crash and 20'' Ride.
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Meinl-HCS-New-Player-Cymbal-Setup-449564-i1276045.gc (http://www.guitarcenter.com/Meinl-HCS-New-Player-Cymbal-Setup-449564-i1276045.gc)

Now, for a beginner is this a good start up? One of my dads Co-workers works at the Guitar center near me so we can probably get 10-15% discount off. All together it costs $660 (excluding discount and tax).

Title: Re: Anyone here play the drums?
Post by: CAVPFCDD on November 30, 2008, 11:48:40 AM
i play guitar, but i do know from friends pearl is top of the line stuff, looks like youre getting a good deal but i'd still hunt around on ebay or craigslist or the newspaper, theres lots of good deals to be found on used stuff, esp for someone starting out, thats what i did with guitars started out on something cheap and used and now i've worked my way up to a very nice collection of equiptment. You never know, might get tired of it or not like it, but thats just my 2 cents.  :salute
Title: Re: Anyone here play the drums?
Post by: Spikes on November 30, 2008, 12:36:23 PM
I've played the drums and trap set for 4 or 5 years now...my first was a Mapex Tornado and I loved it. Picked up a set of Zildjian ZXT's to top it off, hi-hat, 2 crash's and a ride. I'm not dissing Pearl as it's a hell of a company and GREAT quality, but Mapex is the way to go if you can find a cheap one, for starters.
Title: Re: Anyone here play the drums?
Post by: Masherbrum on November 30, 2008, 12:58:40 PM
That is MORE THAN good for a starter set.   I played drums for 14 years and was self taught.   I sold my DW kit in 97 and haven't been behind a kit since.   

Pearl is what I'd get if I got back into it.   I might, just depends on how serious I get with this here geetar.   
Title: Re: Anyone here play the drums?
Post by: Treize69 on November 30, 2008, 01:04:04 PM
Real men play the harmonica and jaw harp.  :P
Title: Re: Anyone here play the drums?
Post by: Curlew on November 30, 2008, 01:23:12 PM
<starts singing>

I wish all the ladies,
Were the symbls and the drums,
Id be the drummer,
And id bang every one!
Title: Re: Anyone here play the drums?
Post by: 1pLUs44 on November 30, 2008, 01:38:54 PM
I was planning on getting a kit similar to that. The one I was planning to get IIRC was about 600$ that came with the symbols and everything. Made by Pearl too.


This summer, I plan on getting one of these made by Epiphone (Gibson is alright, but DAYUM.... that's just too expensive)

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Epiphone-G-400-SG-Electric-Guitar-100042754-i1149971.gc

A new Bass guitar, and hopefully, a drum kit similar to yours.
Title: Re: Anyone here play the drums?
Post by: CAVPFCDD on November 30, 2008, 02:24:12 PM
I was planning on getting a kit similar to that. The one I was planning to get IIRC was about 600$ that came with the symbols and everything. Made by Pearl too.


This summer, I plan on getting one of these made by Epiphone (Gibson is alright, but DAYUM.... that's just too expensive)

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Epiphone-G-400-SG-Electric-Guitar-100042754-i1149971.gc

A new Bass guitar, and hopefully, a drum kit similar to yours.

the differnce is hand made here in the US and machine made over seas, other than that, youre buying a name, i started out with epiphones and i have a gibson les paul standard now and theres very little difference, my epiphone was hand assmebled in the US and parts were made overseas, so it was a bit more expensive than others but, theyre nice guitars
Title: Re: Anyone here play the drums?
Post by: Xasthur on November 30, 2008, 08:12:35 PM
My drummer uses a Pearl kit and it sounds fantastic. It has a really crisp sound.... great for blasts and brutal rolls, every hit is well defined and easy to hear.



Title: Re: Anyone here play the drums?
Post by: Anodizer on November 30, 2008, 09:27:21 PM
I"m looking to buy my first kit and I've been looking at a Pearl kits. I'm already "ok" at playing and keeping rhythm. I know how to read music (I play the viola) and i"m slowly learning how to read the sheet music for drums.

I"m looking at a Pearl Forum 5-piece shell pack that does not come with cymbals and hardware (does come with a tom-holder). Looks pretty sweet if I do say so myself. It costs $350.
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Pearl-Forum-5-Piece-Standard-Shell-Pack-White-with-Black-Hardware-483567-i1430200.gc (http://www.guitarcenter.com/Pearl-Forum-5-Piece-Standard-Shell-Pack-White-with-Black-Hardware-483567-i1430200.gc)

I found a pretty good Hardware set that is also made by Pearl for $160. Comes with a snare stand, a Hi-hat stand, 2 cymbal stands and the bass pedal.
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Pearl-Export-800-Series-Hardware-Pack-Regular-448976-i1371561.gc (http://www.guitarcenter.com/Pearl-Export-800-Series-Hardware-Pack-Regular-448976-i1371561.gc)

And lastly I found a Meinl Cymbal pack that is $150 and comes with a 14'' Hi-hat pair, 16'' Crash and 20'' Ride.
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Meinl-HCS-New-Player-Cymbal-Setup-449564-i1276045.gc (http://www.guitarcenter.com/Meinl-HCS-New-Player-Cymbal-Setup-449564-i1276045.gc)

Now, for a beginner is this a good start up? One of my dads Co-workers works at the Guitar center near me so we can probably get 10-15% discount off. All together it costs $660 (excluding discount and tax).



I've been a percussionist for over 30 years (started when I was 4).  Personally, I think German engineering is probably the best in the world, so I've always
spend top dollar and gotten Sonor.  Premier would have to be a close second..  I've never been much of a fan of Pearl drums.  I only had one Pearl kit and it was the Export series which I was not very happy with.  But, for the price your getting it at, and given the advances in drum manufacturing technology since I owned that Pearl kit, I'd go for it..


One thing you do NOT want to skimp on is cymbals and hardware.  That cymbal pack you are considering is for someone who's going to use wands, brushes, or just isn't going
to hit them very hard.  Those cheap cymbals in those cymbal packs really are junk.  They sound bright for about the first week.  When they start getting dings and
finally cracking after a few weeks/months, you will wish you didn't waste your money..  When you look at the cymbals, compare the thickness alone, and you will see a HUGE difference.  Cymbals are meant to be EXPENSIVE..  Building them well is a craft, not a manufacturing process..  Don't be taken by cymbal packs that go for 150 bucks..  They are junk and you will only be disappointed.  Especially if you ever do any kind of recording or playing out..
I would recommend Paiste as I've used them as well as Zildjian and Sabian for years..  My main set of cymbals I use are Paiste Rude 2002's..  Best I've ever owned to this day..
Title: Re: Anyone here play the drums?
Post by: Masherbrum on November 30, 2008, 09:31:03 PM
I've been a percussionist for over 30 years (started when I was 4).  Personally, I think German engineering is probably the best in the world, so I've always
spend top dollar and gotten Sonor.  Premier would have to be a close second..  I've never been much of a fan of Pearl drums.  I only had one Pearl kit and it was the Export series which I was not very happy with.  But, for the price your getting it at, and given the advances in drum manufacturing technology since I owned that Pearl kit, I'd go for it..


One thing you do NOT want to skimp on is cymbals and hardware.  That cymbal pack you are considering is for someone who's going to use wands, brushes, or just isn't going
to hit them very hard.  Those cheap cymbals in those cymbal packs really are junk.  They sound bright for about the first week.  When they start getting dings and
finally cracking after a few weeks/months, you will wish you didn't waste your money..  When you look at the cymbals, compare the thickness alone, and you will see a HUGE difference.  Cymbals are meant to be EXPENSIVE..  Building them well is a craft, not a manufacturing process..  Don't be taken by cymbal packs that go for 150 bucks..  They are junk and you will only be disappointed.  Especially if you ever do any kind of recording or playing out..
I would recommend Paiste as I've used them as well as Zildjian and Sabian for years..  My main set of cymbals I use are Paiste Rude 2002's..  Best I've ever owned to this day..


I used Paiste's as well and would recommend them first and foremost.   You spend about $350 for a set, but damn, Z's and Sabain's can only wish to have the same "bite".   
Title: Re: Anyone here play the drums?
Post by: sntslilhlpr6601 on December 01, 2008, 01:32:12 AM
Totally agree about the symbols.

I had a set of cheap Sabians and they really sucked. No brightness to the sound.

It's not something you wanna save your money on.
Title: Re: Anyone here play the drums?
Post by: gpwurzel on December 01, 2008, 01:39:43 AM
I dont play the drums per se, but have just sold a digital drum set (got digital as they are way easier to record).

Pearl make some reasonable sets from what little I know, but others know waaaay more than me about these things - being a guitarist, I'm more intent on sticking at least to some sort of rhythmn and not getting me fat fingers stuck between the strings ;)

Hope you find what your looking for Sub,

<S>


Wurzel
Title: Re: Anyone here play the drums?
Post by: VonMessa on December 01, 2008, 03:06:58 AM
I used Paiste's as well and would recommend them first and foremost.   You spend about $350 for a set, but damn, Z's and Sabain's can only wish to have the same "bite".   

Gotta disagree about the Zildgians.  Plenty of sound, just don't buy the cheap stuff.




I've owned a Pearl set for years......maybe no the "best", but it has been holding up to the rigors of the road.

(http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff107/tymekeepyr/DaninCage.jpg)



Also know a guy who is pretty good on the drums.  He comes into my wife's chiropractic office once a week   :devil

(http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff107/tymekeepyr/DanMike.jpg)


It really boils down to taste, and the ability to set your kit up and tune it.  I have played many different kits and each one sounds different.  Even the same kit can sound completely differently when set up for playing live (reinforced or un-reinforced) as opposed to in the studio.



Title: Re: Anyone here play the drums?
Post by: Latrobe on December 01, 2008, 03:53:59 AM
I'm gonna try and start learning how to play the drums too!  :O I have a strong gut feeling that a drum set with be my big Christmas present this year! (along with Call of Duty 5  :D ). Pearl and TAMA sets are the best you can get from what I hear. I never really could read music (probably why I was so bad at Music Class), so I guess I'll just have to self-teach myself somehow. I already know how to keep pretty decent rhythm and beat just by watching my favorite drummers  :rock . (also by practicing on everything in the house)

 :salute Fellow Drummer!
Title: Re: Anyone here play the drums?
Post by: VonMessa on December 01, 2008, 05:26:08 AM
I'm gonna try and start learning how to play the drums too!  :O I have a strong gut feeling that a drum set with be my big Christmas present this year! (along with Call of Duty 5  :D ). Pearl and TAMA sets are the best you can get from what I hear. I never really could read music (probably why I was so bad at Music Class), so I guess I'll just have to self-teach myself somehow. I already know how to keep pretty decent rhythm and beat just by watching my favorite drummers  :rock . (also by practicing on everything in the house)

 :salute Fellow Drummer!

Learn to read!!

I can't stress that enough if you want to be ahead of most of the competition for auditions.  I fought it for years, but finally got tired of auditioning for session work and being beaten by guys that could pick up a score, read it, and play it.  You don't always know what you will be playing, and may not have heard it before.
Title: Re: Anyone here play the drums?
Post by: Speed55 on December 01, 2008, 07:02:54 AM
Oh, and definitely by a metronome. You don't know how how quickly playing out of time can turn a good song to crap. From a guitarist point of view it's almost as bad as playing out of tune.
 :aok Good luck with your new hobby.
Title: Re: Anyone here play the drums?
Post by: zuii on December 01, 2008, 07:12:24 AM
best cymbals in the biz, but they cost some big change, maybe for later reference



http://www.bosphoruscymbals.com/


AND Definitely get a metronome, im tired of killing drummers that cant play in time. my basement is FULL.



zuii
Title: Re: Anyone here play the drums?
Post by: sluggish on December 01, 2008, 12:16:33 PM
My good friend and drummer in my band uses a Pearl Export kit.  He uses all Zuijian brass and DW pedals and stands.  This is a guy that takes great pride in what his kit sounds like.  Drums can get very expensive even starting with a budget kit like an Export.  The Export DOES have maple shells and can sound great with the right heads and the proper tuning.  Where you're really going to spend the cash is on the brass and hardware.

I think a Pearl Export would be a great starting point onto which you won't feel silly putting top end hardware if you decide to stick with it.
Title: Re: Anyone here play the drums?
Post by: Anodizer on December 01, 2008, 12:33:20 PM
Gotta disagree about the Zildgians.  Plenty of sound, just don't buy the cheap stuff.




I've owned a Pearl set for years......maybe no the "best", but it has been holding up to the rigors of the road.

(http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff107/tymekeepyr/DaninCage.jpg)



Also know a guy who is pretty good on the drums.  He comes into my wife's chiropractic office once a week   :devil

(http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff107/tymekeepyr/DanMike.jpg)


It really boils down to taste, and the ability to set your kit up and tune it.  I have played many different kits and each one sounds different.  Even the same kit can sound completely differently when set up for playing live (reinforced or un-reinforced) as opposed to in the studio.





Hey, that first picture: Is that what you play out in(the enclosure)?  Or is that in the studio?
Title: Re: Anyone here play the drums?
Post by: Anodizer on December 01, 2008, 12:36:55 PM
Learn to read!!

I can't stress that enough if you want to be ahead of most of the competition for auditions.  I fought it for years, but finally got tired of auditioning for session work and being beaten by guys that could pick up a score, read it, and play it.  You don't always know what you will be playing, and may not have heard it before.

I totally agree..  I taught myself to sight-read over 10 years ago and it has only made me more competent in a situation where I don't know what I'm getting in to...
Title: Re: Anyone here play the drums?
Post by: Anodizer on December 01, 2008, 12:41:08 PM
Oh, and definitely by a metronome. You don't know how how quickly playing out of time can turn a good song to crap. From a guitarist point of view it's almost as bad as playing out of tune.
 :aok Good luck with your new hobby.

Yep...  In my opinion, timing is much more important than technical aptitude when it comes to drumming.. 
Timing and understanding different time signatures really pays off in the end.. 
I would much rather have someone on drums that had rock solid timing as opposed to flashy fills and loads of un-needed double bass work...
Title: Re: Anyone here play the drums?
Post by: Spikes on December 01, 2008, 02:48:15 PM
Learn to read!!

I can't stress that enough if you want to be ahead of most of the competition for auditions.  I fought it for years, but finally got tired of auditioning for session work and being beaten by guys that could pick up a score, read it, and play it.  You don't always know what you will be playing, and may not have heard it before.
+1 on that one.
Title: Re: Anyone here play the drums?
Post by: VonMessa on December 01, 2008, 08:16:34 PM
Hey, that first picture: Is that what you play out in(the enclosure)?  Or is that in the studio?


That is actually at a local church where I was the sound engineer AND the drummer (48 channel board 50 feet from stage :O   )   I wore a pedometer for a few Sunday's and it averaged at 9 miles.  I remedied that by conscripting and teaching some "volunteers" to run the mix on weekends that I had to play.

http://branchcreek.org/ (http://branchcreek.org/)

I will swear by the enclosure from now on, if possible.  Using the Aviom in-ear monitor system, one can completely isolate the drums for better reinforcement (no wash from stage sound), and you can get very precise with the gate/compressor without it clipping or having and contamination from the other drums/cymbals.

To pamper the "purist" guys I hung a Rhode stereo mic from the joists in the middle of the seating area and hooked that into the board, and subsequently, the Aviom.  That eliminated the complaints of "I don't have any ambient, or "room" sound."
Title: Re: Anyone here play the drums?
Post by: B17Skull12 on December 01, 2008, 09:14:34 PM
get new heads for the kit.  That is my advice, but other than that you sound like your good.  Maybe get a better bass pedal.
Title: Re: Anyone here play the drums?
Post by: sluggish on December 02, 2008, 07:23:25 AM
That is actually at a local church where I was the sound engineer AND the drummer (48 channel board 50 feet from stage :O   )   I wore a pedometer for a few Sunday's and it averaged at 9 miles.  I remedied that by conscripting and teaching some "volunteers" to run the mix on weekends that I had to play.

http://branchcreek.org/ (http://branchcreek.org/)

I will swear by the enclosure from now on, if possible.  Using the Aviom in-ear monitor system, one can completely isolate the drums for better reinforcement (no wash from stage sound), and you can get very precise with the gate/compressor without it clipping or having and contamination from the other drums/cymbals.

To pamper the "purist" guys I hung a Rhode stereo mic from the joists in the middle of the seating area and hooked that into the board, and subsequently, the Aviom.  That eliminated the complaints of "I don't have any ambient, or "room" sound."
Sounds like your church has a very large collection plate...
Title: Re: Anyone here play the drums?
Post by: VonMessa on December 02, 2008, 10:13:09 AM
I wouldn't know anymore............. :devil