Originally Posted by mr dave (Post 931420)

i've heard great things about Pork Pie kits (they do make them but they're a little hidden on their site), though generally the comment comes from Punks so take that as you will.

thing is Pork Pies are HAND made. therefore $$$. consider this... a 4 piece SHELL pack - $1200

Originally Posted by Freebase Dali (Post 931382)

Piccolo isn't a brand. It's a type of snare drum. They're typically very shallow and are very high-pitched and tight. I use one, but only as an effect snare, or second snare, depending on the application. Generally, you'll only want a piccolo if you like a really high, tight, snappy/cracky snare.

Anyway, here is a VERY GENERAL and non-objective perspective on those kits:

Mapex, Pulse, Sound Percussion = Crap.

Yamaha = Ok/good.. depends on the kit.

Gretch = Ok/Good. Also depends on the kit.

Tama = Good/Great. Depends on kit.

Pearl, Ludwig = Best of the bunch on average. Also the most expensive, but the higher end Tamas might be just as pricey.

Pork Pie = I have no idea. I heard one of their snares before.. but other than that, I can't tell you.



Zildjian is a great cymbal maker, but you're going to pay out the ass. If you're not too concerned with specifics, you can work the Sabian line for a lot less without sacrificing too much quality. But Sabian make their cymbals entirely different, so you should go to a music shop and check out the differences in person.

Any kick pedal will fit on any kick drum. It's a matter of clamping it down on the bottom rim of the kick drum, and all kick pedals have adjustable clamps. Your concern should be playability with the kick pedal. Try them out in a music shop, and get someone to show you how to adjust the tension on it. You want a pedal that allows you enough resistance without taxing your legs, and also without having too little resistance, because you won't get any kind of impact out of it. It should be smooth and responsive.

As far as the hi-hat stand is concerned, I've found the 2-leg stands to be the best, especially if you're considering upgrading to a double-kick pedal... because you'll be able to maneuver the hihat pedal in such a way as to allow the left kick pedal to fit perfectly without obstruction. But if you don't plan on upgrading, just get something that's sturdy. As for the snare stand, you can't really go wrong with that. As long as it's sturdy and holds your snare drum, you're good. Might want to make sure it accommodates the angles you need as well.

For a lot of this stuff, it's a very good idea to first look online and read reviews, like you did. User reviews at instrument websites like musiciansfriend is a good tool to help you weed out the crap and find the best for your money. Reviews are your friend.

Oh, and lastly... as far as your question about buying different brands of drum shells and all.. you're far better off sticking with a single brand. If you actually need me to explain why, then I will... but if possible, just take my word for it.

Originally Posted by RezZ (Post 933237)

Most of what you said is correct but Iv played some killer Mapex Sets. I think there lower end is certainly crap, maybe even more crap than other brands lower end gear.

Also try out Paiste. Amazing sound. Granted one should base much off brand, only off the pleasing sound it may give. Granted personally if a bunch of records I love were recorded on a Pearl Export I would definitely take that under heavy consideration.

Ps. Try possibly looking at a Pearl Forum. A version on there masters and export series geared towards beginners.

Originally Posted by musicman2010 (Post 931361)

just wondered what some decent drum brands are.

I know First act, Cheap not so great right! Someone got a set online for $100 5 piece set.

Piccolo How is this for a snare drum?

I have been looking at the music site and see others

Mapex

Pulse

gretsch

Tama

Pearl

Sound Percussion

Ludwig

Yamaha (I would guess this is a pretty good brand )

Pork Pie ( now thats a crazy name)




While over at my gals brothers house playing on the drums other day it seems the only three drums you need is the Hi hat, Snare and the Base, you can practice the main beats with these. Is there a set that is good with all of these are should we buy different brands of each one?

someone said Zildjian is a really good brand.

Unless your going to play in a band do you really need a really good set? or does a good set last longer w/o needing parts replaced or how does it work?

Sorry I am so new to this stuff.


also. will any bass pedal fit on any bass drum or does it have to be the same brand or??


what stands are good for the top hat and the snare???
I seen a set on musiciansfriend for like $99 for 4 stands think it was but read the reviews said they broke within a few days. so what brands should I be looking at



Thanks everyone for info.