Drum purchase recommendations

[Froinlavin]

I just saw a 5-piece Gretsch Nighthawk drum set on sale for $500--5x14 snare, 8x12 and 9x12 toms, 14x14 floor tom, 16x20 bass, all hardware. It also includes Sabian B8 cymbals. I had budgeted 800-1200 for drums, but if this will suit me, I'd like to know.

I don't play, but I'm going to learn. I don't want to buy a set that I'll outgrow too soon. Don't want to have to buy another set in a year.

I'm using the drums to record. I don't anything real loud. Just something that sound pretty good (I know that's a very objective statement, but hopefully someone will know what I mean.)

The guy at the store highly recommended them for me, but I wonder if he's being honest or a good salesman.

Any advice?

[Dogbreath]

Hey chief...I'm no pro by any stretch but...........I think they'll be OK. From what I've been reading, even a crappy set (speaking of MY set, not yours) can sound good with good heads and proper tuning. If you're not up on tuning, google "drum tuning bible". I tried to give you the link but it didn't work.
As far as heads...lotsa choices. Maybe do a search here. I think I remember a thread about skins in particular.
Luck to you in your quest...........
Peace


Kel

[Froinlavin]

I've also come across a Sonor Force set (don't know the specifics other than it's made of maple) for $1000 that includes Sabian B8 cymbals. I'm sure it's better than the Nighthawk, but how much better, I don't know.

[tilinmyowngrave]

Sonor Force 3005? Thats a great set, I'm currently saving up for it. I say you get that, but its up to you.

[Froinlavin]

Crap...I meant to say it was a Sonor Force 3001 series. Not the 3005. Sorry for not being as specific as I should have been.

[tilinmyowngrave]

ionno anything about Sonor FOrce 3001, sorry :-(. but i do no that SOnor has a good reputation.

[marknrox]

Spend your money on quality cymbals, and a good snare. Stay away from budget and beginner packs. Whatever is left goes to the kit. You can change the sound with heads and tuning; everything from open Jazz to dead 70's rock and everything in-between.

Something else to think about is if you are short/small, don't get deep rack mount toms. Standard size toms will drop lower to the bass drum allowing you to get comfortable. I learned the hard way, I wanted a BIG sound and got deep Power Toms mounted too high resulting in a lot of unwanted rimshots. Not to mention all the scuff marks on my bass drum from trying to lower them.

Hope this helps.

[Froinlavin]

What do you consider to be quality cymbals? I've been looking at Sabians, but am not sure where the quality starts in their line (B8 Pros are a nice price, but does that indicate inferior quality?). Perhaps I should also look into Paistes? Any other ideas?

[marknrox]

Price is usually a giveaway. Stay away from stamped/rolled sheet metals. Look at the original lines that made the company famous to begin with. Look at what your favorite drummer uses. Ask the local drum shop about differences in quality and by all means play some while you're there.

Go for sound not looks.

[marknrox]

- Found this on the web:

Budget / Semi Pro Range Examples:

Paiste: 302, 402, 502, 802, Alpha Ranges
Sabian: B8, B8 Pro, Pro Sonix Ranges
Zildjian: ZBT Range

Pro Range Examples:

Paiste: 2002, Signature
Sabian: AA, AAX, HH, HHX
Zildjian: Avedis, K, K Custom, A Custom, Z Custom

[Froinlavin]

Exactly what I was looking (and hoping) for.

Thanks.