Great idea: Getting More Info
I'm fairly new at drumming but when I bought my kit awhile back I didn't shop the internet. Being a musician for mucho years, I knew enough to get my ass to a few music stores and see first hand what's up.
I compared practically every set for construction, size, materials and sound. I listened to a few opinions but I got mostly just preferences, no solid real reasons of which kit to go with, besides how would one know without playing a particular kit? They can all have problems
Know what your budget is before you start! I see yours has changed already
Go with pad and pencil and create your price list. You'd be surprised how the prices fall when they see someone serious enough about buying to be writing things down, not to mention when you have it in black and white to compare right in front of you the bullshit don't fly too much.
Be careful because they are trying to make a buck off you and they'll all be short on details and you'll end up buying all kinds of extras. Don't be afraid to ask how much an extra tom will cost or cymbal or double pedal or whatever. Write it down, add it up. What extras does this kit come with? Details. right them down.
Once you have enough written down, then it's time to start negotiating because at this point you have the advantage. Your salesman will be getting brain dead from all the details he's keeping in his head but you'll be sharp with it right there in front of you. Watch, you'll even catch him trying to look at your pad to see what you have written down if you go back over something. RAZZLE AND DAZZLE HIM until you get the price you want.
If you are getting this kit for recording then get it used! Who cares what it looks like? The only thing that is important is how it functions and how it sounds in the end.
Don't discount the old favorites either, ludwig, gretch...etc., they have already proved their value.
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