Best of what you can afford?

[_brian_]

Hi I opened this in an earlier thread it was a little more open though but now i've decided between 3 kits for recording temporary in the studio, i dont have the option of trying out kits as i'm a long way to any shops. i use ebay a lot but i'm not looking to buy secondhand at the moment. I just need a 5 piece acoustic drumkit, hardware inclusive for alternative music.

I know they're probably not great for you to choose between as your all probably used to a higher quality instrument but this will later be used as a practice kit anyway. But if you can throw in a better kit for the same price i would be greatful. i live in the uk so vat sadly exists

Going to spend at the most £400

Yamaha Gigmaker studio
Mapex Q Series
Gretch Blackhawk

Thanks in advane for all your input

 

[happymatty]

where bouts in the uk? if your anywhere near walsall, west mids then i know a friend whos selling his full kit.

 

[Rimshot]

Of those three I say the Gretsch kit

The Yamaha and the Mapex are Basswood shells. All three of these companies produce good hardware so that's not a major issue (but it will be lower end on the hardware and not the same as on the more expensive kits). Gretsch has been producing fairly good entry-level drums and these have mahogany shells (still not hardwood, but mahogany is what most "vintage" kits are made from).
There are other things that you might want to consider: first, check out any listings on a good used kit (you can get a real bargain on a real GREAT kit that may just need a little bit of "tender loving care"). I got a lot of good used kits by checking out the big retailer's used section. Don't worry about the color. I often bargain for kits that have hideous colors cause I can get them cheaper. A later investment in good drum wraps can turn that hideous kit into the kit of your dreams (you just need to be slightly handy).
I don't know if these brands are available in the UK, but there is a small gig sized kit made by Sound Percussion (a brand sold through Sam Ash) and they are maple shells and the hardware is okay and they are very inexpensive. I had one that I sold to a student and it had great sound, but the drums were small. The 4 piece kit sold for about $250 (that's within your price range). There are often smaller companies that are producing kits with good hardware and hardwood shells that will cost a bit less than the bigger brands. You should check them out first though.