First kit...advice

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whattaguy

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I've used the search function...so don't worry. :D
Anyway, I found a used set of Yamaha Stage Customs for about $550 at GC, and need to purchase the proper hardware (assuming that the used kit has the snare and high-hat stand) for other things. Is it possible to purchase decent cymbals and stands for $250? If so which ones?
I saw some an 18" Zildjian Z Custom, and a 14" Sabian AA Dark for about $100 each.

BTW, I'm helping one of my youth group guys buy his first kit.

I'm open to all suggestions. Thanks.
 
Stage Customs are great drums, just make sure you get everything you need to set up and play. The YD and Rydeen are pretty good too if you know someone who knows how to tune them. Pretty much, as far as the big name drums go, you get what you pay for, most entry level kits can sound fine with proper tuning or new heads.

I would personally stay away from an 18" Z Custom or 14" A custom. The Z would be way to loud and the A would be to tiny and quiet in a full band situation. If you can get a 16" or 17" sabian AA or AAX crash off ebay, that'll be pretty cheap.

Ebay is the way to go for cymbals in my opinion, you're not gonna be able to hear them before you buy them, which sucks, but trust me a $100 used sabian AAX off ebay is gonna sound better than a $100 cymbal that you got to hear at the store. Plus cymabls will sound different anyways when your playing them in a band situation.
 
As far as a Kit is concerned, go for E-Bay, and search for PREMIER.

Seriously, they are the best if you are after a beginner/intermediate kit. And as for cymbals, if you are just starting out, and are on THAT much of a tight budget, then go for a set of Sabian PRO Sonix, they sound good for the money and as and when you want to upgrade to others, they blend well with other "colours" of cymbals.
 
I love my 16" Z custom Crash. If you don't have much money you could probably buy second hand cymbals. You just have to be REALLY careful. Check for any signs of cracking or abuse. Also check the bell of the cymbal for that 'keyhole' effect you get if you don't have rubber tubing over the thread of the cymbal stand.
 
I have a 18" Z custom Rock crash....It's pretty darn loud. It can cut through pretty much anything but the nice thing is I dont have to worry about it breaking it cause you can't!!!


What style is he going for? Sabian AAX Sabians are great. I have a 17" and it sounds nice. Maybe even look into the A custom Fast crashes. Their a great accent kinda crash.

How about kick pedal and throne? Pearl elimnator single kick pedal is around 100 bkucks and its really nice. For now just go get the cheap-o-throne and maybe get a roc-n-soc or pork pie throne someday.

As far as hi-hats..New beats are great for any style. They may not be perfect for every style but they can do em all. I think carter beauford from DMB uses them.

I'm not sure for rides. Theirs tons of diffrent sounding rides and I don't know what ya want. Maybe just get somtin cheap and save up for that K ride someday.

Peace
 
Thanks all. You guys are awesome.

I went to Guitar Center to check out the Yamaha set...turns out that the $550 price is without all the hardware. He was asking for $900 w/ hardware, and $1300 with the Sabian AAX 16", ride, and hi-hats. That's about double the amount we want to spend! Looks like we're gonna go the Pearl Export route for about $500 with all hardware...and go to my local pawn shop for the cymbals.

Anyone hear about the new Sabian XS20 cymbal pack? They sounded alright to my un-trained drummer ears. Thanks again.

BTW, this is his personal set, and he plays in the church youth group band. Our style is on the rock/alternative side.
 
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