help choosing a set

[tilinmyowngrave]

ive been playing for 4 months. i have definately gotten better, and I'm saving up money. ive been playing on a really cheap, messed up set i got on ebay, and over the summer i wanna get a job for money. so here are my questions:

Sabian or Paiste (no zildjian)? I play hard, but i also like precision and variety in my cymbals. I love Sabian's Paragon series, but I also love all of the Paiste cymbals... so which should i choose?


Which is the best drum set? i really want something that can really cut through anything, very loud and powerful, but it doesnt sound like crap. I prefer deep and VERY loud bass drums, loud snares, and tone rich toms.

Thank you for the advice.

 

[elevate]

Sabian or Paiste (no zildjian)? I play hard, but i also like precision and variety in my cymbals. I love Sabian's Paragon series, but I also love all of the Paiste cymbals... so which should i choose?

Whichever sounds best to you and/or whichever meets your budgetary requirements.

Which is the best drum set?

Brady? That Paiste/Jeff Ocheltree kit that Danny Carey uses? This is pretty subjective.

 

[tilinmyowngrave]

um...

I guess I will stick to Paiste... my favorite drummer uses em anyway... but in terms of drumsets, the Paiste drum set is really expensive right? how much would a good paiste set cost? (good is 5 piece, i already have a double pedal)

 

[elevate]

but in terms of drumsets, the Paiste drum set is really expensive right? how much would a good paiste set cost? (good is 5 piece, i already have a double pedal)

I think they're all custom made to order. I think I read somewhere that Danny Carey's kit was in the $50,000 range.

 

[tilinmyowngrave]

hehehe i WISH i could have Danny Carey's set... but i was thinking soemthing cheaper... hm... also, do you know anything about Tabla? I'm learning it, and i want to know whats the best thinbg to do: electric drum (like a handsonic) or an accoustic set?

 

[coolsoundman]

Hey timmy,

I would recommend the paiste cymbals. i think (imo) they are a lot better quality and they have nice sounds. They may be a little on the expensive side, but they are sure worth it. I have been using paiste for more than ten years and they are still good. Sabians are ok, and they have good sounds, but they look a little cheap (cheaply made.) Zildians tend to crack after a period of time. I had one zildjian cymbal and it was cracked in four areas of the cymbal and it didn't have a good sound. Besides, they are machine made unlike the paiste and sabian cymbals are hand hammered. My recommendations would be to go for the paiste brand, even the entry level cymbals are great sounding cymbals. Good luck in choosing.

 

[DuoToneBand]

I don't know y u need a new kit after 4 months!?! If money is not a problem. Get a DW kit. I love mine. They record very well. As for cymbals. Paiste rock. Thats all I use. DW Collectors Drums. Paiste Signature and prototype cymbals.

 

[billmcdonald]

Im going to have to say that the best bang for your buck (in my opinion) is going to be pearl. I dont know what your budget is. The exports arent bad, sessions are really nice, and masters are really really nice. They have great customer service. But no matter what anyone tells you-let your ears be the judge. Play as many kits in your price range as you can, read reviews, SEARCH on forums, find out as much information as you can about the drums you are interested in. There is no BEST drumkit! Read about different woods and bearing edges, and the sounds that the different variables make, get an idea of the sound you are going for and work your way up from there.

As far as cymbals are concerned, it depends on what kind of music you are into. Avoid cheap cymbals at all costs. Alot of times people will be like "DOOD IM GONNA GET A TON OF CHEAP CYMBALZ SO I CAN LOOK LIKE MIKE PORTNOY OR SUMTHING LOL" but, they will break, and/or sound terrible, so bad that you will want something better in time. And you will find yourself spending more money in the long run, trying to replace them. So yeah, get the good ones and as far as brands go, try your hardest not to be biased for/against zildjian/sabian/paiste. Once again there is no "best" and to say that one of these brands SUCK is just an outright lie, all of them make some fine cymbals, and some...not-so-fine cymbals, its all what your ear likes, and dislikes. Do lots of research...find out what is ideal for your playing style. I prefer versitile cymbals, because you dont ever want to find yourself stuck at a jazz gig or at a church or something with Z Customs but if you are pretty sure what style you are going to play, then you may be interested in a specific type of cymbals...like I said, do your research and you will have a good idea of what you want.

tips when shopping:
never buy anything without hearing it...in person
know what sound you are looking for
dont be pressured by salesmen or even friends who think "this is the best"
dont buy into "gimmicks" (such as zxt titaniums... )
try out as much stuff as you can
try not to be biased
a good deal is a good deal...but a general rule is if something is cheap, its probably cheap. Just remember you are pretty much always going to get what you pay for. Good or bad, its up to you. But hey, if you like it, go for it!

You are the judge, in the end, no one elses opinion matters. If you really dig it, get it! And, remember, opinions are opinions...

I hope I was some help, and good luck on your purchases!

 

[ez_willis]

Hey timmy,

I would recommend the paiste cymbals. i think (imo) they are a lot better quality and they have nice sounds. They may be a little on the expensive side, but they are sure worth it. I have been using paiste for more than ten years and they are still good. Sabians are ok, and they have good sounds, but they look a little cheap (cheaply made.) Zildians tend to crack after a period of time. I had one zildjian cymbal and it was cracked in four areas of the cymbal and it didn't have a good sound. Besides, they are machine made unlike the paiste and sabian cymbals are hand hammered. My recommendations would be to go for the paiste brand, even the entry level cymbals are great sounding cymbals. Good luck in choosing.

How'd you know his name was Timmy?

Let me see, both user's registered Feb. 2005, mmmm, sounds like you might be a Paiste salesman, or you've got some gear for sale somewhere.

You've been playing at least 10 years and your kit looks like-

 

[tilinmyowngrave]

I don't know y u need a new kit after 4 months!?! QUOTE]

hehe im saving up for a new kit. trust me, my current one is terrible.... i cant even hear the snare when playing double bass... But thanks everyone for everything. I just like thinking of ways to improve my set (im a big fan of big sets, I currently use Paiste Signatures, which i really love) but i probably won't expand on my set for another year or two. I just want something to think about... Anyway, thanx for the advice.