Should I go with Ludwig or Tama

[bluemoon45]

I'm going to be buying a new set soon to replace my current setup and sofar I've liked these sets
http://www.zzounds.com/a--2676837/item--LUDLC425GL
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Tama-Superstar-SX-Standard-4piece-Shell-Pack?sku=482384


I like the Tama because I don't really need any new hardware and hardware that usually comes with a set is cheap anyways. But I wonder if the Ludwig might sound better recorded. I wanted something Birch or Maple... even looked at some Gretsch kits.

Anyone else have an opinion?

 

[tddrummer]

I cant tell if this is the same exact kit but i believe i have almost the same Accent kit...it sounds fine recorded...it also looks good set up with one rack tom like the tama kit is. Hope that helped

 

[Farview]

If you already have a set, I don't see the point of getting either of these bottom-of-the-line kits. Save up some money and actually step up in quality.

 

[xstatic]

The Ludwig CS Elite sets actually sound pretty decent. The hardware is also much more usable than you might think, but my gut says it won't be hardware that you will still be using in 5 years due to longevity. Personally, I have never been a huge fan of the Tama sound, but that depends a lot on what you are playing and your ability to select the right heads and tune them properly. The cheaper Gretsch stuff really surprises me at how good it sounds and how well it is actually built. One other to maybe consider is the Ddrum stuff. I recently added a Ddrum Dominion maple kit to my studio inventory. It has a huge rock sound and is pretty versatile in its tuning. Of course I also paid less then $500 shipped for a 22' and a 24" kick, 1 rack, 2 floors and a snare, all brand new, so I can't really go wrong there. Just to make the comparison valid, I also have a 68 Ludwig blue sparkle kit and an early 80's maple Gretsch kit.