tilinmyowngrave said:
Yesterday I went to drum classes. My teacher and I got into a discussion about drum sets. He said that Sonor (he ddint specify which series) can be pretty unreliable. I told him I didn't think DW was all that great. And we got into a conversation about all these lesser known drum companies that make kick ass sets (Brady, Tombura... or... i forgot, soem Italian drum company,I'll find out the name, but they make really nice drums).
SO heres my question... whats hype and whats real quality? This is a really subjective question, so I don't think their is any real answer... but I just want your opinions.
Well, a lot of companies are hyped out the wazoo. I mean, after all it's a business first and foremost. But I feel that just about every major drum company out there is making decent gear. Obviously, there is some garbage floating around - like those "HB" drums. Those people should be ashamed of themselves!
To me, the whole issue of "hype" has to do with the price of their drumkits.
Rest assured, DW does make good drums, and they offer a lot of variations in the sizes that are available, as well as the finishes, and their hardware is great.
BUT - and this is a big but - are their drums really worth the price difference between...let's say, their 10"x12" tom in piano black, and a Yamaha 10"x12" in Piano black, or a Pearl?
I would have to say no.
The most hyped drums right now are Orange County.
I mean, if you go to drum supply house, you can purchse the EXACT same lugs that OC uses, as well as the exact same drum shells.
And if you price the parts (and even include Drum Supply House doing the labor for you) you can build the exact same kit for THOUSANDS of dollars less.
So, what you are paying for is the "finish" (which you, or a commercial artist can do - any decent cabinet shop or car painter can put a pro finish on a drumkit) and the Orange County NAME.
That is where the hype is.
Sure there is some hype with Sonor....and it is based on their former reputaion of the company that Horst Link built. In the late 70's through the mid 80's - Sonor was THE name to have - their Signature drums were about half an inch thick, and man, they were simply incredible sounding.
I remember they used to have this advertisement with this big burly construction worker standing on top of one of their 12" Toms.
Sure, it was hype, but it was true that their shells were extremely strong, and heavy duty.
I've never really liked Tama - and I don't know why, I was always partial to Pearl over Tama. I think it was because I always liked the look and feel of Pearl's hardware.
When I was younger, and just starting out back in the 70's - Ludwig was "the kit to own", they had Bonzo, Roger Taylor from Queen, Alan White from Yes, Tommy Aldridge (when he was in Black Oak Arlansas, prior to his switching to Sonor, which was before he went with Yamaha)and a whole slew of these incredible drummers. I liked their hardware, and their drums were really heavy duty and sounded killer. Then Ludwig began focusing on Marching and School percussion and they became king of the educational market, but lost their standing as a leader in the drumkit market. Unless they do something really incredible, they will never be able to fully regain the standing they once held - which is a shame, considering the fact that their kick drum pedal was the one that started it all.
Then Sonor became the name to have.
So, yes, there is obviously a lot of hype - for all of them, but most of them make very good products....the question really boils down to - are they worth the price difference.
Here's a prime example - I've been using Axis pedals ever since they came out. I guess it was around 15 years or so ago somebody told me about them, and you couldn't get them in the stores. I called all over America for several weeks unti lI finally found a place in LA where I could order them. They cost me an arm and a leg it seemed at the time. (I mean back then a DW pedal could be bought for right around $100, a Speedking was going for probably $75 or so.) But they were worth it. I'm on my second set - not because the first ones wore out, but I wanted the longboard versions when they came out, and I was calling Darrel Johnston (owner of Axis) and pestering them to get the pedals. He gave me the ordering info on them, I called Interstate Music (one of my favorite places to buy gear - I've had a long, successful relationship with them so I've stuck with them) and the salesman at Interstate Music had to physically input the information into the system. I ordered the pedals then and there, called Axis an hour later to confirm, and they shipped me the pedals overnight from the factory.
So, since I have had nothing but EXCELLENT service form Axis - their pedals are the best I've ever played, and their service has been top notch for me.... I can't name another company who would do what they did for me, so I have always endorsed their products....is it hypre on their end...I don't think it is nearly as much as it SHOULD be. Sure, the pedals are a bit more than others, but it's an American made product by a small factory...hell, the owner still actually is out in the shop making pedals!
I doubt any of the "top dogs" at Pearl, Tama, or Sonor have ever made a drum....although I do know for a fact that both Lombardi and John Good at DW make drums, or at least have in the past.
I won't knock DW's quality - because it is good, but I just think they are over priced... plus, they had "Rikki Rocket" from Poison as an Endorser....and that hurt their reputation/credibility with me, because that was BLATANLY a bad slap in the face of millions of other deserving drummers.
Tim
they are amazing.
I'm having a nostalgic moment here....
) had the worst quality control going at the time. I was heartbroken folks believe me.