Drummer Cafe Community Forum

Hey everyone -

Well, about 3 years ago I ran into the best deal of my life. I just needed a drumset, and someone was selling this transparent blue 11-piece OLD set for $75. I just wanted it for the hardware, and figured it would be worth it. So I bought the kit, did some research, and figured out it was an original Vistalite kit.

So recently, I put it up on the market (pictures are here if interested:
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v197/blackfaded/vistalite/ (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v197/blackfaded/vistalite/))

And as you'd imagine, I got an offer for $1250, which I'm going to accept. So, that's my budget, give or take a hundred or two.

Now to the point. I need a set in this price range.
-It must have two bass drums and good pedals.
-I do not need any hardware or cymbals.
-I'd much prefer brand new.
-It should be an intermediate kit
-I play rock/metal, so I'm going for that "big" sound
-I'd prefer 3 rack toms, 2 floor toms.

I've looked around a little, and the only thing that sparks my interest would be this kit:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Pearl-Export-8Piece-Double-Bass-Drum-Set?sku=447878 (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Pearl-Export-8Piece-Double-Bass-Drum-Set?sku=447878)
But I've heard some not-so-good things about Pearl.

Any recommendations on brands or specific kits?

Thanks for taking the time to listen to a n00b.

Pearl Export are great drums - the biggest thing you can do to improve them is put on pro-quality heads, top and bottom.

Blackfaded,Guitar center is owned by Musicians Friend.
My suggestion is go to G.C., try any and all sets that are configured the way you want within your price range.
Pay no attention to the name on the drums, meaning, use your ears. not your eyes.
 By the way, $75 for that Vistalite set was the deal of the decade!

I own a Pearl Export and it really is a great set, mine is a single bass and 2 rack toms, 1 floor tom though. You say you need good pedals, but I'm not too sure about those. You might want to consider new pedals if they aren't what you are looking for.

Wow....$75 is crazy for that set, your making quite a profit.


Jake

what a steal $75
what a profit
have fun with your new set 8)
Go for looks and sound not the name
You might consider DW pedals and high hat
Change the heads to pin stripes
Good luck

Remo heads are over rated. I much prefer the Evans G2 coated heads, they are much warmer and "boomier" than pinstripes. Trust me i've owned both sets.

Not meaning to offend, but heads are a very personal thing (as is everything else), so what probably would be best would be to get a whole bunch of different heads, and see what you like best. I happen to like Remo heads, but I really like Aquarian, so that's what I use. To say a head is over rated, when tons of professionals use them, doesn't really make sense to me. Sorry if that came out too aggressive nridgedrummer.

Perhaps you misunderstood me. I should've said that pinstripes are over rated because i just hate when people swear by those when there are better remo heads that give the same kind of sound but at a better quality. Pinstripes are good for how cheap they are but that's what they are, cheap. Invest in something better like a set of Ambassadors.

You hate that people swear by them?  That doesn't make them over-rated.  Doesn't make them cheap.  Doesn't make them bad.  Just means you don't like them, and that it bugs you that other people do like them.

Evans heads are over rated, I much prefer remo heads. I hate when people swear.

...and yes it does bug me when other people like them...

One of the reasons I like the Bozzio Attack heads is because there aren't many drummers who know anything about them, so I don't have to listen to their crap about my choice of heads. ;)

I used remo heads for years and loved the sound but quit using them while on the road.  At that time there were consistency problems that I could not tolerate.  I switched to Evans clears and love them.  I plan on trying heads recommended by Bart but haven't found time to switch.  Hopefully I can try them soon, if my shoulder heals enough. 

Coated heads - regardless of manufacturer - tend to have a warmer sound.

Ok it don't bug me when people like them. It just bugs me when people say they're the best drum head money can buy when they're not. And i know the fact that people like them doesn't make them cheap, the price does I'm not retarded. And i never said they were bad either, i said there are better heads that give the same kind of sound. Why don't you read the post before you bash it?

Someone needs a hug... ;)

lol...i needed that...i feel much better thanks   :)

Lighten up, Francis.

And, FWIW, I did read the post.  PM me if you'd like to discuss further.  In the meantime I'll be in my drum room breaking in some new heads. . .  Who knows - perhaps some Pinstripes!  :)

There are many ways to define best!  They could be the "Best" because of durability, or consistency, or playability, or sound, or just the best bang for the buck.  See what I mean about defining best?  Pinstripes are made with two 7-mil plies, and have a quick decay.  This construction makes them ideal heads for the "fat" sounds of Pop, Rock and R&B.  If you want a low pitched sound with moderate attack and response characteristics this has been the go-to head of pros and amateurs alike for more years than you have lived.  I don't use them myself but I have in the past.  Just because a head does not sound well to your ears or suit your style of playing does not make them bad heads.  Life is full of personal preferences so chill a bit and dont take things so personal.  Please!

wow look at all this I started...I'll keep my mouth shut next time  ;D

No hard feelings

Yep.  Moving on.

Aquarian heads all the way! \m/(>.<)\m/

So yeah...thanks for all the suggestions guys. At least I know which heads to get. Wait, no I don't...  :-\ :-X

Good day all,
I have a slightly different take on the pinstripe comment. 
A buddy of mine has a relatively new set of pearl exports with stock heads all around exept for the 10'' tom (remo pinstripe)... this was by far the best sounding drum in his setup. I've also heard pinstripes on another friends kit and they sounded great... having said that I finally have my own kit and use evans g2 clear batters over g1 clear resos and love them!! ... both companies have quality heads - it's personal preference.
Chow

Ok, considering the possibility that you really are confused on what to get I'll help you. It just depends on what kind of sound you want. I play a more Hard Rock/Progressive style of music and I feel that my Evans G2 coated heads are perfect for the sound I want. Pinstripes, however, give a completely different kind of sound. More "Poppy" or "Main Stream Rockish". I apologize that I started this whole debate but thats my whole take on the drum head situation. It really depends on what you want sound-wise. I hope this helps.  :)

There is no need to apologize as far as I am concerned.  Debates such as this can be beneficial to many people as long as things don't get out of hand with name-calling or hurt feelings.  One thing I have learned in my musical endeavors is people seldom have the same taste or the same way of doing things.  This is not always a bad thing since learning a new way or new sound only broadens an individual's knowledge of music. 

This isn't too surprising.  Most guys replace the stock heads with better quality heads.  This almost always results in a better sound - assuming the guy knows how to tune.  :)