I'm not sure you need to know what you want to hear in advance. I think it can be far more powerful to let yourself be surprised by what you hear.
I'm afraid I have to agree.
I see nothing wrong with a completely inexperienced drummer walking into a drumstore with no preconceived ideas (or soounds) at all, playing all the kits and if one kit sounds better than the rest (instinctively), buying it.
The problem we often try to highlight at The Cafe is the influence of branding.
Kids don't go into a drumstore with an open mind, they generally go into a store looking for a kit that mirrors the sound of Lars Ulrich, or Peart or Portnoy. Or even a kit that just
looks right.
I also reject this whole idea of having a sound in one's head.
I don't think many players, but the truly advanced ones, can operate on that level.
I certainly can't.
I'm constantly surprised by drums and their sounds, much like Mr A's Camco experience.
I have my own prejudices, favouring older American drums and not particularly liking modern Japanese drums.
However I regularly have to use other people's kits and rental sets. If a new Yamaha kit blows me away, I'm sensible enough to admit it.
BUT, I have to play it
in anger and for an extended period to make up my mind.
I couldn't walk into a drum store and tell you which is the best performing kit.
The conditions are too alien for a real road test.
However, auditioning drums in a store is a much better test than asking forumites to choose between two brands.
That's why I (and others) always reject these debates and suggest the poster make up their own mind by getting out there and playing.
