DRUMMER CAFE

I was going to wait until I get into a house, but I think house shopping is going to take a lot longer than I expected. (I live in an apartment.) And I have a little bit of money that isn't going towards the future house. So...

THE HECK WITH IT -- I'M BUYING THE REST OF MY KIT!!!  

OK, putting all concerns about neighbors and practicality aside (I already have a game plan how I'll be able to practice and record with my full drum set), I have questions about what to look for.

Here's what my current kit consists of:

* Yamaha Anton Fig Signature Snare
* Sabian 14" Fast Hat
* Zildjian 16" Projection Crash
* Sabian B8 20" Medium Ride

I'm looking to buy a kick, two mounted toms, and a floor tom. I'll be recording mostly jangly guitar pop music, but I'd want a kit that's versatile enough to handle occasional jazz-influenced and rock stuff. I'll be using the kit primarily for recording in my studio. There won't be any live performances with this kit, other than informal jam sessions with friends.

The problem is, unlike the other components of my kit (where I had a pretty definite idea of the sound I wanted before I bought the component), I don't have any idea what I want for the rest of my kit.

It seems that kick drums all sound pretty similar to my ears, and when recording a kick in the studio, the kick can be manipulated to such a point (with blankets, pillows, and mic placement) that I wonder if it even matters which kind of kick I end up going for. (I know this can't be true; that's just how it seems to me at the moment.)

Likewise, I'm not sure what to look for when listening to toms in a store. Should I be looking for something that has a nice sustain and minimum ringing from the other toms? I don't have a specific sound in mind; I just want something that records well and is versatile enough to work with different styles of music.

And then there's the question of hardware... How much of a difference does the hardware make?

One sales guy told me that the Perl Export EX was probably the kind of kit I was looking for... I'd like to hear other drummers' opinions and experiences. I'm looking to spend not much more than $600 for the kick, toms, and hardware (I don't need a kick pedal -- already have one). Is it realistic to expect a fairly good quality, versatile kit for that amount of money? Any suggestions and opinions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance...

Which brands/models would you recommend, then? I trust your opinion Felix, as you steered me right on the Anton Fig snare (which I still lovvvvvvvve). What sounds good to you will most likely sound good to me.

I was hoping to spend not much more than $600, but I could go as high as $1000 for the rest of the kit if that's what it takes to get something that's pretty good quality.

I'm really happy with all of the pieces of my kit so far (the only exception being the crash -- it sounds a bit "small", but it's still fine for now). I'd really like to get something which records well and that I won't sonically outgrow quickly.

  i have to agree about building a kit with the quality to complement that snare . I played on one at a practice studio a few weeks ago and it's the first snare I've  played in a long time that had me drooling.
     If I could get one it would make the rest of my set stick out like a sore thumb. I would definitly save and try and get a kit with quality shells rather than get a new mid-level new kit . If your not going to be gigging with it you could buy it piece by piece , sticking with a basic color that would be easy to match . With a good Bass and hats and that snare your about home free.

If you're going to be mostly recording, buy a birch kit. They tend to be cheaper, and oftentimes record better than maple kits. Cut corners with the hardware for now. You can always upgrade your stands later.

I'm probably going to go to Guitar Center tonight and check out the Stage Custom kit... They're running what sounds like a good deal with them -- $649 + they're throwing in free bags.

I agree I could probably get more bang for the buck out of a used kit, but I don't trust myself enough yet to know exactly what to look or listen for when shopping for it.

Well, I got the Stage Custom kit tonight and I really dig it. My first impression is that it has a very clean -- almost light -- sound, yet it still has a pleasant tone. I think it'll work well with the guitar/chamber pop stuff that I record.

Soooo... I took it all home, put mutes on everything (plus an old pillow in front of the kick mute to further kill any sound), and jammed silently along with an old Carmine Appice instructional book (it had a *soundsheet* with it -- remember those?). Life is good.  

Thanks again for the suggestions and advice... This board is great.

Wanna trade hardware?  

I miss my Yomamaha stands. I miss my Yomamaha mounts. I miss my Yomamaha memory locks. Hmmmm. I may not be long for these DDubs, people.