DRUMMER CAFE

:-/ I am just beginning to play the drums, I need a full sized set, but I don't know what brand of drums to look into.  I want some good, sturdy drums, not cheesy bad sounding drums, they don't have to be perfect though.  THe only problem is that I don't have a lot of money, so what I want to know, is what drums are the best quality for your money-remember I am just a beginner.  Thank you for your help.

I think what you mean to say is that these brands offer good quality entry level sets. They in themselves are not entry level.

Also ... it's Sonor ... not Sonar. Just wanted to clarify that.

I would look for a nice set of used drums. Even if the quality is not the best you'd like to have, you'd be surprised the quality of sound you can get with new drumheads on them. Since you are starting out, I wouldn't spend a bunch of $$$ on getting a great entry level kit. Buy a higher quality used kit. Put more of your money into high quality cymbals. You can always make a lame drum sound better ... but there's nothing you can do if the cymbals sound terrible.

I agree with Bart, for the most part.  Spend GOOD money on GOOD cymbals, because you simply can NOT make a Camber II sound good!  However, you can buy some cheap new or used entry level drums and make them sound great.  You can do this by keeping good heads on the drums(top and bottom), and tuning them right(an added bonus to buying cheap drums, by having to work harder to tune them to get a good sound, you will probably gain a better knowledge of tuning!).  

Now, the problem with buying a used kit is that many places overcharge like crazy.  They can do this because they know that you don't know!  So if you want to go used, get some prices, and then ask us if it is a good deal.  If you can afford new drums, Pacific are made by DW and are apparantly a GREAT buy.  Also, check Tama Rockstar, Yamaha Stage Custom, Pearl Export(avoid the forum series).  

As for cymbals, stick with either Zildjian, Sabian, or Paiste.  I don't know much about Sabian or Paiste, but the other guys here do.  As for Zildjian, the A and A Custom series are bothe great quality and quite versatile.  The K and K Custom series are also great, but tend to have a darker tone that might not be considered as versatile.

Versatility is the key factor here.  You need veratile size drums, versatile cymbals, and good hardware.  Yamaha makes really nice hardware, and so does Tama, IMHO.  You will change your definition of "good sound" many times over the next few years, so don't get extreme or odd sizes.  

  Here is a set of used Tama Imperial Stars . This is a good way to check pricing , by comparing what stuff on E-Bay is going for . This set has no cymbals so I would say if I could get this set for say $450.00 and add a used set of quality Hi-hats , a ride and a couple crashes
for about another $350.00 .  This set has 2 floor toms and 3 racks so $450.00 would be fair . A 5 piece I would figure $350.00 .  So what I'm saying is , for about $700.00 you should be able to get a quality, used, mid-level kit from any of the top MFG , ie , Pearl Exports , Yamaha Stage Customs , Tama RockStars , ect , with good used cymbals . Not student cymbals but good quality ones like A- Zildjian  or AA Sabians .

Here is the set on E-bay and a pic .
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1521955939&r=0&t=0&showTutorial=0&ed=1015794398&indexURL=0&rd=1

there are tons of great drum retail sites on the net.  Here are the first 2 i can think of:
Musiciansfriend.com (which i try to avoid using.  They're bad about customer service).
midwestpercussion.com(never tried them, but heard good things)

check there for prices.  But a quick rule of thumb for head pricing is  a dollare per inch.  You will commonly find heads that are like $8 for a 10", but buy the time you toss in tax, and s&h if applicable, you spend $10.  Bass drum heads are more like a $1.50 per inch.  

Banana - Yes there are plenty of dealers on the net - but none of them compare to RuppsDrums.  You should call Bob Rupp @ 303-756-5777 - he's also on the net.  This cat will set you up.  He's also the definitive Pacific/DW dealer - and those are hands down the best drums around today (besides the old Gretch/Camco kits)  I've been dealing with him ever since I started - and I was in the same position as you.  He'll tell you everything you need to know and give you a great deal.  Also, if you're a "beginner", I would suggest getting a teacher if you don't already have one.  He/She can also give you good advice (depending on the teacher - of course...) GOOD LUCK

Here is where I insert my semi-regular warning about buying low-end Gretsch kits. They're not really Gretsch, just Taiwanese (or whatever) drums with Gretsch labels on them. They actually sound OK, but I can't say much for the hardware, not even they stuff they copied from RIMS. Sonor, Slingerland, Ludwig and other companies have done similar things in the past, but I don't know what their current practice is for the bottom price range.

For my money in that range, I would look at: Yamaha Stage Customs, Pacific, Pearl Exports, Taye, and maybe Tama. I also like Bart's idea of buying a used kit of better quality. Shop around. Don't make a rash decision.

i know this is sonds clique to ask about kits, but what do you guys think of the Mapex Saturn or Mars Pro.  I was thinking of buying one of the two and was hoping someone could provide me with any insights they have.

Thanks heaps
dean

p.s. i just found this site and its wonderful!