Topic: UK band going to States?

[Thunderbird]

Hey dudes,  how are y'all?

I'm playing with a band who are headed stateside (visas allowing...) in a couple of weeks to tour for about three weeks.

I've been considering what the best option for kit might be.  Although it's a support tour we'll be a separate independent entity (headliners don't use kit, also there are a few of our own shows) so we'll need to get a kit.  We start in Phoenix and end in Philadelphia.

I suspect that the best option may be to buy a kit in Phoenix and then sell it at the end?  It need not be anything fancy but drums and hardware and cases.  Cheaper the better really - any ideas where I might go? Would it be easy to sell...?

We don't have a great deal of time etc.  I would love to read some ideas about what might be best, it's our first time touring US!  Exciting times.

Thanks very much.

[Todd Norris]

Hey Thunderbird, you already have some friends in the Phoenix area here on the Cafe.  You might check in with member Andy Ziker, as he teaches at a large music store in Mesa that may have some good deals for you to check out.  You may also find something good listed on Craigslist.com.  I assume you'll bring your cymbals, pedal and perhaps a snare? 

Please post details about your tour so we can come out to say hello! 

[Hank Gagnon]

why buy when you can rent.

[Scott Hutton]

Ebay or Craigslist would be good options for finding used gear in a hurry. You could sell the gear the same way.

[Luke Elwick]

American artists in England rent gear so why not do it over there?