Im in a pickle.

So I've been looking for a new kit. I am looking to spend around $600-$1000 on shells. I have a few requirements though haha. 1-A big Virgin bass drum(22x20 or 22x22) 1 up and two down or 1up 1 down. So far the ddrum AMX have really stood out being a maple/ash hybrid but I have heard mixed reviews bc of the hardware. However with my requirements its have to find a mass produced kit in my range. Heads arent an issue as I will take mine of my current export kit. I am leaning towards the ddrum but idk. All help is appreciated guys. I am willing however to lean towards the $1000 side if needed. This will be my main kit (gigging anyway, pearls will be practice kit) for a couple years before I order my Truths :dancing:. I know I need to go play some kits but I want to narrow it down before I go running around like a chicken with its head cut off lol. PS I love the look of the black hardware on the ddrum............

http://www.drumza.com/images/ddrumAM...ckRedBurst.jpg

DDrum have upgraded all there drums and make a very go product now IMHO. Also those drums look very sweet. Dont know if I would go with the square kick 20 x 22 yes

Gretsch Catalina Club Mod comes with a 20x22 virgin 1up 1down. Mahogany shells. $699
also comes in a 5pc with 1up 2 down 18x22 kick for $499.

Ludwig Centenial also comes with 20x22 virgin, 1up 1down, Maple shells - right at about $1k

Sonor SSE Rock kit - 20x22 virgin, 1up 2 down, not sure of shell composition - $799

I have no experience with any of these, but worth checking out as they meet your criteria.

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Originally Posted by Gretschhead

Gretsch Catalina Club Mod comes with a 20x22 virgin 1up 1down. Mahogany shells. $699
also comes in a 5pc with 1up 2 down 18x22 kick for $499.

Ludwig Centenial also comes with 20x22 virgin, 1up 1down, Maple shells - right at about $1k

Sonor SSE Rock kit - 20x22 virgin, 1up 2 down, not sure of shell composition - $799

I have no experience with any of these, but worth checking out as they meet your criteria.

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Thanks a ton. I wanna lean more towards the maple,ash,birch area than Mahogany area. Thanks a ton though Ill be looking into it here.

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Originally Posted by Larrysperf

DDrum have upgraded all there drums and make a very go product now IMHO. Also those drums look very sweet. Dont know if I would go with the square kick 20 x 22 yes

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Thats what I was hearing. Most of the negitive feedback was from the drums back in the day. Now just to find a place that has one in stock :think:

Tama Superstars and Ludwig Epics are also one's I'd look at.

There is a Superstar SL Custom shell pack (4 pc) for $499 at MF, although it's a 22x18 kick.

The Epics are maple/birch and have a few different configs, although nothing exactly like what you want.

Ludwigs, heck yeah thats obvious, only the best darn set of drums on the market. We all know that.:icon_lol:

Also try the Gretsch as suggested and maybe even Mapex. I suggest looking at all the major lines, the more the merrier and let your ears do the deciding.

Happy shopping and post some pics or let us know what you get.:punk:

The key is finding a virgin kick in that price range. I tend to agree with Larry that ddrum has improved their product over the past several years. I recently saw a ddrum Dominion 5 piece Maple kit at a local music store, in a beautiful natural finish, for around $1,000. It had a virgin 22" x 20" kick, 10" x 8" tom, 12" x 8" tom, 16" x 14" floor tom, and 5-1/2" x 14" snare drum, all die cast hoops, and hardware was included. I was very impressed with the quality of the hardware. If I wasn't so happy with my Gretsch Catalina Maples, I would have seriously considered that kit.

http://img3.musiciansfriend.com/dbas...7/5/570275.jpg

That's a nice looking kit. I really like natural finishes.

Yea if I can find a local store im gonna go play the ddrum but I think thats what I want. Thanks guys

Remember to post pics when you get the one you want........dont forget the rules, "pictures or it really didnt happen"..............LOL

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Originally Posted by gonefishin

Remember to post pics when you get the one you want........dont forget the rules, "pictures or it really didnt happen"..............LOL

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So what you are saying is Drummer is not real and not happening now I get it lol

Buy Something USED.

Thats what I did.

http://inlinethumb60.webshots.com/24...600x600Q85.jpg

Show off!

Around me finding "steals" is tough. Too buyers out there in a large market for people to be so desperate maybe.

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Originally Posted by ThePloughman

Buy Something USED.

Thats what I did.

http://inlinethumb60.webshots.com/24...600x600Q85.jpg

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Now THAT'S an awesome find Ploughman, but then, that's what you do! :ok:

Ugh just hit the mother load. I found the kit with a 24x20 instead of a 22 in the finish I want for........................ $575! Either gonna order this friday when I get my pay check or itll have to wait another 2 weeks from then! Im super excited haha. Just thought I'd share

Dont narrow it down before looking, look before narrowing it down! You dont want to jump the gun and miss out on a kit you might prefer. Even though you are keen on Maple/Ash, you should check out other types of wood or even material. For example, the way one brand makes a birch shell may have pushed you away from that wood, but you could come across a different brand that makes a birch shell completely different - you might LOVE that sound!

I was set on getting a certain crash at one point but i accidentally hit another one whilst in the store, and i ended up preferring and buying the one i accidentally hit!!! You never know what you may come across.

Good luck, i hope you are happy with whatever purchase you end up making :)

In this economy, you need to be especially careful WHO you send money. Just because someone talks a fine talk and has a decently laid out webpage is no indication they will be able to deliver in six weeks like promised. Be sure you are dealing with a reputable person when it comes to the boutique custom market.