Starting from scratch

[SuperPbizzle]

I am getting a drum kit of a friend (will be my first one)

It is a used old kit an needs a lot of tlc and lots adding to it and needs things fixing but what more can I ask for, for 30 pounds.

Set includes snare and stand, mounted 12 and 13 inch toms 22x18 bass drum, bass pedal and hi hat stand and will loan 14 inch meinl amun crash and 20 inch no name ride (sounds good though) heads on toms top and bottom need replacing,

I would like your help with what hi hats to get and what else you think I should get and I will let you know of my progress.

[dt344]

It sounds like the only thing that you're missing to get started is the hi hats, and then you should be good. If you can afford it you may want to consider getting a drum throne since it will have a very adjustable height while a chair will not. When you're changing the heads on the toms and snare look for any loose screws or bolts that may need to be replaced.

[SuperPbizzle]

Yep there is a drum throne that I enquire about but the seat it self needs to be replaced but thats ok and some of the toms are missing bolts so will get my hands on a few to replace them and have spares.

Any other advice?

[SuperPbizzle]

So here's an update. I got my kit last weekend and its now set up at my parents. It is a pearl/maxwin kit (old skool) 22 inch bass drum, 13 and 12 inch mounted toms, 16 inch floor tom and 14 inch snare. Needs new tension rods for all the toms on reso side but have heads for them and all the skins on batter side need changing, snare is good but not sound I want so will use as auxiliary once I have saved up. New hi hats are needed and new drum pedal eventually.

[gonefishin]

So here's an update. I got my kit last weekend and its now set up at my parents. It is a pearl/maxwin kit (old skool) 22 inch bass drum, 13 and 12 inch mounted toms, 16 inch floor tom and 14 inch snare. Needs new tension rods for all the toms on reso side but have heads for them and all the skins on batter side need changing, snare is good but not sound I want so will use as auxiliary once I have saved up. New hi hats are needed and new drum pedal eventually.

I suggest buying the best you can currently afford.

When first starting out and on a budget I always suggest looking at high-level used cymbals.

[SuperPbizzle]

Update from my world now married and have returned to cardiff, where I have now fitted remo coated ambassadors as the reso heads on all my toms I will now be looking at cymbals and aquarian heads for the batter sides of my toms and eventually my snare.

[bloodylipp]

Pics?

[SuperPbizzle]

Soon as I remember where I got my camera, also need hi-hat and crash

[pastor_bob]

Update from my world now married and have returned to cardiff, where I have now fitted remo coated ambassadors as the reso heads on all my toms I will now be looking at cymbals and aquarian heads for the batter sides of my toms and eventually my snare.

Congrats on your marriage Super!

I agree with GF that you should look for used cast cymbals. Almost every cymbal on my kit was used, and they still have plenty of life in them. When you are looking for hi-hats try to audition some at a music store, and then find what you want used. If you tell us the kind of sound you want, we might be able to offer a few suggestions for you to think about.

[SuperPbizzle]

My dream hi hats are the meinl mb10 medium soundwave 14 inch that Jason Bittner plays or something that sounds similar but I just cant afford that cost

p.s thank you pastor bob on the nice comment.

[SuperPbizzle]

what hats would you suggest I like hard rock/metal and want hats that are piercing and crisp.

[SuperPbizzle]

Ok, I currently have remo ambassadors as reso for my toms and they sound cool but I need to change the batter heads and I need your help. I cant decide between remo coated emperor or texture coated aquarian response 2 please could you give me your opinions of these two and which you would pick. thanks

[bloodylipp]

What type of sound do you like?

Dead?

long ring?

or controlled?

[SuperPbizzle]

I like a deep rich but controlled sound with a short sustain

[backtodrum]

Clear Remo emporers would provide that for you. In my opinion although I really like aquarian heads the response II are too thick (2 plys) and make a drum sound too dead, think 70s sounding. emporers are two ply as well but the mylar is not as thick so they are controlled but more resonant than the response II. Especially if you have coated ambassodors for resonant heads.

[Timactionfigures]

For hats I always recommend Zildjian New Beats. If you can find a used set, they shouldn't set you back too much...and they are very versatile and musical...from jazz to hard rock.

[SuperPbizzle]

so two votes for the emperors, what does everyone else thing?

I have pics of the drums but not sure how to load them on here.

[bloodylipp]

There are a lot of options. The stated heads are good, ifbthey ring to much for you I would just pick up some moon gel and call it good.

I like a controlled tone as well. Currently I have remo pinstripes but my next heads will be Evans ec2 sst. If you like a low tuning the Evans hydralics are really good and for beginners they are extremely easy to tune well.

[gonefishin]

so two votes for the emperors, what does everyone else thing?

I have pics of the drums but not sure how to load them on here.

I was always a Remo fan ( over 30 years ) and have recently switched over to Aquarian for everything.

Download your pictures to one of the freee hosting sites , I use Photobucket and then get the image code to up-load here on your post.

As for your HH suggestions, just take a trip to your local music store and ask to take a few Hi-Hats for a test drive. Most places will let you take a stick to them and listen to what they sound like,

[Johnny G]

I will cast my vote for clear Emporers. Siimple heads. Easy to tune and sing nicely without the higher overtones like an Ambassador or Diplomat would have.
I have had very little experience with Aquarian and haven't tried Evans in about 10 years.
As for hats, I have found that every cymbal is going to be unique, even within a series of cymbals. You have got to play the ones you plan to buy in order to truly know what your getting. The set of hats in the shop are going to sound different than the set on sale used on-line. Cymbals are the most individualized percussion product, IMO. I would find it very hard to buy any cymbal un-heard. Stick with the area around you so you can feasibly try them out.
I guess if I had previously had the same make and series and size I would be relatively confident that I would be satisfied. Seems like quite the leap of faith though.
Good luck.

[Yoda]

I also vote clear Emps. Not too ringy and not too dead.

[SuperPbizzle]

I have some pics of the drums and cymbals and I found out the apparent no name ride is actually a 20" Zildjian Constantinople ride but the label was faint in my defence but it sound cool. So here's the pics

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q...9/P1010455.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q...9/P1010456.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q...9/P1010457.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q...9/P1010460.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q...9/P1010458.jpg

P.S Would coated emperors or clears last longer, I am a hard hitter? Also what are the differences.

Thanks

[SuperPbizzle]

Latest update I have just purchased coated emperor pack 12,13,16 + comes with 14" coated ambassador for my snare and they will arrive next week. Cant wait to put them on the kit and see how they sound

I was thinking that coated gives more warmth then clears, am I right?

[iNDiGLo]

Thats a nice looking setup. Yes coated heads will give the drums a warmer sound than clear heads. The clear heads will have more attack but the coated heads will have a warmer less harsh sound.
Congrats!

[SuperPbizzle]

@ iNDiGLo: Thanks mate. I will let you know how they sound

Also when I/we get a video camera I will be uploading vids on my youtube channel and I will link and update here