the best?

[Stephen.A]

hello everyone,

Haven't posted in a loonngg time but i have a question.
what is the best drum set one can get on a budget of about 700-800 dollars(american)? It would be playing hark rock and metal. doesn't have to include hardware as I understand it is but 700-800 dollars. Also it has to be new. So, i ask again, what is the best, new drumset one can get on this budget?



thanks,
S.A.

[slinglander]

Each major drum maker has what everybody on this forum would consider the best drums for that price. Comes down to wood type, color and hardware differences(tom attachments, lug design, etc.) that you favor. You have a lot of googling and store shopping to do to see the differences that will help you make your best choice.
Good luck!

[ThePloughman]

Anything used in good to excellent condition that cost twice that much new. Not hard to find in these times.

[Stephen.A]

well i just prefer new.. also it will be my second drumset so i will need something that is durable enough to gig yet still packs a good punch

[jordison515]

I'd look into some Gretsch's (Catalinas!!), Mapex's, Tama's... I say Tama but the Silverstar is $850 for the shell pack. Just a little out of range.

[Russ]

Kind of a vague question.. I don't really know if there is a "best drumset", in any price range. There are plenty of good ones however. Gretsch catalina maple, Mapex meridian, PDP x7 maple, Yamaha stage custom birch, Ludwig element, Pearl vision. I don't think Tama has much in that price range unless you can get a deal on their all birch superstars.

[Stephen.A]

ok...for a solid/hardrock/metal set how are the Ludwig elements compare to the tama silverstars and maybe a ddrum defiant ?

[Zeta]

ok...for a solid/hardrock/metal set how are the Ludwig elements compare to the tama silverstars and maybe a ddrum defiant ?

Since it is only your second kit I'd advise you avoid ddrum because of the inspecting youll have to do before buying it.

Personally I would say the Mapex Meridian series. I have the M Birch which was replaced by the meridians a few years ago. and it is absolutely a great kit, very solid and well made.

But every company makes a drum kit in the same level of quality so it then comes down to price and which kit you like the comfort of.

[Russ]

Between those three? I'd get the Tama silverstars or the Ludwig Element. The thing I like about element is that they are available in a number of decent configurations and finishes, but depending on which configuration you choose you'll end up with a different shell composition. Some use birch/poplar, some incorporate mahogany(likely the cheaper phillipine type, also known as lauan). Check specs carefully before deciding. If it were me i'd get the Meridian maples or Tama Silverstars. Highest quality kits in that general price area.

[Riouel]

well i just prefer new.. also it will be my second drumset so i will need something that is durable enough to gig yet still packs a good punch

new =less quality

[gonefishin]

I am partial to Ludwigs but not too sure what their price is.......but I recently saw a Gretsch shell pack in a local music store in my area listed for about 850.00

I think any of the major name brand sets will do you fine. Good to see ya posting again and let us know what you end up getting.

[marko138]

I'd look into some Gretsch's (Catalinas!!), Mapex's, Tama's... I say Tama but the Silverstar is $850 for the shell pack. Just a little out of range.

My local shop is selling 6-piece Silverstar kits at $675 all day every day!

[yohin]

My local shop is selling 6-piece Silverstar kits at $675 all day every day!

And also the 5-piece config is $599 from most of the major retailers.

I believe the Tama kits are the best kits in their price range because they're extremely well-built and they have some nice hardware on them. If you can find some 2010 Superstars, they're right in your price range and are basically the same as Silverstars except they have diecast hoops and different lugs. Both the Superstars and Silverstars are all-birch kits which makes them slightly better suited for rock/metal than maple kits.

[jafo]

Bought my Gretsch Catalina maple set off of the bay( Sigler Music), around $800 that included PDP hardware. All nice quality equipment. I changed the heads to Remo and it sounds awesome. The only issue I had with them was I had to re tighten the lugs, but no biggy. Something I should have done when I first got the kit. They haven't come loose since. Don't get me wrong, they were not ready to fall off or anything, I just checked them and they were alittle loose.

Good drum set plus good hardware for the price.

[late8]

You can get this Tama Rockstar Double bass shell pack for $799 USD.

[marko138]

You can get this Tama Rockstar Double bass shell pack for $799 USD.

That's a beast of a kit!

[late8]

That's a beast of a kit!

My 5pc. ECX was $799 on close out clearance in '08. Although the Rockstars aren't 100% maple, it's still a great deal with lots of drums!

[ZildjianKid234]

You can get this Tama Rockstar Double bass shell pack for $799 USD.

My friends dad played in an 80's hair metal band and he toured with that kit, still has it in his basement. Its pretty epic

[jordison515]

My local shop is selling 6-piece Silverstar kits at $675 all day every day!

O.M.G. I might have to take a drive down there! My set's breaking down anyway. 20 years of drumming... My set's been through a lot!

[Russ]

I'd take the silverstars over those rockstars to be honest. You might get more drums with the rockstar, but the ones makes and distributes aren't the 90's ones and don't sound as good. They're a poplar shell, as opposed to the birch/basswood of the previous design. They do have the starcast going for them however.

[Stephen.A]

hmm alright,so i take it that most will agree on the Silverstars? does anyone know where i could find individual toms for the new silverstars? GC doesn't seem to carry them.

[Russ]

Most legitimate distribution sites can order them from the company from you. When I asked MF about getting an add on for my kit awhile ago, they said it's no problem as long as it was over a certain price and it's from a line currently in production, which most toms in that range were. If the line is not in production, it's a special order direct from the company, and not all of them do this. Cheaper kits needing add ons would have better luck with ebay, unless you can get your local shop to help you out.

[marko138]

O.M.G. I might have to take a drive down there! My set's breaking down anyway. 20 years of drumming... My set's been through a lot!

Get a hold of me if you need more info. I've been shopping at this place since day 1 of my drumming. It's a high quality shop.

[Mrs_Smith]

Hi Stephen, the guys make a great point regarding the Silverstar. From what I hear it's beautiful and sturdy; honestly it's the best value for money in your case.

If you still require advice regarding your situation, feel free to visit your local music store and speak to the head of the drum department. He would probably give you a discount on those Silverstar toms

[Mrs_Smith]

You can get this Tama Rockstar Double bass shell pack for $799 USD.

Hmmm gotta check out how much they'd charge me for this pretty baby in Cape Town