Not deserving A drum Kit

[imnotverygood9]

I've heard people say this alot, on youtube, forums, just anywhere, that people do not deserve the drum kit they are playing on. You see some kids with their dad's usa customs and these people are constantly ripping on these little kids for being spoiled. What do you guys think? I think there is a line somewhere, ie, if you cant keep a steady, simple beat you don't deserve a 1000 dollar kit you parents bought you.
The reason Why I am asking this is because of the great deals on gretsch renown 57s full size and bop kit on swee****er. (1000 and 800) However, I don't feel I'm god enough to deserve the kit no matter how low the price is. Tell me, what do you guys think? Then again, the good kit might really inspire me to live up to the kit though. Anyway, tell me your thoughts. I want to hear more about this.

[inthpktplayer]

First of all, people that rip other people on YouTube are douches and nobody should give them or their comments one moment of thought.

Second, buy what you like and what you can afford.

[drumsetsnide]

Whatever kit(s) you choose to play and whatever reason(s) you choose it/them are your decision(s) and nobody else's. Get what you like and play what you like and have as much fun as you can.

The reason people attack others for having what they have and doing what they do is because they are judgmental, jealous and lack self-esteem and have inferiority complexes. It's all fear-based.

So to answer your question, get the kit that you want and enjoy it.

[ZildjianKid234]

First of all, people that rip other people on YouTube are douches and nobody should give them or their comments one moment of thought.

Second, buy what you like and what you can afford.

Whatever kit(s) you choose to play and whatever reason(s) you choose it/them are your decision(s) and nobody else's. Get what you like and play what you like and have as much fun as you can.

The reason people attack others for having what they have and doing what they do is because they are judgmental, jealous and lack self-esteem and have inferiority complexes. It's all fear-based.

So to answer your question, get the kit that you want and enjoy it.

Both of these guys summed it up perfectly. No one can judge what kind of drums you buy...They're YOUR drums.

However, I will say, don't buy a $1000 set unless you're sure drumming is something that you want to continue doing for a long time.

Good luck!

ZK

[Northern Redneck]

What I have always said is you dont NEED the exspensive top of the line stuff when youre not playing jobs of that level. Big difference.

[scorch whammin]

Get a kit you can afford and obviously one you like...and don't worry about what others think or say...do you want to play drums?..do you enjoy playing drums?..if so, then get the kit you want and have fun playing it!...

[Dodeska]

What I have always said is you dont NEED the exspensive top of the line stuff when youre not playing jobs of that level. Big difference.

This +1.
It's a bit like buying a Ferrari when all you ever do is drive down to the local shop to buy groceries.
I'd love a top of the line kit, but I don't need one for what I play, & what I have is quite adequate.

[Doc_d]

I think the only measure should be your level of commitment. Anyone who is committed to learning and playing should have as nice of a kit as they can reasonably afford.

I do think buying a full set of DW collectors, pro level cymbals, etc for someone just starting out might be foolish because many, many people give it up after a few months.

[pastor_bob]

INVG, I consider myself a growing drummer who still has quite a way to go in my drumming journey. Some days I feel like a pretty good drummer, and some days I don't. Other musicians who hear me play are very complimentary of my drumming - including my bandmates. That means a lot to me, and at the same time, I still know how far I want to go. Having said that, if I wanted to upgrade my kit tomorrow - and I could afford it - it would. This journey is mine, and no one else's. There will always be people that can bring negative criticism, and some may be constructive. Other negagtive criticism simply comes from people that are just plain negative people, and they are that way for a variety of reasons. When you hear it, just nod your head politely, and move on. If you want the Renowns, and can afford them, get them. Just remember that there are a lot of other expenses that go with drumming, so factor that in. If you have, and you can still can afford the Renowns, well, you know.

[xweasel]

I think people can buy whatever kit they feel like buying. I think it's generally a bad idea to get an $8,000 set as a first drum kit, though. At that stage, you don't really know if you're gonna stick with it or not.

[kaosotis]

As usually, sound advice from the DC world.

Keep in mind that when people say get what you can afford, only you can judge what you can afford.

Getting a set of Renown is not some crazy purchase. If you, and/or your family, can afford that as a first kit, and can afford to lose $ if you decide to sell it later, then more power to you.

The one thing not mentioned is that sometimes it's more motivating to be on a better kit. That's not an argument for $4,000 drums, but certainly an argument for $600 drums over $300 drums. NR's right, you don't need expensive drums, but you no reason to not get a solid kit if you can afford it.

[DamageDrummer]

yep, everyone else already answered the way i would have.

jump in head first man, if one doesn't pick up on drums, then the kit can be sold in pieces or as a whole kit. i have seen plenty of drummers with huge kits that only use some of it.

oh and as for youtube comments, turn them off, there is always going to be trolls out there that think its funny to make everyone else mad, or give you a "dislike". thats the down side of youtube IMO. i turned off the comments a long time ago.

[Shawn76]

yep, everyone else already answered the way i would have.

jump in head first man, if one doesn't pick up on drums, then the kit can be sold in pieces or as a whole kit. i have seen plenty of drummers with huge kits that only use some of it.

oh and as for youtube comments, turn them off, there is always going to be trolls out there that think its funny to make everyone else mad, or give you a "dislike". thats the down side of youtube IMO. i turned off the comments a long time ago.

I have a big kit but I use it all.Kind of pointless to buy all the add ons and not use them.
Buy the kit that you like.Some of us here started on cheap kits others started on higher end kits,but it doesn't change the way you pick up on how to play the drums. Still have to do the same things to get good at it.

[Skillful Kai]

I really love my Orion because I worked hard in a stupid retail job for ages to afford it, I learned to play on a Flatz Arbiter kit and eventually bought a Pearl Export with B8 cymbals. Now I have an Orion and HHX cymbals because why not!

I'm not playing wembley stadium or recording for any pop sensations but I'd sure as hell rather play on my awesome equipment then go back to my old equipment even if it is in a room on my own to tracks on my iPod haha.

I wouldn't ever say that people didn't deserve high end kits or anything but I do feel a bit ticked off when a little kid is arrogant about their kit and they've started off with a custom made SJC kit with full A custom cymbals. It's really strange. I think you should have to work your way up through the crap equipment to really appreciate the sounds of the instrument!

[Nechre]

I bought high end gear through toiling through other things in my life. I'd hope that no one would ever say about me that I don't deserve the gear I play on, I've sunk far too much time into playing for that to be the case.

The explanation of these comments is often petty jealousy. Some people luck out and are born into money, and they get access to things that the rest of us have to work for. That's life. Who cares if they deserve the gear? The gear shouldn't be the primary focus of the player - playing should be. If the player stinks, criticize the playing (I'd urge constructive criticism, unless they're gloating about their "mad skills". Some people do, in fact, need to be taken down a few pegs). I'd say don't mock someone for having great gear - that doesn't even make sense.

[DamageDrummer]

I have a big kit but I use it all.Kind of pointless to buy all the add ons and not use them.

good point, i very much agree. this is better than saying that someone doesn't deserve it. it is pointless, a waste of money, and setup time (if you gig) to buy something huge if your not going to use it all, but i think most drummers will agree, that doesn't mean that someone doesn't *deserve* it, thats a bit harsh, and sounds like a youtube comment to me . it is what you make it to be.

[MartyM]

I believe that there is NOTHING wrong with a parent providing any set to their kid. That being said, there have been alot of parents contacting DC over the years and asking advice as to what kind and how much...smart people! If this glory set means putting your parents in debt..stay simple and in-expensive..if they have the means...i say why not...you will learn on any type, just have a slight advantage over others that critize you do mostly to jealosy.

[imnotverygood9]

Thanks for the feedback, my parents have been wanting to get me a new kit for christmas ( coming up) The kit would probably be the bop version ( 800 ) which while being expensive, would not put anybody in debt except myself ( more cleaning to be done ). Right now its a choice between the renown bop ( better build/ apparently sound) and the catalina maple ( more drums and 750 for a 6 piece).

[isaacvining]

I can agree with the statement that playing nicer drums can inspire you in ways that a cheaper drum set can't. Whenever I sit down behind a nice kit (especially mine :D ) I always feel at home and even more confident at times!

On the other hand, I can also say that being on a cheaper kit can be inspiring too. I guess any new playing situation in general inspires you in one way or another.

[drumsetsnide]

INVG, I consider myself a growing drummer who still has quite a way to go in my drumming journey. Some days I feel like a pretty good drummer, and some days I don't. Other musicians who hear me play are very complimentary of my drumming - including my bandmates. That means a lot to me, and at the same time, I still know how far I want to go. Having said that, if I wanted to upgrade my kit tomorrow - and I could afford it - it would. This journey is mine, and no one else's. There will always be people that can bring negative criticism, and some may be constructive. Other negagtive criticism simply comes from people that are just plain negative people, and they are that way for a variety of reasons. When you hear it, just nod your head politely, and move on. If you want the Renowns, and can afford them, get them. Just remember that there are a lot of other expenses that go with drumming, so factor that in. If you have, and you can still can afford the Renowns, well, you know.

Well said PB.

I bought high end gear through toiling through other things in my life. I'd hope that no one would ever say about me that I don't deserve the gear I play on, I've sunk far too much time into playing for that to be the case.

Work hard, make sacrifices and save. You did the right thing and you got what you want.

jump in head first man...

oh and as for youtube comments, turn them off...

I agree.

Thanks for the feedback, my parents have been wanting to get me a new kit for christmas ( coming up) The kit would probably be the bop version ( 800 ) which while being expensive, would not put anybody in debt except myself ( more cleaning to be done ). Right now its a choice between the renown bop ( better build/ apparently sound) and the catalina maple ( more drums and 750 for a 6 piece).

Well, having read the choices you have, either set by Gretsch is a fine choice. Gretsch makes some fantastic sets. I don't think you could go wrong with either. Having said that you may want to consider the Renowns. As time goes on you can add a drum or two.

[slinglander]

Who "deserves" a $250,000 Ferrari?
Who "deserves" an $8,000 drum kit?
A Western, Christian culture, moral question that really confuses the issue of affordability vs talent vs hard work!
Ignore the argument: buy whatever you like.

[drumsetsnide]

Who "deserves" a $250,000 Ferrari?
Who "deserves" an $8,000 drum kit?
A Western, Christian culture, moral question that really confuses the issue of affordability vs talent vs hard work!
Ignore the argument: buy whatever you like.

THIS!!

Like slinglander, me and a few others have said, get what you want and like.

[itchie]

$250,000 for a Ferrari ..thats a cheep one

I personally think if you by a kit you love then your most likely going to want to play the kit ..i see lots of kids buying budget kits, they end up unplayable in only a few months to a year.

buy a kit you can live with and respect and it will pay you back in the long run

[almostmatt1]

Someone mentioned dedication. I don't think it has anything to do with how skilled you are, Buddy Rich was unarguably amazing at what he did, and the quality of drums back then can't hold a candle to even the worst of what's being put out today. If drumming is something you're planing on pursuing, why not get a better kit? You shouldn't look at gear that will correspond to your perception of your skill level, you should look at gear for what you can use it for, what you can afford, and what you WANT. (:

[groovearteest]

The way i feel about it is, buy whatever you want. The only thing that bothers me is when you have kids that get the super expensive sets and don't even take drums seriously and basically only have them there as oversized expensive toys, especially when they brag about have this "toy" and think they play really good, when they in reality don't practice more than twice a year, can't play worth a lick(haha just now realized the pun i made there). Maybe im wrong for thinking that way but thats how i feel. but if your going to take playing seriously then play whatever you feel like playing. whether your a beginner drummer or a veteran, play whatever it is that you'd like. Just as long as you take it seriously.