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Thread: Hardware Colors - Opinions

  1. #1

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    Default Hardware Colors - Opinions

    I may have posted something like this previously, but can't find it, so here goes...

    Considering finally going through with the DW Collectors all Cherry kit that I've been pondering for while now. I'm pretty well set on just a natural cherry finish, with gloss lacquer, which I think is both classic and classy. What I've been wrestling with is the hardware color. I could go with the base chrome. The color I like a lot is the upgraded nickel finish. Many would say there isn't much difference between chrome and nickel, but when you see them together, nickel has a much warmer patina, almost like a very slight hint of gold to it. The hardware of my Les Paul guitars is nickel, and this was the case for the '58-'60 Les Pauls, so they knew the difference back then. Lastly, the other alternative hardware color is gold. The gold is a spectacular color against natural cherry (witness the Mick Fleetwood kit), but I know that some feel that gold is 'too much bling'. When I had my custom Fodera bass built, I really debated between the black and gold hardware. On a bass, most folks feel that gold IS too 'blingy', but the natural chestnut top on the bass just felt like gold was 'needed'.

    Then, of course, I could always do black nickel hardware, which I think is really cool, too. Any of the hardware colors outside chrome are the same upgrade price, so from that perspective, it doesn't matter which I choose. I am also aware that a lot of you will want to say that it's my choice, do what I want. Of course that is true, but I'm curious to see what you all think. It makes no difference to the drums...the colors don't affect the sound. But I'm curious what you think. Is there a natural bias, as in basses, against gold hardware? Or is it anything goes?
    Now, just a tiny bit less than an absolute drum newbie
    DW Collectors Cherry kit, Ludwig Black Beauty Snare, DW SuperSolid Oak/Cherry Snare, DW Sabian Vault Edge Snare

  2. #2

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    I have black nickel hardware on my black velvet finished maple/mahogany kit and am VERY pleased with how it looks.

    The chrome looks great but I wanted something different, is all.

    I don't like the gold hardware. A little too Liberace-ish for my tastes..not to mention the price!

    You'll know when you see the correct colour for you.

    Rich
    DW drums and Paiste cymbals.

  3. #3

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    I personally dislike gold hardware on drums and even if money were no object it would put me off. On a snare maybe but its just too much for me on a complete set of drums. I also don't care for black coated hardware packs - I have seen too many where the black coating has chipped (probably by scratching together in hardware bags during loading unloading) and they can look very tatty pretty quickly.
    Nickel plating looks good to me - it looks like dark chrome (not too garish!) and doesn't seem to chip as readily as regular black coating - or if it does it isn't as noticeable.

  4. #4

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    I disagree, I'm not by no means a great fan of gold,but some finishes just look right with gold.

  5. #5

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    I'm partial to the black chrome/black nickel hardware seeing as that's what I have on my Superstars and I think it looks great!

    I'm also not a fan of gold hardware unless it's on a very dark wood like bubinga. But hey, I'm not the one buying the drums. If it were me I'd go with regular chrome or black chrome but it's up to you in the end!

    Just remember to post pics when you get them!
    Matt

  6. #6

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    Quote Originally Posted by drummerMD View Post
    I disagree, I'm not by no means a great fan of gold,but some finishes just look right with gold.
    I gotta agree with this, I think gold would look incredible on that cherry finish. Gold would look tacky on sparkle finishes and such but to my eye it goes perfectly with natural cherry.
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  7. #7

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    I'd go traditional chrome or the nickel. Gold would go well with the finish, but it's too flashy for my taste. I'm not a fan of black, white or otherwise colored hardware.
    -Brian

    "Too many crappy used drum stuff to list"

    Play the SONG......not the DRUMS!!!

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  8. #8

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    Cherry lacquer with gold hardware would be amazing IMO. I'd so go for it.

  9. #9

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    With the natural cherry gloss finish your going with, I think the gold hardware would look the best by far. The black would be to much contrast. I've seen a million cherry with chrome hardware kits, and the nickel hardware looks good as well, but with your shell color, the best match would be the gold hardware IMO.
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  10. #10

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    My personal opinion is that the gold hardware would look good with almost any dark colored shell pack in one solid color. Too much bling on the shells would add too much to the look of the entire kit and possibly take away from the gold.
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  11. #11

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    Being that Ive got shiny brass hoops on my toms and shiny brass claws on my bass drum hoops on my Red Lacquered Oak Customs- - - I gotta recommend the "Gold Hardware".
    Yamaha Oak Custom 22x17 with Brass Kick Port, Brass Hoop Claws,10-12-14 racks, 16 Floor and all toms have Brass Hoops and a Tama Starclassic Bubinga Elite 14x6.5 snare in Quilted Mocha Burst and Black Nickel hardware. All hi-end Zildjian Cymbals - K Dark Thin crashes & splashes, a Zildjian A crash & a Meinl 16" crash, Avedis Zildjian 1964 ride, K Custom hats plus New Beat hats on Closed X-Hat.


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  12. #12

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    I'm old school (as everyone here knows) so I'd go with the chrome............maybe the nickel. Your cymbal stands are going be chrome.
    I think any other decision runs the risk of getting something that might turn out to be a "fad" that I'd later regret.
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  13. #13

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    I'd love a cool black chrome hardware package.

  14. #14

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    Hard to beat chrome on cherry(or any other shell finish), it's one finish combination that is guaranteed to work well for years to come. However, if I was going to put black anything on it as far as hardware goes - i'd go with the powdercoat because it ends up darker. Powdercoats are pretty strong too, so I can't see them chipping with relative ease. And even if they did, re-application isn't that hard.
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  15. #15

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    Quote Originally Posted by Russ View Post
    Hard to beat chrome on cherry(or any other shell finish), it's one finish combination that is guaranteed to work well for years to come.
    Chrome on cherry lacquer stain looks good in my opinion. I like the highlights chrome offers under bright lights or daylight.

  16. #16

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    Thanks for all the thoughts, guys. If there are others who would like to chime in, I'd like to hear more opinions!
    Now, just a tiny bit less than an absolute drum newbie
    DW Collectors Cherry kit, Ludwig Black Beauty Snare, DW SuperSolid Oak/Cherry Snare, DW Sabian Vault Edge Snare

  17. #17

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    I would go with the chrome. Like Ricardo said, all of your other hardware is chrome. Not just that, but I really like the look of chrome on natural finishes.
    Quote Originally Posted by rickthedrummer View Post
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  18. #18

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    I dislike gold as well. I think its a great eye-popping stage color for a touring kit, but otherwise its too flashy for me. Chrome is obviously the standard finish, which will look great with a natural cherry finish. Actually, I think both black nickel and the satin chrome will look great as well. Although Satin-Chrome is a matte finish if im not mistaken, it lacks that shine that chrome and black nickel have.
    Too Much Stuff.

  19. #19

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    I don't care for gold hardware on anything, and certainly wouldn't pay extra for it. Once the kit is set up with chrome stands the whole thing looks cheap

  20. #20

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    Just not gold...........please!!!!!!!!!!!

  21. #21

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    Quote Originally Posted by inthpktplayer View Post
    Just not gold...........please!!!!!!!!!!!
    ok...how about some tree roots?


  22. #22

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    Quote Originally Posted by late8 View Post
    ok...how about some tree roots?
    I'd choose it over gold every time.

  23. #23

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    I concur with most of the others.................chrome would look the best IMO.............never been a fan of the gold hardware

  24. #24

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    Quote Originally Posted by late8 View Post
    ok...how about some tree roots?

    That looks bad a$$

  25. #25

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    Amazing kit! Hat's off to the drum tech who thought that one up!
    ZildjianLeague/LP/Aquarian/Mapex/Pearl
    Snares: 4
    RIP- Frank, Wolvie, Les Paul
    Quote Originally Posted by Pearl MCX Man View Post
    I wish I was your wife
    Quote Originally Posted by amdrummer View Post
    if double bass is cheating then so is using two sticks

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