Soon to be Drummer! Need Advice...

[Lord of Delusions]

I have decided to put the guitar on the shelf for a while and look into a drum set. It just something I have always wanted to do, and seeing as how I usually play the airdrums instead of air guitar, it seemed perfectly logical. I am going to go with a used set, but know little to nothing about what to look out for. Mainly I want to know what kinds are absolute trash that should be avoided at all costs. I want something I can abuse a bit and not have it fall apart in a month. Also, how do you tune them? I tried playing a freinds once and they sounded like I was smacking cardboard with a wooden spoon! He said he didnt' know how to tune them either, and he bought them mainly so others could play when they were over. Any help would be appreciated!

 

[Metal up ur azz]

Try Pearls or Tamas

 

[Doodoobubbachuck]

Ah, nice decision bestwestranger . My first kit was a used kit. A huuuuge 11 pc. Ludwig set that I got for $300 from the Recycler. You can get some good deals in mags like that! Check it out online!

If you find something in your price range and like the way it sounds, then that's the set to get. You should just make sure it is sturdy enough to take whatever kind of abuse you may inflict on in, not be cracked on the seams or anywhere on the drums. Be sure you like the sound or you might lose motivation to play em if they are sounding like tupperware! The only kits I can say to stay away from is a stolen kit, other than that, if it sounds good and feels good, then go for it.

Most "famous maker" drum companies offer entry level kits if you decide not to go used. As a DW endorser I have to throw Pacific Drums out as an option to you, but I don't know what your budget is. Tama makes some good entry level stuff too, and I just read about a Yamaha Rydeen kit that got a pretty good review in MD that lists for around $800. (not including cymbals)

Tuning is personal preference. Try to tune the lugs as close to same pitch as possible around the head of the drum. You can start with tuning the top and bottom heads the same pitch and then experiment by tuning the top head a little higher than the bottom head or the other way around to see what happens to the decay of the sound and what sounds you like the best. The tighter or looser you tune them will obviously produce higher or lower and looser or fatter or flatter sounds and a different stick response. Just play around and find what tension you like best. Then move to the next drum and make the pitch a little lower (or higher if it's smaller!)......depending how many toms you get, you can tune the toms whatever interval apart that you prefer. Most of the time you can find that sweet spot where the drum sings and resonates the most at it's own true pitch. Without getting into it too much, just experiment and see what tones you like the best out of each drum. And most importantly of all...........HAVE FUN!!!!! Good luck with your search!