Which kit would you prefer for rock/heavy

[Loren Littlejohn]

It's time to start planning for a good shell kit for my studio and I think I have it down to these 2 unless something comes up better used (wish I had $650 right now since there is a 3 piece masters on CL at the moment).

First one:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/drum...r-drive-sk-6-piece-shell-pack/365516000000000

Pros: Die cast hoops, toms are stand mounted, I kind of like the idea of a 6 piece and the diameters of the toms are perfect. Cannon size kick drum, haha.
Cons: I like maple shell drums more than birtch (which sucks because this shell pack would be no brainer for me otherwise).

Second one:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/drum...ce-shell-pack-with-free-8-tom/361143000001000

Pros: I like the shell wood, I guess the extra tom is cool (I don't think I would really ever use it honestly). Again the diameters of the drums are what I prefer personally.
Cons: I really hate that mounting system and if I'm going to go in a grand for a shell pack I would prefer stand mount rack toms (I like the way they resonate better).


Again I'm not set on anything at this point. I would much rather buy something used if it's not to beat (bearing edges good etc...). But I do want to get on this somewhat soon.

 

[mva801]

I'd proably go for the Gretsch. I like the slightly deeper toms and the maple. And you can still mount those on a stand dude. Just get a damn clamp to put the mount on a cymbal stand. That's what I do with my Pearls that have a kick drum mounting system. Problem solved!

 

[C_F_H_13]

Gretsch.

I actually owned one of those Catalina's years ago and it was solid (for the price).

I'm not a fan of anything tama until you get into their higher quality stuff like the starclassics...and even then...

 

[Dimaura]

I'd proably go for the Gretsch. I like the slightly deeper toms and the maple. And you can still mount those on a stand dude. Just get a damn clamp to put the mount on a cymbal stand. That's what I do with my Pearls that have a kick drum mounting system. Problem solved!

Exactly. Put the double tom mount on a stand instead of the single tom mount.

 

[BLUElightCory]

I'd look for a used Tama Starclassic. It's a better kit than either of these, and used it would be around the same price. No reason to buy new when it's so easy to find a good used kit and save hundreds.

I personally much prefer birch to maple for metal and hard rock, so birch is actually a "pro" in my book. That said, the Gretsch kits get the job done really well for the price.

Also, I'd buy a shell pack without the snare. These snares are usually next to useless and you could put the money into something really great.

 

[mva801]

^^^ The man's got a point.....

 

[greyskull]

have recorded Both; and both are good; but cory has a point.

A used star classic would be mint.

 

[GeertSamuel]

Used tama starclassic or used pearl brx (birch), lots of punch and attack.

 

[xFkx]

i'd go for a yamaha rock tour personally

 

[if6was9]

Gotta say I agree with the guys saying hold out for something good on the used market. There's always deals to be had and you'll get a killer kit for the money.

Also, having a house kit is the best! I keep a freshly skinned Pearl Export in good nick around for recording and when used with a good snare it absolutely rocks. Even a modest kit like this kept in good shape when freshly skinned and tuned well beats 9/10 kits that guys walk in with.

 

[Loren Littlejohn]

Yeah I don't care about the snare at all. Would probably just end up selling it off honestly.

Used kit it is.

I only brought these 2 up because it's in the price area I would like to be. I like all the stock features of the first more than the second but the wood wins out for me more with the second.

 

[Loren Littlejohn]

Wait a min, a Starclassic is fucking $2k new for a 4 piece shell kit (sans snare and that's not an issue).

Where the fuck am I going to find one for a grand?!?!

It's not something that comes up for sale a lot guys.

 

[mva801]

I think you could find one man. I just checked craigslist and saw like 6 of them for no more than 1200, but that was in San Diego/ Los Angeles area. I'd at least watch for a month or so and see what comes up. Musicians Friend will still be there...

 

[BLUElightCory]

There are used birch Starclassic kits (kick+3 toms) for $649.99 RIGHT NOW on Ebay...Just keep your eyes open and you'll find one.

 

[Trevoire520]

Used is the only way to go man, you'll literally get double the kit for your money. Just wait patiently, check ebay etc every day.

For the moment I have a Mapex M Birch that I got for £80. And you can be certain once I decide to upgrade (probably a DW/Pork Pie or something) I'll be going used again.

 

[ChrisTanakaCanwell]

The store I work at has had hardware issues with every single Catalina Club kit that we've sold, FWIW