what are good drum brands?

musicman2010 · 09-13-2010, 08:56 PM

just wondered what some decent drum brands are.

I know First act, Cheap not so great right! Someone got a set online for $100 5 piece set.

Piccolo How is this for a snare drum?

I have been looking at the music site and see others

Mapex

Pulse

gretsch

Tama

Pearl

Sound Percussion

Ludwig

Yamaha (I would guess this is a pretty good brand )

Pork Pie ( now thats a crazy name)

While over at my gals brothers house playing on the drums other day it seems the only three drums you need is the Hi hat, Snare and the Base, you can practice the main beats with these. Is there a set that is good with all of these are should we buy different brands of each one?

someone said Zildjian is a really good brand.

Unless your going to play in a band do you really need a really good set? or does a good set last longer w/o needing parts replaced or how does it work?

Sorry I am so new to this stuff.

also. will any bass pedal fit on any bass drum or does it have to be the same brand or??

what stands are good for the top hat and the snare???
I seen a set on musiciansfriend for like $99 for 4 stands think it was but read the reviews said they broke within a few days. so what brands should I be looking at

Thanks everyone for info.

Freebase Dali · 09-13-2010, 10:59 PM

Piccolo isn't a brand. It's a type of snare drum. They're typically very shallow and are very high-pitched and tight. I use one, but only as an effect snare, or second snare, depending on the application. Generally, you'll only want a piccolo if you like a really high, tight, snappy/cracky snare.

Anyway, here is a VERY GENERAL and non-objective perspective on those kits:

Mapex, Pulse, Sound Percussion = Crap.

Yamaha = Ok/good.. depends on the kit.

Gretch = Ok/Good. Also depends on the kit.

Tama = Good/Great. Depends on kit.

Pearl, Ludwig = Best of the bunch on average. Also the most expensive, but the higher end Tamas might be just as pricey.

Pork Pie = I have no idea. I heard one of their snares before.. but other than that, I can't tell you.

Zildjian is a great cymbal maker, but you're going to pay out the ass. If you're not too concerned with specifics, you can work the Sabian line for a lot less without sacrificing too much quality. But Sabian make their cymbals entirely different, so you should go to a music shop and check out the differences in person.

Any kick pedal will fit on any kick drum. It's a matter of clamping it down on the bottom rim of the kick drum, and all kick pedals have adjustable clamps. Your concern should be playability with the kick pedal. Try them out in a music shop, and get someone to show you how to adjust the tension on it. You want a pedal that allows you enough resistance without taxing your legs, and also without having too little resistance, because you won't get any kind of impact out of it. It should be smooth and responsive.

As far as the hi-hat stand is concerned, I've found the 2-leg stands to be the best, especially if you're considering upgrading to a double-kick pedal... because you'll be able to maneuver the hihat pedal in such a way as to allow the left kick pedal to fit perfectly without obstruction. But if you don't plan on upgrading, just get something that's sturdy. As for the snare stand, you can't really go wrong with that. As long as it's sturdy and holds your snare drum, you're good. Might want to make sure it accommodates the angles you need as well.

For a lot of this stuff, it's a very good idea to first look online and read reviews, like you did. User reviews at instrument websites like musiciansfriend is a good tool to help you weed out the crap and find the best for your money. Reviews are your friend.

Oh, and lastly... as far as your question about buying different brands of drum shells and all.. you're far better off sticking with a single brand. If you actually need me to explain why, then I will... but if possible, just take my word for it.

SATCHMO · 09-13-2010, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freebase Dali

Pork Pie = I have no idea. I heard one of their snares before.. but other than that, I can't tell you.

I think Pork Pie just makes snares and drum thrones.

Dr_Rez · 09-19-2010, 01:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freebase Dali

Piccolo isn't a brand. It's a type of snare drum. They're typically very shallow and are very high-pitched and tight. I use one, but only as an effect snare, or second snare, depending on the application. Generally, you'll only want a piccolo if you like a really high, tight, snappy/cracky snare.

Anyway, here is a VERY GENERAL and non-objective perspective on those kits:

Mapex, Pulse, Sound Percussion = Crap.

Yamaha = Ok/good.. depends on the kit.

Gretch = Ok/Good. Also depends on the kit.

Tama = Good/Great. Depends on kit.

Pearl, Ludwig = Best of the bunch on average. Also the most expensive, but the higher end Tamas might be just as pricey.

Pork Pie = I have no idea. I heard one of their snares before.. but other than that, I can't tell you.

Zildjian is a great cymbal maker, but you're going to pay out the ass. If you're not too concerned with specifics, you can work the Sabian line for a lot less without sacrificing too much quality. But Sabian make their cymbals entirely different, so you should go to a music shop and check out the differences in person.

Any kick pedal will fit on any kick drum. It's a matter of clamping it down on the bottom rim of the kick drum, and all kick pedals have adjustable clamps. Your concern should be playability with the kick pedal. Try them out in a music shop, and get someone to show you how to adjust the tension on it. You want a pedal that allows you enough resistance without taxing your legs, and also without having too little resistance, because you won't get any kind of impact out of it. It should be smooth and responsive.

As far as the hi-hat stand is concerned, I've found the 2-leg stands to be the best, especially if you're considering upgrading to a double-kick pedal... because you'll be able to maneuver the hihat pedal in such a way as to allow the left kick pedal to fit perfectly without obstruction. But if you don't plan on upgrading, just get something that's sturdy. As for the snare stand, you can't really go wrong with that. As long as it's sturdy and holds your snare drum, you're good. Might want to make sure it accommodates the angles you need as well.

For a lot of this stuff, it's a very good idea to first look online and read reviews, like you did. User reviews at instrument websites like musiciansfriend is a good tool to help you weed out the crap and find the best for your money. Reviews are your friend.

Oh, and lastly... as far as your question about buying different brands of drum shells and all.. you're far better off sticking with a single brand. If you actually need me to explain why, then I will... but if possible, just take my word for it.

Most of what you said is correct but Iv played some killer Mapex Sets. I think there lower end is certainly crap, maybe even more crap than other brands lower end gear.

Also try out Paiste. Amazing sound. Granted one should base much off brand, only off the pleasing sound it may give. Granted personally if a bunch of records I love were recorded on a Pearl Export I would definitely take that under heavy consideration.

Ps. Try possibly looking at a Pearl Forum. A version on there masters and export series geared towards beginners.

ThePaciFest · 12-15-2011, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RezZ

Most of what you said is correct but Iv played some killer Mapex Sets. I think there lower end is certainly crap, maybe even more crap than other brands lower end gear.

Also try out Paiste. Amazing sound. Granted one should base much off brand, only off the pleasing sound it may give. Granted personally if a bunch of records I love were recorded on a Pearl Export I would definitely take that under heavy consideration.

Ps. Try possibly looking at a Pearl Forum. A version on there masters and export series geared towards beginners.

I agree on Pearl Forum, really good for price, pretty good design, normal amount of tuning screws on drums, made from Poplar. Not to expensive.

mr dave · 09-14-2010, 02:03 AM

i've heard great things about Pork Pie kits (they do make them but they're a little hidden on their site), though generally the comment comes from Punks so take that as you will.

thing is Pork Pies are HAND made. therefore $$$. consider this... a 4 piece SHELL pack - $1200

Buy Pork Pie Little Squealer 4-Piece Drum Shell Pack Blood Red Sparkle | Shell Packs | Musician's Friend

definitely not beginner gear

drummerchic2010 · 09-18-2010, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr dave

i've heard great things about Pork Pie kits (they do make them but they're a little hidden on their site), though generally the comment comes from Punks so take that as you will.

thing is Pork Pies are HAND made. therefore $$$. consider this... a 4 piece SHELL pack - $1200

pork pie being hand made i would want one would i love my bro drums so i think ludwig is what i want!

musicman2010 · 09-14-2010, 09:05 AM

Freebase Thanks so much that's just what I needed. that is great info.
Sorry as said I know nothing about this stuff.

How about Pacific Drums by DW I those on the music site.
It won't let me post links to other sites it say I have to have 15 posts.

my gals brothers drums are two different times one is ludwig

P A N · 09-14-2010, 12:21 PM

mapex are not crap drums freebase! their high-end models easily match pearl and ludwig.

as for Pacific, if you can afford them, get them. you're gonna get a lot of bang for your buck out of those ones. the only difference between them and DWs is essentially that they are made overseas, the lugs are ovular instead of round, and you get less options for the finish. there is a lot of care going into those drums. even the bearing edges are perfect.

the reason pork pie drums are associated with punk so often is that they specialize in crack. tons of attack, very little tone and decay. some of them have 4 4inch soundholes in them so as to further strip the drum of any natural tone. kind of a specialty drum, and probably not favourable by a novice.

but hey, if you're just learning, you don't even need real drums! practice pads will do just fine, and probably annoy everyone around you a tad less. i learned on the crappiest kit i've seen still to this day. i just put towels or pillowcases under all the skins to kill all the whacked out vibrations i was getting from shoddy bearing edges and warped shells.

i think the best advice is probably not to worry too much about the quality of your first kit. get something cheap that you can learn on, and further assure yourself that this is something you want to invest significant amounts of money in. quality instruments are not cheap. BUT, the cool thing about drums is that you don't have to replace the whole kit to upgrade. which, to me, amounts to CONSTANT FUN.

musicman2010 · 09-14-2010, 05:52 PM

thanks for the advice keep it coming, well my gal wants to really learn and I would like to play around with them. Glad she getting into music like this I am going to have a sound room in my house. when get one. lol. I love music I used to be a DJ at a skating rink.

I am sure even a first act set would get me and her both learning but how well could we learn is the question We have been looking on Craigslist and just like to know if what people are selling from $100-400 is worth a darn or should just buy new.

Still considering just buying those three drums for now.

09-13-2010, 08:56 PM	#1 (permalink)
musicman2010 Groupie Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: buchanan Ga Posts: 15	what are good drum brands? just wondered what some decent drum brands are. I know First act, Cheap not so great right! Someone got a set online for $100 5 piece set. Piccolo How is this for a snare drum? I have been looking at the music site and see others Mapex Pulse gretsch Tama Pearl Sound Percussion Ludwig Yamaha (I would guess this is a pretty good brand ) Pork Pie ( now thats a crazy name) While over at my gals brothers house playing on the drums other day it seems the only three drums you need is the Hi hat, Snare and the Base, you can practice the main beats with these. Is there a set that is good with all of these are should we buy different brands of each one? someone said Zildjian is a really good brand. Unless your going to play in a band do you really need a really good set? or does a good set last longer w/o needing parts replaced or how does it work? Sorry I am so new to this stuff. also. will any bass pedal fit on any bass drum or does it have to be the same brand or?? what stands are good for the top hat and the snare??? I seen a set on musiciansfriend for like $99 for 4 stands think it was but read the reviews said they broke within a few days. so what brands should I be looking at Thanks everyone for info.

09-13-2010, 10:59 PM	#2 (permalink)
Freebase Dali Partying on the inside Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 5,584	Piccolo isn't a brand. It's a type of snare drum. They're typically very shallow and are very high-pitched and tight. I use one, but only as an effect snare, or second snare, depending on the application. Generally, you'll only want a piccolo if you like a really high, tight, snappy/cracky snare. Anyway, here is a VERY GENERAL and non-objective perspective on those kits: Mapex, Pulse, Sound Percussion = Crap. Yamaha = Ok/good.. depends on the kit. Gretch = Ok/Good. Also depends on the kit. Tama = Good/Great. Depends on kit. Pearl, Ludwig = Best of the bunch on average. Also the most expensive, but the higher end Tamas might be just as pricey. Pork Pie = I have no idea. I heard one of their snares before.. but other than that, I can't tell you. Zildjian is a great cymbal maker, but you're going to pay out the ass. If you're not too concerned with specifics, you can work the Sabian line for a lot less without sacrificing too much quality. But Sabian make their cymbals entirely different, so you should go to a music shop and check out the differences in person. Any kick pedal will fit on any kick drum. It's a matter of clamping it down on the bottom rim of the kick drum, and all kick pedals have adjustable clamps. Your concern should be playability with the kick pedal. Try them out in a music shop, and get someone to show you how to adjust the tension on it. You want a pedal that allows you enough resistance without taxing your legs, and also without having too little resistance, because you won't get any kind of impact out of it. It should be smooth and responsive. As far as the hi-hat stand is concerned, I've found the 2-leg stands to be the best, especially if you're considering upgrading to a double-kick pedal... because you'll be able to maneuver the hihat pedal in such a way as to allow the left kick pedal to fit perfectly without obstruction. But if you don't plan on upgrading, just get something that's sturdy. As for the snare stand, you can't really go wrong with that. As long as it's sturdy and holds your snare drum, you're good. Might want to make sure it accommodates the angles you need as well. For a lot of this stuff, it's a very good idea to first look online and read reviews, like you did. User reviews at instrument websites like musiciansfriend is a good tool to help you weed out the crap and find the best for your money. Reviews are your friend. Oh, and lastly... as far as your question about buying different brands of drum shells and all.. you're far better off sticking with a single brand. If you actually need me to explain why, then I will... but if possible, just take my word for it.

09-14-2010, 09:05 AM	#8 (permalink)
musicman2010 Groupie Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: buchanan Ga Posts: 15	Freebase Thanks so much that's just what I needed. that is great info. Sorry as said I know nothing about this stuff. How about Pacific Drums by DW I those on the music site. It won't let me post links to other sites it say I have to have 15 posts. my gals brothers drums are two different times one is ludwig

09-14-2010, 12:21 PM	#9 (permalink)
P A N DO LIKE YOU. Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 629	mapex are not crap drums freebase! their high-end models easily match pearl and ludwig. as for Pacific, if you can afford them, get them. you're gonna get a lot of bang for your buck out of those ones. the only difference between them and DWs is essentially that they are made overseas, the lugs are ovular instead of round, and you get less options for the finish. there is a lot of care going into those drums. even the bearing edges are perfect. the reason pork pie drums are associated with punk so often is that they specialize in crack. tons of attack, very little tone and decay. some of them have 4 4inch soundholes in them so as to further strip the drum of any natural tone. kind of a specialty drum, and probably not favourable by a novice. but hey, if you're just learning, you don't even need real drums! practice pads will do just fine, and probably annoy everyone around you a tad less. i learned on the crappiest kit i've seen still to this day. i just put towels or pillowcases under all the skins to kill all the whacked out vibrations i was getting from shoddy bearing edges and warped shells. i think the best advice is probably not to worry too much about the quality of your first kit. get something cheap that you can learn on, and further assure yourself that this is something you want to invest significant amounts of money in. quality instruments are not cheap. BUT, the cool thing about drums is that you don't have to replace the whole kit to upgrade. which, to me, amounts to CONSTANT FUN.

09-14-2010, 05:52 PM	#10 (permalink)
musicman2010 Groupie Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: buchanan Ga Posts: 15	thanks for the advice keep it coming, well my gal wants to really learn and I would like to play around with them. Glad she getting into music like this I am going to have a sound room in my house. when get one. lol. I love music I used to be a DJ at a skating rink. I am sure even a first act set would get me and her both learning but how well could we learn is the question We have been looking on Craigslist and just like to know if what people are selling from $100-400 is worth a darn or should just buy new. Still considering just buying those three drums for now.