Set Choices

[Nikk]

I'm buying a new set in the near future. There are so many options that I feel swamped. I was leaning towards Yamaha Maple Custom but now I'm not sure. What are the upsides and downsides, in general terms, of the kits you all play? I'd really appreciate your all's feedback!

[Derek DeFields]

Is there a particular drummer that has a drum sound you really like?

[Derek DeFields]

Maple customs are great drums. I've owned a number of them over the years and they remain my favorites. I have a Gretsch now but don't go there, trust me.

Maybe something like this?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...item=911297421

Recordings are nice as well and fairly cheap new. Try one of the mail order shops (Midwest Percussion, Interstate Musician Supply) for a price. 8,10,12,14,16,22 RCs are right around 2k brand new which is pretty damned cheap, especially if don't want/need all those drums.

What's your budget? What sizes do you want?

[drumgod1]

If you can afford it, check out the Vinnie custom Gretsch drumset. You can put whatever mountin hardware on it, and rock out like the V-man! The Yamaha Maple Customs are nice too! I also love Yamaha's hardware. Or, if you are handy...try building your own kit. You can get the dimensions the way you want them, plus finish it to your heart's desire. That's what I did and I couldn't be happier!

drumgod1

[Nikk]

yeah of course Weckl, Vinnie, Bill Stewart. I'd love to find an old Recording Custom but I really don't know where to look besides Ebay. They usually have really huge dimensions on those auctions though.

[jonthibault]

Derek, why do you hate Gretch? Is it the customer service?

[Derek DeFields]

Hate is too strong a word. I just think that there's far too great a chance of you wasting your money dealing with them. There are SO many great companies out there now. Not to mention, Jasper is done and over with. What's the point of buying a Keller shelled Gretsch?

If you want specifics, you can email me at [email protected]. I don't want to bad mouth them TOO much in public. :-)