New Set Opinions Requested

[clskrockdrummr]

I'm new to the board here I'm loving all the info I'm gleaning from it... I'm not a pro drummer but I have been playing for many many years, I mainly jam with old friends now and really haven't done the "working gig" thing for a long time... I have a 22 year old set of Tama Swingstar drums that, believe it or not have served me faithfully but have now lived out their usefull life... I bought them brand new way back when and have pretty much banged them to death...

I'm going to treat myself to a new kit... I'm looking at four kits in particular... Gretsch Catalina Birch or the Gretsch Renown Maple... Also looking at Tama Starclassic Performer or the Tama Rockstar Custom... I know we are talking about two different levels of drum by each manufacturer and its all a matter of dollars... If I buy the Catalinas or the Rockstars I'll have more money for extras like some new cymbals etc...

My request from the many knowledgeable drummers here is an opinion on each kit... Considering that I don't really work anymore and that my drumming is basically a hobby... Which kit do you guys think I'm better of purchasing, and why... Your opinions are much appreciated...

Dennis...

[royerin]

I would save the money and go for a lower-end kit. The quality of budget kits these days is so much better than it used to be. I did some research for a friend recently who wanted a good cheap kit and it looked to me like the DW Pacifics were the best bet. You should check them out, they sound great.

[tombo74]

Welcome Dennis!
I second on DW Pacifics. I recently tried them at my local Drumshop. I could'nt believe the sound and I couldn't believe the price. Better IMO than the Catalina sitting next to it. The quality of craftmanship seems very good and hardware also, comes with a twin-pedal. Manager told he sells tons of them. Check em' out!

[peter c]

I will '3rd' that.

After you get these drums, you
will have money left over for the
'right' cymbals, heads, beaters etc.

[Pedro G]

Well... I endorse Premier Drums so I guess I HAVE!! to say something here [img]biggrin.gif[/img] .
Check the Artist series, there are models in Birch and Maple, both sound great and they aren't expensive.
Good luck!!.

[Randy walker]

DW Pacific all the way. I have 3 kits. Love them

[Randy walker]

DW Pacific all the way. I have 3 kits. Love them

[five eight]

Four years ago I bought a brand new five piece Mapex kit for $369 plus tax with throne, bass drum pedal, hi-hat stand, two cymbal stands (one a boom) and a 8" Sabian splash. 12" snare, 8",10", 12" toms with an 18" bass with a bass drum lifter to allow the beater to strike the center of the head. Easily the most massive return on dollars as any drum purchase I've ever made. That little Venus series set has had more compliments and it is bottom-of-the-line entry level Taiwanese craftmanship at its apogee.