6 piece shell packs

[suededoesit]

Hello, I have one question. I'm in the market for a 6 piece shell pack. I'm considering a configeration of an 8,10, 12, 14, 16, and a 22 bass drum. I currently have 4 snare drums and would want to forgo the snare for one of the listed toms. I would be classified as an intermediate drummer who has been playing for 15 years. What I would like to know is, what drums should I consider for my purchase? What drums will give me the most "bang" for my buck? The 'ole quality vs. price debate. My budget is $800-$1000. Thanks for your time and consideration, Dave

 

You represent the industry target in that range.You have more to choose from than ever before.Look at Tama,Sonor [my fave],and Yamaha.Go online,you will be there for days.Its impossible to offer you a short list these days.

 

[Pounder]

Mapex, probably, or Ludwig

 

[BigMur]

I'm enjoying my Gretsch Catalina Ash kit. It has the sizes you want. You may want to upgrade the heads. The factory ones are not great.

These came highly recommended to me!

 

[Luddite]

Also the Gretsch Catalina Maple, which is a 10/12/14/16/22 with snare---there are 8's available. A couple of forumites have them or have played them, and like them a lot> Here's a link to a review:
(broken link removed)
I've owned and played the Ludwig CS Custom Elites---very nice drums for the money. The CS Customs are a matte finish rather than clear lacquer and are less expensive. You may be able to ala` carte that configuration and stay close to your price range.
Also, the Mapex M Birch series are very nice drums and in your price range---they offer kits with an extra 8" thrown in.
Yamaha's new Stage Custom Birch series drums have received very positive reviews here, check the Review section of the forum for recent ones. Good luck!

 

[franke]

Pounder said:
Mapex, probably, or Ludwig


I agree, but I have to say that Mapex offers the best value-for-the-money right now. Some of the Pro M kits are within your budget and come with good hardware. Let me know if you would like to learn more.

 

[rritter]

Sonor 3007’s, It’s the 9 ply maple that makes these drums sound like kits selling for thousands more. Best drum value period.

 

[mfry2112]

if you are looking at maybe piecing a kit together, i have 8,10 and 12 ludwig 6 ply toms that i will sell you for 150.00.

 

[biggator]

PDP x7 kit. Great bang for the buck - pretty much exactly the config you want.

 

[Coelacanth]

biggator said:
PDP x7 kit. Great bang for the buck - pretty much exactly the config you want.

Those come in some very attractive finishes, and the price is great too. However, at least with the stock heads, the poplar shells sounded a bit thin for my tastes (some guy at the Pearl forum posted sound-tests of his new X7's). I'm sure they'd sound alright with single-ply heads and proper tuning, though.

 

[suededoesit]

I wanted to thank everyone for their insight concerning the shell packs. Lots of useful information recieved! Thanks again, Dave

 

[Cannons]

Yamaha Stage Custom Birch - very nice drums for the money.