If You Were Going to Buy a New Drum Set, What Would it Be?

[Steech]

For acoustic jazz, I prefer an 18x14 bass drum tuned medium high, and without muffling (maybe a felt strip), and a 12" tom tuned fairly high. Over the years, I've accumulated enough drums and cymbals that I rarely call on my drums (particularly my bass drums) to be particularly "versatile". I just use a different kit or cymbals for the different sounds I'm after.

I'm sure I could tune my 20x16 high and it would sound great, but I haven't touched the factory tuning since it arrived in Feb of 2020!

Makes sense

 

[UptownShakedown]

Not as sexy as some of the choices on here but I think that Pearl Maple Gum kit in Satin natural looked and sounded killer. Not a huge fan of the badges but sound and look were awesome.

 

[Old Drummer]

Actually, if I were to buy a drum set new to me, I'd look for a used set lower end than my Gretsch Catilinas. I see contenders advertised from time to time, but because I'm not buying, I don't inquire. I just think cheap drums that the owner can make to play well are cool.

Of course, if I wasn't a cheapskate, I'd look for a 50s/60s set of Ludwigs, maybe in silver sparkle, or possibly a set of Slingerlands from around the same era. Again, we're talking cool.

Last but not least, if I were to buy a brand new set today, I like those top-of-the-line Ludwigs made from mahogany. I forget what Ludwig calls this series (no sense remembering because they're way too expensive for me) but I like them, especially with the mahogany wood.

 

[Steech]

Actually, if I were to buy a drum set new to me, I'd look for a used set lower end than my Gretsch Catilinas. I see contenders advertised from time to time, but because I'm not buying, I don't inquire. I just think cheap drums that the owner can make to play well are cool.

Of course, if I wasn't a cheapskate, I'd look for a 50s/60s set of Ludwigs, maybe in silver sparkle, or possibly a set of Slingerlands from around the same era. Again, we're talking cool.

Last but not least, if I were to buy a brand new set today, I like those top-of-the-line Ludwigs made from mahogany. I forget what Ludwig calls this series (no sense remembering because they're way too expensive for me) but I like them, especially with the mahogany wood.

Ludwig Legacy Mahogany. Man those drums are popular in this forum.

 

[CC Cirillo]

It’s Sunday, so I’m changing my choice from Recording Customs to Jenkins Martins.

That green. In Downbeat sizes.

See you guys tomorrow.

 

[DanRH]

Npt counting the Summit kit I have on order, definitely a Tama Star or a Sonor SQ2.

 

[gonzo]

Another Jenkins-Martin kit in Blue or Green to compliment my purple kit. Quality and sound second to none IMO

 

[CC Cirillo]

12:15 a.m.here in California, so it’s Monday.

Gotta agree with the dogs on this, funkypoodle and Houndog, and go with the InDe Wayfarer aluminum.

 

[Row]

Just ordered a yellow beech SQ2. The configurator was too easy to use.

 

[Heartbeat]

Legacy Maple. I have a Legacy Mahogany, Classic Maple, and 70s 6-ply, so it seems logical.

 

[Houndog]

12:15 a.m.here in California, so it’s Monday.

Gotta agree with the dogs on this, funkypoodle and Houndog, and go with the InDe Wayfarer aluminum.

Woof !!!

 

[CC Cirillo]

 

[dsop]

I know that 18” is the only officially “permitted” or accepted size for jazz, but couldn’t you just use your 20” and adjust the heads/tuning/playing?

You can use a 24" too:

 

[Heavytrain]

Few months back bought a set of Pearl Session Studio Classic 12,13,16 24 to replace my Tama Star Classics. Little hesitant at first about birch shells but with the mix of kapur wood they have a great sound. Added a 6x14 Tama SLP Bubinga snare and it’s kickin.

 

[017]

Jenkins Martin/Blaemire, Noble and Cooley Horizon or Yamaha PHX.

 

[Steech]

Few months back bought a set of Pearl Session Studio Classic 12,13,16 24 to replace my Tama Star Classics. Little hesitant at first about birch shells but with the mix of kapur wood they have a great sound. Added a 6x14 Tama SLP Bubinga snare and it’s kickin.

Which Starclassics did you have, Maple?

That SLP Bubinga snare is incredible.

 

[Heavytrain]

Yeh it was a oyster finish maple set from late 90’s I was told by the guy I bought them from. Good sound, fair condition but wanted something new and couldn’t pass for the price.

 

[Square]

Few months back bought a set of Pearl Session Studio Classic 12,13,16 24 to replace my Tama Star Classics. Little hesitant at first about birch shells but with the mix of kapur wood they have a great sound. Added a 6x14 Tama SLP Bubinga snare and it’s kickin.

How are you liking that 12-13-16 set up? I have a kit on order (1 up) that is 13". I'm thinking of adding another tom. Not sure if I want to go 10" or 12".

I also own a Pearl SSC... Great drums! Makes me hesitant to go to all maple, which is what my new kit will be.

 

[Heavytrain]

How are you liking that 12-13-16 set up? I have a kit on order (1 up) that is 13". I'm thinking of adding another tom. Not sure if I want to go 10" or 12".

I also own a Pearl SSC... Great drums! Makes me hesitant to go to all maple, which is what my new kit will be.

Diggin it, had to work a little on the 12-13 tuning but got it about where I like it. The sizes I listed are the initial kit I ordered and I did find a 10 on ebay from a seller called percussion king in Iowa but I’m having trouble finding other sizes. I still want to add an 8 and 14 just to have the options and 8-10 is great for some jazz or fusion. I did find my shell pack on Reverb brand new from Pearl Direct for like 789, what a steal huh. Anyway that’s two good sources I found for new tubs at great prices hope that helps and apologizies for rambling.

 

[Rich K.]

Tama Star or Starclassic Maple