Thoughts on DW drums!

[bpaluzzi]

Simply not true. Apple's stuff will be 20 to 30% more expensive. Although there are some things (displays) that they do always have the upper hand.

If you say so

 

[Tornado]

I mean, you do get something for the extra money spent. Not the least of which is likely more reliable hardware. I've had some issues with Pearl lugs on a mid tier kit (broken inserts), although they were really old by that point. But man, if a guy is killing it on his Exports, let him be. I just can't get caught up in constantly chasing the highest end stuff. Not that I don't like those things, but at some point I just don't care anymore. Let's hear some ideas, let's hear some music.

I rolled the dice on an Amazon special Istanbul Mehmet Legend ride. Under $200 spent, and it's the ride cymbal of my dreams. I don't need some guy telling me I should have bought an Agop or K-Con for $300-$400 more. Let's go play.

 

[Ryneaux]

I’m bummed out now that Rikki Rockett isn’t with DW anymore. It’s changed my perception of the brand. Probably a good time to sell all my DW stuff, down to the tension rods, because evidently even DW tension rods inspire controversy.

On a serious note, it’d be cool if a certain percentage of drum forum constituency could understand that some drummers simply like DW drums. Doesn’t have anything to do with trends, hype, ubiquity, snake oil, or any other conspiracy theory one can concoct. As evidenced in the multiple DW mudslangin’ posts that pop up here and on other fora on a weekly basis, I don’t see that understanding ever happening.

 

[hsosdrum]

... On a serious note, it’d be cool if a certain percentage of drum forum constituency could understand that some drummers simply like DW drums. Doesn’t have anything to do with trends, hype, ubiquity, snake oil, or any other conspiracy theory one can concoct. As evidenced in the multiple DW mudslangin’ posts that pop up here and on other fora on a weekly basis, I don’t see that understanding ever happening.

Definitely. And it'd be cool if a certain percentage of drum fourm constituency could understand that some drummers simply do not like DW drums. A thread with the title "Thoughts on DW Drums" invites both positive and negative comments about the brand, and forumites who participate here should be ready to see all points of view on the subject.

 

[Ryneaux]

Definitely. And it'd be cool if a certain percentage of drum fourm constituency could understand that some drummers simply do not like DW drums. A thread with the title "Thoughts on DW Drums" invites both positive and negative comments about the brand, and forumites who participate here should be ready to see all points of view on the subject.

Yep, you’re absolutely correct. Of course everyone is entitled to their own thoughts. The far-fetched stuff is pretty amusing, though.

 

[rsq911]

I am a diehard Ludwig fanatic, but that is me. However.... I do have DW pedals and cymbal stands. John Goods passion is second to none, and they do make quality high-end instruments. But the price point...... especially for their 50th Anniversary, ouch!

I did watch and listen to DCP comparison of USA brands: Ludwig, Gretsch, Noble & Cooley, and DW. As usual, fantastic video. I wish they would have had the Ludwig's in a natural or exotic finish (as opposed to the wrap), to showcase visually and sonically a fair comparison. But, all the drums sounded good. For me, I think that DW's breathe better with different heads than the stockers, but then again, that is some of the "mystique." Recently, I had a warranty issue with a stand, spoke directly with DW, and they gave me the part number to purchase a new stand?! Thanks.

 

[Drummer69BB]

I haven’t been in front of a Pearl Export in about 30 years but I’m gonna take a chance and say that a DW would be easier to tune up and sound overall better than the export. I will say that DW prices are getting outrageous but that’s another matter.

Look everyone, did you notice Steve Smith, Vinnie Colaiuta, Garibaldi, Erskine, Weckl, even the deceased Papa Jo Jones (came back from the dead it's so good!) all switched to an EXPORT?!?!

Who knew they sounded just as good as those flagship level Sonors, Yamahas, Tamas, Gretch, etc. kits because all you have to is simply change out heads and they sound just as good?!?!?!?!

Damn!

Off to a real forum now. Enjoy your Exports!

 

[goodcat1337]

Actually, those were leftover Keller Vintage Mahogany shells, hence the limited run of roughly 75 sets, all 22/12/14 in 3 different wraps for $1199. DW had transitioned into making their own "vintage" shells and saw the American Vintage line as a way to move out the old Keller stock. They were a fantastic bargain at the time.

I bought one of the red sparkle kits back in summer 2021. I liked it a lot, other than it being weird having a 22 with a 12 and 14 instead of a 12 16 or 13 16. But it sounded good, I wish I could've found one of the BDP finishes though.

 

[rsmittee]

Look everyone, did you notice Steve Smith, Vinnie Colaiuta, Garibaldi, Erskine, Weckl, even the deceased Papa Jo Jones (came back from the dead it's so good!) all switched to an EXPORT?!?!

Who knew they sounded just as good as those flagship level Sonors, Yamahas, Tamas, Gretch, etc. kits because all you have to is simply change out heads and they sound just as good?!?!?!?!

Damn!

Off to a real forum now. Enjoy your Exports!

Bye Felicia

 

[bpaluzzi]

Look everyone, did you notice Steve Smith, Vinnie Colaiuta, Garibaldi, Erskine, Weckl, even the deceased Papa Jo Jones (came back from the dead it's so good!) all switched to an EXPORT?!?!

Who knew they sounded just as good as those flagship level Sonors, Yamahas, Tamas, Gretch, etc. kits because all you have to is simply change out heads and they sound just as good?!?!?!?!

Damn!

Off to a real forum now. Enjoy your Exports!

 

[moonking]

I have a DW Design series kit amongst several other high-end kits and the fit & finish is flawless and equally as good as other professional line kits.

 

[Drummer69BB]

Just checkin' who's rockin the clubs Saturday night with their Exports!?!?!?!?!

YEAH BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[audiochurch]

I used to play a 10+6 DW Snare Drum but the drum just wasn’t my taste. I sold it years ago and went back to playing Ludwig snare drums exclusively. I will say this about the exotic finishes DW makes, they are beautiful. I guess if you don’t like the sound you can still set it up as furniture in your living room.

This is me as well.

 

[hsosdrum]

Just checkin' who's rockin the clubs Saturday night with their Exports!?!?!?!?!

YEAH BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!

Between 1971 and 1973 I played my E.W. Kent drumset while on the road full-time in a (loud) prog-rock band. Those drums had 2-ply maple shells with bearing edges of questionable quality, and were certainly inferior in every way to a modern Pearl Export drumset. However, the Kents sounded perfectly adequate because I had fitted them with top-of-the-line Remo drumheads. The heads always make a bigger difference than the drums.

 

[Drummer69BB]

Between 1971 and 1973 I played my E.W. Kent drumset while on the road full-time in a (loud) prog-rock band. Those drums had 2-ply maple shells with bearing edges of questionable quality, and were certainly inferior in every way to a modern Pearl Export drumset. However, the Kents sounded perfectly adequate because I had fitted them with top-of-the-line Remo drumheads. The heads always make a bigger difference than the drums.

Played many intro level kits myself and agree that heads will make the biggest difference in sound on the drum in question, but put emperors over ambassadors over an SQ2 as well for a comparison and then honestly admit that there is a huge improvement in sound.

Or perhaps schedule a hearing exam (I do, annually).

Anything else is just not honest. And people are making buying decisions based upon what they are reading here.

In other words, water is wet, gravity does in fact pull down...

 

[hsosdrum]

Played many intro level kits myself and agree that heads will make the biggest difference in sound on the drum in question, but put emperors over ambassadors over an SQ2 as well for a comparison and then honestly admit that there is a huge improvement in sound.

Or perhaps schedule a hearing exam (I do, annually).

Anything else is just not honest. And people are making buying decisions based upon what they are reading here.

In other words, water is wet, gravity does in fact pull down...

We've already discussed in this thread the fact that we hear with our brains, not with our ears, and that how our brains perceive sound can be affected by non-auditory stimulus (like brand names and price tags) as much as they are affected by the input they receive from our auditory system.

Drums matter, but heads matter more.

 

[Steech]

I know that if I see a beautiful DW set it will automatically sound bad to me. It’s a very efficient de-selection process.

 

[bpaluzzi]

Just checkin' who's rockin the clubs Saturday night with their Exports!?!?!?!?!

YEAH BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thought you were leaving?

 

[bpaluzzi]

Played many intro level kits myself and agree that heads will make the biggest difference in sound on the drum in question, but put emperors over ambassadors over an SQ2 as well for a comparison and then honestly admit that there is a huge improvement in sound.

There isn't.

Drums, for the most part, sound like drums. Expensive, cheap. Wood, metal, fiberglass.

If they're in round with well-cut edges, they sound like drums. Can they sound "different"? Yes, of course. But objectively "better"? Nah.

But man, you REALLY want to justify your money spent. It'd be hilarious if it wasn't so damn desperate.

Announcing your departure like it's an airport. Desperate.
Returning with a juvenile resurrection of a dead thread. Desperate (spoiler alert, we knew you weren't leaving).

 

[Drummer69BB]

There isn't.

Drums, for the most part, sound like drums. Expensive, cheap. Wood, metal, fiberglass.

If they're in round with well-cut edges, they sound like drums. Can they sound "different"? Yes, of course. But objectively "better"? Nah.

But man, you REALLY want to justify your money spent. It'd be hilarious if it wasn't so damn desperate.

Announcing your departure like it's an airport. Desperate.
Returning with a juvenile resurrection of a dead thread. Desperate (spoiler alert, we knew you weren't leaving).

You're just wrong, and too ignorant to understand the instruments of which you speak. You are a lot of fun though, figured I'd get a rise out of the Export fan club!

Still laughing out loud at this...unreal!