What kits you’d keep of these?

[Robert4]

Yamaha Birch because it has a 13" and many toms.
SQ2 because it the highest quality workmanship.
Whatever kit has the best sounding kick drum (will guess Tama Babinga 22"). If it's one of the two above, only need two of em.
I am assuming you have a bunch of snares you use over the ones that may have come with the kits.

None of the high end kits came with the snare but I have one black beauty 6.5x14, one Yamaha Recording Custom Aluminum 5.5x14, one Ludwig classic maple 5x14 and a Tama Starclassic Birch Bubinga. These are my top snares that can cover everything very well. I have other cheaper snares to bounce around for practice and rehearsals but those don’t count!

 

[Elegant drum]

None of the high end kits came with the snare but I have one black beauty 6.5x14, one Yamaha Recording Custom Aluminum 5.5x14, one Ludwig classic maple 5x14 and a Tama Starclassic Birch Bubinga. These are my top snares that can cover everything very well. I have other cheaper snares to bounce around for practice and rehearsals but those don’t count!

What bass drum do you like the best?

 

[NickC]

I understand not wanting to bring an expensive kit to a bar gig. But, I try to find a happy medium with gear. I wouldn't want a $7k kit exposed to a shady bar environment and become the 'house' kit for 3 other bands on the bill that night. But, I also want to play something that I really connect with. For me, a lot would depend on the gigs. Which, at this point in my playing wouldn't really risk too much damage or theft. So, I stay in the mid range of gear. Not the cheapest, not the most expensive.

 

[Robert4]

What bass drum do you like the best?

The sonor sq2 is a medium maple so that’s the winner of all for me. Especially the bass drum. But, it doesn’t mean that it will work great in every situation. Birch seems to sound more consistent in different rooms. Bubinga cuts through like a “mother father”. The smaller kits are better for noise reduction situations and funny enough, I get to play those more but they just inspire you to play different.