I’m working on calling it a “kit” instead of a “set” as I understand all the cool folks say it that way, but obviously I haven’t made it yet.
I took lessons for several years when I was a kid, maybe a total of 5 years. I was never a very serious player, but at one time I could read quite well, but just couldn’t play it nearly as well 'cause I didn’t practice much and close to 20 years have passed me by. Anyway, I have purchased a 4-piece Tama set from a coworker, a 22" bass, 13" 18" toms and a 13X3" “piccolo” snare, also Tama. I’ve borrowed a set of Paiste Rude hi hats that sound really good and I want them, but they’re way more than I need. I bought a hi hat stand off ebay and now I need cymbals. I’ll looking for ebay to fill that order too, I think. Which leads to my question(s). What kinds of cymbals do I get and where do I get them? Ebay is the first thing I thought of, and I did buy a hi hat stand there when I thought I was going to keep the Paiste hi hats, but is that the best place? There is usually have a bunch of cymbal packs ranging wildly is price/quality/selection. Various Sabian, Paiste and Zildjian combos, usually hihats and a crash. Some have that and a ride. There are some “student quality” offerings as well that are very inexpensive. Would those be a mistake, considering that I will be playing on my own in the basement for the forseeable future? Or will they sound so crappy that I’ll immediately want something better? I have no ambition beyond personal enjoyment, but I do like a good sound. And who knows, if I keep up with it I might join up with some other dudes and try some jamming. So, load me up with your opinions and I’ll sort out the ones I like and listen to those.
I’m not a drummer, but I’m a drummer’s daughter, and I say good for you. Even if you suck, it will be a great aerobic work-out. My dad drums almost every day (and DOESN’T suck) and he really works up a sweat. Have fun!
If you’re just playing in your basement, there’s no reason not to go cheap. It’s not as though you need concert-quality. On the other hand, you should get something that you can stand to hear. A cheap piece of aluminum siding will likely leave you unsatisfied
IMO, Zildjian cymbals are generally the best. All you really need as a beginner is a crash and a hi-hat. If you wanted more, I’d say look into a ride (or even better, a crash/ride). If you wanted to go nuts, throw in a little 8-10" splash for variety. Don’t forget you need a stand for each, and they cost too.
Again, IMO, the best bang-for-the-buch setup which will give you a lot of variety is a hat, a crash, a crash-ride, and a small splash. Of course, that’s going to run you more than just a crash and a hat, but that’s music for you.
I don’t know where you live, but check to see if you’ve got a ‘Mars - The Musicians Planet’ around. They have a huge inventory of a new stuff and usually a decent used gear section.
I used to play. As a drummer I made a good guitar player*. Even tho’ I didn’t take my drumming at all seriously I couldn’t stand the cheap hi-hats, crash and kick-drum-pedal that came with the kit. I splashed out on a speed king (Ludwig?) and Paiste cymbals. And IIRC oil-filled heads for all the drums.
Cheap Hi-hats and bass drum pedal are not an option, don’t go there.
And it’s a kit, no-one says drum-set, do they?
*I only really played because I wanted real drums on my demo’s and it was in the days before decent drum machines.
While I don’t know much about the drums per say, my better half is a drummer.
He uses Zildjian series K.
The deal with cymbals, as I understand it, is that they have different sounds to them.
Some are ‘dark’ and some are ‘crisp’ and so on. I think your best bet is to go to a Guitar Center, if possible, and see what fits your style best. I would also recommend a Mars Music store, but all the ones around here closed and I have no idea of the status of the company.
The problem with E-bay is that you can’t hear the cymbal and you don’t know how it’s been treated. As hard and durable as a metal object looks, it is easy to mess one up by constantly hitting it wrong.
What kind of music do you play? That’s something important to consider when choosing cymbals. Not all are ideal for every situation. I would use a very different setup for alternative rock than I would for a jazz trio. A simple all-purpose setup should consist of a set of hi-hats, a ride, and 1 or 2 crashes. Later you can add effect type cymbals like a china type or splash.
Generally, it is really important that you like all of the cymbals in your setup. I would highly recommend going to a music store where you can try a lot of them out for a little while and see what your preference is. Go somewhere where they cater to drummers, if possible, and will let you audition them. Some places even have a small room set aside so that you can crash them to your hearts content without being annoying to everyone in the store. Take your time and really listen because you are making an investment and want something that you will be happy with, for a while, at least. Make note of the ones that sound pleasing to you. Remember that they don’t have to be the same brand. There are so many to choose from. You just have to determine what you want from them and what you like to hear.
Same thing with used cymbals, you can find some jewels out there for a decent price but don’t buy anything that you don’t have a chance to listen to first. Also, with any used cymbal, be sure to examine it closely for any cracks or wear around the hole in the center. You want cymbals that are going to last. Another thing, when putting them on your own stands, make sure that they are properly protected. You don’t want them to touch any metal on the stand. Make sure there is a nylon sleeve covering the end of the cymbal stand or you will wear a groove into the hole of the cymbal which can lead to cracking.
I’m glad I saw this post. I haven’t played in 7-8 years but while I was in the military I learned to play a bit. I played for 5 years or so and while I’ll never get invited to play in a ‘real’ band, I’ve been seriously considering getting a new set. I’ve looked through the classifieds and I’ve sadly not had the money to buy a decent setup.
I don’t mean to hijack the OP, but can anyone recommend a low-priced(not exactly cheap I hope) brand that I can use to get back into the groove…and get a bit of frustration out? I won’t be playing in front of anyone but myself and I don’t care as much about the sound quality as I do about just being able to rock along to some Led Zep and Black Sabbath like I used to…without the whole shebang falling to pieces.
I’ll be playing contemporary/classic/alternative rock/pop, the popular stuff from the last 35 years or so. I have neither the technique nor the interest (to learn the technique) to try to play jazz. There is a really cool local music shop just up the street from me. I made the mistake of taking my 4 year old son with me on my first and only visit. He had a great time touching everything, but I didn’t get to talk to anyone or look at anything. I’ll be going back, although I’m not sure how much they cater to the hobbyist.
And I think I’ll stay away from ebay for this, Club 33. You’ve convinced me. I’ll need to hear something before I plunk down my hard earned cash.
As said before, the best thing to do is go to a music store and try some out for yourself. So far as the type of cymbals you want will depend on the style of music that you’re playing (and of course your own preference). Generally it breaks down like this (remember I said generally):
Loud rock: Heavier crashes and hat. Ride cymbal usually has a lot of ring to it.
Jazz: Lighter crashes and hat. Ride cymbal (pretty much absolutely necessary for jazz) has a heavier sound – a distinct ping followed by a gentle, soft ring. If you feel like dropping a dime or two you might want to add a rivet ride to a jazz set-up, but you said you want to go cheap so I don’t know if it’s worth it (or even if you want to play jazz).
I would say these are the two ends of the spectrum. A mellower, alt-rock would probably be somewhere in between, but it all depends on the music. Not knowing your style of music, remember that heavier crashes will be louder and not offer much nuance (they’re meant to be hit hard and loud all the time), and lighter crashes won’t have the same volume but will give you more nuance (loud or soft or in between). Heavier rides will be more dry with a more distinct ping, and lighter rides will ring more.
So far as brand it’s entirely personal. I was always a Sabian fan, but between Zildgian, Sabian, and Paiste it’s a wash. I remember the Sabian B-8 student set being a really good value for the money, but it’s been a few years. I personally wouldn’t buy used without being able to hear it and inspect it first.
I got my first real kit a week ago, for my birthday from my wife! (Five piece black Mapex) Shes a sweety, for sure! It came with a Zildjian ZBT 3-piece combo that sound pretty good. (and a free hat!) 18" crash/ride and Hi-hats. I’m looking for another (I have another stand!) and have been scouring ebay as well. I see plenty of combo packs with smokin’ low prices. I figure I’ll head down to the local music store and get an idea of what I want and what they have to offer. If they are close on price, I’ll grab one of theres. If they are WAY off, I’ll have to use the bay.
Heading down the the steel supply joint today. Gonna build a riser on wheels, (with leveling screws and nice carpet) so I can move the kit around the shop without having to handle the individual pieces. The welder is coming in handy, lately. Glad I taught myself to do that.
