There are several places to look for used sets; begin your search by
browsing online classifieds sites like Craigslist. These sites have the
advantage of being hosted locally, which allows you to inspect the drum
set in person before buying.
You also have to keep in mind; who is the drum set for? Are you buying it for your kid to give them something to do in the basement or are you buying it for yourself to learn and someday join a band? These are very important factors when choosing the right drum set.
When buying a used set, you can't guarantee
that the set has been well taken care of. The first area to inspect is
the shell of each drum - the cylindrical wood body. Shells should be
completely free from cracks, and should have minimal to no
scratches or scuffs. They should be almost perfectly round, which can
be observed via the gap between the shell and the rim. This gap should
be consistent all the way around the shell. Also check the bearing edges
( this is where the drum head meets the actual drum), make sure there
are no chips in the wood and the edge of the drum is smooth and round.
Damaged shells cannot be replaced for less than the cost of buying a
new drum, so do not purchase a kit with cracked or warped shells.
Shells can sustain damage through improper handling (such as being
dropped or banged against things) or subjection to extreme temperatures
or humidity.
A drum's hardware consists of 2 rims that hold the heads
on, tension rods that secure the rims, and lugs that accept the tension
rods. Make sure none of these parts are missing or bent. Use a drum key
to tighten each tension rod, making sure that the threads are not
stripped. Note that small parts like tension rods and washers can be
replaced easily if necessary. Make sure there is NO
rust on the parts.
If the drum set is being sold with cymbals, check
their condition as well. Look for cracks along each cymbal's edge, and
check for chipping (called "key-holing") around the center hole. Dull,
discolored cymbals can be cleaned easily, but cracked cymbals cannot be
repaired. Note that inexpensive starter cymbal packs are not meant to
last very long, and you can always purchase new/used cymbals.
Necessary drum hardware includes the throne (seat), the bass drum pedal,
and the cymbal stands. These parts, if included in the sale, should be
free from dents. All moving parts should operate smoothly, and threaded
assemblies should be checked for stripping. And again NO RUST.
Playing
the drum set will tell you what a close inspection cannot - whether or
not the drums sound good. If you are new to drums, consider bringing an
experienced drummer along to the purchase to play the drums for you.
Obviously, if the heads are bad the drums will sound bad, so take that
into consideration.
Once you find a set that is in good condition, you
still need to avoid overpaying for it. Look up the model online and see
what it sells for new. If the exact model is no longer produced, look at
other sets produced by the manufacturer. Ideally, you want to purchase
the used set at a significantly lower price than a new one, with
additional deductions made if the kit is damaged. Ebay is a great
resource for prices, many pawn shops use this. Also, is there anything
extra thrown in? Like sticks, pedals, drum key, cases, etc.
It shouldn't be too difficult finding the right drum set for you, just remember there are a lot of great local drum shops around that sell used kits. Usually they will throw in some new heads and sticks to the new drummer. So get out there and start searching for that perfect kit!!
This is a blog dedicated to the drummers by a drummer. Anything related to drums, products and drummers, clinics, C.D. and concert reviews. Websites, videos and photos of drummers for your visual entertainment.
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Saturday, January 26, 2013
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Pork Pie Percussion--New Rosewood/Zebrawood finish
http://porkpiedrums.com/index.html |
- USA hard rock maple shell package
- Custom Rosewood Zebrawood satin oil finish
- Pork Pie precision cut edges
- 2.3 mm hoops
- Pork Pie exclusive lugs
- USA made Remo heads
- No assembly required
They also offer:
Karelian Birch, Brandied Peach Burl, Olive Ash Burl, Walnut Burl, Macassar Ebony, and Rosewood.
Pork Pie Percussion has been famous for their unique and original colors and custom drum designs, and this new line of finishes only adds to their list of achievements. These new finishes are breath-taking and beautiful.
Also, check out the new line of the Little Squealer series.
http://porkpiedrums.com/products/squealer/kit-ebony-satin.htm |
- Black Chrome Hardware
- 100% Maple Shells: 8"x12" rack tom, 13"x16" floor tom, 20"x22" bass drum and 7"x14" snare drum
(mounting clamp for 12" tom included) - Pork Pie's progressive ply design TM
- Machine detailed finish
- 2.3 mm hoops
- Pork Pie exclusive lugs
- Remo Heads (Taiwan)
- No assembly required
- Two add-on toms available: 8"x10" rack & 12"x14" floor
While the Exotic finishes are around $2000.
Monday, January 7, 2013
Milwaukee Drummers - Fred Boswell Jr., Kevin Hayden, PJ Hill
The first guy (on the right) is Fred A. Boswell.
The second guy (in the middle) is (I believe) P.J. Hill.
And the third guy (on the left) is Kevin Hayden.
I think I got that right...if not I do apologize.
I could not find that much information on any of these guys, except for Kevin Hayden.
Kevin Hayden is a drummer/producer/composer, born in 1980, in Fort Waynfae, IN. At the early age of 2, he was musically influenced by his father, Tracey, who also played drums. Kevin comes from a long line of family drummers and was brought up in church where he was afforded the opportunity to play for various community choirs. When he was 13, he was noticed at his church by a well known choir director, Chris Ford, which led to his involvement in hundreds of local performances, a live recording with the Fort Wayne Youth Ensemble and tours in Georgia and Texas.
Read more about Kevin at http://www.kevinhayden.net/bio/
If anyone has more info about any of these guys, please comment and let us know!!
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