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I may be buying a cheap set of drums. I figured I wouldn't get anything too expensive because I know so little, and I won't be doing anything professional with them. A local music shop has a complete 5-piece set with cymbals and hardware for $325. I'm pretty sure it's a Sound Percussion set like this one at MF. Anything I need to make sure of? Am I gonna need to buy other stuff to get started on drums?

^I second this question^

You may end up replacing bits like the snare and kick pedal. Also, cymbals are a drummer's effect boxes and can be addictive (and expensive).

I hear that learning to tune a drumhead properly goes a loooong way to making any kit sound better.

You might want to check out the moving parts to see if they might need lubrication or attention.

I wish I lived in a place that the neighbors could tolerate drums. Have fun!!!

We started out with a sound percussion, great for the price.

But yes, cymbals and kick drum pedals will rack up $$$

And once you start playing, you'll want tons of cymbals...

a couple of things i'd suggest:

-tuning key
-a variety of sticks in different sizes, preferably from different manufacturers (the size thing is really important, but sticks from different makers actually feel pretty different) try to get a few types of 5A, 5B, along with maybe 7A and either 3A/B or 2A/B
-something like one of these is cheap and pretty important for avoiding metal to metal contact on the cymbal/stand. (not needed for the hi-hats)
-new cymbal felt if the stock ones are super compressed and hard. the cymbal will move and sound better

those are the only things i'd get. does the set come with a throne? might need that too.


things you might replace next:
-heads, good heads will change the feel and sound of your drums alot
-any of the cheap hardware could break easily, i use mine until they break though, and this will probably only be an issue if you gig alot
-consider getting a nice kick pedal before the cheap one breaks, the feel makes a big difference in playing
-to a lesser extent, same with the hihat stand

after that its into the slippery slope of buying nicer cymbals and drums

have fun!

This is all great stuff!

Yeah thanks everyone

My reccomindation is to not get something that comes with cymbals.
Get like a Pulse shell pack with hardware and snare then get either the sabian or zildjian starter cymbal pack, B8 and ZBT respectively.
Shitty cymbals can turn you off to playing, seriously, also see if you can befriend a local drummer to come over and help you tune em.
It's an art man, seriously, tuning drums.
Too tight and you lose all resonance and your shell becomes useless, too lose and there's no tone.
My main suggestion is just that you don't get something that comes with cymbals, they're shit man seriously.
Or if you wanna pick some up used that's an even better idea, eBay and pawn shops ftw.

So I got a set of new Maypex QR drums. include all the hardware and throne and they came with the Zildjin ZBT Starter pack (thanks HT). Only spent $70 more than the cheapie drum set with the crappy cymbals, so I'm happy. So are my kids. The neighbors are fearful.

Thanks for the help guys:

Crappy Cellphone pics:

nice!

you sir have very fortunate children.

Awesome! Drums are the best, besides fuzz of course! I've played drums since 4th grade and everybody's advice was right on the money. If you find yourself playing a lot a nice drum throne should be your next upgrade. Other than that remember to wear hearing protection. I didn't when I was younger and now regret it because I have tinnitus. You can buy ear plugs that are still musical but cut down on the decibels. Cheaper ear plugs will just make you sound like you are playing on concrete! Have fun!

MannequinRaces wrote:Awesome! Drums are the best, besides fuzz of course! I've played drums since 4th grade and everybody's advice was right on the money. If you find yourself playing a lot a nice drum throne should be your next upgrade. Other than that remember to wear hearing protection. I didn't when I was younger and now regret it because I have tinnitus. You can buy ear plugs that are still musical but cut down on the decibels. Cheaper ear plugs will just make you sound like you are playing on concrete! Have fun!

I already have the tinnitus. I've been told I'm much louder on guitar than on drums.