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Input on high-end kits.


slambang

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I'm currently researching my next kit and have narrowed it down to a few options. The biggest problem I'm comming up against is that the kits I'm interested in aren't carried by most dealers in my area. So, I'm relying a lot right now on first-hand reviews and opinions.

 

Here's what I'm mauling-over:

 

I like them. I've been able to play a kit so I have an idea of what they're capable of. The thing that is always lingering in my mind is that they have the reputation of being well over-priced as well as having some quality control issues from time to time. I always hear about drummers who buy DW, and then move on once they "get that out of their system".

 

Haven't been able to play a kit, but the company has been outstanding in terms of customer relations. I've had countless e-mails and they've even sent sprayed color samples on sections of shell for me to check out. The biggest problem is that NO ONE carries them. I can't try them out unless I make a trip to the factory. Also, they use Keller shells which is a big turn-off. There's a lot of local drum makers who use Keller shells - I might as well give the local guy the business if they're both using similar materials.

 

I've heard a lot of good things, but I can't find a kit to demo. I've played their snares and loved them. They're a completely custom shop, and they use their own shells. Also, I really like their history and the fact that they have a strong reputation without all the advertising ... and they're made right here in Massachusetts.

 

I'm just looking for some input from anyone who owns or has played one of the above mention kits. Any and all input is much appreciated!

 

 

thanks.

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I've played two Noble and Cooley snares. The CD maple kits are very nice. Support your state! You don't see alot of people playing Noble and Cooley kits..DW is everywhere and GMS has their share of endorsers. I'd say go for the Noble and Cooley. Although, none of them will let you down.

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Originally posted by woody431

I've played two Noble and Cooley snares. The CD maple kits are very nice. Support your state! You don't see alot of people playing Noble and Cooley kits..DW is everywhere and GMS has their share of endorsers. I'd say go for the Noble and Cooley. Although, none of them will let you down.

 

 

I am with woody on this one. First off, I have played all 3 of those brands and N&C was far and away the best. The CD Maples will be my next kit, they are the smoothest, richest, most colorful sounding drums I have ever played! I currently have about $1000 bux, but I am saving and soon I will have a six piece cd maple kit! If you decide against N&C go with DW, I have played multiple GMS kits and have been less that impressed with all of them.

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I`ve owned seven DW kits and I now have it out of my system. Yes, I do feel they are a bit overpriced. The quality varied noticeably among the kits. I owned two of their 25th Anniversary Fiddleback maple kits at the same time and there were big differences in fit and finish. I do still own one DW kit and a Rocketshells carbon fiber kit. My next high priced kit will probably be either a Pearl Masters or something custom made by one of the boutique drum builders.

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All of your choices are great as they all have good reputations for making quality product. However, you need to consider the following: Repairs, replacements parts, overall costs and what's practical for you. With that in mind, you've already mentioned that you do not have a dealer in your area so that's something you need to consider in the long run. It's always a plus to be able to get parts at your discretion rather than waiting for weeks and paying out the wazoo for them. However, there's no amount of money that can beat quality and sound. I would plan on taking a trip to a drum store. Take a friend with you and make a day of it and seek out dealers who carry the products you're interested in. This way you've taken your time and gotten to see first hand what it is you like and don't like etc. Good Luck!

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There are dealers - Sam Ash carries GMS, Guitar Center carries Noble & Cooley and DW. The problem I'm running into is that no one stocks GMS or Noble & Cooley kits for me to demo. I'd be able to order parts easily, though.

 

GMS is on Long Island. Noble & Cooley is in Western Massachusetts. I'll be making trips out to both in February - after the NAMM show craze has subsided for them.

 

Thanks for the input! Keep it coming!

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Slam -

 

since you live in Massachusetts, you may consider calling Noble & Cooley yourself. Let them know that you're shopping around for a new kit and that you're having a difficult time finding anyone that carries a set you can try out. You never know, they may be able to point you to a dealer who has a set on hand etc.

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EcHoplex-

 

I called N&C yesterday to see how I could get behind one of their kits. They told me that they were really embarrassed about their lack of dealers in state. The problem is that most retailers can't afford to put a kit on the floor. I mentioned that I wouldn't spend the money if I couldn't demo a kit.

 

I'm going to make a trip out there to take a look at the facility - but I was told they barely have an inventory of CD Maples because they are built-to-order. They said they would have a few CDs to look at - but nothing like a kit for me to really demo. I'll just bring some sticks and my kick drum pedal along with me to knock them around a bit. Hopefully I'll get enough info to make a decision.

 

thanks for the input!

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Sounds like you're faced with choosing between a Ferrari, a Lambourghini, or a Maserati. Personally, I'm jealous.

 

I've only played the DW's before, and have been impressed with them overall. My impression is that GMS is very similar. The only advantage of DW, IMHO, is that you can get parts and hardware practially anywhere.

 

N&C, however, seem to market themselves very differently. Unlike many smaller "custom" shops who will build you a kit to your specs out of (usually) Keller shells, N&C seems to position themselves to real drum connoisseurs.

 

If money were no object, I'd probably opt for being the only guy around playing an N&C kit, than just another guy with DW's or GMS.

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Slam -

 

that's awesome man that your getting to go to the facility to try out some drums first hand! Your bit of psychology worked like a charm there!:D N&C should be embarrassed that they don't even have a set at their facility for people to try out!:D :D Oh well though, at least you're getting to see some stuff. Let us know how it all works out. Peace...:cool:

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If you would like some more reccommendations, but I guess you already said you had it narrowed down....but there is also Sonor Designers, Premier Signia and Marquis...alot of nice kits..but I still say Noble and Cooley. Very nice drumsets.

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I play a GMS Snare and I love it. DW used to use keller shells, before they started making their own. I really like the fact that all GMS lugs are machined-makes for a really tight drum that resonates superbly well. There is a big difference between a machined lug and a cast lug. I haven't tried out noble and cooley, but I am sure they are good as they have a good reputation.

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hello slambang

 

I would like to ask you some questions

 

First of all what type of muisc do you play and if you play different types of music do you play a certain type most of the time or is the variation of music of what you play pretty equal?

 

Also answer me the questions of which of the following apply to you in how you will use your drums, and if its more than one please specify which

 

-in the studio recording, hopefully its not a solo act

-practicing with your band, and how big is your rehersal space usually where you practice

-practicing only by yourself

-playing live, if so how big is the venue you usually play at, and if its big venue how much do you usually play at one

-practicing by yourself to music from your stereo

 

or tell me something else i havent thought of

 

get back to me so i can give you a better opinion on what drums you should buy

 

I have a question, I heard Noble uses or used keller is this true? and that in MD OCDp said that DW was kellers biggest client, are they still using keller?

 

Also slam what drums have you played that you did like?

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My feeling for what its worth is you are talking Apples and Oranges here when comparing DW to N&C. Not for quality, but for sound.

 

DW is a more restricted controlled sound whereas N&C are much more open sounding kits. The high pitched sharp edged overtones are much more predominant on a N&C than they are on a DW.

 

This may be an over-riding factor in your purchase - some like vanilla, some like chocolate.

 

So in a nut shell, you can think of the N&C more on the order of the YAMAHA MC Absolutes for sound, if you've played them?

 

As for hardware, well, N&C its not a factor but with DW they are inovators, but you can always use DW hardware on a N&C kit. And I think the point of getting parts is very relevent when you are a touring drummer.

 

I have 2 negatives about the companies. I have seen a fair amount of DW hardware that has stripped wing nuts and bolts over the years, even broken wing nuts. I haven't paid much attention to their designs in the last year and a half, so maybe some of that has changed?

 

I've had 3 people express to me that if you like to tune your snare very tight, the N&C snare shells will warp because they are so thin.

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Actually, I'm playing Maple Custom Absolutes right now. I intend to keep the Yamahas and use them for gigging, while the second kit will stay at home for practice.

 

I like to get a lot of warmth and tone out of my drums. I'm currently using clear Emperor batters with clear Ambassador resonants on the toms with absolutely no muffling. The 2 ply batters give just enough dampening to control overtones without killing tone. Honestly, I'm really pleased with the Yamahas. I just want to get a great kit that I can keep set up for more than three days (I'm constantly gigging).

 

The more I hear what everyone has to say, the more I'm leaning towards Noble & Cooley. Of course, the deciding factor will be my ears. I just want to get as much information as possible.

 

Thanks for the input! Keep it coming!

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