Yea most common denominator.

Hey, i'm going to ramble,

so beware.

I'm sitting here fantasizing around the question "if i had to choose one kit that would stay with me for life, what would it be?", whilst browsing the net for fantastic, beautiful drum kits. I didn't come across a single kit that i would really want. An old Gretsch round-badge in Burgundy Sparkle comes close, but i would still modify it.

Slowly getting back into the band thing after about a year of nothing, and on the lookout for a new set. Some oldies i've come across are totally awesome. But vintage prices here are trough the roof, and then when you actually get that late-50s slingy you feel like the ugly guy wearing an Armani suit.

The thing with these great sparkle/pearl/ripple finishes is that i like to look at them, but i'm not that kind of player, if you follow me. I'm like the nuts and bolts man. The creative simpleton. Aspiring to jazz sounds, but not at all a jazz player. But not really a rocker either. The word that always comes around is "range". A wide range of sounds, but distinction is another word i like. And class. Nobody wants to sound like everybody else. I don't either.

Though regards the perfect configuration, after some think work, 22x16, 12x8, 16x14(or 16) is just perfect. So it should be easy to find a kit that suits my tastes, as these are standard sizes.

Mapex, Tama, Yamaha, DW/PDP, Pearl all make kits that look and sound good or even great, but i have no connection to these things. Bulgy suspension mounts, ugly lugs, either too rock or too jazz, nothing that speaks to me like the perfect, eh, house or sunglasses or whatever.

I'm sure a history of relative poverty comes in play here. I buy stuff as if it is the last purchase i'll ever make. I don't want a run-off-the-mill kit. I want something that looks classy without being a jaw dropper or an eye catcher.

I want something that looks like an instrument. I want it to sound incredible and to fit me like a pair of gloves. I want something that can become an extension of me. Can take a beating and a hug.

The drum market, she does not deliver.

wd

No matter what brand, I always think gold glass glitter looks classy.

my ayottes are the kit that will stay with me for life. it's been 10 years already ... i can't see ever really playing anything else. i got them custom built precisely how i wanted them, they sound AMAZING (hell, even the guitar player remarks how great they sound). they're just perfect in every way.

custom is the way to go. it might be a lot of dolla billz up front, but when they last and handle EVERYTHING. it's just worth it.

Sounds lik a tall order! The quest for the holy grail of kits! I don't ever see sticking with one kit per se, with that being said I don't think I'll ever sell my Yammies either! I really like what Ludwig is doing lately! Check out those mod kits that just dropped!

Ayottes are great drums. I have a set. And on any given day.......... I will choose to play either the 64 or 66 Rogers sets. So ...IF .... I had to choose......

I would let the Ayottes go, and keep both Rogers sets.

I haven't found a real kit that I would be willing to keep for life yet. Still searching for the one. But if my first kit ever counts (picture this) .. .I've had that since the beginning and don't plan on ever getting rid of it.

I'd go for the classic 3 ply rerings setup. That's the next step I'm taking.

There's a Rogers XP-8 set with dynasonic snare for sale here.

Goes for 1000 Euros. That's 1,421.06 USD and also crazy.

Ploughman, that pink swirl kit of yours is just incredibly beautiful.

But for the price they go over here i can have a kit custom built and have extra money for Agop bronze.

Custom kit and agops sound mighty fine to me.

"kit for life" ... right now I'm thinking my yellow Tempus. The fiberglass can get beat up, doesn't get affected by weather, they're damnear indestructible ... I don't have to baby them like I do with a nice vintage kit or newer stained kit. Small footprint/big sound, all drums are easy to tune ...

and they'll float.

Custom Kit , maple shells, quilted maple veiner,blue to black stain fade,a perfect shine that looks like liquid glass was pour over them,crome lugs, at least 8 or 9 shells. And your right about lugs they all look pretty much the same, nothing jumps out at me.

The long lugs on the recording customs make me feel a little funny in the underwear!

WD...

I have a very different opinion.

I have three kits and multiple snares that I play all the time. A run-of-the-mill modern Ludwig (maple/birch mix), a kit consisting of all rototoms (except for the bass), and a custom-built ash stave kit w/ matching snare (new castings of beavertails and sticksaver hoops...they look like old slingy's). That said, There are a few things that seem to be constant.

1) I tend to play either a custom segmented maple snare, or a '66 acrolite

2) I sit in a roc'n soc throne

3) I use a pearl p2000B bass pedal and a p2000HH

4) I use the same fundamental cymbal setup (a mix of mehmet, agop and bosphorus, regardless of gig): hats, 2 crashes, 2 rides, 1 china.

It is only the bass and toms surrounding my snare and cymbals that seem to change.

I would reccomend the following:

1) decide on 1 metal and 1 wood snare.

2) find your most common cymbal pallet and stick with it.

3) decide on your HH and bass pedal hardware

then, and only then...

4) go for the bass/toms.

I much prefer 20x16 bass, and 12, 14, 16 toms, giving a 5 piece configuration. I play more rock and blues, so a 4piece doesn't quite get it done.

If you don't go vintage, I would go custom. Get some stave shells from someone like UNIX, plain maple, natural finish. Assemble your own. They will be the best sounding kit you will ever own. If you go Keller, go with WMP, the look is classy and timeless (and will match ANY snare yo play with it).

So, a different point of view. Start with the chair and work your way out. The bass/toms should be the LAST thing you consider...not the first.

my 2 pesos...Bob

That's pretty sage advice Bob. Thanks.

I'm on a GAS roller coaster and in dire need of such advice.

WD

good advice Bob.

Peter, don't fret about the finish matching the player. the drums work for you, not the other way round. Keep in mind your needs will change over time, so your ideal kit may change as well.

also realize they're just things you can't take with you, so feel free to enjoy a variety over time.

Ludwig. Classy, modest finishes. Simple design. Their just easy.

There's plenty of fancier drums, but Ludwig is all i NEED.

i can see me keeping my kit for a loooong time. its my guitar and bass that i cant seem to find something that fits me perfectly.