I have never played drums in my life, but..

I really want to. I'm thinking about just diving in an buying one. I'm not quite sure what to look for or how well I'll take to it. I've been practicing on the steering wheel in my car for years, but I don't know if I'd have any talent when it comes to sitting behind an actual drum set.

Currently the set I'm looking at the most is the Pearl Export series 5 piece. Should I be looking at something different?

Consider the Pacific FS. It's a lot of bang for the buck cause it has birch shells which are considered to be more desirable than those mahogany shells on Exports (correct me if I'm wrong but they are mahogany, right?). If I remember right the FS is a little cheaper than an Export and other competitors such as Tama Rockstars and Ludwig Rockers. In fact, I think they run for around $599.

Some folks are suspicious of the FS because of it's low price but I own one and absolutely love it. I used to own a Rocker and played a friend's Rockstar and I consider the FS a superior sounding instrument than either of them. The only issue I have with the FS is that the hardware is a little on the light end. Okay, I'll jump off my soapbox.

The Pearl Export's a pretty good buy for the money. Durable hardware, nice finishes and built to last pretty well. It's also high enough quality kit that with some good heads (ie non-factory supplied) and proper tunings, it will easily sound good enough to play out.

Some of the key things to look for would be things like how well built the hardware (lugs, tom mounts, etc) are, how well crafted are the drum shells (bearing edges evenly cut, shells properly round, etc), and other physical attributes about their overall construction. Most other kits in the same price range will be pretty comparable in those respects, so you can expect similar quality from them. I think it'd be hard to go wrong with any of the "big name" brands at that price for a quality first kit.

This says the shells are made of poplar. Is that better or worse than birch?

Possibly the Forum by Pearl is Mahagony? That set is $599 and includes cymbals and a throne.

It seems like there were a couple other sets I had in mind, but I can't remember them now. For whatever reason (my ignorant biases probably) I've been leaning towards sets with a third floor tom as opposed to one that mounts to the cymbal stand.

It depends on your tastes I guess. I know birch is fairly bright and cuts really well. That's what I need for the music I play. I've heard they are often preferred for recordings because the are "naturally eq'ed". I never really played a kit made out of poplar so I'm not sure what it sounds like. Someone might have a link describing the different characteristics of woods.

What I meant is that birch kits tend to go for a higher price and tend to be more valuable. For instance, A Tama birch kit (Starclassic Performer) will run you close to $1500. However, you might the sound of the Exports better. Several guys here play Exports and really dig them. I was anticipating that and just wanted to inform you that there is an alternative often overlooked.

If you can pat your head with one hand, whilst at the same time making a circle on your chest with the other, you'll do fine

Originally posted by DRuM If you can pat your head with one hand, whilst at the same time making a circle on your chest with the other, you'll do fine

My girlfriend can't do that...however she manages other things with both limbs...oh wait, nevermind. I'll shut up now.

Indeed. An Export with decent heads and a proper tuning will sound 100x better than a poorly tuned $3000 maple kit.

get a used yamaha stage custom, much better than the exports in my opinion, and about the same cost.

Hey, I'm in a signature.

When you talk about a drumset being a good "first kit", how long does it take to out grow the "first kit". I outgrew my first guitar in less than a year. I'm kind of under the impression that it takes longer to outgrow a drum set. Please tell me I'm not wrong about this. I have no intention of becoming a drummer in a band and will mostly be using it to record.

And how do I learn about this drum tuning business? The guys I know that play, say they have never tuned a drumset. Is it done often? Is it difficult?

my suggestions - Mapex M series and Yamaha Stage Custom - like both these kits substantially more than the export or the rockstar.

Ah, Mapex was another one I was thinking of. Thanks for all the suggestions and tips.

Any thoughts on the Gretch Catalina Birch 5pc set ?

I played the catalina birch kit at guitar center for a good while. Then i played the stage custom kit sitting right next to it. Personally, I liked the stage custom kit more - much sturdier hardware and just plain looked more expensive than the gretsch kit. The sound of both was very similiar, both kits are punchy and lively, i was impressed with the sound of both.

If i'm not mistaken, gretsch is owned by kaman, who owns gibraltar. So, essentially all the hardware on the catalina birch kit is gibraltar stuff. I have never been impressed with gibraltar hardware. The tom mounts look very cheap up close and the tom rims are only 1.6 mm steel as opposed to 2.3 mm. I think that catalina birch is an ok kit if it's gonna be sitting in a room and never moved or torn down, but i wouldn't gig with it, it just didn't feel solid like the yamaha.

A "First Kit" that I was referring to is one that is just that. Your first drum set. Mine was a late 50's early 60's Slingerland 4 pc in blue sparkle. The main reason I sold it after 8 years was because I wanted something bigger, and I wanted a change. In all honesty, that's usually why most drummers sell their kits - It's too big, too small, or they just want a change.

Most drummers I know buy new cars more often than they do a new drum kit....

If you find you enjoy it, like the sound and color you bought, you could end up playing on it for the rest of your life.

Yeah, when I was little I had a 3 piece stewart but never played, then when I started taking lessons I used the kit of the drummer in my parent's band, then we bought a 4 piece luan 60's ludwig kit for $50. Since then, I replaced the hardware, put good skins on and tuned it the way I like, and I prefer it to the high end premier that my parent's drummer uses. Then again, if I tuned up his kit and set it up the way I like, it would probably blow my kit away, but everyone says how open and huge the sound of my kit is. Probably has to do with how well I play since it's such a cheap kit.

Originally posted by rumblebelly My girlfriend can't do that...however she manages other things with both limbs...oh wait, nevermind. I'll shut up now.

lmao !!! :D:D:D

Drums have horrible resale value!! Buy Used!! I got an amazing Pearl Professional set (all ample) only a couple of tiny digs here n there, plus lots or hardware..........for $750!! Of course that was 10 yrs ago.............but I've added lots of other dings myself since then. My point is there are lots of great used kits out there. You can make a HUGE steal with just a little patience.