First drum kit for the band

Our drummer left the band in January and took his nice Yamaha drum kit with him. So we decided to put our lead guitarist on drums (he wasn't very good on guitar and he had proven some drumming skills previously, so I brought in my snare, hi-hat and a couple odds n' ends for him to use). We've been practicing without a proper drums set and decided we need a full set soon. I would say that it is the responsibility of the musician to buy their own instrument, but it didn't seem fair to the rest of the band because we forced the guy to play drums. So...

I went on a quest for a cheap set of drums (because I'm the only one with internet access and I know the most about drums... which isn't much). I managed to get a mixture of components for about $150 US and here's what I got...

Stewart bass drum + floor tom + misc pedal

2 Pearl toms with hardware to mount on bass drum

1 yamaha snare (and stand)

1 hi-hat (and stand) - looks a bit cheap, but looks brand new

1 ride (and stand) - looks new

So first, tell me... for the price, how did I do? Never heard of Stewart drums. The Pearl's are made in China. Was gonna ask the kid for the drum sticks and throne too, but I didn't want to sound greedy.

Secondly, what kinda things do people normally do to a set of drums when they buy them second hand in order to make them play better? How do you tune them? Any other advice? Thanks.

Secondly, what kinda things do people normally do to a set of drums when they buy them second hand in order to make them play better?

Get new heads for the drums! Good heads will make any kit sound better.

Here is what I use...

*Toms

Batter side---Remo Weatherking Emperor clear

Reso side---Remo Weatherking Ambassador clear

*Snare

Batter side---Remo Emperor X

Reso side---Remo Weatherking Ambassador

*Kick

Batter side---Remo Powerstroke 3

For heads Remo and _Evans seem to be favorites. There is also Aquarian & a few others.

So first, tell me... for the price, how did I do?

Sounds like you got a good deal. All the companys make high and low quality stuff, just depends on what series your equipment is.

http://www.drumweb.com/profsound.shtml

Print this out and give it to the new drummer it's a must read if you never tuned or purchased heads.

1st replace all head's top and bottom, when removing the rims make sure you put them on the same way they came off (mark with tape) tighten all lugs to the shell make sure the screws are not stripped add grease to the tuning rods/lugs inspect bearing edges and of course clean hardware and drum finish.

Another great site for your drummer to check out is

http://www.vicfirth.com/education/educationmain.html

http://www.vicfirth.com/education/rudiments.html

Thanks for the sites. Big help!

That is the first intelligent thing that I have seen you post.