Buying drums

My son is starting drum lessons and wants a set of drums for his birthday. I'm looking for a cheap secondhand set but don't have a clue what constitutes reasonable condition. Can anyone give me some tips what to look for regards what is acceptable wear and tear and what problems to avoid. Guide prices of suitable kits would also be good. Any pointers to web sites with info on the basics of drums gratfully apreciated.

Thanks, Jim Gillon

I got mine (still my first, I'm learning as well) from a pawn shop. At the time, it wasn't anything big, a 5 piece w/hi-hat cymbals and stand + a crash and stand and throne. It cost me a little over $550 total. I would suggest checking any pawn shop EXCEPT for the big chains, they wanted over $1K for just the drums, nothing else. I got a TJ Percussion, but I don't see that name much anymore, mostly TKO's that look okay... You may want to look into getting new heads for all of the drums, as that vastly improved the sound of mine. I like the clear pinstrips for the tops and a good thick one for the top, and a thin one for the bottom. I'm not professional, but I do like the sound from it, good and rock like. I would say if you can find a good **FULL** set (small tom, med. tom, floor tom, bass, and snare + hi-hat and at least one crash) for under $650, you should be good to go. Be sure and listen to it a little and see if you like it. If you don't want the pawn shop, then I would try this site: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/ It's musician's friend, and they almost always have good deals for just about any thing. Hope this helps.

Don't know where you live but if you are anywhere near So. California the Recycler is an absolute gold mine for used musical equipment of all sorts.

Mapex makes a little set that is great quality. They run about $450.00. I was so impressed when I heard these drums, I bought a set. The quality is outstanding, especially for the price. You get a 5 piece kit (snare, bass drum, 2 mounted toms, a floor tom, a cymbal stand, high-hat, bass-drum pedal and throne. They are attractive as well. Check it out. Best buy for the money.

Where can you get these Mapex drums .. ?

Hi!

I don't think I can give any better advice than the ones given. However, there is one thing I'd like to point out. IMHO, no matter what you buy, don't save money on the throne. It may sound silly, but the throne is EXTREMELY important, as the drummer is using all the four limbs the throne is the point of balance. I low quality throne may not only impair your son's drumming, it may be dangerous for his back. I don't know which ones are the best (can someone point out what are the best thrones?)

I hope that helped.

All the best,

Them would be the Mapex V series that 'Pastor' be talking about. One of my three Mapex kits is A V series. Great drum, great price.

Josh

This man likes Mapex drums - hes a veteran studio player..........Hal Blaine
http://www.molehillgroup.com/hal_blaine.htm

You can find these drums at their web site which is www.mapexdrums.com or at www.samash.com. I bought mine at Manny's Music Store in New York. Their number is 212-819-0576. Delivery only took me one week.

Check out Taye Drums. Great BANG for the buck. www.taye.com

Jim, got to the biggest drum shop you can find, ask for advice, they'll tell you what to look for, and, may show you some - Where are you located? - if it's London, I can tell you where to go. Best Eddie Green