How to buy your first drum set
Not unlike buying a new car, purchasing a drum-set can quickly become a stressful experience.
Know this: you can go on Craigslist and get a set for a 150 bucks, or you could visit a brand store, and leave with a few thousand dollars less in your pocket.
So, what to do?
There are two main categories when it comes to drums –
ACOUSTIC DRUMS (the kind of drums as we know them, actual shells with drum heads).
And the ever more popular ELECTRONIC DRUMS (plastic pads, whose feel closely resemble acoustic drums, that provide a very important option – namely, no noise, since they trigger electronic sounds, and therefore enable headphone use)
Think of the difference between the two as you would about a Steinway concert grand and a Casio keyboard. essentially, both do the same thing, but are clearly at very opposed ends of a spectrum.
In NYC, noise is an important factor to consider, so in terms of easing the pressure on your neighbors and/or family members, electronic drums are a great option for practicing and in-home use. below, find a modest list of e-drums, at various price categories –
E-DRUMS:
http://www.zzounds.com/a–3081833/item–ALEDM7XSESSION
http://www.zzounds.com/a–3081833/item–ALEDM10STUDIOKIT
http://www.zzounds.com/a–3081833/item–ALEDM8PROKIT
http://www.zzounds.com/a–3081833/item–ALEDM10XKIT
http://www.zzounds.com/a–3081833/item–ROLTD11KVS
http://www.zzounds.com/a–3081833/item–ROLTD15KS
http://www.zzounds.com/a–3081833/item–ROLTD30K
As you have noticed, prices vary wildly…i would suggest going down to your local drum store, and try out a few sets…
here are a YouTube videos discussing e-drums –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTYVZNTIjzE&list=RDDTYVZNTIjzE#t=0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wADzoNJjh1U
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmvB7WwNIzs
ACOUSTIC DRUMS:
If you have the space and freedom to be loud, definitely go for acoustic drums. you will be hard pressed to find a drummer in town who brings e-drums to a gig. as practical as e-drums might be in terms of space/practice/noise issues, even the high end e-drums cannot duplicate the feel and response of acoustic drums.
Questlove, the drummer for the roots, recently released every NYC drummer’s dream-set – acoustic drums, yet small in size, affordable, and playable WHEN STILL IN THEIR RESPECTIVE BAGS!!! “what?” you’re asking?, well, see for yourself –
Here are links for purchase:
http://www.zzounds.com/a–3081833/item–LUDLC179X
http://www.guitarcenter.com/item/default.aspx?itemno=2813178
This is a great kit for beginners and advanced players alike. as for other options, i would again suggest to spend an afternoon at the drum store playing through a few sets.
Feel free to contact me at any time if you have any further questions –
