What to look for in used drum set

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WWolfe Member Joined Nov 2018 Posts 3552 EE 0% (0) CO, USA	Posted: 9/29/2023 10:18:41 PM EST I haven't played the drums in 35 years, but I'm going to buy a set for the basement. Any advice on how to pick a used set. Probably 5 piece with cymbals, etc. Tama, Pearl, Ludwig, Yamaha??? I don't have a clue where to start.
	Ludwig Boltzmann, who spent much of his life studying statistical mechanics, died in 1906, by his own hand, Paul Bhranfest, carrying on the work, died similarly in 1933, Now it is our turn to study statistical mechanics...

ajroyer Joined Jun 2009 Posts 1644 EE 0% (0) IL, USA	Posted: 9/29/2023 11:05:12 PM EST [#1] Hoops in good shape and shells with smooth bevels. Ability to adjust toms, nothing stripped out. I've decided brand makes little difference to sound, and wood type makes a subtle difference but not enough to worry about. New heads is the biggest benefit, and probably the most important factor.

Butternut Member Joined Jan 2006 Posts 37963 EE 0% (0) VA, USA	Posted: 9/30/2023 12:17:51 AM EST [#2] "Reverb" is now like ebay used to be for musical instruments in the early 2000s.
	Proud and grateful Tennessee Squire flgfish: "Low mileage cars piss me off. You saving your girlfriend for the next guy? Drive the car and enjoy it. A 911 is damn near bulletproof."

m200maker Member Joined Mar 2006 Posts 10176 EE 0% (0) CA, USA	Posted: 9/30/2023 12:55:18 AM EST [#3] Tom’s out or round, bearing edges, condition of hardware and shells. It’s almost as inexpensive for a decent new kit.

Mech2007 Coherent Ramblings Joined Nov 2007 Posts 141765 EE 100% (3) NY, USA	Posted: 10/4/2023 6:43:24 AM EST [#4] I found a used Pearl Export set on eBay. It was pickup only, so I got a good deal on it. Added more Toms and upgraded the cymbals.
	I wasn't expecting you so soon. Usually I have to say "drunken half-wit" three times before you show up. CoC 87 -- Excessive Honesty. On a thread record of 94 Ignore Lists!!!

Whamo

Team Member

Joined Jul 2008
Posts 10012
EE 100% (6)

NJ, USA

Posted: 10/4/2023 7:06:25 AM EST

[#5]

Quote History

Originally Posted By ajroyer:
Hoops in good shape and shells with smooth bevels. Ability to adjust toms, nothing stripped out.

I've decided brand makes little difference to sound, and wood type makes a subtle difference but not enough to worry about. New heads is the biggest benefit, and probably the most important factor.

View Quote

This!

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Robert E. Howard

WWolfe

Member

Joined Nov 2018
Posts 3565
EE 0% (0)

CO, USA

Posted: 10/7/2023 11:58:01 AM EST

[#6]

Thanks Guys. Might look at this one today for $550. Thoughts?

Mapex Mars 6-piece kit with upgraded Ludwig steel snare.

Includes:

Mapex Toms: - 10 x10, 12x10, 13 x 11 - Remo Pinstripe clear heads
Mapex Floor Tom: 16x16 - Remo Pinstripe clear head
Mapex Bass Drum: 22x16 - Mapex Clear Sound head
Ludwig Steel Snare (8 lug): 14x5 - Evans ST Dry head -White
Sabian AAX High hats: 14"
Sabian AAX Crash: 16"
Sabian AAX Ride: 20"
Cymbal carrying case
All hardware including - Snare stand (Mapex), High Hat Stand (Rock), Ride Stand (Pearl), Crash Stand (Omni Sphere)
Bass Drumn Pedal (Premier)
Throne (Gibraltar)
Drum and Cymbal Mute pack

Ludwig Boltzmann, who spent much of his life studying statistical mechanics, died in 1906, by his own hand, Paul Bhranfest, carrying on the work, died similarly in 1933, Now it is our turn to study statistical mechanics...

ajroyer

Joined Jun 2009
Posts 1645
EE 0% (0)

IL, USA

Posted: 10/7/2023 1:31:12 PM EST

[#7]

Quote History

Originally Posted By WWolfe:
Thanks Guys. Might look at this one today for $550. Thoughts?

Mapex Mars 6-piece kit with upgraded Ludwig steel snare.

Includes:

Mapex Toms: - 10 x10, 12x10, 13 x 11 - Remo Pinstripe clear heads
Mapex Floor Tom: 16x16 - Remo Pinstripe clear head
Mapex Bass Drum: 22x16 - Mapex Clear Sound head
Ludwig Steel Snare (8 lug): 14x5 - Evans ST Dry head -White
Sabian AAX High hats: 14"
Sabian AAX Crash: 16"
Sabian AAX Ride: 20"
Cymbal carrying case
All hardware including - Snare stand (Mapex), High Hat Stand (Rock), Ride Stand (Pearl), Crash Stand (Omni Sphere)
Bass Drumn Pedal (Premier)
Throne (Gibraltar)
Drum and Cymbal Mute pack

View Quote

I haven't played it or checked it's general condition, but the specs you posted look good.

"Standard" sizes on shells will make getting new heads easier. Cymbals are also "standard" sizes, so should sound close to what you think they should. First upgrades will probably be heads and pedal. Getting that much for that price tells you you're getting "entry level" gear. New heads and functional hardware will make up the difference.

(Not that the heads that are on it are "bad", per se...just that when you want a different sound from different heads it will be easier to achieve.)

WWolfe Member Joined Nov 2018 Posts 3566 EE 0% (0) CO, USA	Posted: 10/7/2023 1:53:15 PM EST [#8] Thanks. Entry level is fine for now. If I play them often, I'll spring for a much better set!
	Ludwig Boltzmann, who spent much of his life studying statistical mechanics, died in 1906, by his own hand, Paul Bhranfest, carrying on the work, died similarly in 1933, Now it is our turn to study statistical mechanics...

ajroyer Joined Jun 2009 Posts 1646 EE 0% (0) IL, USA	Posted: 10/7/2023 9:25:43 PM EST [#9] Quote History Originally Posted By WWolfe: Thanks. Entry level is fine for now. If I play them often, I'll spring for a much better set! View Quote I'm not knocking entry level at all. Just pointing out that the right heads and maybe some hardware upgrades (over time) will really help you enjoy the kit. Let us know how it goes!

WWolfe

Member

Joined Nov 2018
Posts 3572
EE 0% (0)

CO, USA

Posted: 10/7/2023 9:57:23 PM EST

[#10]

Quote History

Originally Posted By ajroyer:

I'm not knocking entry level at all. Just pointing out that the right heads and maybe some hardware upgrades (over time) will really help you enjoy the kit. Let us know how it goes!

View Quote

Understood! Hope to checkout that set tomorrow. I've been out of it for so long, hard to know what's good/bad. Good tips above.

Ludwig Boltzmann, who spent much of his life studying statistical mechanics, died in 1906, by his own hand, Paul Bhranfest, carrying on the work, died similarly in 1933, Now it is our turn to study statistical mechanics...

WWolfe Member Joined Nov 2018 Posts 3574 EE 0% (0) CO, USA	Posted: 10/8/2023 6:54:37 PM EST [#11] Picked them up today and have been playing for the last two hours. Haven't played in a good 35 years. Some stuff came back quickly, but I'm pretty rusty otherwise. Drums sound great. Cymbals are OK, but might upgrade those or add a splash cymbal at some point. Getting it all dialed in! Thanks for the advice, guys. Attached File
	Ludwig Boltzmann, who spent much of his life studying statistical mechanics, died in 1906, by his own hand, Paul Bhranfest, carrying on the work, died similarly in 1933, Now it is our turn to study statistical mechanics...

ajroyer

Joined Jun 2009
Posts 1649
EE 0% (0)

IL, USA

Posted: 10/9/2023 2:40:53 PM EST

[#12]

Congratulations!

I'd also suggest some sound dampening for that room. Simple blankets on the walls and ceiling will help with reverb. We built some fabric panels for our room and it made a huge difference. Moon gels will help knock down some ring as well.

Here's an example of sound panels:
DIY Perks Acoustic Panels

Here's some more about tuning, since you said you're rusty...:
Rob Brown Tuning

Rob Brown and Drumeo are great resources

What to look for in used drum set

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