Are you talking about new drums ??.....

Wouldn't know a thing about those........:)

I think there are decent kits that are affordable. It's what you need to pay to make them sound good, equaling another $170 in heads not counting needing good hardware or the most important factor....Good Cymbals!

This is not a wise road. Why buy new garbage when you can get used stuff ever so much cheaper?

A Mapex used can be had for about a hundred. Add one or two more for a Gretsch or a Mapex M. These are Chinese kits and can be worked to sound pretty good. They are Luan or Birch or the Chinese idea of Maple.

The point is, these kits don't hold value so don't pay retail. They are abundent and very cheap used. These two brands in particular can be worked to sound pretty good. Some of that stuff you're looking at is a waste of time and money.

Mcjnic is on the money here, go on craigslist in your area Ohio craigslist has a ton of stuff listed!!

Yes, my mistake. They're much more affordable and makes sense to only get them USED if the price is low enough. This is the best, affordable way to go for beginners.

I always recommend used drums in a complete with cymbals configuration to my students. The store where I teach has those crappo beginner kits, and wants me to try to sell them to the kids. I would rather quit than do that.

I've bought a lot of used cars and the thing that takes the longest to learn is how to say "no".

If you just keep saying no to car deals eventually someone will come up with a nice Cadillac and sell it to you for $100 because it's taking up space.

The same with drums. I still see, from time to time, old Ludwigs and such for dirt cheap. It's getting less frequent but there's really no way in &@%!!! I would buy any of these drums people are talking about in this thread.

I'd hold out and get the best drums made for dirt cheap. You have to be patient like when you're fishing and learn to say no. Eventually someone will show up with a set of drums that are decent - like the beat up '69 set of Ludwigs I got for $45 (yes $45) about 10 years ago. There's no reason I know of not to use the best drums ever made - why settle for these crap Honda, Toyota and Kia drums?

I would add to resist the urge to buy orphans with the intention of putting together a kit. I've done a few of those, and the final cost ALWAYS adds up to more than the price of a comparable complete kit. NEVER AGAIN! (I hope! :p)