I run a K-12 summer enrichment program and we have a class called, Learn to Play the Drum Set that's taught by a local pro drummer and drum teacher named Homero Chavez. He's sponsored by Peace drums. We used a mix of vintage and newer kits for the kids. Our vintage is a 60's era MIJ no name 20/12/14/14x5, and it's lasted very well and sounds fantastic with new heads. This our early 2000's Pacific/PDP, and our early 2000's Ludwig are all borrowed. The program purchased a Peace Classic 4 piece kit (18/12/14/14x5.5) 2 years ago. Shell construction is 6ply poplar, lugs are lightweight and the weak link of the kit, but it sounds pro and has a really small footprint due to the BD mounting hardware. Hi hat, snare & BD mounting hardware (tom & ride) are included, but no throne or cymbals. Check it out: http://www.peace-drums.com/products_01.php?u=47&s=535

While the vintage kit is the most resonant and sounds the warmest, it is more difficult to adjust because of the age and mechanics of the hardware, which may be a consideration if purchasing for a student without much guidance in setting up a kit. The Peace kit, also due to the hardware is the easiest to customize.

Still, I think the best deals for a beginning drummer (as has been mentioned in earlier posts here) is to look at Craig's List. You can find all range of kits that come complete with cymbals, hardware, throne, etc... in a variety of configurations at a wide range of price levels. I'd always plan on the cost of new heads, at least for the snare and BD, as these are often the most beat up.

For what it's worth,

Brian

I run a K-12 summer enrichment program and we have a class called, Learn to Play the Drum Set that's taught by a local pro drummer and drum teacher named Homero Chavez. He's sponsored by Peace drums. We used a mix of vintage and newer kits for the kids. Our vintage is a 60's era MIJ no name 20/12/14/14x5, and it's lasted very well and sounds fantastic with new heads. This our early 2000's Pacific/PDP, and our early 2000's Ludwig are all borrowed. The program purchased a Peace Classic 4 piece kit (18/12/14/14x5.5) 2 years ago. Shell construction is 6ply poplar, lugs are lightweight and the weak link of the kit, but it sounds pro and has a really small footprint due to the BD mounting hardware. Hi hat, BD pedal, snare & BD mounting hardware (tom & ride) are included, but no throne or cymbals. Check it out: http://www.peace-drums.com/products_01.php?u=47&s=535. Peace makes a full line of beginner to pro level kits, but they aren't carried at many places...in fact I've only seen a new Peace kit on display at a big, and overpriced, pawn shop near me.

If then question is about distribution, I definitely agree with earlier posts about working with current distributors who may give better deals to longtime customer who wants to try out a new product. GC, Musician's Friend, Sam Ash will always have better deals on cheap stuff...the same as Walmart, but many folks are willing to spend a bit more at a local shop for a variety of reasons.

Still, I think the best deals for a beginning drummer (as has been mentioned in earlier posts here) is to look at Craig's List. You can find all range of kits that come complete with cymbals, hardware, throne, etc... in a variety of configurations at a wide range of price levels. I'd always plan on the cost of new heads, at least for the snare and BD, as these are often the most beat up.

For what it's worth,

Brian

Squint is probably right and my first response really didn't address the OP. I currently feature a killer kit, brand name Custom Classic (I think....) that is a maple kit in hybrid sizes and I love it. I got the 6 piece kit, about 7 Paiste Alpha cymbals, all the hardware including rim mounts, el cheapo double kick pedal, roc n' soc backrest throne for 600 bucks, I think. Second-best money I ever spent, only second to the bet I put in on Antonio Tarver beating Roy Jones Jr. a few years back, but that doesn't matter here I guess........ The snare sucks though, but I rock out with a Paul Bunyan sized Slingy snare R/S gave me anyways, so the matching snare has been collecting dust. However, I am not sure, but they may have went out of business, but they are still available on all the usual outlets.