Bunny,

I have never tried the Silverstars, only the Rockstars, but, I will definitely recommend the Tama brand for a gigging kit...Right now, you can get a decent used kit for $300-$400 and they are built to last...Japan era are the better made...

Cheers

Bunny,

I have a Pearl DX "project" that is looking for a new home. The only reason I say project is because I removed the original wrap since it wasn't in the greatest shape, and was planning on re-wrapping it (just haven't gotten around to it yet). The sizes are 8x10, 10x12, 11x13, 12x14, 16x16, and 16x22. All the hardware is in good shape, no extra holes. Needless to say, it sounds great.. I have too many projects right now and not enough doe ray mee. I'ld love to see it go to a good home. $200 + shipping. PM if you are interested.

- Alex

I don't get it. 600-900 for a set of Silverstars (depending on config) or 200-500 for a fairly good second vintage kit. Where's the indecision? Sometimes I just don't get where these cats feed.

Rogersling-

those $200-500 are not always available, nor are they the configurations I may or may not want. Not to say that I am not looking in that direction. I am looking in all directions. I am thinking aloud.

Also- I am thinking of helping a local guy out ('cos he sells Tama and he's not a Banjo Center employee) and this could do it.

Well FunnyBunny, speaking as a man severely infected with Vintage Fever, I'm "Wishing, Hoping, Praying" you go the old school road. Good luck in the quest.

Who knows where I will head in this quest.

Would I rather have a vintage kit? Of course!!!

But do I get attached to them? Yes, I do!!!

I was thinking of something decent quality that I don't mind tearing the crap out of. I would mind tearing the crap out of good, vintage stuff. I worship vintage stuff. Why tear it up? I also realise I will NOT get my money from a newer kit. I call this depreciation and usage.

And yes- I will donate this kit to a good cause when she's done.

Also- I can't write off a used kit.

But- the right vintage kit could come along, as well...

Bunny - I play a set of Ludwig Epic's at the rehearsal studio. Not my drums and when the bandleader first told me about them, I didn't expect to like them very much. I'm a hard-core vintage guy. But I have to admit, the damn kit sounds great. Epic's can be had in your price range. The hardware is solid/road-worthy, and the drums actually sound great. I think you're going to like the finishes they come in too. The one I play at the studio is a two tone natural wood finish that looks rich. Ludwig really did a nice job with these. Epic's are a line of drums that are flying under everybody's radar, kits can be had for cheap.

I also know a professional drummer that swears by his Gretsch Catalina kit! Catalina's can be had cheap on Craig's List and ebay. The Epic's and the Catalina's are two kits you might want to check out as potential candidates for solid, reliable gig kits.

John

Maybe Luddy Epics could be my go to kit. Like I have said- I get attached to vintage drums. Maybe 'cos I think of the great (now) vintage kits that went through my hands, such as WMP Radio Kings, Champagne Sparkle Cleveland Rogers, a set of "Ringos" from the late '60s, etc., etc.

I was just so bitterly disappointed in the low-end OCDP's I had (no offense, Mikey777!!!), and low-end Pearls have become, well, so LOW-END!!!!

I was hoping to gig the Premiers I had rebuilt; but now after completing my masterpiece, I want to just play the **** out of them in my rehearsal room!!! I will gig them on 22 Oct, but that's not a "regular" bar gig...

I have to second the Gretsch Catalina kits they are nice and you can get them real cheap on craigslist