hmmmmmmmmmmm....

Everytime I go to my local drum shop, I consider taking home the set of orange colored Yamaha Stage Custom's with hardware for around a G-note! The hardware on those drums looks like you could use it for scaffolding components and the kit just screams at me for whatever reason. My point is if you are looking at the swingstar level of drums, possibly consider taking a peak at the Yammy Stage Customs as well, if you have not already. I must confess though, I was at Piano's and stuff yesterday and they had some turquise-bluish-colored sparkle, brand new Swingstars that looked awesome as well! Bottom line though, my next and first new kit will either be Yamaha's or those Gretsch 57's that look like an old Caddy. I think those drums are way cool as well!

have a wonderful evening

drumhack Mister T:)Mind BlowiCool Dudeflowers2

Yammies, huh?

I loved the last set of Yammies I had; wish I had kept them...

To be clear, I haven't really played any drums other than my old man's Slingy kit so take my advice with a huge grain of salt. I was basing everything off of appearance and perceived quality based on the structure of the hardware....LOL.

I just figured it was worth a mention as the Stage Custom's are the same level as the Tama's you were speaking of and they are another option and possibly easier to get your desired configuration. I hear about how each is better than the other depending on if I am up at the local shop or Piano's and Stuff.....LOL. I guess they gotta eat too!

toodles

drumhack

I live near a salt mine, LOL...

I just wish there was a Yamaha dealer near me that wasn't a Banjo Center :(

If I can get my desired configuration easier with Yammies- then I go there.

But y'alls have given me some good food for thought.

Thanks!!!!

Bunny - this is what I'm talking about. Check out the price on these. Free shipping too!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ludwig-Epic-Downbeat-4pc-Drum-Set-Deep-Red-20-New-/260718519330?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cb408e422#ht_1728wt_1398

And here's a set of Catalina's:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gretsch-Catalina-Birch-5pc-Drum-Set-Cobalt-Blue-Used-Demo-100-Birch-Value-/270701155794?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f070bd5d2#ht_1809wt_1398

You can probably easily find used kits for less than these new ones. $300 to $400 should fetch a really nice kit for you to play out without worry.

Food for thought...

John

That is food for thought...

So far, everyone around in my parts wants stupid money for POS kits!!! I wish I were kidding. There are a lot of people advertising "8 piece Ludwig Element Drum Kit(s)" on Craigslist for $500 with "Wonderful Sabian B8 Symbols", and they are 5 piece pieces of JUNK counting the stands and cymbals!!!

I am half-tempted to buy up a few POS kits for their lugs and other pieces of hardware to build a Keller shell kit of my own to gig. Why doesn't anyone do 18" floor toms as regular fare? Yeah- the hoops will be POS, but would get me through 'til I get new hoops.

Those Gretsch drums you speak of are a bit of allroight!!!!!

I'd have 'em!!!!

The forum's post have been great. Catalina's, Epic, Stages, ect have a lot of bang for the buck. I just want to put out, I had a $200 used "beater" kit. It was a silver Pacific set. So easy to tune, the hardware, to my surprise, was great. Now, this was a few years ago and my kit had a mahogany shell, with an outer ply of maple. DW owns Pacific. You might be able to find a used kit in the $200-$300 range. That being said, you can't go wrong with the other selections.

Thanks for the suggestions.

I am popping into the local Banjo Center this afternoon before band rehearsal, and I am going to see what is in their used section.