jw7

I got a hair-brained idea that I want to learn to play.

Need some info on what kind of set to get to start out and advice on finding an instructor.

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vince56

What part of town are you in?

In Mesa, go to Milano Music, you can find a decent drum instructor there, in North Phoenix go to Drum Alley. They can at least get you started.

Drum brands to select from:

Tama
Pearl
DW

Those are the top 3 of the ones I've heard. Tama's 5 piece rockstar or starclassic sets are fabulous and fairly budget friendly.

Remember, you'll need to buy:

1. Drums
2. Hardware
3. Cymbal / Tom stands
4. Pedals (the DW kick pedals are to die for)
5. Cymbals
6. Drum heads (Remo heads are great)
7. Many pairs of sticks

Sabian and Zyldjian (sp?) are good cymbals to start with as well. Sabians are warmer and fuller sounding, while Zyldjian (god I know I'm spelling it wrong) cymbals are brighter and crisper with a sharper attack.

If you live in an apartment/condo or are neigbor/noise conscious, you could always get an electronic kit like Roland's V Drums. Those kick ass too.

These are all just my opinions after 12 years experience with drums in live and studio settings. I'm sure some people will definitely disagree with me.

jw7

Wow, thanks for the info Vince. I have some more questions, check yer pm.

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FischerKing

Whatever you do - stay far away from Paste cymbals - I can't stand the tingy ringing sound they make - they sound very thin.

In the past I've refused to play with drummers just because they used them - they sound terrible.

My 2 cents

Shawn

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Ryanwb

My brother bought a set of electric drums, paid like 1200 or something. He taught himself in like 6 months, he was really incredible before he left for military duty.

The set was pretty bad assed and you could change the sound the entire set with the push of a button

jw7

Thanks - yeah that's what got the bug going. A buddy of mine had a set of Roland electronics that I jammed on last weekend. Pretty amazing.

I'm debating getting a regular set or the electronics. I know that I won't bug my neighbors as much with the electronics, but is learning on an electronic set the same as learing on real drums?

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FischerKing

Not sure what the difference will be except for the "feel" of it. However, it definitely would be quiet.

Shawn

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"Arguing on the internet is like running in the special olympics... Even if
you win, you are still retarded..."

"I can't trust a woman who would marry me." ~ AzCards21

"I don't care what you believe, keep your religion out of my peanut butter!" ~ Assface

stompg

I'm a lurker so I know that you don't know whether my advice is good or not but I've been playing drums for about 14 years now. First, if money is no object, go DW all the way. If you play a DW kit you will never want to play another again. The feel is like butter. The snap is fantastic. However, if you are a beginner, generally (just like anything in this world) some of the nuances can be lost on you. As a beginner you might want to go with Tama or maybe Pearl. They're both quality drum companies. They just aren't DW. It's like the difference between a New York strip and filet mignon.

As for electric, you can never compare electric to acoustic. An electronic kit cannot match the resonance and reverb of an acoustic kit. As a drummer, I cannot stand electric drums and the (at least to me) lifeless sound.

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jw7

Thanks stompg - that is good advice.

Question tho, I did a search on DW and I see "Pacific by DW" for very cheap. I'm guessing this is the same thing as when Fender came out with the "Squire" brand for guitars??? Not the real thing?

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stompg

I've never heard of Pacific DW. It may be a company trying to ride off of DW's good name.

__________________
Wasted words on lower cases and capitals.
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vince56

heheh, that's why we trigger you "purists" in the studio

I kid Yeah nothing beats live drums. A full band cranking out makes you feel the music in ways recorded music just can't.

jw7

Same thing with guitar tho, no? I wen't thru a couple solid-state amps and nothing matches the warmth of tubes.

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Mr.Dibbs

Man, if you're just starting, pick up a used 5 piece kit somewhere. Don't go new. Drums are expensive. Buy a used 5 peice and then get some lessons.

Kick-Snare-kick-kick-snare. Kick-snare-kick-kick-snare. There's lesson #1. That'll be $30.00. Next week we'll add in the hi-hat.

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"When I see guys huddling up after the game, to pray, that's what scares me about the game. I'm a Baptist, but I'm also a quarterback killer, and I ain't praying with you. But I will give you 30 seconds to ask your Lord and master to keep me from killing you." -- Hall of Fame defensive end "Deacon" Jones on what aspect of the modern game most upsets him.

jw7

LOL check is in the mail.

Problem I'm having is that used drums are very hard to find, at least where I'm looking. New Times, and AZ republic have very few ads.

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EndZone

Check out Ebay

here is one (don't judge ebay by my selection here I know nothing about drums)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...category=38097

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