Budget is 300 to 400. These Pearls are on for $175...I'm also looking at a newer set of Tama Imperialstars for $350. They're only a couple of years old, but they are the smaller set (18" bass set, IS58C). They're for a 10 year old, so either one would probably work, but I want to get what's best!
Thanks for all your help. This is a great forum!!
Budget is 300 to 400. These Pearls are on for $175...I'm also looking at a newer set of Tama Imperialstars for $350. They're only a couple of years old, but they are the smaller set (18" bass set, IS58C). They're for a 10 year old, so either one would probably work, but I want to get what's best!Thanks for all your help. This is a great forum!!
Actually $175 isn't bad with the cymbals depending on what they are, like old ones or new ones. I was sitting here and did a test and found the bass drum makes a pretty good sound with the right head. I use a powerstroke 3. Could be deeper though. The floor tom I can't get tuned in. The 18 inch is def gonna change sound a bit, I prefer the bigger bass drums. Umm can we get some pics of it??
What do you want pictures of? The Imperialstars, or more of the Pearls?
As far as I can tell, the only thing really "wrong" with the Pearls is the rust...they sound pretty good, but I'm not a drummer (hard for me to tell). They've got new skins, and sound as good as I can tell.
The Imperialstars look brand new, as the only use was from a kid who was just learning.
What do you want pictures of? The Imperialstars, or more of the Pearls?As far as I can tell, the only thing really "wrong" with the Pearls is the rust...they sound pretty good, but I'm not a drummer (hard for me to tell). They've got new skins, and sound as good as I can tell. The Imperialstars look brand new, as the only use was from a kid who was just learning.
I was interested in seeing the Imperialstars. Well maybe he just did that one thing I can't figure out to tune that floor tom lol. What hardware do the Imperialstars come with? I will admit to myself the pearls are a pretty good deal. If the Tama comes with hardware and has a good sound to it then maybe that one. Sorry to be bothersome pics and bla bla bla.
What do you want pictures of? The Imperialstars, or more of the Pearls?[COLOR="Red"]As far as I can tell, the only thing really "wrong" with the Pearls is the rust...[/COLOR]they sound pretty good, but I'm not a drummer (hard for me to tell). They've got new skins, and sound as good as I can tell. The Imperialstars look brand new, as the only use was from a kid who was just learning.
Tamadrm mentioned a cracked tom arm. And to my mind, rust equals neglect, period. Pitting of the chrome is one thing, rust means zero care from whoever owned these things. Throw in the allegations of a cracked tom arm and someone more than likely hammered the life out of those tubs........
They list drums on CL everyday, and you can get CBDrums, new in the box and complete, for $300 off of Pittsburgh Craiglist right now, as a point of reference.
have a wonderful evening
drumhack Mister T:)Mind Blowibaby crawl2flowers2
Yes, I can guarantee they have been neglected. I agree with the rust comments, and I'm sure they haven't been taken care of lately.
I'm assuming based on the comments to stick with the Imperialstars for now, even though it costs more, and only has a 18" bass (what Tama calls the "compact" set). The biggest advantage of that set is that they are pretty much brand new, just been sitting in someone's house with a lack of use. They run about $650 new online, so they seem like a pretty good deal. I was just curious if any of you experts saw a problem with a compact set. I'm sure the drums won't sound as impressive as a full size set, but I'm sure they'll still sound pretty cool to a 10 year old. Maybe if he sticks with it, we can upgrade to a nicer set in the future, and I'll be BACK for advice. I'm just trying to stay away from the low end new set of "Percussion Plus" drums for $300 - $400, where you can literally bend the cymbals with your fingers (really easily)!!!
Thanks for all the comments, guys. I really appreciate it. Let me know if you have any final thoughts.
I am no expert on anything but it sounds like you have a pretty solid gameplan. I totally agree that he will see and hear "drums and cymbals" and won't care a bit what size they are.
I will offer one more tidbit: There are many, many guys on here who wished that they had kept their first drum set. Well, this will be his first drum set (I presume) and if this is something that he chooses to pursue or expand on, it wouldn't be the worst idea in the world to find a spot to store whatever you decide to make his first kit, because once they are gone, they are gone........
have a wonderful evening
drumhack Group HugD' DrummerKeep on PlMind Blowi:D
What exactly are all the drum sizes on the Tama. I personally would go with that even know the pearl is a okayish kit. I consider my dads kit my first kit and will be keeping that. Like what was said before your first kit you tend to wanna keep and if you sell you regret it. Just go with the Tama's they will be just fine unless another kit should appear between now and Christmas.
This is the kit the Imperialstar's come with:
14"x18" Bass Drum w/BD Lifter
8"x10" Tom Tom
9"x12" Tom Tom
12"x14" Floor Tom
5.5"x13" Snare Drum
Double Tom Holder (MTH600)
Boom Cymbal Stand (HC33BS)
Snare Stand (HS30S)
Hi-Hat Stand (HH35S)
Drum Pedal (HP30)
Drum Throne (HT25)
Also, *MEINL "HCS" cymbals (14"HH+18"CR) are included.
Those Imperialstars are again an entry level,or slightly above kit.Those drums sizes are actually quite popular,even with metal drummers,and some rock drummers prefering the the punch of an 18" bass drum.Tama makes a quality product,and are noted for not only good sound,but very good hardware as well.The Meinl HCS cymbals I believe are brass,and not a higher quality bronze,but for entry lever beginers,thats just fine.
That kit is a very good first choice,and leaps and bounds better that a first choice of other cookie cutter drum set.Tama dosen't make junk.Good luck.
Steve B
