I have been advising people to buy vintage so it holds its value (if its taken care of, of course). If the student loses interest they aren't out a lot of money! Thats what makes the most sense in my head anyway.

Cheers!

Curtis

I started playing on a full kit, added a bunch of stuff as fast as possible, and I am still pretty horrible behind the kit after a couple years of playing off and on as work permits. I heard recently from a real smart guy that he was pondering taking a rack tom off to help his future drummers learn to groove better.

With those two things I guess I am saying less is more for a beginner, from my experience.

Toodles

Drumhack Cool1Sumo DudeEye BallCar Driving2guitar3

I'm with the hack on this one... for a beginner, less is more.

However, I vote for number 3. For a 5th grader who wants something 'cool,' a budget priced electronic kit has the wow factor and it's practical. He can practice with headphones and not make his mom or the neighbors crazy, he'll be able to get a bunch of different kit sounds from one set, and if he quits playing, mom will get most of her investment back.

If it was -my- son... I'd start him on a pad until he was able to work the sticks a bit and knows some rudiments. Then I'd buy a bass, snare, hi-hats and a ride.

If he's still playing after 6 months or so, I add the toms and a crash. Gradual. Let him gain confidence and learn to play all the basics before putting him behind a full kit. As much fun as it is to sit behind a full drum set... it can be the very thing that causes a beginner to feel frustrated early in the learning process because they just don't know what to do with all those drums. I vote cheapy electronic kit.

John

Do as I say, not as I do ...

I started with a Slingerland 13-14-15-16-18-24, which was too much kit for a 15-year-old.

My first teacher was hesitant in accepting me, because he wanted me to not even play them until I mastered a few things on the snare. I tried it his way for a month, and didn't have enough self-control to not set up all of that other stuff.

We had a mutual parting of the ways later that summer. I regret not following his advice.

I've since advised others to start with a snare only. If there's enough motivation and interest, a new student will get good soon enough to warrant the rest of the stuff. This has worked well for several kids I know of friends and family.

I would recommend something fairly cheap. I haven't met too many people that really enjoy playing an electric set because they enjoy the sound and feel of an acustic set. The students I've worked with got something for about 200 that included hardware and cheap cymbals. I've heard another drum teacher say that you don't need great cymbals starting out, just something to hit and get your timing down.

I believe some people thing playing drums is like playing guitar hero but when they try really playing it's much harder. Searching CL or local yardsales is a great way to find a set and not spend a whole lot. That way, if her son loses interest she can sell it for about the same but if he enjoys it then she can sell it and help him upgrade.

when i was 13 i stayed on a snare for 14 months before i was allowed a kit to play on my teach was always about the chops i say a snare and pad, im with john on this one a kit comes later as he progresses or no if he regresses !!!!

Well here is my 2c:

After bugging my parents for a couple of years, I started getting lessons through a teacher who visited my school once a week.

I had lessons for a year, practicing on my pillow or anything else I could find.

After a year of that my parents could see I was serious, and bought me a Pearl set from the local store.

I'd have no hesitation recommending this path to anyone, and I do recommend it to my students. Although I do also suggest a practice pad instead of a pillow!

At the end of the day, if you want to play drums - you will. Doesn't matter what you start with. I started with nothing but a pair of sticks.

If the mom is set on buying a kit (no pun intended), I'd probably recommend it being offered as a reward to the student after they show some diligence.

And finally, in contrast, my best friend at the time also started lessons at the same time as me, but his parents found him a cheap set to get started on. His technique suffered pretty bad as he taught himself some nasty habits. The only time I was behind a full kit was with my teacher, so that didn't happen for me.

Kind of a bummer... this kids school district has been gutted by failed school levies and failed bond issues... music is long gone in grade schools. I'm not sure it will still be in the high school when he gets there.

If he works himself into a player it will be through his own sheer determination... or whatever you call that for an 11 year old.

It's all great feedback and I appreciate it.... I guess the inspiration will come from within and not from what he gets to learn on.

I'm not sure where the technique will come from....

> I'm not sure where the technique will come from....

Yo drummer... how about volunteering a little time to the kid to get him started off right? Teaching a youngster to play 'can be' a lot of fun and spiritually rewarding. I always get a great feeling when I see someone I helped get started join their first band, or better yet, attend their first gig. It's a great feeling that can't be bought.

You'll progress and learn too, through the student. Before you show him anything, you'll have to do a little research to make sure you have all your facts straight and that you're not just passing on bad habits. As you teach, you learn. Works both ways.

John