Generally good advice, but two mayor disagreements: The Throne should be one of the first things to upgrade. A whacky, shaky throne does not give you stability to develop good foot technique and if it hurts your bum after an hour of practice, its a mental hurdle to overcome each time you want to practice. Get a good throne as soon as possible. I would say after new heads and before the pedals. Second, when it comes to upgrading cymbals, I would aim for the crashes first, then the ride, then the hats. Hats are just white noise for many listeners and like a stack they do not vary in sound thaaaat much, however there is a huge difference between a cheap brass crash and a good B20 crash. Get a good, medium thin 16" or better 18" crash. Those are very versatile and suit most genres. Then get a ride, as it is the same story, brass sounds heaps different from proper bronze. After that get some sick new hats.
Ditto on the throne, especially if you are starting to play in your 30’s or older. I started playing again in my 40’s, and after a few years sitting on a cheap throne, I couldn’t believe how much day to day mild body discomfort was eliminated once I upgraded to a nice, sturdy throne. I had no idea what a toll the cheap throne was taking on my body.
Snare wise you really can't go wrong with a Ludwig 400/402. The 402 was my first pro snare 21 years ago that cost me £100. Still got it, added the 400 as well bagged a cheap one from the states. What they sell for now is insane but they are the most tried and trusted snares out there. Everyone should have a steambent maple too, they're special. As for the dream kit I've built my Ludwig from old 60s shells apart form the floor tom. Taught me a lot about kit building, real labour of love stuff. It's a four piece that I've wrapped in black oyster. When it goes into a studio people love the sound, it's just vintage thumpiness. If I was on a budget buying my first kit the Yamaha Stage Custom wins hands down. If you can find a Mapex Saturn used go for that those are serious bang for buck. I've got a little 20/12/14 that is a phenomenal sounding kit. I'm a K guy when it comes to cymbals with the exception of a really nice old 22" A medium I have.As for hardware Tama is indestructible and I only use single brace. I swear by DW5000 strap drive single pedals.
Ludwig Supraphonic, 14x6,5 is my snare drum of choice, followed bei Pearl "Ian Paice"-Signature-Snare of the same size, very versatile drum, easy to tune, affordable prize. Talking about hardware: I think we all should change our chairs first. I am very specific about this: absolutely NO movement in any part, no ecxeptions 🙂. Very good video as always!
Another great video! I would add that if you're going to be a gigging drummer getting good cases for your drums/hardware/cymbals is also an important buy when starting out. Jeez, it really is such an expensive instrument, isn't it? 😅 Thanks for the content!
i buyed my last drum kit in 2000, TAMA rockstar custom in 8,10,12,13,14,16,22...i have one regret the second bass drum !...and 24 years later this kit is like the day i unboxed the dream of my life
My favorite snare drum is actually a snare cheap snare drum i modified. So it was a cheap Mapex 8x14 maple shell, that i stripped down to just the shell. Than I sticker bombed the whole shell, and put some chrome BB lugs and chrome triple flanged hoops on it. Than I put a DW mag throw off and Puresound wires on it, and outfitted it with some Evans heads. And finally put a (home made out of an old suede skate shoe and a clip) Snareweight on it. It looks AWESOME, and sounds pretty good too. It’s my deep snare, than I also have a PDP Concept maple snare in 6.5x14 and it has a Zikit system installed in it (so I can change it to a 10” or 12” snare on the fly) I want to get one more snare that’s a 5.5x14 metal snare and I’ve got some PDP wood hoops I wanna put on it. I’m pretty sure those three would be able to handle any style I’m going to play.
Good morning, Mr. Common Sense, once again you put out a no nonsense, entertaining, and informational video. I thoroughly enjoy what you do to help all of us that follow you religiously. Thank you for your time and effort you put forth for all of us. Happy holiday season to you and your loved ones.❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️
This a great video!. lots of sensible advice!. From playing for many years, I can say that a Drum throne with back rest! is very important because Ur going to sitting for a long time on it and you need to be very/super comfortable on it even after an hour and not get a saw backside after 20 minutes or so. Also buy CHEAP hardware is not a good thing as you will buying much more often and, in the end, not saving money. Buy good quality (even if it's used) and get many many years use out of it.
My Favorite snare is my Tama SLP Kapur 6.5 x 14. Amazing tone, super lightweight, beautiful dark fade finish, versatile. Ive tuned low and thuddy and crackin high. It sounds great any way.
I would highly recommend a Gretsch Blackhawk kit if it's in good shape. I bought mine back in 2003 for $300 and bought some better cymbals and heads. I get compliments on the sound A LOT. The hardware is also really good for the price.
Look online for free drums; or talk to people at churches to see if they need a drummer ( gets you access to drums) or if they have old drum gear they don't use anymore; or get to know local drum/music store owners or private volume sellers to see if they have noname, ugly or damaged drums that they're looking to throw away, or that you can fix yourself to make into a useable drum. They often sell used heads, sticks and accessories for cheap or they might give you something here and there if they know money is short. And when you have a little bit of money, buying used name brand is the way to go, but off brand kits ( and cymbals ) work better than nothing. The concept of a drum that makes a sound is consistent between brands and price points; the only differences are materials, tuneability, country of origin and name.
Reality is that me, you, and they always going to be adding things to the dream list hahaha... Display monitor on the right is asking for retirement :P
Man! If they were still being made I’d absolutely have them on my list. Since this video is intended for beginners or relatively inexperienced players, I decided to focus on drums that are readily available and not go down the vintage rabbit hole. But that might need to be the subject of another video. Thanks for watching!
brotha drummer, i am in central pa here and i am a new sub for ya here and i am a oldschool 80's drummer and i am looking for this route but little $ here at all , i need help from out there , i would take piece by piece if i could , as longs as its playable n not broken , email me bro , i love talking music/drums/bands/gear/ etc , thanks > tom !
Check out the comment on this video from @Pure_KodiakWILD_Power. Some fantastic advice on how to get drums for free or cheap. I know that in my area there are a couple of thrift shops that have super cheap drums fairly regularly, and there are a couple of online ad providers that have free listings. Hopefully you can make it happen!
Generally good advice, but two mayor disagreements:
The Throne should be one of the first things to upgrade. A whacky, shaky throne does not give you stability to develop good foot technique and if it hurts your bum after an hour of practice, its a mental hurdle to overcome each time you want to practice. Get a good throne as soon as possible. I would say after new heads and before the pedals.
Second, when it comes to upgrading cymbals, I would aim for the crashes first, then the ride, then the hats. Hats are just white noise for many listeners and like a stack they do not vary in sound thaaaat much, however there is a huge difference between a cheap brass crash and a good B20 crash. Get a good, medium thin 16" or better 18" crash. Those are very versatile and suit most genres. Then get a ride, as it is the same story, brass sounds heaps different from proper bronze. After that get some sick new hats.
Ditto on the throne, especially if you are starting to play in your 30’s or older. I started playing again in my 40’s, and after a few years sitting on a cheap throne, I couldn’t believe how much day to day mild body discomfort was eliminated once I upgraded to a nice, sturdy throne. I had no idea what a toll the cheap throne was taking on my body.
I hope people are reading the comments, because these are EXCELLENT points. Thank you!
This a great point. Thank you!
Snare wise you really can't go wrong with a Ludwig 400/402. The 402 was my first pro snare 21 years ago that cost me £100. Still got it, added the 400 as well bagged a cheap one from the states. What they sell for now is insane but they are the most tried and trusted snares out there. Everyone should have a steambent maple too, they're special.
As for the dream kit I've built my Ludwig from old 60s shells apart form the floor tom. Taught me a lot about kit building, real labour of love stuff. It's a four piece that I've wrapped in black oyster. When it goes into a studio people love the sound, it's just vintage thumpiness. If I was on a budget buying my first kit the Yamaha Stage Custom wins hands down. If you can find a Mapex Saturn used go for that those are serious bang for buck. I've got a little 20/12/14 that is a phenomenal sounding kit.
I'm a K guy when it comes to cymbals with the exception of a really nice old 22" A medium I have.As for hardware Tama is indestructible and I only use single brace. I swear by DW5000 strap drive single pedals.
Ludwig Supraphonic, 14x6,5 is my snare drum of choice, followed bei Pearl "Ian Paice"-Signature-Snare of the same size, very versatile drum, easy to tune, affordable prize.
Talking about hardware: I think we all should change our chairs first. I am very specific about this: absolutely NO movement in any part, no ecxeptions 🙂.
Very good video as always!
Thanks again! The Supraphonic is DEFINITELY on my wish list!
Another great video! I would add that if you're going to be a gigging drummer getting good cases for your drums/hardware/cymbals is also an important buy when starting out. Jeez, it really is such an expensive instrument, isn't it? 😅
Thanks for the content!
Right! What's the meme? "Get your kids interested in drums, and they'll never have money for drugs!"
i buyed my last drum kit in 2000, TAMA rockstar custom in 8,10,12,13,14,16,22...i have one regret the second bass drum !...and 24 years later this kit is like the day i unboxed the dream of my life
That is fantastic. Great drums, and lots of versatility.
🙏🙏🙏
My favorite snare drum is actually a snare cheap snare drum i modified. So it was a cheap Mapex 8x14 maple shell, that i stripped down to just the shell. Than I sticker bombed the whole shell, and put some chrome BB lugs and chrome triple flanged hoops on it. Than I put a DW mag throw off and Puresound wires on it, and outfitted it with some Evans heads. And finally put a (home made out of an old suede skate shoe and a clip) Snareweight on it. It looks AWESOME, and sounds pretty good too. It’s my deep snare, than I also have a PDP Concept maple snare in 6.5x14 and it has a Zikit system installed in it (so I can change it to a 10” or 12” snare on the fly) I want to get one more snare that’s a 5.5x14 metal snare and I’ve got some PDP wood hoops I wanna put on it. I’m pretty sure those three would be able to handle any style I’m going to play.
Nice. Those sound like amazing options. I'm going to have to check out the Zikit. Looks very cool.
Good morning, Mr. Common Sense, once again you put out a no nonsense, entertaining, and informational video. I thoroughly enjoy what you do to help all of us that follow you religiously. Thank you for your time and effort you put forth for all of us. Happy holiday season to you and your loved ones.❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️
Hey! Good to hear from you. Thanks for watching! Happy holidays to you, too!
My favorite snares: Sonpr Benny Greb signature 2.0 and Sonor SQ1 14x6.5
I really, really want to try the Benny Greb snare. His sound is killer.
This a great video!. lots of sensible advice!. From playing for many years, I can say that a Drum throne with back rest! is very important because Ur going to sitting for a long time on it and you need to be very/super comfortable on it even after an hour and not get a saw backside after 20 minutes or so. Also buy CHEAP hardware is not a good thing as you will buying much more often and, in the end, not saving money. Buy good quality (even if it's used) and get many many years use out of it.
Yep. This video definitely needed more emphasis on thrones! That's a crucial part of the equation.
I really love these series of videos!
Thank you!
My Favorite snare is my Tama SLP Kapur 6.5 x 14. Amazing tone, super lightweight, beautiful dark fade finish, versatile. Ive tuned low and thuddy and crackin high. It sounds great any way.
That sounds like a great drum. I'm going to have to check it out!
I would highly recommend a Gretsch Blackhawk kit if it's in good shape. I bought mine back in 2003 for $300 and bought some better cymbals and heads. I get compliments on the sound A LOT. The hardware is also really good for the price.
Love it! I’ll check those out. Thanks!
Look online for free drums; or talk to people at churches to see if they need a drummer ( gets you access to drums) or if they have old drum gear they don't use anymore; or get to know local drum/music store owners or private volume sellers to see if they have noname, ugly or damaged drums that they're looking to throw away, or that you can fix yourself to make into a useable drum. They often sell used heads, sticks and accessories for cheap or they might give you something here and there if they know money is short.
And when you have a little bit of money, buying used name brand is the way to go, but off brand kits ( and cymbals ) work better than nothing. The concept of a drum that makes a sound is consistent between brands and price points; the only differences are materials, tuneability, country of origin and name.
I agree 100%. Fantastic advice.
I would get a good drum throne before cymbals
Yep. That's definitely my biggest miss on this video. Thanks for the feedback!
Don't follow this advice. Don't buy a drum kit. Don't play drums. I don't need the competition.
I’m rethinking my entire channel at this point. (Thanks for watching!)
Ya get a bass and bass amp . Get good at it. Thats needed more ..
Reality is that me, you, and they always going to be adding things to the dream list hahaha... Display monitor on the right is asking for retirement :P
You’re 100% right on both counts. New display monitors are also on my wish list! 😬
A drummer who doesnt list SLINGERLAND loses all credibility .
Man! If they were still being made I’d absolutely have them on my list. Since this video is intended for beginners or relatively inexperienced players, I decided to focus on drums that are readily available and not go down the vintage rabbit hole. But that might need to be the subject of another video. Thanks for watching!
brotha drummer, i am in central pa here and i am a new sub for ya here and i am a oldschool 80's drummer and i am looking for this route but little $ here at all , i need help from out there , i would take piece by piece if i could , as longs as its playable n not broken , email me bro , i love talking music/drums/bands/gear/ etc , thanks > tom !
Check out the comment on this video from @Pure_KodiakWILD_Power. Some fantastic advice on how to get drums for free or cheap. I know that in my area there are a couple of thrift shops that have super cheap drums fairly regularly, and there are a couple of online ad providers that have free listings. Hopefully you can make it happen!