Drum kits

[Slow-Pop]

Hey everyone.  My fiance wants to start to learn the drums, so I am going to buy her a kit for her birthday this month.  Problem...I don't know shit about drums and I can't play them for shit to try them out.  Anyone have a recommendation for a good brand/kit that will last more than the starter stage.  I'd like to have a decent kit for maybe when friends come over they can play without moaning.  is it a pipe dream to get quality for a small quantity?  I'm going to head to the pro drum shop this weekend, but any ammo I can go in with would be a plus.

[SPudnik]

Just about any drums can sound good, as long as they are in alignment - roundness, bevel edges, decent heads tuned properly, etc. < Those aspects are more important than finish but most people buy the "pretty" kit.
My brother just bought an off-brand kit "First Act" for $150 that sound like a million. But he knows how to tune 'em etc.

It's difficult to tell if a drumset in a music store is a good buy. Expensive does not mean better necessarily...

And since you're buying them for a female, go for the pretty ones...

[BenHagerty]

Don't buy new, always used.

[Hawaii 5-0]

Check craigslist for used sets.  Hardware and cymbals are what tend to get pretty expensive.  These typically aren't included when you buy a set from a music store.  You can find better value buying used.

[Slow-Pop]

I'm for sure going used unless there is a real deal to be had.  Maybe I should ask is there anything I need to avoid?  If I could find a great inexpensive drum set in an orange color, I'd be  doing very well with the little bird.

[Orang Goreng]

Check the Gretsch Catalina range. I bought one (a Cataline Maple) for my ex-drummer last year (after which he  paid me back), and it's awesome for the money.

Edit: at the risk of being accused of pimping my band, it's all over this recording: http://www.last.fm/music/Pony+Pack/Claws+%26+Fists

Edited 6 months later to add a picture and to mention that the full tracks can now actually be heard on our MySpace.

[Slow-Pop]

funny, that's the kit that intrigued me most.  Any advice on cymbals? 

[aen]

I've always like Paiste, but I guess a lot of drummers do not.

[Slow-Pop]

oh my god you have no idea how much she'd love that! haha

Thanks for all that input, that helps a great deal.  Man you are like a encyclodedia of all things music!

[Slow-Pop]

I'll say!  Well it's cool of you to share your knowledge, some people don't like too.  Just wanted you to know it's very appreciated. 

[missionguitars]

+1 on the Gretsch Catalina - great set, cheap price...also +1 on buying used...instant 50% markdown...Dream cymbals also supposed to rank high as well (never played them, just relaying what I have also heard)...

I bought a PDP CX set (maple shells), DW 5000 double bass pedal, all hardware, Wuhan china (sounds like ass), and the B8 cymbal kit (14" hi hats, 18" ride/crash, and a 6" splash) for $500 on craigslist - be patient, and the deals will come to you!

Also like the Yamaha Rydeen, Sonor Force 507/1007 series, Taye Rock Pro, Pearl Exports, & Mapex line - all are a step above beginner level drums, which means if it doesn't work out (like it didn't for me!), you can turn around and sell them for what you spent on them.  Don't think you will ever sell a set of CB700's for what you have into them - same on First Act or Pulse...

Check out this link as well - http://georgesdrumshop.com/guide.asp - a wealth of info for someone looking for their first set...

[panoramic]

i have an awesome set of cruddy pacifics that I got for $150 on the local cl and tuned up to my liking, sadly I can tune drums somehow, a magical miracle

[noirengineer]

one recommendation is to use coated ambassadors for batter sides, 
ambassador clears for resonant sides. and buy good cymbals for sure

[nealescott]

go used, and look for slingerland, ludwig, rogers, gretsch, leedy, premier, zildjian and so on.. there's some amazing bargains to be found out there! thankfully, used vintage drums haven't entirely suffered quite the same level of insanity as vintage guitars in terms of price.

here's my kit, altogether cost not much more than  $1000 and all vintage, with some modern hardware...




60's slingerland kit, 22, 16, 13, 70's ludwig acrolite snare, vintage and newish zildjian, bulldog hardware, ludwig ghost pedal, vintage premier hi-hat stand.