Can't decide on drum stuff

RianL

Hey guys

I'll get to the point I have a green Pearl ELX poplar kit and its about 4 years old. It's been driving me mad getting it around and I've been looking for something smaller and maybe a bit better without going over on price. The kit I'm looking at is a Gretsch Catalina Cub.

Are these kits better than my current set? I know they are smaller but I want to get a new kit without downsizing in quality.

Thanks look forward to the replies.

Sugarlumps

They'd be pretty similar Rian, Pearl drums are fairly robust, I'm sure your aware of this. I'd expect the Gretsch to be of similar ilk? I've an old export, it's like a panzer tank. I presume the club is 18" kick?

Decent heads and good tuning will make any drum sound good. Drums just ain't fun to lug around. I should know as I've five kits.

Get in to town and try a few kits out, don't limit yourself.

RianL

Sugarlumps wrote: »

They'd be pretty similar Rian, Pearl drums are fairly robust, I'm sure your aware of this. I'd expect the Gretsch to be of similar ilk? I've an old export, it's like a panzer tank. I presume the club is 18" kick?

Decent heads and good tuning will make any drum sound good. Drums just ain't fun to lug around. I should know as I've five kits.

Get in to town and try a few kits out, don't limit yourself.

Hey Sug

I gotta agree my ELX is a tank of a yoke, pearl hardware is simply unsmashable :rolleyes: and ive carted it all over the place the thing i dont like about it is its a bit big and its POPLAR the club is a 20' kick and all made of mahogany. At the moment I have remo clear emp's and even though they sound alright, pearl drums just don't have the punch im looking for.

Squidgy Black

If you downsize and go for a smaller kick or smaller toms etc, you're not going to get the depth and thump. I'd stick with the ELX for now and wait until you have the cash for something that's a big step up.

Sugarlumps

You should be getting a pretty good sound off the emperors. I use zero muffling, I like the drums to ring somewhat, big open sound. I use coated G1's or G2's, Evans 360 heads are next on the list. I find clear heads very plastic sounding.

A change of heads might change you're mind, so if you can afford to change one drum over or even better drop into a store and try some heads out. I'd agree with Tyrell, kinda pointless changing.

RianL

Sugarlumps wrote: »

You should be getting a pretty good sound off the emperors. I use zero muffling, I like the drums to ring somewhat, big open sound. I use coated G1's or G2's, Evans 360 heads are next on the list. I find clear heads very plastic sounding.

A change of heads might change you're mind, so if you can afford to change one drum over or even better drop into a store and try some heads out. I'd agree with Tyrell, kinda pointless changing.

Thanks guys, for when I do step up what would be a nice kit that has that great sound without all my money draining?:D

Sugarlumps

RianL wrote: »

Thanks guys, for when I do step up what would be a nice kit that has that great sound without all my money draining?:D

Your spoilt for choice these days, the level in craftsmanship is amazing. It’s a buyer’s market, the second-hand market has never been stronger. Intermediate kits are no different to pro kits, you’re paying for fancy finishes with top end kits.

Naas drum centre has a fantastic range that I could only dream about when I was a kid, always look out for sales in music stores, you can get a pro kit for half price. My advice is try out as many as you can, don't get influenced because your favourite drummer plays a certain brand. Be patient and wait for the sales or buy second hand. Save those pennies until then.

Lightbulb Sun

_Tyrrell_ wrote: »

If you downsize and go for a smaller kick or smaller toms etc, you're not going to get the depth and thump. I'd stick with the ELX for now and wait until you have the cash for something that's a big step up.

Not true in the case of the Catalina. Have heard that the kick packs a big punch for a smaller size. One of the best in its price range too.

RianL

Very good points being made here yahoo answers shame on you

Them Catalinas have a lovely sound even untuned Does anybody here own a TuneBot? I have being thinking about getting one of them but don't know about price or anywhere that actually sells them. I've been to Musicmaker a while back and noticed their Gretsch Catalina Maple kits (a step up from the one I mentioned earlier) anybody had experience with these kits?