Drumkit help??

[bendonohoe]

I Want to buy a new more advanced drum kit. I am currently using an SX (more or less) beginner kit. I have been playing for about 5 years. I have found that good drum kits are hard to come by at an affordable price range in europe. i have been looking at the guitar center website and they have some very attractable kits for good prices. one that caught my eye is a pacific (by dw) CXR 6 piece. there is no reviews written so i have no feedback. Does anybody know anything about the quality of pacific drums or about htese models? Does anybody have a kit of this make?? I need to be absolutley positive before i buy one because i will be using a shipping company and i will not be able to refund it. I play mainly rock with bits of metal and im looking for a great sounding, great looking drum kit. does anybody have any other suggestions??? all help would be greatly appeciated.

[drumrap]

Firstly, I'd think very carefully before buying a kit from a Shipping Co that you haven't seen or tried. It sounds as if you need a semi-pro kit, which Pacific (by DW) will, as far as I'm aware provide. Pacific drums are getting a sound reputation, based on the fact that they're made by DW, so have some of the same features.

HOWEVER, I'd strongly, strongly suggest you get yourself down to a couple of well respected Drum Shops and try out a kit or two there. Try and get yourself together a shortlist of your requirements beforehand, such as:
- No of drums
- Preferred Finishes: Maple, Birch, Oak etc. Also whether you'd like a (harder wearing) Lacquered finish, or just a wrap); also the Colour(s) available (which can look very different to what you see in a catalogue
- Quality and ease of use of hardware (they do differ from make to make)
- Whether you're happy assembling the drums, or have a pro to set up your new kit for you - I'd recommend the latter, it's much less hassle.

Will you need new cymbals to go with your drums as well. They do need to complement each other, so again you need to hear and try out some options beforehand.

Armed with this basic information, you'll me more likely to make a choice that you're happy living with for the next few years.

Trust me, I was tempted to do the same as you and go direct to a Shipping Company, but in the end, there is nothing to beat hearing the equipment you want before you buy it and if there's a problem, the Drum Shop will be there to help you out. I had been drawn towards a wood finish kit that looked gorgeous in the catalogue; it looked complete dross when I saw one in the shop. The shop will also be able to help out with options for all of those little things that we always forget about, such as drums bags/cases, stick bags, maybe a different snare batter head to what the kit comes with as standard, or how about new pedals? All things to think about.

Finally, whilst you're looking at Pacific, take a look at the following as well, to get a comparison:
- Tama Superstar
- Pearl VLX (or an Export if you can find one)
- Mapex VX or M Birch
- Yamaha Stage Custom Nouveau.
They all do a range of very good kits.

Hope that helps.

[AndyJessop48]

Pacific are cheap dude not much better than AX. go for Tama, Yamaha with birch ply or Mapex. Thomann are a good Euro outlet 859 euro's is a good starting price or look for a second hand bargains or pr-loved kits i bought a vintage Rogers Kit 1976 mint for £95. it came with stands vintage zildjian cymbals mike stands mikes and all sorts of extra stuff..The.Bargains are out there dude