*You can sound expensive on a cheap kit or you can sound cheap on an expensive kit. Either way, the gear gets ZERO credit* 💯😉

@JS45678

5 жыл бұрын

No truer words have ever been spoken or written since Moses came down from the mountain and wrote the Ten Amendments of the Bible.🤘😝🤘

@vertigoat7596

5 жыл бұрын

Nothing worse than hearing “that’s a beautiful kit, what are you doing with it?”

@northernlighter

5 жыл бұрын

Or, "mind if I check it out?"

@vertigoat7596

5 жыл бұрын

Tor B ouch, that one hurt

@timmydouglas4968

5 жыл бұрын

hey Rob what you think about Ford Custom Drums out of California

I don't care what you play whether it's $800 or $8000. The information you share on this channel is invaluable! Thank you!

@RobBeatdownBrown

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks, man

@andreasbreitwieser1449

5 жыл бұрын

agree !

“You can make bad drums sound good, but bad cymbals are bad forever.”

@markdemell3717

3 жыл бұрын

YUP! Absolutely .

@ryanwilson5936

3 жыл бұрын

Meh, just stack two of them together and call it fusion. Problem solved!

@jellyboy123

2 жыл бұрын

depends on what style you going for .

@DenOfTimbsllc

2 жыл бұрын

Amen, I would say get a nice kit, and Great cymbals.

@rogerweiland6384

2 жыл бұрын

Nothing but Avedis for me. Still have the first and last one I ever bought.

Descent cymbals and heads make an immediate difference for a lot less. Still--I'll get that custom African Mahogany kit some day!

@RobBeatdownBrown

5 жыл бұрын

Goals.

@SpittinSquirell

5 жыл бұрын

Your right, heads make all the difference. Plus getting some good b20 cymbals

@manleybadger8311

5 жыл бұрын

Peach. Good heads, good tuning, and good cymbals will add a couple grand to how a kit sounds. Most drummers will never need a DW collector's series maple 6 piece with a specialty satin oil cherry to black fade kit. I don't. But I have it and it's just like Rob - I didn't pay anywhere close to full price for it. Less than half in fact. The music store forgot they had it for 6 years so they slashed it way way down to get rid of it. I was in the right place at the right time.

@michaeleagle2

5 жыл бұрын

@Christian Herzog And they sound AWESOME!!!

@friedpickles342

4 жыл бұрын

Made from plywood

It starts with a good drummer knowing how to play. A crap drummer on a great kit will still sound like crap. A good drummer on a crap kit will make that kit sound decent enough to get by.

@ajm.1138

5 жыл бұрын

SCDrummer you couldn’t have said it any better. I’ve been playing for 13 years. All of my drumming career I’ve played on cheap poplar Ludwig kits. On Tuesday I am finally getting a Ludwig evolution maple kit which i got for 800. I am a firm believer in knowing what you are doing with the kit before dropping a couple bands on one. But if someone wants to start on an expensive kit then more power to them 👍🏿

@benfrank8649

5 жыл бұрын

Yep the craftsman makes the tools

@camodrums

5 жыл бұрын

Ie: Tommy Lee

@Rydawg1388

5 жыл бұрын

So true man!!🤘

@MICKSHRED

5 жыл бұрын

Wow, great observation, did yiu come up with that all on your own. Your einstein level.

This is probably the most honest, clear and all-around best answer I've heard to the whole "cheap vs. expensive drums" debate.

I think this is the perfect answer to this question. I owned the same Tama Swingstar five-piece for 25 years before I finally bought my second set. That was about 10 years ago. Then last January, I ordered my dream set, the one I've been daydreaming about and looking at pictures of online (pretty much exactly as you described). Do I need it? Nah. Do I deserve it? Hell yes. Thanks for another great video.

@eliotness8276

2 жыл бұрын

I bought a used Tama Rockstar kit for 300 bucks (90's kit), fixed it, tuned it, it sounded great. Sold the cymbals which were cr*p for 60 bucks and put my Zildians, circa 1975, with it. People told me I was great, course some were drunk, ha, ha, ha. But they sounded good.

“North Nigerian Wakanda Wood.” I died, man. That’s the funniest thing I’ve heard in a long time. Where can I get some of that wood to build my own kits? LOL.

@maprow

5 жыл бұрын

Don't forget the Vibranium shell snare.

@tmont007

5 жыл бұрын

What? My North Nigerian Wakanda Wood kit is AWESOME! What's so funny about that? And I got it for 20K, and they threw in a pair of Botswanian Luan Alpha Omega sticks dipped in Napalese Pixie dust for FREE! Well. One of them was free. I paid 3k for the second one, but still...Hell of a deal!

@markweisberg332

4 жыл бұрын

Being opportunistic is what separates us from the animals. I would have never guessed that but I can't say that its wrong. Gold.

@vaughanxaviermusic

3 жыл бұрын

i am still laughing lmao

@deadwarrior3655

3 жыл бұрын

@@tmont007 bullshit no way u got one stick free! U lucky bastard

“I didn’t say CHEAP...I said CHEAPER!” 🌟🌟🌟 I believe any value kit is worth the investment if you USE it and it becomes part of your life. As far as sound, I always believe that is more about the cat sitting behind the kit than the kit sitting in front of the cat. In brief, a beginner like me can sit behind Rob’s kit and still have uneven subdivisions and speeding up coming out of fills (🤯) and Rob can sit behind my kit and sound amazing. Rock On Rob!🤘😝🤘

"Shave at least half of that off and put it in a good set of cymbals and a really nice snare" ... Allright Rob, that's when I knew you were for real, man. Great channel, I've been playing amateur / semi-pro for over 20 yrs, and appreciate your videos a lot because they're truly useful ; as well as obviously being a good musician you're a good teacher and pedagogue, which is not so easy to do. Keep it real !

Compared to the early 1970's when I bought my first drums, a used Slingerland set from a Larimer Street pawnshop in Denver, to what is available today I am totally blown away by the VALUE in mid range kits. My kits are by no means expensive (Taye, Tama, Pearl, and ddrum) but they all would have been top shelf deluxe and considered professional back when I was starting out. I'm more or less retired now, but I love the glow I get from sitting behind a kit I truly appreciate. Now, if I were to win the lotto...

@eliotness8276

2 жыл бұрын

I dunno I like the older kits. I like the sound. Yes, some of these new kits sound pretty good too and I think he's right, hardware, finishes are kewl. But I think it is more about tuning, style, and playing ability than anything else. Some of the sound isolation stuff and dampening R definitely better there is no doubt. But hey, gaffers tape and cotton fixes a lot of that.

Buy high end cymbals, they feel like flying on clouds, so much dynamic range on a single cymbal. A decent hihat crash and ride give you so much more options for your playing!

@Duckless23

5 жыл бұрын

especially when you consider we're more a cymbal player than a drum player with every 4 beats in a bar being on a cymbal compared to fewer notes on the drums

@ramonkey2939

5 жыл бұрын

Yep got pair it with great cymbals dont skimp in this department

@jimfuller5309

4 жыл бұрын

That's where I put my money. Into decent cymbals. So many really good drummers use crap cymbals!

I concur, Rob. Cheaper shells, good heads tuned properly, decent cymbals and an awesome snare is a good guide for where you could spend your money wisely.

Just what I needed to hear! Your video makes complete sense. Invest in heads, tuning, cymbals and snare drum . . . . . . . . and yourself! A good looking kit doesn't make you sound better! Thanks

@quartterioamos730

5 жыл бұрын

Correct I never bought a kit over a thousand dollars the main thing is invest in some good heads and some good snare drums and cymbals and play the crap out of them that's what gonna make you sound better if you play them like nobody's business

@andybrown78

5 жыл бұрын

Quartterio Amos Well said!! Thank you!

I went through nearly 10 drum sets in 3 or so years to find "the one." i thought i found it in a DW collector's series, then i made a leap of faith to buy the one i have now, a Gretsch renown. i'm glad i did. spent a lot of money in the process, but i'm 100% satisfied with my drums. It's not the highest end, nor is it a lower end. It's right in the middle, and i couldn't be happier with it. having said that, i'll probably go for a USA custom eventually just because. a reward. more like a retirement gift. :)

@PNW_Sportbike_Life

3 жыл бұрын

Renown kits are fantastic

@GH-oo6ii

2 жыл бұрын

Same exact situation here ending up with my renown. Great drums

@mrski4945

2 жыл бұрын

I play a Catalina Club Jazz, I'm a Swing Jazz drummer. The renown is my dream kit, which I will get... eventually. Amazing drums! But that's as high as I'll go. I'd love to get a Broadcaster, but can't defend the cost vs. need argument. Speaking for sound only, the "difference" in sound the Broadcaster makes is not justified to me by double the Renown cost. And as far as hardware is concerned the Renown hardware is more than good enough. I'd be just like Rob... use the Renown in my studio, and gig with the Catalinas.

@eliotness8276

2 жыл бұрын

Gretch kits sound GOOD. Always have liked them but they ain't cheap here in the states. I have 1970's Ludwig Vistalites and they are amazing, with a little cotton here and there and several snares. Depends really - a miked kit, depending on style and soundman can be made to sound awful good with the right mikes. If it's acoustic, unmiked, though the kit itself and the PLAYER will determine the SOUND. Oh yes, heads, wood, and yada, yada, yada. I've heard guys that sounded great on a 300 dollar kit from the 60's.

@leonardsmith2170

Жыл бұрын

I got a great deal on a 5-piece renown kit from zZounds. I've never regretted that purchase. These drums sound as good as the USA-made Brooklyns, IMHO.

I think it's all novelty after a certain price-point. You can always make a cheap shell kit sound serviceable and decent enough - throw some good heads on there, tune it right, new hoops, etc. I think it comes down to how you play it, your creativity and skill level. A good drummer will always make a cheap kit sound awesome. I'd rather spend money on high end cymbals than drums actually lol.

@eliotness8276

2 жыл бұрын

Amen, I agree 100%.

@darindavis6291

2 жыл бұрын

Bingo!!!! ^^^^ High end cymbals are a way better investment.

@musicalala

Жыл бұрын

Budget kits are so good now too. When I was a kid you'd get crappy tone woods and the worst hardware that would loosen from settings. Now you have things like Yamaha Birch Stage Customs etc...Beginner kit sound pro level these days.

I found my dream kit (2010ish Mapex Saturn 6 piece) used at a GC two hours away. She was a little rough around the edges, not cleaned in a while, but I set them up to play in the store and they sounded amazing, even with the crappy worn out heads. I saw and heard the potential, and the price was a steal, so I pulled the trigger. I took her home, cleaned her up, new heads, new snare wires, and she sounds and looks even better than before. She's my main gigging kit with premium cases, and I've got a cheaper and smaller practice kit at home as well. I could use either set to gig with, but I like showing her off more.

Great video, I’m 43 years old and just started playing ( newbie) for church. All of your videos have been solid. And thanks for the gospel videos.

In all honesty, I play better when the Drums are sounding at their best, for my ears that is, and secondly for their feel, and this is accomplished by drum head selection and my Drum set up so that everything is easily within reach. I’ve played for years now with many physical problems from having 6 spinal surgeries, 3 cervical and 3 lumbar. One week ago I had a life threatening scare beyond belief with having had my life saved with a triple bypass open heart surgery. I love playing my Drums very, very much, but I will most likely not be playing them until around 10-12 weeks out. Thanks Rob for your accurately honest Drumology and always inspiring lessons. God is Great! Thanks and Blessings Brother!!!

@emlix1

5 жыл бұрын

Brother I hope you're feeling better now.

Great video.... 30 years ago I picked up a vintage Ludwig super classic kit (Just three shell) for £500, It's the only kit that I kept hold of, and still sounds better than anything I have ever owned or played....BTW love your comment "It's what separates us from the animals" however the other day I spotted a Friesian cow driving an Aston Martin DB 11, with a brand new Ludwig classic maple black galaxy bass drum strapped to the roof, so......I was heavily sedated at the time of course.

@BumpNrun69

5 жыл бұрын

A lot of "vintage sets" out there blow the doors off newer sets in today's world. That's why they are worth $$$$$ today.

@emlix1

5 жыл бұрын

@@BumpNrun69 check out the video comparison of the modern Ludwig stainless steel with the JB era one. The vintage one sounds so much deeper, more complex and richer than the new one. I'm not tech savvy enuf to post the link but it's not hard to find. It illustrates your point beautifully.

I've fielded this kind of question before. "How much should I spend?" My answer is usually "As much as you can afford...whilst taking into account a budget for good cymbals (if needed).". With that being said, a $1,500 four or five piece kit with some decent heads, is usually a good move. If new, decent cymbals are needed (ride, two crashes, hats, and an effect cymbal like a splash or china), then the budget will go up. People are often surprised to learn that even with my mid-high level, five-piece Tama kit (1 up/2 down)...if someone were to steal my cymbals...that would be the biggest loss in terms of dollars. But I digress...lol. Some solid choices for good shell pack are: - Gretsch Renown - Yamaha Tour & Stage Custom - Tama Starclassic Walnut - Sonor AQ2 - Pearl Session Studio / Masters

@ThruAWiderLens

4 жыл бұрын

Exactly! I play on a $500 Sonor Bop SE with Evans heads and Zildjian K customs that cost 3x what the drums cost. Playing that kit is absolutely heavenly!!

@sherellmartin1778

3 жыл бұрын

True

I was in the market for a new kit last year. I knew what sizes I wanted to play, so I went to a really high end shop and had the guys pull every kit that had those specs. From cheaper Gretsch kits to expensive DW’s it didn’t matter I tried them all. In the end I found the balance between price and quality and went with a set of Canopus Yaiba’s and I could not be happier. At just under $2000.00, they are incredible. I fell in love with the bass and FT which is the reason why I bought them. There were several other honorable mentions (Tama Fat Spruce and Yamaha Live Customs) all sat around the same price. As you suggested, I took the extra money, went to the Sabian factory in NB and got a perfect cymbal set up. I am so excited to play on this kit every time I go out, and so many non drummers have commented on them that I know that I made the right decision. Sorry so lengthy but i am with you on gear choices and ROI for your purchase. Thanks for a great topic and vid.

Excellent commentary on the topic of ‘how much to spend on a kit.’ Totally agree, it’s up to the individual and what he or she wants and needs to feel good and confident behind the kit. My high end kit is a Yamaha Absolute Hybrid Maple - dark cherry lacquer finish - and I absolutely LOVE it. Like Rob said, I get goose bumps every time I sit down to play it - I have yet to gig with it. I can’t remember what I paid for it but bought through a dealer and it wasn’t cheap. But I don’t care. Once again, I agree with Rob’s comment - it’s my reward for all the time I’ve put into drumming and the passion I have for the instrument. Money be damned - spend what makes you feel good and that can be a very wide range, with the quality that’s available.

Great advice! I went through a long period where I had a severe case of GAS (gear acquisition syndrome). Having gone through several different kits and sets of cymbals, and realizing that when I play with my band all the subtle nuances are unnoticeable, I would do things very differently if I were to start over today. Like you said, a great snare, a great set of cymbals (hats, ride, 2 crashes), and any decent mid-range shell pack are all I need. Save the rest for drumheads, sticks, books, and lessons.

Thanks for the advice Rob..ive used my maple p.d.p platinum 7 piece set for 10 years..i paid 1500.00 and I've played so much in those years they have paid themselves off triple times off..i just recently bought me a stage custom Yamaha birch set ( the honey maple )and added all wood hoops for about 1600.00 and I'm In love with them ..they look beautiful and sound excellent. I have been playing country music for the last 6 years and the drum kit I really fell in love with was Mr. Mike Kennedy (may he rest in peace). When I first saw his kit..i told myself " i will work hard save money and strive to get a Yamaha kit like his( well a little similar not quite exactly).that was my goal..and I finally did the beginning of this year. You are very right in every aspect and in everything you said Mr. Rob . Thank you so much for teaching me and bieng another great role model in my life..i have you up there with all the greats!😁👍🥁🇨🇱

havent played drums in about 8 years but got recommended one of your videos and i'm hooked, might have to head to craigslist and buy a kit 👀

BEST Commentary I have heard on this subject EVER!!! I've been playing for over 40 years and I know how to make a drum kit sound great! There are so many kits out there in the price range you discussed . . . great options, great quality . . . etc. I bought a big Yamaha PHX kit in 2012 because I wanted another "legacy" kit after playing my Yamaha Maple Customs for 20+ years. I loved Tama's Birch Bubinga . . . I liked the Pearl Reference series, etc. Like you . . . I get "giddy" playing my PHX whether at home or out with the band . . . it's simply a joy, but I bought it as a reward for myself . . . it was not a purchase I needed . . . but one I wanted. I am thrilled that drum manufacturers now are giving drums the "Ferrari" treatment long reserved for guitar players and piano players.

Yo! I’m from Alaska and I love watching your videos. They are all helpful for. Keep doing this mann. Love how you explain every little thing and tell short stories about the good things you went through with the drumming.👍🏽💯🎶🥁

Great video man, mid range kits today were the top end kits of a few years ago eg Stage Custom Birch is one example of pro quality in an affordable set up and they sound top notch

I’ve been playing drums for a very long time. About 14 years ago I bought my dream drum kit a Sonor SQ2. Every time I sit down to play, I’m very grateful to own such a beautiful instrument. 👍

100% agree on every point!! That's why I love this channel so much! Back in the day, there weren't nearly so many options. I had a Rogers kit, which , IMO, was top of the line. There were no "entry" level Rogers kits. That kit travelled well over 100,000 miles, was set up and torn down thousands of times, crammed in bus cargo bins, stuffed in trailers, thrown in the back of vans and squeezed into the back seat of a Pinto hatchback! It was even stolen and recovered! I finally sold it to a friend in the late 80's. That being said, my current "good" kit is a Pearl Session Studio Classic and although it is a mid level price point, the craftsmanship, hardware, and quality are far superior to even that Rogers kit. I also have a Pearl Export kit that I prefer to take to most gigs. It sounds great (using the Rob Brown tuning method!) and I won't get butt-hurt if someone spills a drink or knocks over a mic stand on it. I kind of wish I had opted for the Yammie Stage custom because they have add ons available in all sizes(and at a VERY good price point!) but I got a killer deal on the Exports and I couldn't resist. If I ever need another kit, I'll definitely get the Yammies!! ( I had a Tour Custom kit back in the 80's with 13 & 14 rack, 18 Floor and 24 kick but my "house gig" ended and I couldn't get em in my car :( so I had to downsize). Great stuff Rob!!!

Great videos Rob! awesome conversation about this topic. Love the PHX drums!

I’ve had high end drums & left them at home because I’m afraid to use them at venues.. my stage custom sounds fantastic, so that’s where I’m at now 👍

For those professionals such as yourself, to have that luxury to own high end kits, it's cool. For a lot of us,specifically myself, I gotta be practical. I've been using a Pearl Vision Birch kit for the past 3 years,it does exactly what I need it to do,and since Pearl hardware is modular,I can go from 2 up,to 1 up,and mount my boom on the bass drum for the ride cymbal, very compact for the small places I play in. Ain't making a bunch on money, so what? I love playing and I'm free at 67 years old,living in a tropical island country,playing with locals and other expats, I'm busy,it's cool!

@calidrummer2362

5 жыл бұрын

I picked up a used Champagne sparkle Pearl Vision birch 4pc for $325. I played 3 of my biggest gigs in the summer with that kit. It looked and sounded amazing. It was just a stepping stone to what I really wanted, but it felt like a good luck kit. sometimes I miss it. For me there is always a comfort level with a good clean mid range kit.

@markdemell3717

3 жыл бұрын

Birch has a nice sound.

You have no idea how much of an impact this video made on my decision to go ahead and start saving for the kit I’ve been wanting for quite some time now. About 6 years ago I bought probably one of the cheapest sets on amazon to start learning. I put good heads on it and have decent cymbals. I’ve always wanted to play the drums but couldn’t really afford a kit till I was older. Now 32, I consider myself in the intermediate range. I plan on saving for my Mapex kit I’ve wanted for so long. Thank you and I really enjoy all of your videos

This is invaluable advice. I had money to buy a pro level kit and went with a mid priced kit and pro level heads. A Mapex Armory 6 piece. Very happy with this kit. I use an Alexis DM kit for home practice. Pro cymbals are expensive. I use Avedis Zildijian A's. Pro level cymbals and drumheads are important for gigging. Being a solid drummer and human are more important when it comes to success.

Only thing I've noticed with high-end drums is tuning range. my entry-level drums sound great with good heads, but there is only one sweet spot when tuning them.

@ramonkey2939

5 жыл бұрын

Agreed if you pay high end prices you better get great tone at all tunable ranges

@emlix1

5 жыл бұрын

That's a good point- my Sonor force 505 has a very narrow range, but sounds great within it. My Pearl Masterworks sounds better accross a wide tuning range, but still lacks the punch of the $200 sonor (when it's correctly tuned). The Pearl also stays in tune l longer. I find myself reaching for a drum key after a couple of hours behind the Sonor, whereas the Pearl will go a few weeks without the tuning needing a tweak.

Midrange kit and high end cymbals. I'm thrilled with my PDP maple, the toms and kick sound perfect to me. I spent the real money on various Zildjian Ks and Sabian O-zone crashes and splashes.

Great advice Rob! Your comments are exactly on point and I would like to hope that some of the kids just starting out are listening. Yes to an expensive recording/ studio kit and a mid range super decent gigging kit!

Very well said. To me, you have one of the most beautiful kit's I ever seen. I've been playing drums since 1964 & have played Yamaha Maple Custom's for over 20 years. Love them.

Well said. I have sat behind some of the jankiest kits for gigs and they sound great. I recently picked up a Yamaha Recording Custom Aluminum to use on Sundays and instantly the entire kit came alive (an older Gretsch Maple). Especially with a little "maximum thumpification" tuning. My practice kit at home is a sub $500 job that I mic'd up and put on silent stroke heads. Its all I need and I stay plenty busy. Been playing 30 years and always focused on playing more than gear. Hardware and Cymbals aside, don't waste money on premium shells. Rob is exactly right, mid level is definitely where its at these days. I would like the new Yamaha Live Oak Hybrid with a "24 kick. I would gladly play a Stage Custom or a mid level Tama kit. My home Church is expanding and moving into a new building this summer. I'm trying to convince the pastor to look at mid level Yamaha when we get new gear. But I wouldn't recommend anything higher, maybe an Absolute Custom Hybrid if budget allowed. lol Thanks Rob.

@artcorvolet

5 жыл бұрын

Gretsch renown, best drums on the planet for price!

I have two sets of drums, my first “real” drum set. Ludwigs that I purchased in 1972 and a set of 68’ Ludwig’s in Mahogany that I bought about ten years ago. I’m nervous enough bringing those into clubs and bars now, never mind a $5 or $6k set. I do agree with you that the mid range sets today are wonderful and I would have no issues gigging with them.

I've gotten so much practical, useful, real world advice and knowledge just from your channel.

Great video. I started playing drums in 2001 and took a break around 2009 and started again in 2017. I was amazed how much drums have improved and how much more you get for your money. Plus all the new gadgets and tools drummers have now. It's a lot easier to be a drummer these days.

Invest in Good Snares & Cymbals for the long haul. You can definitely get away with a Stage Custom or Pdp kit for a long time.. but having a bad sounding snare & B8 cymbals is Detrimental on ANY gig lol

@RobBeatdownBrown

5 жыл бұрын

Troof 💯

@Chosinus

5 жыл бұрын

What do you mean by B8?

@Chosinus

5 жыл бұрын

If you mean the amount of Bronze then you are wrong. Paistes legendary 2002 Cymbals are all B8 ....

@jocquidixonmusicproduction988

5 жыл бұрын

@@Chosinus The Paiste 2002 is literally the ONLY Exception, and even then those cost about $1,000+ for a box set. Those by any means, aren't cheap. Pretty much every other Brand of cymbal that offers a line made of B8, are all cheap bad sounding cymbals.

@MichaelM2K23

5 жыл бұрын

When I bought my Stage Custom kit last year, I splurged and bought a whole set of Zildjian K cymbals. Just bought a DW Collector's snare for my birthday this year.

The ability to make any kit sound great with only a few tweaks, separates the boys from maximun thumpification

Great topic Rob! I too love looking at high end kits and have scored many used ones at a great discount. As a Gretsch drums endorser, a new USA Custom kit (or Broadkaster or Brooklyn) is now within the affordability range, but I play my Satin White 2013 Renown kits and they're killer drums. I pretty much only play theatres with them and they're mic'd up 99% of the time, and sound men tell me that spending a ton of extra money on a shell pack isn't necessary. Heads, tuning and the drummer is what makes the drums sound the way they do. I agree with you that a good snare(s) and cymbals are the things to spend the money on, as well as a good throne and hardware.

A year and half ago, I bought a Gretsch Catalina Club (Glossed Maple finish) kit and tricked it out with some black Evans Hydraulics, Sabian HHX Evolution cymbals and a 22' Sabian Omni ride and I couldn't be happier! I can shape my sound pretty much anyway I want to without overwhelming the band and the resonance is consistent throughout the kit. Thanks for the video, bruh!

Another great vid Rob. You said it, spend your money on good cymbals and a good snare. If you can go for it, go for it. But don’t go financially hurting yourself because you think you have to have something crazy expensive. Heads and tuning can make a mid level kit sound like a million bucks. I say save up and get the dream kit. But in the meantime play whatever is financially within reach and have fun!

A decent drummer can make any drum set sound good. As far as beginners go, I wouldn't worry too much on how much your kit costs as I would about getting your technique, rudiments and timing down. However, an expensive drum set in the hands of an accomplished drummer (if it's a quality kit) can make a world of difference in terms of sound, durability and in my opinion can be a worthwhile investment. I started on a kit that I got from a trade job and I used it for nearly 10 years, and at that point, I felt like I was ready to get something a bit nicer. Your point about what's 2 grand and under now being so much nicer or as nice as what we got 10 years ago for 5 grand is right on the money. When I started playing double braced hardware was a relatively new thing and most hardware was pretty flimsy. Great video and I great thought to ponder for those both starting and those who have been at it a while.

Thank you, I love your strait talk no nonsense videos. So, I just subscribed. Happy Easter✝️

Another great video! I appreciate your perspective.

Drums became my 2nd instrument 6 yrs. ago with a $500. starter kit. Through hard work I became an intermediate drummer, and reached a point where I knew I needed to upgrade my kit to sound closer to what I was now hearing in my head. I didn't need bubinga, but I did need maple.. A 7-piece Tama Superstar Classic was my choice, and for me, a good fit. We will see what future holds. And thanks again Rob for all you do.

@ajbeatz7406

Жыл бұрын

I have the same kit in blue

@WxkR

8 ай бұрын

How are you doing with your superstar a year later? I’m also retaking drumming after a long pause and considering that kit. The toms sound like the best in every video I’ve seen but also have read that people have problems tuning the floor Tom.

@coajrmusic

8 ай бұрын

@@WxkR Just fine, I'm using ebony Aquarian heads right now, comparing them the Remo pinstripes. The kit is fully mic'd (10), has Sabian symbols, and I've even played couple of gigs. For a snare I'm a using vintage Ludwig Supraphonic (tuned tight), and the 16" floor tom is a bit tough to tune...overall, the kit performs very well. Sax is my primary, but I 'get something' from the drums musically that is totally different...

I LOVE my Tama Star Bubinga. Expensive? Yes. Overpriced? Maybe, but it is for me the culmination of 30 years of playing.

@baax

5 жыл бұрын

I would love one of those kits! Enjoy it!

@larkstonguesinaspic4814

4 жыл бұрын

That's what I'm going to be getting 30 years from now

@MikeBerbano

2 жыл бұрын

And 30 years of $aving$??

Hi Rob, Thanks for the great perspective. I have an over 30 year old Tama Granstar II that has been amazing. Bought it new in '91. I'll be doing smaller gigs and different styles in the near future and have been looking at the Yamaha Stage Custom with a 10, 12, 14 and 20. You have helped me with the decision. The Granstars are just incredible sounding acoustically, live miced and recorded, but they are getting a little much to gig with. You've put out some great videos that have helped me along, so you now have a new subscriber! Again, Thank you for your perspective and efforts!

I appreciate your instruction and honesty. Well done, Sir!

"It's what seperates us...from the animals !" Hot damn do you speak the truth.

I had Yamaha Studio Customs and DW but went back to my $250 1962 Slingerland kit i got at s pawn shop and I’d put them up against any kit made..

@JimmyOBurril

5 жыл бұрын

thats my kit... different date. 1976 Sligerland

@emlix1

5 жыл бұрын

Slingerlands are cool. Rare over here in Australia though.

So True! Rob, I love your channel. You really have some of the best content for drummers on the web. and Forks Drum Closet is my Bass Pro Shop as well.

I think that you are a great teacher, and you get right to the point.I have learned a lot from you and I'am going to keep on watching your videos

wow I paid more than double the price for my PHX (and I still had a discount on it, too) 😲 But nevertheless - I LOVE it! And next to my Hybrid Maple I also use a Stage Custom for gigs. And I think it is the greatest sounding kit you can get in that low-mid price range. 👍

@RobBeatdownBrown

5 жыл бұрын

FACTS 💯

I’ve been playing drums since I was a toddler. My first real kit was a Ludwig mixed kit. Then I moved on to a pearl export kit and finally to a set of pearl masters. I had never played a kit that sounded as good as those masters. I had to buy it to experience it. They inspired me to play better. They were easier to tune. They were better in every way compared to what I was used to. I do agree with Mr. BeatDown though, you don’t need all that. But, for me, I’m glad I got them.

This is the best video I’ve seen regarding gear and skill in the music industry! I can relate to this and agree 100%. So true about cymbals and a snare being the primary part of the kit.

Subscribed, you're really chill and love the vibe.

i used to think that an expensive kit would make me sound great and was the reason why all those top level drummers sounded so much better than me. then i saw billy cobham play on a basic entry level tama swingstar and the way that kit sounded was amazing. it was literally just the kit that was on display at the store. he just tuned it and went nuts on it! then afterwards i decided to play something on it. still in awe after what i'd just heard and saw i expected to sound just as good as billy cobham or at least somewhere near it, but of course i did not sound anything like him and actually still sounded the same. that was like a huge wake up call and also reminded me of what a great drummer once said to me about the sound of a drummer:"it's all in the hands and the heart plus learning how to tune your drums is mandatory!". then i started practicing my butt off till i was good enough to make cheap entry level tama swingstar + pearl export kits sound great and actually deserve a more expensive kit. i bought my custom made dream kit, but i still gigged with a gretsch catalina maple kit that both looked and sounded great according to drummers in the audience. trust me, you do not need an expensive kit. if you are a good enough drummer you can make a cheaper kit sound expensive by simply tuning them and do your thing..

“It’s what separates us from the animals.” Lol! “Wakanda Wood.” LOL!!!!!!!

Very well said! I believe the same thing. I gig with a kit that cost under $1k that I’m happy with, but I also recently purchased a high end kit that costs thousands which I’m REALLY happy with!

Very well and wisely said Rob! My „Work Kit“ is a Gretsch Catalina Maple and it gets me what i need and im super happy with it

I guess just find what you like, if it costs you 10K, and you didn’t neglect your family getting it, it’s cool. I have a high end kit and it collects dust. After I bought it I bought a Premier xpk ($200) just as something to clean up and re-sell. Turns out that’s the kit I play all the time, it sounds amazing, and if it gets damaged or stolen, I’m not financially ruined, it’s easily replaceable.

@RobBeatdownBrown

5 жыл бұрын

Exactly

@markomarkovic5729

5 жыл бұрын

I don't know how good the new XPK series are, I didn't have the opportunity to play a new version, but the old XPK from the '80s was a fantastic drum set and it doesn't lag behind the most expensive drums of today when the sound is in question. Speaking of Premier drums, I don't know what the hell happened to them. They were one of the best drum companies, Signia and Resonator are one of the best sounding drums I ever heard.

@vertigoat7596

5 жыл бұрын

Marko Marković I own a few of the xpk’s all from the 90’s, inner and outer birch with eucalyptus plies in the middle. Probably not for a jazz guy I suppose, but for a rock guy, that are tasty. I also have a pretty new Genista, all birch, the bass drum is at 100% maximum thumpification. The toms are great too but I actually give the edge to the xpk.

@vertigoat7596

5 жыл бұрын

Marko Marković also, no idea what happened to Premier either, I sent them an email awhile back trying to get some information and never heard back. Out of business?

Thank you... pretty sick of the ole.. "oh you can make a cheap kit sound pro with good heads and tuning brah!!' ... ok but please don't talk to me.

You are absolutely spot on Rob! I have a Pearl Masters birch kit that I have had for a couple years and sounds incredible, but I wanted my personal dream kit, which I just bought a couple months ago. It's a Sonor SQ2 beech kit. Got it for a great price..still alot of dough. At the end of the day, the Pearl kit sounds near just as good, but the Sonor kit just makes me feel good and reminds me of all the work I have put in for the past 30 years. I agree with you 100 percent that the quality of a mid level kit is all you need to play out, but it's nice to be able to pull the trigger on your dream kit. You are awesome my drumming bro..keep it up! And thanks to you for your tuning technique..my drums have never sounded better and I mean that!! Keep telling the truth Rob! DD

@davidperez5089

10 ай бұрын

My sonor designer kit is SOoo satisfying.

Hi Rob, First of all wanna thank you for posting this video up on your KZread site! It really helps to hear your expertise on the subject of, balanced prospective of midrange priced kits vs the most expensive and what’s really important. At this point in time for me, it’s out the question financially to afford an expensive dream kit. However, since I still have my higher end cymbals and hardware from years past...I’m thinking and you just confirmed for me in your video that a Yamaha Stage Custom Birch 5pc Shell Pack would be an ideal choice! Like the one you showed of your own that’s good quality for a great price, right! Correct me if I’m wrong...I’m guessing probably to just upgrade the stock heads they come with to good quality heads...then watch your previous videos on how to tune drums correctly! And like you shared in your video, it’s up to the owner of the midrange kit to improve their drumming skills to earn eventually investing in a dream kit.

Wouldn't a Wakanda kit be made of vibranium? 🤔 that'd be one hell of a kit! Lol

@jc3drums916

5 жыл бұрын

It would be terrible! Absorbing vibrations = no sound.

When I first started playing I thought that if I only had an awesome kit I would sound better. Then I saw a street drummer killing it on buckets...

I did the same thing with kits- bought a Pearl Masters Mahogany that I rarely gigged on, and a Stage Custom that I gigged out on- it sounded fantastic. My bandmates loved it- and I was able to resell it for close to what I paid for it. Great heads were paramount. I would echo everything about the improvements in shell construction, improved hardware, etc. But I knew exactly what I wanted when I bought the Masters kit, and that $2500 was money well spent (included cases, basic hardware, shipping). I would also say spend a few extra bucks on a really good snare/cymbals- people (sound engineers, other players, other drummers) definitely notice the difference. Great video!

Great perspective Rob! Couldn't agree more!

great video Rob. I totally agree with you on mid-priced kits being really well made these days and for my dollar, you can't really go wrong with a Stage Custom package.

Totally agree - first upgrade I made to my first Pearl Export kit was a Ludwig Black Beauty and a pro set of cymbals… HUGE leap in overall effect - next stage a few years later was upgrading the shells for a second hand 90s Superclassic kit -- not as big a sonic leap.. and you could NOT tell live in a pub with a dodgy PA! third upgrade a decade later was to a Legacy Classic (into expensive territory) - a big difference and sweet up close …. but actually worse in a live / rough arsed gig -- you live and learn !

Great video, Rob. I did exactly this a year ago. I treated myself to a definite upgrade for my 50th birthday. I saved up for a year and a half to pay for it and don't regret it at all. Like you, I can't stop looking at it and it sounds awesome! I'm playing more and learning more as a bonus. Do it if you want.

@RobBeatdownBrown

5 жыл бұрын

Congrats. That's how you treat yourself, right there 🙂🤘🏽

Hey Rob, great video! In '99 I purchased my first (New) drum kit. I grabbed a Pearl Export Select.(maple shells) I think when all was said and done I paid 1100.00dollars. It is so smooth! Great tone lots of warmth. And its loud as hell.! The heads make all the difference!!(and good tuning skills lol) but I also have 2 other acoustic that are not quite as nice. A first act kit. 18" kik,which sounds pretty awsome ( Evans heads on the kick)and a Yamaha Rydeen. And with good heads they actually are comparable in the sound category.im not sure what kind of shells they are .... Good heads really do make a difference!!!!

Absolutely right. I saved and got myself a set of pearl session Elite's back in 1992.Four years ago I got a nice set of masters but I couldn't part with my sessions so just last week I sold the masters cause I've realised at the age of 47 that good heads,good tuning and great snare ( free floater ) and quality cymbals make the kit.my Elite's are birch/ mahogany and it's interesting to see that this combo is now in fasion.miced up they sound easily as good as the masters.the hold tune and look great! Let's be honest,it's a tube with some plastic at each end which very few take much notice of but if they have the sound then you're onto a winner.great video yet again.warm wishes from the UK👍

Just bought my dream kit- DW Performance series in Tobacco Satin finish. It's gorgeous

Great video! Thanks for actually having an opinion. I was expecting something along the lines of "well it depends on what you like" (No shit....) but, you actually gave a solid opinion and backed it up with reasoning. Thanks!

I retired a year ago and slowly built. large mid line DW kit. Then it happened. A small but beautiful Doc Seweeney kit became available for half price. Still a lot of money. My thought, I want it, I deserve it, and I am willing to sacrifice to get it, so I did. It does not make me sound better or play better, but it does make me feel better. It never leaves my living room and it brings me joy every time I see it. So yet, it is worth it.

Thank you for all of your valuable information and motivation. This video makes me feel more comfortable when looking at birch kits. Trying to find the right kit is like looking for a soulmate. You don’t want to pick something you can’t live with a month after you have it.

I’m actually in the middle of making my own drum kit and it’s pretty awesome. I started looking at some Sonor SQ2’s a couple years ago but then one of my cousins said he was building his own desktop and saying how you could make it exactly how you want and it’s cheaper. So I just started doing some research and found a supplier who could make the exact hybrid shells I wanted. Then I just went on drum factory direct and picked out hardware for it. Still in the middle of painting and it’s taken like 2 years to get to this point because of delays, but I’m not in any big rush.

Agree 100% with Rob. Good video btw. I have 5-piece Yamaha Oak Customs. Best bang for your buck!! All shells were under $2,000 about 18 years ago. The kit works like charm! I upgraded my snare, cymbals and pedals.

Thanks for the great opinion on drum kits and the cost. Appreciate the input.

I agree with Rob 100%. I have an old Yamaha Recording Custom Set (80's). It has the tom arms that insert the drums but it still sounds great. I switched to a Stage Custom 20" bass drum because I wanted to set my toms a bit lower and it sounds great too. The heads make a difference at times but they are also a reflection of each players ideas. I have a 70's vintage Rogers set that I spent big cash on. They've been relegated to the shed for many years because I quit playing to have steady work and raise a family. I pulled them out a couple of weeks ago and I found that they sound pretty good too after 41 years. So, as Rob said, it's up to you. Spend your cash on a great set of cymbals and get the drums you can afford to use when touring. Sound guys can make the difference too. Happy playing. jaw1

I just bought a 6pc Stage Custom kit from Long and McQuade in southern Ontario after being out of the game for a few years. Super SUPER impressed by the quality Yamaha can put out at that price point. I had a set of Mapex Armorys a few years ago, and they are no comparison to these. Keep doing your thing, Rob. :)

I have a 6 piece Tama Rockstar kit my dad bought me as a graduation present back in 2009 and I still love it to this day. I’ve recorded with it and gigged with it and everyone loves how it sounds for being a $600 low-mid tier kit. Pair it up with some good Evans drumheads and some A Customs and it sounds almost like a Star Classic.

@RobBeatdownBrown

5 жыл бұрын

Funny how that works, eh? 🙂

Very valuable advice. I have a Gretsch Renown Maple and a TAMA Starclassic Birch/Bubinga. Plus, a sick array of snares and an assortment of K Zildjians.

The drumset is the "brush" I try to expres my thoughts and feelings trough on the white canvas. So yes, it's important to have what I need, in all aspects possible - soundwise, the way they look...no matter! If I do something better if I feel happier - it's worth investing in it!

Rob I've been wanting to do my own channel for some time now.The very first topic I was going to talk about was expensive gear vs. Affordable gear.Ive been very blessed in my life.I had the great honor of playing semi pro for 25 years.I started playing drums in 1964.Today I'm 64 years old.Been doing this for along time brother.Over the years I've owned 42 drum kits and can't tell you how many cymbals and snares I've owned.way to many.Today I own 2 kits and 4 snares,both high end kits and top shelf snares.When I look back at everything I've owned and played on To be perfectly honest I made more money on a $600.00 kit than I made on a $6000.00 kit.I new how to make them sound great,and look good as well.Didnt have to worry about scratching that beautiful finish,just played and enjoyed.With me it was more about the performance, not only sounding good but playing the best I could.I got more complements from that 600.00 kit because of the way they sounded.No one ever said when you going to buy a better kit.The kits I have now don't leave my home.I would never take something out that I paid that much for. If I had it all to do again I wouldn't change a thing.I love drums!!!. For today's player there is a lot of beautiful drums out there for $1500. The thing I would concentrate on is cymbals.Thats where the Dow is at these days.You can blow $2000.00 real easy on great sounding set of cymbals.You can make a $1500.00 set of drums sound great,cymbals that's another story. DONT waste your money on cheap cymbals.!!! IN closing I hope everyone gets there dream kit,just be careful what you wish for.Once you shell out the big dow,you will never get it back if you decide you made a bad move.On the other hand if you want a dream kit and your going to hang on to them,go for it.

Excellent advice, applicable to any purchase. Thanks!

great video, absolutely agree and I just love Rob brown's videos whatever they are about !

My story in short: after 10 years of playing my stage customs I went in a search for my new kit. Tried EVERYTHING I coud get my hands on. All awsome kits, from pearl masters to sonor designers, tama starclassic, etc. At the time I was a giant DW hater. Though of them as over priced, but just avarage quality drums, until a friend of mine convinced me to try one DW collectors. 12x9, 16x14 and 24x18" in broken glass finish. used but almost mint condition. When I tried that kit...oh my god...the sound that I had in my head as perfect was now a reality. Bought it for 2000$ and I still have it today. After 7 years of playing it, still puts a smile on my face every time I play it. So my advice if you really want it and have a chance to buy it...go get it man, you only live once :)

Great vid Rob! I agree with ya, $1000 kits are so good nowadays. I got a Gretsch Renown that kicks butt! Peace man!

Very well said. I’m glad someone said it. My next set will be the stage custom birch because they sound great without killing you.

Thanks. I needed to hear that.