Any Drummers Out There?

Mart61

Mart61

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Martin
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Hi guys

I'm 53 years old and, for some insane reason, I've decided I want to buy a drum kit. Truth be told I've always wanted one but only now do I have a house large enough to have one.

So here's the question:

I've read a number of good reviews on the Mapex Tornado kits - they seem well made and you can get a decent starter kit for about £260.

Has anyone any experience with these? Any other recommendations?

I've also toyed with buying a few sets of sticks and a practise pad for when I travel. Are these any good? Can you really practise that much on one when learning? Any recommendations on a good pad and sticks?

Any help and pointers for a complete novice in the world of drumming would be appreciated.

Martin
 
I would buy a S/H kit of a bit better quality, the problem with these starter kits is getting a decent sound from the share drum, also the cymbals are terrible, good cymbals are expensive but if you got a second hand kit it may have some relatively good cymbals with it, decent second hand cymbals can be had for little money if you shop around.
Practice pads are good for practicing basic rudiments, essential for loosening up the wrists and fingers and learning strokes and combinations you will use in your playing and are also much quieter obviously, you don't need to spend much on a practice pad really, an old mouse mat on a table will suffice.Good luck with you new hobby.
 
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Mapex are a very good make and the quality will be far better than the generic no name kits you can buy. That being said, I bet you could pick up a used kit of much higher quality for not a lot more money. Have a look for the Mapex M-birch. I used to have one and the quality really was very good. At its time p, around 2006/7 it was a premium mid range kit. Was the first proper kit I bought brand new. It's still going strong with a friend who bought it from me and gigs with it evey week.

Here is one for a start

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MAPEX-M-B...693?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item339dcd0af5
 
you not considered an electric? I had a Roland HD1 for my 40th (nearly 3rys ago) took to it immediately and a year later I was buying an Alesis DM10 Studio which I love... I get to bash on a 'proper' kit every couple of weeks and as much as I enjoy it no way would I swap it for the versatility of the leccy, especially at home.
 
Thanks for tips guys. Yes I will look at used kits and have given a little thought on electronic kits. I will explore further.

Might pick up an Evans RealFeel practice pad and a couple of sets of sticks too. Any advice on which sticks to go for?
 
Mart61 said:
Thanks for tips guys. Yes I will look at used kits and have given a little thought on electronic kits. I will explore further.

Might pick up an Evans RealFeel practice pad and a couple of sets of sticks too. Any advice on which sticks to go for?
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I would just start out on some 5A's and go from there.. I use Vic Firth hickory wood w/ wood tips but I wouldn't be too fussed on brand just go with 5A's
 
Visit your local DIY store, although I can't quite keep up with the best brand of bucket :rolleyes: Can't help you with your genuine question though but glad you want to try something new (y) Drumming is something I can't grasp having tried and failed many times, give me a guitar and that's another story though.

 
The kid done good! :D
 
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The low end Sonor kits are pretty good too but you're going to have to spend around the £500 mark when including decent cymbals.
I don't mean to state the obvious but drums are loud and I'd recommend investing in hearing protection like the Vic Firth ear defenders. Keep in mind that if you have neighbours in close proximity they may not be overjoyed with the noise. I started drumming 15 months ago and at first I bought a basic Roland Electronic Kit but after 3 months I purchased a Sonor Smart Force acoustic kit and I'm glad I made the transition because there's nothing beats playing on real drums.
 
Thanks again for the input guys. Still talking my good lady around. :D I have a reasonably large detached house with three stories. I'd put my kit on the top floor. Hopefully shouldn't bug the neighbours.
 
If you plan on gigging, I would seriously consider a lower floor - lugging the whole kit up and down several flights of stairs will get very old very quickly!
 
Thanks Nod. I think gigging is a few years hence. :D
 
also and pretty much the most important thing is to get your mascot, it maketh the drummer :D

IMG_20150305_175655999_HDR_zpsa29ttryx.jpg
 
Well I've begun my drumming journey. Bought myself an Evans RealFeel practice pad, a pair of Vic Firth 5A sticks and a Neil Peart drumming helmet.

How can I fail!!??

:D

View attachment 32916
 
:D

I've a while to go before I get there. I'm learning the grip and rebound stroke first. Been on this since Sunday. Tonight's my last night of practice on that before moving onto the single stroke roll.

It's my plan to learn all or most of the rudiments first, not at any great speed to begin with, before buying my first kit.
 
Mart61 said:
:D

I've a while to go before I get there. I'm learning the grip and rebound stroke first. Been on this since Sunday. Tonight's my last night of practice on that before moving onto the single stroke roll.

It's my plan to learn all or most of the rudiments first, not at any great speed to begin with, before buying my first kit.
Click to expand...
Trouble is now you'll be tapping your fingers all the time and irritating the crap out of everyone around you.:D
 
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