New Link Inclusion (3)

http://www.drummblog.com/

It says "thoughts and musings on all things percussive." 

I does reviews, video hosting, drumming tips and much more. A great site. 

New Link Inclusion (2)

http://cymbalsonly.com/

Great deals on used and new cymbals.

New Link Inclusion (1)

http://www.grahamrusselldrums.com/ 

You can pick up some great deals here. Like a more reliable version of Amazon for drums. Great deals on used kits. 

Top 5 Starter Kits

I'm going to do these lists of top fives budget this and that (drumwise). 

1. Tama Imperialstar. I haven't played this but I know people who have. They all say it's probably the best starter out there. I've heard it said that if you put a few nice heads on it and replace the factory cymbals,  it's much more than a starter.  You can buy this for around £450 ($720) probably cheaper if you shop about for it. 

2. Pearl Forum FZ.  I have played this kit and it sounds beautiful. Out of the box, it includes cymbals (not the best quality after a while you'll want to replace them), a drum throne, sticks (also might need replacing) and a start up video which shows you how to set it up. All of this might vary depending on where you buy.  The kits sounds great tuned up right and with nice heads. You can buy this kit for £470 (about $750) again probably cheaper if look in the right places.

3. Premier  Olympic drums. I own this kit, it's not the best sounding in the world but for value for money (credit crunch people) it cannot be beaten. You are going have to get rid of the cymbals and replace them. Also put new heads on. With a bit of tinkering it can sound great.  I got mine for £250, ($400) reduced by one hundred squids.

4. Mapex Tornado Kit.  Based on the best selling CB kit, this is another branded kit so brings the quality that professionals bring. Sounds pretty good, and comes free with Remo heads (an amazing feature). You can buy this for £300 ($480). Very good value for money. 

5. ION electric Kit.  I own this kit (due to neighbours complaining about the noise of the acoustic).  It is very good value and has over 200 drum sounds on a module made by Alesis (electric drum specialists.) It is also Piano-Forte sensitive so is closer to the real thing. Its not worse electric kit but is miles from the best. Iwould say it is more for praticing then for performing. I got mine for £175 ($280).

My Kit

I think it's only fair to start things off talking about my kit.



It's a premier olympic rock size. It cost me around £250  (around $400) reduced from £350.  

I have an LP jam block and two cowbells (both gifts)  

Factory heads and hi-hat (both pretty poor looking to replace them)

I have a Remo Fiberskyn head on my snare-£20 ( about $35)

I have a really old ride cymbal by someone called Supreme International (inherited from a friend). Never seen anything else by them (has anyone? answers please) and a cheap ZXT heavy crash by Zildjian-£79 ($125). 

and Steve Gadd sticks (gift).

I think its very good for the level I'm playing at and that I am slowing improving it in every way possible. 

Thanks 

ISM

Why I started this blog...

Well there's a lot of expensive shit out there. I am a teenager with quite a small budget (£20 a month or so). Most if not all my money goes into drums. So I wanted to collect the information I could on making it cheaper.  I was also  sure that there are others in my position so I created this blog. A warning though, you're not going to see much of the beautifully fashioned Kumas, Craviottos and Gretschs that there are.