One for the drummers

[rlw]

A colleague of mine is looking to purchase a decent kit for his 9 year old who is into jazz, fusion (at 9? I'm 50+ and still hate it) and rock. He has already passed his first grade so is quite serious about it. Obviously, we're not looking at Keith Moon levels of kit but something which will work well now and allow him to grow into it a bit too.

So, what makes to consider, where to purchase, what to pay? All thoughts and ideas gratefully received.

Thanks

PS. We are in London so that makes things a bit easier.

[militantmandy]

Really depends on what the budget is. I'd suggest looking for second hand kit. EBAY is worth a shout. I'd look for a Tama Superstar\Rockstar - Mapex M Birch or Maple or a Yammy Stage Custom. Should be able to find something with 3 toms\snare\base for around the 300 mark. All of these kits will sound spot on with decent heads and time spent tuning.

If you want a kit+hardware and cymbals, then you might be better going to an actual shop unless they can be bothered trawaling through loads of ads to find the right stuff.

One extra nugget. I'd advice not to buy crap cymbals (planet z's, pro sonix etc). It'll simply be no time at all till he'll realise they're pap and want something better. Again, second hand is probably the way to go as cymbals are bloody pricey.

All pretty general, if you can give me more info on exatcly what they're after, could be more specific. Good shops (online) to look at would be Poole Percussion and Sound Attack.

Also, I believe Denmark Street in central London has quite a few drum shops on it.

Edited by militantmandy on Tuesday 12th May 15:30

[TonyHetherington]

If you're in London get yourself to Wembley Drum Centre (smack bang next to the stadium). Massive shop with some really knowledgeable people in there who will show your son the options available at different budgets etc.

Highly recommended

[ratbane]

militantmandy said:

Really depends on what the budget is. I'd suggest looking for second hand kit. EBAY is worth a shout. I'd look for a Tama Superstar\Rockstar - Mapex M Birch or Maple or a Yammy Stage Custom. Should be able to find something with 3 toms\snare\base for around the 300 mark. All of these kits will sound spot on with decent heads and time spent tuning.

If you want a kit+hardware and cymbals, then you might be better going to an actual shop unless they can be bothered trawaling through loads of ads to find the right stuff.

One extra nugget. I'd advice not to buy crap cymbals (planet z's, pro sonix etc). It'll simply be no time at all till he'll realise they're pap and want something better. Again, second hand is probably the way to go as cymbals are bloody pricey.

All pretty general, if you can give me more info on exatcly what they're after, could be more specific. Good shops (online) to look at would be Poole Percussion and Sound Attack.

Also, I believe Denmark Street in central London has quite a few drum shops on it.

Edited by militantmandy on Tuesday 12th May 15:30

Agree here. ebay for kits. Absolutely spend good money on cymbals. Cheap ones not only sound cr*p, but are terrible playing surfaces.