Just trying to get some more opinions...

[yamahaboy]

Man those Renowns are Sick. But that Pearl Masters kit is So nice. Very Versatile.
Man that kit sounds great with any head on it. The kit at my local GC has a 20" Kick drum very Punchy, even without any muffling. You may not want to go in that Direction, but that kit is very nice.The Sticker price was $1700 where Im at. That would be my second choice on the list behind the Yamaha Absolute Maple.

[E.R.]

I went to GC today and guess what. They had all three of these sets assembled on the sales floor. The salesman gave me free reign to try them out. I played with the tuning on each one and test drove all of them. I totally get the rave over the bubinga kit. That thing sounds awesome! If I would compare them to anything it would be like hearing Barry White sing a solo in a cave... a lot of low end. The oaks sound emaculate as well, but my fear was confirmed. I don't think they would work well in every situation. They're definitely not an all-purpose set. The bubinga/birch set was my favorite. I couldn't stay off that set. It sounds very similar to the all bubinga shells, it just has a tad bit more focus and a little more precise highs. The lows are rich and thick. This drum set has a really fat sound. I think I'm going to go with *drum roll*......


Tama Starclassic Performer B/B

Awesome! It is great that you got a chance to try them all out! Makes decision making a little easier. Congrats on knowing what you are getting, now, get it. 

[j_kay]

But that Pearl Masters kit is So nice. Very Versatile.

Indeed.

[j_kay]

For you, sugabear: What are the pros and cons of the sets that you're considering?  I'd compile a list with the pros and cons and determine what set you can live with after looking at the cons.

Ay, that's some good advice; sugabear, it looks like you sorts of used this methodology in choosing the drumset that you liked the most. 

As E.R. stated (paraphrased), Now that you know what you want, get it!

[bigblackdrummer]

Which one:

1. Yamaha Oak Custom
2. Tama Starclassic Bubinga
3. Tama Starclassic Performer B/B

I'm trying to narrow the search.

Man you really have to look at your needs in sound and the tools you already have!!!! Like say me, Id have no need for any of these.....BUT over all the Yamaha Oak Custom would be more versatile.

[SabianKnight]

And what exactly is your taste. I'm really interested in the B/B kit, but it seems like every store I've been to that has them just took them out the box and set them up. I want to hear what they sound like tuned up.

Take out your drum key and retune them so that you can make an informed decision. Ask for the manager if they give you a problem.

[JFunky]

Man you really have to look at your needs in sound and the tools you already have!!!! Like say me, Id have no need for any of these.....BUT over all the Yamaha Oak Custom would be more versatile.

...interesting.  A friend of mine told me the exact same thing.

...I'm still Sold on three kits.....Gretsch New Classics, Gretsch Renown Maple and Sonor S Classix. 

[E.R.]

...interesting.  A friend of mine told me the exact same thing.

...I'm still Sold on three kits.....Gretsch New Classics, Gretsch Renown Maple and Sonor S Classix. 

 

[JFunky]

...yep.  The Sonor S Classix in a Walnut Roots finish or the Gretsch New Classics in the Gold Sparkle or "Red.".

[E.R.]

...yep.  The Sonor S Classix in a Walnut Roots finish or the Gretsch New Classics in the Gold Sparkle or "Red.".

That, my friend, is THE Finish!  You'll see some real life shots of that finish on Monday. 

[SabianKnight]

That, my friend, is THE Finish!  You'll see some real life shots of that finish on Monday. 
[/quote

Congrats ER!

[SabianKnight]

I went to GC today and guess what. They had all three of these sets assembled on the sales floor. The salesman gave me free reign to try them out. I played with the tuning on each one and test drove all of them. I totally get the rave over the bubinga kit. That thing sounds awesome! If I would compare them to anything it would be like hearing Barry White sing a solo in a cave... a lot of low end. The oaks sound emaculate as well, but my fear was confirmed. I don't think they would work well in every situation. They're definitely not an all-purpose set. The bubinga/birch set was my favorite. I couldn't stay off that set. It sounds very similar to the all bubinga shells, it just has a tad bit more focus and a little more precise highs. The lows are rich and thick. This drum set has a really fat sound. I think I'm going to go with *drum roll*......


Tama Starclassic Performer B/B

I would have to disagree on the versatility of the Oak Customs. I have had the privilage of seeing Dave Weckl and Akira Jimbo live playing these kits mic'd and at a 4-6 ft distance.... two totally different styles and tunings and both ran the gambit of dynamic and stylistic versatility. Also hearing Russ Miller and Keith Carlock playing them in televised/videoed performances. Conclusion is focus, punch and lows (though not like Birch) and volume to a Maple sound (full mid-range). Stock heads don't do that kit justice for comparisons.

The Strong points for the Tama Starclassic Performer Bubinga-Birch aside form the sound are the rack tom sizes and floors especially that 14"x12" Floor Tom w/legs and 16"x14" w/legs and the brushed black chrome hardware. I would splurge on the 14"x7" Bubinga snare or Musai Warlord or Mapex Solid Steel. Even the Mapex Saturn snare or the Gretch Hammerd Copper. Something with an articulate yet dark character.

Question: What cymbals you going with?
 

[j_kay]

Question: What cymbals you going with?
 

And the plot thickens...   

[JFunky]

Question: What cymbals you going with?

And the plot thickens...  

...Sugarbear has the "dough" so I'm guessing Paiste.   

[E.R.]

That, my friend, is THE Finish!  You'll see some real life shots of that finish on Monday. 
[/quote
Congrats ER!

Thanks Sabe! I'm having a hard time sleeping. Too excited. 

I would have to disagree on the versatility of the Oak Customs. I have had the privilage of seeing Dave Weckl and Akira Jimbo live playing these kits mic'd and at a 4-6 ft distance.... two totally different styles and tunings and both ran the gambit of dynamic and stylistic versatility. Also hearing Russ Miller and Keith Carlock playing them in televised/videoed performances. Conclusion is focus, punch and lows (though not like Birch) and volume to a Maple sound (full mid-range). Stock heads don't do that kit justice for comparisons.

The Strong points for the Tama Starclassic Performer Bubinga-Birch aside form the sound are the rack tom sizes and floors especially that 14"x12" Floor Tom w/legs and 16"x14" w/legs and the brushed black chrome hardware. I would splurge on the 14"x7" Bubinga snare or Musai Warlord or Mapex Solid Steel. Even the Mapex Saturn snare or the Gretch Hammerd Copper. Something with an articulate yet dark character.

Question: What cymbals you going with?
 

Valid point concerning the Oaks. Hadn't thought about it that way before. The Masai is the troof! I love that snare.

And the plot thickens...   

lol. . .

...Sugarbear has the "dough" so I'm guessing Paiste.   

Dark Energy. . .mmm.

[JFunky]

or the Gretch Hammerd Copper. Something with an articulate yet dark character.

...this snare is "not" for everyone.  Mature Players only.  Wowza!!!! 

[E.R.]

...this snare is "not" for everyone.  Mature Players only.  Wowza!!!! 

  That is the next one on my list. 

[JFunky]

That is the next one on my list. 

...man.  I'm loving this one right here.  Sugarbear can't forget about Gretsch. lol



...Gretsch New Classics/Gold Sparkle




...I want this one badly right now.


5x14 Ludwig Black Beauty

[sugabear]

I would have to disagree on the versatility of the Oak Customs. I have had the privilage of seeing Dave Weckl and Akira Jimbo live playing these kits mic'd and at a 4-6 ft distance.... two totally different styles and tunings and both ran the gambit of dynamic and stylistic versatility. Also hearing Russ Miller and Keith Carlock playing them in televised/videoed performances. Conclusion is focus, punch and lows (though not like Birch) and volume to a Maple sound (full mid-range). Stock heads don't do that kit justice for comparisons.

The Strong points for the Tama Starclassic Performer Bubinga-Birch aside form the sound are the rack tom sizes and floors especially that 14"x12" Floor Tom w/legs and 16"x14" w/legs and the brushed black chrome hardware. I would splurge on the 14"x7" Bubinga snare or Musai Warlord or Mapex Solid Steel. Even the Mapex Saturn snare or the Gretch Hammerd Copper. Something with an articulate yet dark character.

Question: What cymbals you going with?
 

I hear what you're saying about the oaks. The ones I've tried I liked even with the stock heads on them. Last I checked, Dave Weckl is recording with his oaks now.

My cymbals of choice are all Meinl Byzance:

1. 13" Dark Hi Hats
2. 16" Medium Thin Crash
3. 18" Jazz Thin Crash
4. 10" Splash
5. 21" Dark Ride
6. 20" Jazz Club Ride
7. 18" Medium Thin Crash
8. Sabian 18" or 20" Ozone (stepchild)

[min_amw]

I hear what you're saying about the oaks. The ones I've tried I liked even with the stock heads on them. Last I checked, Dave Weckl is recording with his oaks now.

My cymbals of choice are all Meinl Byzance:

1. 13" Dark Hi Hats
2. 16" Medium Thin Crash
3. 18" Jazz Thin Crash
4. 10" Splash
5. 21" Dark Ride
6. 20" Jazz Club Ride
7. 18" Medium Thin Crash
8. Sabian 18" or 20" Ozone (stepchild)

That 20" O-Zone is not for the faint at heart (not saying that you are). I bought one like 3 weeks ago. That is ALOT OF CYMBAL!lol!