New Kid on the Block and Tama Swingstar

[Simnel19]

Hello Everyone

I'm new to this forum, but I do love the Lord and I have been playing the kit for as long as I can remember.  I'm constantly looking to grow spiritually and musically and I've found that this forum has been helpful in that.  
Secondly, I'm looking into buying a new set, the one I have is about 15 years old and it has lost its appeal to me.  The Tama Swingstar caught my eye because of the price and extras that are included.  I know it's not a top-of-the-line kit and definitely not what I really want (a yamaha stage custom), but since I'm in college, money has a way of abruptly vanishing and I need to conserve what little I do have for books and tuition.  Overall, I just would like to if anyone owns or has played this kit, if so, should I just continue saving?  What are your feelings about this kit?

[CalKel2]

I played on this set at my older church. It's ok at best. The sound is ok with lots of tweaking. And make sure that you get the fusion size configuration (10,12, and 14 toms). If you're getting one of those prepackaged deals with the stock cymbals you may want to invest in some better ones soon. If you're on a tight budget and just looking to get a practice set this is ok. It is pretty durable and i guess the hardware and mounts have come up considerably since my church purchased theirs about 10 years ago (wow). If you can't afford the stage custom than I guess may be a cheaper alternative.

[Simnel19]

Cal, thanx so much, man.  I really appreciate your input.  If I get the set, I def. plan on getting new cymbals and new heads (most likely some Remo Ebony Pinstripes with a EMAD bass head).  I'm hoping the skins will give the drums a nice dark & warm sound.  One thing though, I was planning on getting 12, 13, and 16" toms w/ a 22" bass.  Do you think the fusion kit would have better sound?

[maplecustom]

I've been the very happy owner of a Yamaha Maple Custom for a couple years now, and even though the Stage Custom isn't quite as top-knotch,  yamaha's hardware (even on their lowest end kits) holds up really well.  It's solid no matter what model you have, and I can assure you you'll like the tom mounts way better than those Tama ones.  I had a swingstar a while ago too for about 7 years, and I hated the hardware because it had such limited movement and made my set up awkward for me no matter what I did.  Something to think about as well is Pearl's lower end kits are also decent.

[Funkaddictus_Groovus]

Hey simnel,i THINK what calkel meant is that the 10-12-14 config. is just a little more versatile(and much more lighter to carry around)..But you are the one to know your needs and sound preferences.if you think it fits your playing style go with the larger setup.but before you make your final decision check out other brands'models in the same budget category such as Pearl's Session series...

[dwdrummer]

SAVE YOUR MONEY WHY JUST SETTLE FOR JUST AN OK KIT :?:
out :wink:

[Funkaddictus_Groovus]

Good point.how much does the swingstar cost?

[Simnel19]

Funk,

The Swingstar costs 600 bucks with everything included, but I understand that I'm going to have to upgrade the set with heads, cymbals, and probably a snare...if I get it.

[kddrummaboy9]

yo I just got a Yamaha Stage Custom Advantage (10, 12, 14). I had it for about a year and I love it. But if you can hold out wait and get a top line kit. It depends on what you are using it for.

[Simnel19]

I took MapleCustom's advice and checked out Pearl's kits in my price range.  The reviews were pretty much equal in weight except for the fact that there were bad reviews on the sound of the Swingstar's toms.  However, although the Pearl Forum had good reviews on the sound quality of its toms, it had bad reviews on the hardware and also came w/ less stuff included in the package.  Since I have to have good sounding toms, I'm leaning toward the Forum and slowly forgetting about the swingstar.  With that said, is there anyone that has experience with a Pearl Forum kit who can give me a little more insight???  If so, thanks in advance :wink: