Drum set on the cheap?

[TinkOhio]

I'm hoping that some DIS friends in the know might be able to help us out. DD11 started drumming (snare) in her school band last year and is dead set on getting a full set of drums for a combined birthday/Christmas gift. She has a natural talent for drumming and has already been asked by the band director to tutor other students. Where should we look for a decent used drum set? What should we expect to pay? I've always been afraid to use Craig's List. Any suggestions?

 

[dawson5]

we bought our youngest DS a set of drums at guitar center. I think my hubby paid under $200 for it and it's a real set just smaller. He went in with the mindset of getting an electronic set that you could plug the earphones in and not disturb the whole household. He was discouraged not to do this by actual drummers, I think he said something about the "feel." We have a Woodwinds & Brasswinds 20 minutes away, they sell them online. I think he got a better deal than W&B's though. Not much help, I'm not a drummer but my BiL and uncle are, neither helped with this purchase. It has withstood three boys and their friends playing with it.

 

[disneystacy]

We bought a excellent drumset with all the "parts" on craigslist for 70.00. This women just wanted it gone.

 

[hereyago]

Sometimes, pawn shops have drum sets. And some of them have lay a way.

 

[I Believe n Fairies]

My dh is a drummer. Currently, we have three sets at my house including one for my 5yo ds.

I suggest looking on your local Craigslist. My dh is a big believer in that if you buy quality instruments your child will have greater success as a musician. Good instruments sound good, if you have a bad drum set, but a good drummer, she will get discouraged because of the bad sound. Does that make any sense?

My dh loves the mini sets that big name companies put out. He has a Catalina Gretsch Jazz Set that he loves. It was only about $300 or so. Good luck with your search.

 

[Kimkimba]

My MIL got my daughter one from guitarsandmore.com last Christmas. She got a smaller children's set because she was only 5, and my husband has a full size decent drum set. For the money, the quality is good.

 

[SoupNQuackers]

Drums are probably one of the more expensive instruments generally speaking. The drummer in my band estimates his drums at being worth 5000$. That being said even the biggest piece of junk can sound good if you tune it properly. I met a drummer who likes to experiment with junk/new/worldly instruments, he brought in a piece of total junk but the sound blew us away (even if it was worth loads). The key is to try it out before you buy it and also to always remember you can upgrade: add or replace cymbals, drum skins, entire drums, add things like roto-toms, chimes and w/e.

You might consider also buying her some drum lessons (with a full kit) to see if she likes the instrument.

Best of luck in your search either way.

 

[Tigge50447]

I purchased a full set for my son, it was a junior set the only thing is I had to put it together when it arrived. I can put a whole computer together but had a hard time with the one page directions they sent. Otherwise it was a good deal under $200.

 

[TinkOhio]

Thanks for all of the adavice. We'll go to some stores to see what they have and how she likes the equiptment. After that, we might look into Craig's List or retail stores.

 

[a1tinkfans]

I'm hoping that some DIS friends in the know might be able to help us out. DD11 started drumming (snare) in her school band last year and is dead set on getting a full set of drums for a combined birthday/Christmas gift. She has a natural talent for drumming and has already been asked by the band director to tutor other students. Where should we look for a decent used drum set? What should we expect to pay? I've always been afraid to use Craig's List. Any suggestions?

DO you have guitar center near you?

They are also online!
They are a WONDERFUL place, not pretentious, will help you get what you NEED rather than try and OVERSELL you!
They are very reputable, good pricing, and you CAN negotiate with them. And no, don't own stock or work there but my DS is attached at the hip, to the place..... and thus we all LIVE there....great guitars....We actually saw the bass payer for Paul Simon there a while back....like I said, good quality and good reputation!

Good Luck !! Music is AWESOME for kids!!