MusicRadar

Tama's Imperialstar features Accu-Tune synthetic bass drum hoops

View in gallery

For some, buying new music making gear is the most fun you can have with your clothes on. For the inexperienced, though, it can be a stressful experience. There's so much choice, and, depending on your skill level, buying the wrong gear could seriously stunt your progression.

To make it easier, we've put together a buyers' guide, which includes our top product picks and essential buying tips. Here's how to buy bass semi-pro drum kits…

4 buying tips

1. While beginner kits are mostly generic, budget kits are the slightly more expensive entry-level kits from the dedicated drum companies – the 'designer' labels, if you like.

2. They are mostly made in China or Taiwan, and with their distinctive design touches – lugs, tom mounts, badges and the like – you can feel like you own a proper Pearl, Tama or Gretsch. The idea is to build brand loyalty from the bottom up.

"While beginner kits are mostly generic, budget kits are the slightly more expensive entry-level kits"

3. Shells are still cheaper semi-hard woods, such as poplar or basswood, but they are often a bit thinner and better finished than the shells of beginner kits. Look for a wider range of sizes, including contemporary 22"x18" bass drums plus a bigger choice of coloured plastic wrap finishes – which should be fully glued to the whole shell, not patched on with double-sided tape. Some kits, like the Mapex VX and Gretsch Catalina, come complete with lacquered paint finishes.

4. You should still get a decent hardware package, often including a stool/throne. Small toms are usually mounted off the bass drum, although some kits have up-market isolation mounting brackets. Bass drums should have enclosed, drum key-tightened tension claws rather than old-fashioned 'T' handle types. And bass and snare drums should have a respectable eight lugs per head, although floor toms may still only have six.

5 budget drum kits under £600

1. Mapex VX
£479-£519

The VX has eight-ply 7.2 mm basswood shells with a lacquered maple veneer and breezy choice of translucent satin or coloured 'plasma' finishes. The small toms have ITS isolation mounting brackets, completing the up-market look. There's also a wide range of sizes to choose from – or to expand your kit with later on.
Read the full review