Best 5-pc Drum Kit Under $500

by **admin** on Sat Jun 14, 2008 2:00 am

http://www.zzounds.com/a--3745item--LUDLR1025EC

Ludwig LR1025EC

http://www.zzounds.com/a--3745/item--GREBHS825H

GRETSCH BHS825H Blackhawk

http://www.zzounds.com/a--3745/item--MAPQ5254TA

Mapex Q5254TA

by **lambchop1** on Mon Jul 07, 2008 3:42 pm

Gee, I'd love to see some people vote on this thread and leave some comments. I'm not a drummer but I'd like like to upgrade the cheap set in my home studio that I got from a friend. I principally record jazz - both acoustic and electric - and would love to find an inexpensive set that could cover both bases. I think that I'm alright in the cymbal dept. with the exception of my hihats. I purchased a 22" Instanbul medium ride and a 19" Instanbul crash direct from a former NJ distributor.

by **Mr. Cloggy** on Tue Jul 08, 2008 3:49 am

The only sub $500,- kit I ever had (and still have) is a Pearl Forum and I don't have alot of experience with the kits listed, but a couple of things to consider:

If you're playing jazz you might want to look into fusion or jazz-sized kits. I don't think any of these kits offer a 18" bassdrum, so you might be better off buying 20-14-10-12-14 than 22-14-12-13-16 in this case. If I see it right only the Gretsch comes with suspension mounts and I think that's quite a pro. Also, the Gretsch uses basswood and poplar (a bit brighter sounding), while the Mapex only uses poplar. Don't know about the Ludwig, but I am not impressed with their entry level kits. The Accents are nice though. Btw: that link to the Ludwig doesn't work over here.

The Gretsch has my vote.

by **EnlightenedHand** on Tue Jul 08, 2008 6:31 am

I've heard the Ludwig,(I know an 8-year-old girl who's learning to play the drums), and it's certainly not that good. But with good heads tuned well, and a good player it can be made to work and get the job done in non-critical applications. I suppose the same could be said about a lot of kits though.

by **Big Tim** on Tue Jul 08, 2008 10:34 am

EnlightenedHand wrote:I suppose the same could be said about a lot of kits though.

Yeah, some kits are not worth saving, but good skins well tuned make a huge difference on most kits. That Mapex doesn't look great, but the other two look like they would take a decent skin quite well. Ludwig and Gretch are known for good kits, so I don't think they would put their name on something that didn't do the marque justice, even at the budget end.

by **lambchop1** on Tue Jul 08, 2008 1:50 pm

I'm glad to see that you guys are leaving some feedback here. Anymore insightful advice for a non-drummer searching to purchase an inexpensive set for others to play (mostly jazz but also some rock etc.) is much appreciated.

by **CasB** on Thu Sep 11, 2008 1:42 pm

EnlightenedHand wrote:I've heard the Ludwig,(I know an 8-year-old girl who's learning to play the drums), and it's certainly not that good. But with good heads tuned well, and a good player it can be made to work and get the job done in non-critical applications. I suppose the same could be said about a lot of kits though.

Well, a good drummer can sound pretty good on any drum, a bad drummer will sound bad even on a DW.

by **prevail25** on Sat Jan 17, 2009 2:56 pm

My nephew's is birthday is today and he's 10. My sister told he has been saving money to buy a drum set, so she was asking me what set to get. I'm not familiar with drum sets, all drums I use to record are midi. Would you recommend any of these drums for a 10yr old beginner?

by **Rick Levine** on Sat Jan 17, 2009 3:07 pm

As with any music gear, your best bet is used. Look at the used kits at GC, Craigslist, advert papers, pawn shops, etc.

by **prevail25** on Tue Jan 20, 2009 2:54 pm

I'm fine with getting used gear for myself. Half of the gear I have was purchased off craigslist, but my sister is another story. She likes everything brand new, but its not my money. So, I will see what I can do to help her get the best set without breaking her pocket.

by **Rod J.** on Tue Jan 20, 2009 5:54 pm

Don't limit yourself to only these 3 choices. There are lots of decent beginners sets available in this price range. Take into consideration his height and weight also. You don't want to purchase a kit that will be difficult for him to learn to play on or swallow him up. He'll need one that he feels comfortable with and one he can develop his skills on. Just my 2 cents worth.
Thanks,
Rod J.