Anyone know anything about playing drums?

I've always wanted to learn how to play:drum:--just ran into an old friend of mine who teaches drums/plays locally and he got me thinking about trying it out.

What's a good drum set to buy to start with? Don't want to spend a gob of money just yet--I guess there's a chance I may lose interest--but for now I'm pretty fired up to get started trying it out. :drum:

Best Buy has drums for $400. Music shops have sets for $400. What's the difference? Can they be upgraded if I keep at it? So many questions.....not sure what to do.:drum:

 

Most people start with a practice block and a snare drum. You don't really need a whole drum kit to start. Ask you friend the instructor for advice he, will lead you to equipment that suits your playing style; once you develop one.

Dave

 

Used drums from Craigslist sounds like a winner to me or you could check your local pawn shops too.

Rollin

 

We used to use the knife and fork on the dinner table and plates until mom smacked us up the side of the head with a wooden spoon. Guess she thought we were the symboles.

 

have you checked out drumworld.com for a wider audience?

 

Don't spend too much at first. A used set is a good way to go. Your friend/instructor can help guide you. However, if you want to buy something new, I would check out Mapex Meridial Birch or maple or equivelent sets from Yamaha, Pearl or PDP (made by DW) - all from $799 to $999 (including hardware). If you buy new, don't bother with the beginner/junk sets you see for $599 and below. They come with crap heads, hardware and cycmbals that you will need to replace almost immediately and the shells are junk (made of poor material that will never really sound good). If you want to continue drumming, you will end up replacing the set very soon to get a nice intermediate set. However, if you but a decent set of mid-level shells (like Mapex/Yamaha/Pearl/PDP) you can always add quality heads and cymbals (as time, money and interest allow) and you can end up with a nice set you can grow into and keep for many years. Most of all, have fun...

And, start listening to RUSH (nearly as good as lessons...)!

 

Now, If you were talking about Drum sets for, oh, Guitar Hero, Band Hero....

 

That's great advice. Always wondered about those complete sets for $400--they gotta be basically like toys. Been listening to RUSH for years and years. My goal in life is to be able to play 'Subdivisions' just like ol' Neil. Just love the hi-hat/drums and changes in tempo of that song.

Thanks for the info.