MGR/A Drummer « Yamaha YD Series 5 Piece Drum Kit »
Published on 07/27/04 at 15:00I used to have a 1970's pearl export but it was in really bad condition and I quickly became tired oh having to hold the hi-hat stand up with my knee (no joke). I eventually decided to replace it and bought a Yamaha YD series drum kit from ebay for £360.
Initially I was worried that I should have brought something in the next price range (like another pearl export) but when I actually saw the kit I was astounded. It looks several price ranges up with the wooden bass drum hoops. And it doesn't stop there - the drums sound great as well. The snare has a lovely crisp, deep crack to it; the bass drum makes a very deep, powerful boom, the toms (with upgraded heads) are clean and tonally rich. The hardware is great too, but I'd advise upgrading the cymbal stands to pearl ones later.
I have only a few dislikes that I can think of instantly - the original Remo heads soumd absolutely awful and If you're going to buy this kit buy some better ones along with it. I would advise Evans hydraulic heads. Also, the tom mounting system is a bit awkward and if you're not careful you could end up bashing the toms on the bass drum every time you want to move them. This isn't really a problem if you're careful, but you might wish to buy a rack later on if you're accident prone.
Outstanding. The wood used looks great and is light yet durable. The hardware, although awkward at times is very tough and will last a long time.
When looking at reviews of kits of this price you'll usually see 'its great for a beginner'. However, if my band got a number one tomorrow, I'd be proud to keep this kit (although a DW or Pearl Masterworks might find it's way to my doorstep too!). It's as good as most of the kits under £1000 and with features like wooden bass drum hoops, hook it up to some Sabian HHXs and it's hard to tell the difference between this and a Maple Custom. Don't be fooled by the price, this is a great kit for drummers of all levels, and I mean all levels, and will stay with me for a long time.
This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com
Initially I was worried that I should have brought something in the next price range (like another pearl export) but when I actually saw the kit I was astounded. It looks several price ranges up with the wooden bass drum hoops. And it doesn't stop there - the drums sound great as well. The snare has a lovely crisp, deep crack to it; the bass drum makes a very deep, powerful boom, the toms (with upgraded heads) are clean and tonally rich. The hardware is great too, but I'd advise upgrading the cymbal stands to pearl ones later.
I have only a few dislikes that I can think of instantly - the original Remo heads soumd absolutely awful and If you're going to buy this kit buy some better ones along with it. I would advise Evans hydraulic heads. Also, the tom mounting system is a bit awkward and if you're not careful you could end up bashing the toms on the bass drum every time you want to move them. This isn't really a problem if you're careful, but you might wish to buy a rack later on if you're accident prone.
Outstanding. The wood used looks great and is light yet durable. The hardware, although awkward at times is very tough and will last a long time.
When looking at reviews of kits of this price you'll usually see 'its great for a beginner'. However, if my band got a number one tomorrow, I'd be proud to keep this kit (although a DW or Pearl Masterworks might find it's way to my doorstep too!). It's as good as most of the kits under £1000 and with features like wooden bass drum hoops, hook it up to some Sabian HHXs and it's hard to tell the difference between this and a Maple Custom. Don't be fooled by the price, this is a great kit for drummers of all levels, and I mean all levels, and will stay with me for a long time.
This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com