Drum set shopping. Would like suggestions.

[Hozuko]

I'm currently shopping for a drum set (as my title implies). I'm looking for a decent set that is under 1k. I'm not beginner, so please, no one suggest a Wal-mart piece of crap. I'm currently looking at this pearl set:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VS0V9G/sr=1-5/qid=1200093410/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&qid=1200093410&sr=1-5&seller=

Does anyone have any suggestions about another set somewhere, or feedback about this specific vendor (Musician's Friend; I've never bought from them before)? Or...well, any suggestions about anything at all would be nice. Like, how's your dog?

[davidshek]

I'm currently shopping for a drum set (as my title implies). I'm looking for a decent set that is under 1k. I'm not beginner, so please, no one suggest a Wal-mart piece of crap. I'm currently looking at this pearl set:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VS0V9G/sr=1-5/qid=1200093410/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&qid=1200093410&sr=1-5&seller=

Pearl Export's are decent, sure, but nothing special. They're not quite Pearl's bottom-of-the-line (Forum) kits, but they're not far off either.

Musician's Friend is a very reliable dealer of musical equipment, I've bought plenty of drum accessories from them before. You might want to search elsewhere on the web for better prices, though. Forget Amazon. Try these:

www.guitarcenter.com
www.samash.com
www.zzounds.com
www.wwbw.com

Pearl does make some very good kits in their high end lines. My professional kit is a Pearl Master's Series and it's one of the best sounding kits I've ever played, but it also cost quite a pretty penny too :)

Your best bet is to go to a local music store and play around on the various display kits they have set up there. See which one fits into your budget and sounds best. Just remember that you also need to think about the cost of the things that often don't come with the kit: sticks, throne, cymbals, cymbal stands, cowbell, etc.

[Hozuko]

Thanks much. I didn't think about the cymbals, and cymbal stands not being included. I assumed the throne would not be included....but that picture...I guess is misleading. Thanks for the help and the links. :D

[Pyewacket75]

I thought most drum kits came with a high-hat and a crash and/or ride cymbal (including stands). At least the one my brother had did. he did buy an additional crash cymbal later on. I believe they also included the throne as well but I guess it depends where you shop.

[0tj]

I got my 6pc Pearl export with Paiste high hat and a Paiste crash on ebay for $330. Same as the one you're looking at minus one cymbal. It also came with a throne and sticks. It was all in good condition too(set and all). Pretty good deal for $330. You might think about checking out ebay.

[davidshek]

I thought most drum kits came with a high-hat and a crash and/or ride cymbal (including stands). At least the one my brother had did. he did buy an additional crash cymbal later on. I believe they also included the throne as well but I guess it depends where you shop.

The low-end kits will sometimes come with a throne, hi-hat and a crash/ride cymbal (with stands), and the store will call it a "Complete Starter Kit" or something like that.

But the cymbals you get are usually crap and sound like trash can lids :)

As soon as you start looking at decent kits, those "bundles" disappear. That's more like what the OP was talking about, since he said he's not a beginner.

[Hozuko]

I'm currently looking at this set. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=260203672201&_trksid=p3984.cWAT.m240.lVI

As you can tell by the description, it contains no cymbols, no kick pedal, and no throne. In fact, it's just 5 toms and 2 basses. I already own a snare, and I have a buddy who can spare a bass pedal (single though) and some cymbols, so I should be good on everything else, but my question is, is this a good deal?

If I decide to get this one, what is the most I should decide to bid, in your opinion?

Also, what is a good, and affordable, double bass pedal that anyone could recommend?