Which brand hardware to get for new set? Help!

[YOTR]

Well I finally set up my Ludwig Zep kit and have just ordered half of my Paiste 2002 cymbals that I will need. I am finally closing in on finishing the kit and needed some advice on hardware. I don't know if I should piece together a Ludwig set (cymbals stands, hi-hat stands, snare stand, and bass drum pedal) or just buy a complete kit like the ones that Gibraltar offers. Should I be looking at a totally different brand entirely? Any advice would be helpful!

[Shaft]

Hands down, DW's hardware is the best. It's so flexible and solid as a rock. I play both DW and Ludwigs. I have some Ludwig hardware too, but nothing beats DW hardware.

[daryllh]

I haven't purchased hardware in years (as I stopped playing to pursue the illustrious career of an engineer ) but I can give one piece of advice:

Spend the extra money now.

DW makes great hardware. I went the Gibralter way back in 98. Saved some money but didn't get the quality that I would have with DW stuff. I am not familiar with the new Gibralter lines so I can't comment on how good they are. Still, if you fork over the cash for an upgrade, you won't be kickin your own booty 5 years from now when that lesser tom or cymbal stand starts to show it's age.

[ToneBender67]

DW makes some rock solid stuff. I'm not all that familar with Gibraltar, and most of the new Ludwig stuff I've seen is very heavy, but not all that solid.

Since you've got the Zep set and 2002's on the way, you could always find vintage Ludwig Atlas and Rogers hardware like Bonzo used. When I played in a Zep tribute, I geeked out bought all the correct vintage hardware. Even though I'm a "retired Bonzo" at the moment, I still use that hardware daily.

If I had to choose new hardware, DW hands down (but I'd still stick with a new Ludwig Speed King)!

[WidgetNinja]

Depends...

Tom mounts: Gibralter
Hi-Hat: Tama Iron Cobra
Cymbals: LOVE the new pearl ones.
Rack: I actually like the Pearl Icons more than Gibraltar
Kick Pedal: DW

I can't recommend the Pearl cymbal booms enough though. They're too cool for school.

[drumkideric]

I really love Tama's stuff. It is extremely well built and has never failed me.

[LukeCarlson]

agreed on DW. Their pedals can't be beat and nothing out performs their durabilty. I have one boom from gibralter its 4 years old and still solid. So if your on a budget don't forget about them.

[Tubthumper]

YOTR, in my opinion, its the hi-hat stand and kick pedal that you should pay the most attention to. These directly affect your timing and should, IMHO, be chosen carefully by extensive auditioning by your good self.

I've just spent a couple of months trying to find a smooth hi-hat stand that suits my style. To be honest, lots of people were saying to me "get an Iron Cobra". I auditioned two and thought that they weren't much of an improvement on my 20+ y/old Tama. I ended up getting a Mapex, mainly because I couldn't afford the top-of-the-heap Yammies, DWs etc.

As for cymbal and snare stands....... probably height adjustment, weight, durability would be important factors. Most well-known brands should cut the mustard, but.......... YMMV.

[kissingonstilts]

I've tried most things, including vintage. Had complete DW set-up. Went with Axis and still enjoying it - stands, pedals, everything

[GravityRobert]

Yamaha. Strongest hardware out there, if you ask me. Even their single braced stuff is rocksolid. Pearl also makes very nice stuff with great adjustability. New Gibraltar is cool, DW is a little too pricey for my liking. If really need a bunch of stands and can't afford to drop 1k for all of it, get a 'Pulse' stand from Musiciansfriend, I heard those are pretty solid too

[Shaft]

Nothing beats DW cymbal tilters. Infinitely adjustable and lock solidly into position. I hate using tilt adjusters with teeth now that I'm so spoiled.

Also - DW's Dogbones are so cool. They're key to making all kinds of really flexible setups.

And their snare basket is the most solid I've ever used.

With DW hardware (9000 series), I use less stands that hold more stuff. That works for me.

[GOD]

BIGDOG HARDWARE

I've used every piece of hardware known to man and for price and durability, bigdog rocks!thumbsup

[joeq]

I have to agree with Tubthumper. Hi Hat and kick pedal are about so much more than durability and price.

The mechanics of these pedals interacts with your playing as much as any stick. Would you ask a stranger which stick is right for you? Maybe to get you started looking in the right direction, but you will need to try these things out and see how they interact with your style of playing.

that said, I am very happy with my DW kick pedal and my Tama hi-hat.

if you are gigging a lot, don't forget that the more solid and durable hardware is usually heavier as well.

[beau_mckee]

definitely Pearl hardware without a doubt. Strongest/easiest/ most reliable gear to have.

[Alexi]

+ 1 for pearl hardware......i am a big yamaha fan, but Pearl hardware is a lot cheaper pricewise and really solid.


greetings


alex

[C/G]

Originally Posted by Shaft

Hands down, DW's hardware is the best. It's so flexible and solid as a rock. I play both DW and Ludwigs. I have some Ludwig hardware too, but nothing beats DW hardware.

The new DW stuff is better than older. I can't tell you how many memory locks on my then top of the line 5000 series hardware broke in half. I hardly even tightened them and still had broken white metal all over the place.

I was back in the music shop so much for warranty replacements of memory locks, the drum guy gave me about 5 of each size. Now I'm good to go.

That said I really like my DW hardware after 5+ years of use. The old memory locks were my only complaint, but has now been solved.

I have never ever had an issue with my 5000 series pedals either. I'm not a hard player by any means, but have managed to break 2 Pearl power shifter pedals. Pieces of shit. Pearl cymbal stands are good, reliable and affordable. If you want a bit of bling go for DW.

The newer DW, 9000 series are using stronger, hinged memory locks that don't break.

Get the 9000 series.