Looking for 6 to 8 ply Maple Shells

[True North]

I am looking for some some hi quality resonant maple toms/drums (6 or 8 ply)

I don't need to buy new and would prefer buying used.

I am not swayed by big brand names, DW's are too overpriced right now. I aslo could care less about the finish / colour quality. So basically I am looking for good quality resonant maple drums on the used market that I can get for a steal. Perhpas it's a brand that isn't getting much attention right now or its a small start up or some brand that is overlooked... you get the picture.

I currently own a Gretsch Kit (my first pro kit), Yamaha Recording Custom (studio) and Arbiter (Live).

I am looking for the following tom sizes; 12" x 8", 13" x 9", 15" x 11"/12" (not picky on the depth on this one). Kick - 22" x 16"/18"/20" or even a 24" x whatever"

My Grestch kit would obviously fit the bill as far as maple shells go, but they are deeper drums than what I am looking for. My Arbiter kit is the right size but I keep it packed up so I can pick up and go without having to pack things up. My Yammy's are birch shells and I am looking to have some studio options that are little are a little brighter and alive sounding.

I don't really need a snare as I have 7 or 8 of them already.

I would like to spend between $1000 (or less) to $1500 (MAX) for a basic 4 pc kit (3 toms and 1 kick)

Your suggestions are greatly appreciated, thanks

[biggator6]

go to amdrumparts.com - get the Kellers and some hardware.. they'll drill and cut bearing edges for you.. you assemble - voila, instant custom drums.

[True North]

I have been checking out the custom route - I am not interested in giving these puppies a finish - John is working on a quote for me.

Any other, reasonably price custom drum guys ?

[danranges]

Mapex Pro M would be a solid fit.

[biggator6]

Pro-Ms are definitely a good option in that range.. PDP MX/MXR are also really nice (I'm told that if you re-do the bearing edges, they're indistinguishable from DWs)..
Gretsch Catalina maples are nice, too (though the hardware didn't impress me).

Or - go used. I picked up a set of Premier Signia Maples for well under $700.

[HiString]

For another source of shells, etc., contact Eric Sooy at DrumFoundry Drum Foundry LLC -

[drummin4christ]

I friend of mine is building some awesome drums that I've recorded and they sound incredible. Here is his link.
MySpace.com - P. Ellis Drums - 22 - Male - Abilene, US - www.myspace.com/pellisdrums

[HiString]

Originally Posted by drummin4christ

I friend of mine is building some awesome drums that I've recorded and they sound incredible. Here is his link.
MySpace.com - P. Ellis Drums - 22 - Male - Abilene, US - www.myspace.com/pellisdrums

I don't really intend to appear harsh but in his own words your "friend" has only been doing this for just over 12 months and he started in a college dorm ....yeah, I know we all have to start somewhere.

My point is firstly, that he, and a lot of other "custom drum makers" ARE NOT making drums, they are assembling and finishing pre-manufactured components. In reality, it is no different to assembling a model aircraft..........have patience, think each step through before actually proceeding and have the desire to complete something that you can be proud of and chances are you will have a great end product.

Second point............these guys are not doing anything that is not within the realms of possibility for the average drummer, or many other people.

Third point...............give 20 guys a Keller shell, all supplied with the same generic hardware that's flooding the market
from Taiwan, same heads, etc., and the necessary facilities to cut bearing edges and snare beds, etc., and the biggest difference you may hear will be due to the bearing edge profile, variations in timber characteristics, external infuences and definitely not to be ignored is probably the most important factor...........our own individual perception..........it is a quirk of human nature that when we see an item that, for whatever reason, we are attracted to, more often than not, we perceive that specific item to be "better" than any other "similar" item regardless of whether there is in fact any real difference.