The Best Drum Sets Under $2,000 - A Complete Buyer's Guide

[@I.Milanov]

3 sales engineers disliked this video

[@maartenvalentin4162]

"engineers"

[@stevebigby5499]

Appreciated of thanks to you guys far making this great videos:but far sure I’m going to try and buy one of those drum set

[@dinospumoni5611]

@@maartenvalentin4162 yea never heard that term before lol

[@sandythedrummer]

from SW haha

[@christopherscamby4559]

LOL

[@hannes1734]

This is the Gold Standard of drum demonstration channels.

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks so much!

[@JakeStaffin]

Agreed!!

[@cobyutterback]

Hands down. Shane’s trailblazer. Period.

[@cobyutterback]

IMHO, the Renown’s owned this comparo. By a lot. EVERY drum shined.

[@section8usmc53]

Right? I don't need concerts. I'll just sit quietly in the back of the room while they record their demos. 😂😂😂

[@Stanley-rq6vv]

Timestamps for sound comparsion Full Mix 2:55 - DW Drums Design Series 6:47 - Gretsch Renown RN2 10:25 - Mapex Saturn 15:00 - Pearl Masters MCT 20:17 - Tama Starclassic Walnut/Birch Head 2 Head 10" Tom 24:14 - DW Drums Design Series (10x8, Clear) 24:18 - Gretsch Renown RN2 (10x7, Clear) 24:23 - Mapex Saturn (10x7, Clear) 24:28 - Pearl Masters MCT (10x7, Clear Pinstripe) 24:43 - Tama Starclassic Walnut/Birch (10x8, Clear) 12" Tom 24:47 - DW Drums Design Series (12x9, Clear) 24:52 - Gretsch Renown RN2 (12x8, Clear) 24:57 - Mapex Saturn (12x8, Clear) 25:02 - Pearl Masters MCT (12x8, Clear Pinstripe) 25:07 - Tama Starclassic Walnut/Birch (12x9, Clear) 16" Floor Tom 25:12 - DW Drums Design Series (16x14, Clear) 25:17 - Gretsch Renown RN2 (16x14, Clear) 25:22 - Mapex Saturn (16x14, Clear) 25:27 - Pearl Masters MCT (16x16, Clear Pinstripe) 25:32 - Tama Starclassic Walnut/Birch (16x14, Clear) Kick Drum 25:37 - DW Drums Design Series (22x18) 25:42 - Gretsch Renown RN2 (22x18) 25:47 - Mapex Saturn (22x18) 25:52 - Pearl Masters MCT (22x18) 25:57 - Tama Starclassic Walnut/Birch (22x16) Snare 26:02 - DW Drums Design Series (14x5.5, Controlled Sound) 26:07 - Gretsch Renown RN2 (14x5.5)

[@adamfrost8417]

Putting in the WORK. Thx.

[@cedricmissotten]

Thanks dude!

[@madcrabber1113]

👌

[@-themercyseat]

Your efforts are much appreciated 🙏

[@Julas-p7u]

Thank you.❤

[@billwulff4641]

Literally this is the most USEFUL and AUTHENTIC video I believe you have ever done. Your comments on Pearl not coming with mounts, the practically of Kick Drum Tom Mounts, the price point of these products, the individual drum sound byte comparison, the shell structures, the finish comments, the sound engineer NEVER wanting more Tom Ring LOL. THIS is THE BEST VIDEO you have EVER done IMO. As a PHX player, yeah, I spent a crazy amount on my "legacy" kit. But for practical use, I have said for many years, the Tama B/B (for me) was the best sounding kit dollar for dollar out there. I wasn't sure if the Birch / Walnut was going to be a major step down, and apparently it holds it's own. Mapex has been a Walnut leader/advocate for years and it shows. WELL DONE DCP!! WELL DONE!!!!

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks, Bill. We try to be as transparent as we can be with these videos, and hope that it sets us apart from the mega-stores.

[@NEALBABBITT]

I was skeptical about the new Tamas as well, but I do think it's (unbelievably) an improvement!

[@emrsny1]

I have watched hundreds if not thousands of drum test videos from all the well known channels. I have realized that all pro kits and many intermediate kits give a decent sound. They are not much different from each other, proven by this comparison as well. But the only kit that I listened to that differentiate is PHX. I most certainly can tell the difference in blind tests. So IMO your investment was a sensible one :)

[@andyham6094]

Till this day, I just prefer the Tama starclassic bb’s. I’ve played and owned much more expensive drums but I always came back to the starclassic hyperdrive bb’s. Couldn’t be happier and makes me smile every single time I sit down and hit it. Works in the practice room, studio, small and large venues.

[@rosmakloma]

Really impressed with the Gretch sound

[@Ian_P]

I want to add a huge thumbs up for the Tom tuning consistency between the kits. Well done. 👍

[@tinterlande]

Glad someone noticed 😉

[@robgracia509]

@@tinterlande the floor tom has a little bad over tone on the first 2 kits but everything else sounds great

[@j.r.90001]

Would be awesome to hear how they sound when tuned lower. Tama sounded the best, but even it wasn't that impressive...

[@tinterlande]

J. R. Didn’t sound good tuned lower.

[@joeakaradej8666]

Tony Interlande How about your glasses? 😁😁

[@rylieriley]

My jaw hit the floor when I heard the Gretsch kit. I wasn't expecting that sound at that price point. Very nice. The Tama kit was also excellent. All of the kits sound great. This is a really helpful video.

[@drumcenternh]

Right on!

[@charlesseagraves6210]

Not only did the Tama & Gretsch kits sound great, but the tom mounts on the Tama kit are what impressed me most!

[@Bbbbbbbbbbhhhhhhh]

I was thinking this, the Gretsch was probably my overall favourite, but the tama snare and the Saturn kick drum were fucking great too. Gretsch finish was nice too.

[@compucorder64]

​@@BbbbbbbbbbhhhhhhhAgreed, those were my picks. Gretsch would be my pick for funk, pop, jazz, r'n'b. Tama would be my pick for country, classic rock, indie rock. Personally, I leaned toward the Gretsch, for their mellower more vintage sounds. Sounded like great breaks off an old funk record, right out of the box. But that open direct sound of the Tama is ace too. Choice would depend on favoured genres more so than one definitely better than the other.

[@mikekelly7862]

Wasn't expecting this AT ALL, but I'm actually in love with that Mapex Kit.

[@JakeStaffin]

I gotta say, part of why I love your videos is because you're 100% honest. You're not just telling us "why to buy ___ kit vs ___ kit," you tell us what you like about each kit, what you don't like, and what sets them apart. That's very important to help a customer really narrow down which is the best option for them. I personally think the Gretsch and the Tama had the most punch but I imagine the Pearls would have a similar tone if they had heads besides pinstripes. Thank you for making this video, it's really cool to see kit shootouts and comparisons with such amazing production!!

[@tinterlande]

Honesty is best! Glad you like them!

[@tymccarthy7834]

I was blown away that the Gretsch really took it away for my ears. I'm probably going to come buy that kit this year! I really expected to like the Pearl Maple Masters the best, but the warmth of that Renown!!!

[@Hubson55]

Yeah kick is really nice! I feel that punch on my chest through my headphones! Almost started thinking about buying only BD and incorporating that into my Starclassic :D

[@carlosleiva2825]

I think the older MCX where closer to the Gretsch with the die cast hoops.

[@vincentmaublanc6985]

Oh yeah same here

[@publicprofilename4273]

I was completely unsurprised by that. I played a set of renown and a set of Catalina's both for years. In the room mic recordings my ears say hands down the gregretschdsffke took it lol, but in the whole mix clips, them Tama's were. mind-blowing.

[@drummer0864]

@@carlosleiva2825 I agree the MCX series was better

[@kevinremsen5627]

Killer video guys. Agree about the Tama feeling the most premium. I set up and tear down my B/B kit and the locks on the mounts are some killer engineering that save so much time. How about a video for the next price bracket up?

[@JustinLiku]

Starclassic Walnut/Birch is the Kit I recently bought! I love the sound of IT. So to me defenitely TAMA🔥🔥🔥

[@kzdrum]

The Gretsch sound is amazing! What a surprise compared with the another kits. Nice job!

[@luckyrocks1]

I voted with my wallet and bought the Gretsch Renown set and then added two additional additional tom’s. Thanks for this great comparison!

[@JulianFernandez]

How about a vid on the cheapest vs the most expensive kit you have in the store! :)

[@madcrabber1113]

That would be interesting and would probably get more newer drummers to upgrade 😉

[@andyham6094]

Tama starclassic for life!! I have the bb’s in this exact molten brown burst and it’s literally my favorite finish of all time, it’s not a wrap it’s laquer and it’s so stunning and detailed in person and it looks different on each stage and different lightings which I absolutely love!!! You can’t go wrong with bb, wb, maple, bubinga, any starclassic past or present are amazing but the newer starclassics with the updated hardware is just the best bang for your buck with the quick lock brackets and air cushioned floor Tom legs brought down from the flagship star line and the swivel wing double Tom mount is the best bass drum mount ever imo. No other company gives you all that hardware at that price and the quality the shells and finish are made.

[@DrummerGrrrl]

You guys are so awesome! Everytime I see a notification for a video from Drum Center, I get all "goosebumpy". LOL.

[@philphilison1623]

Excellent commentary during the Mapex drumset. I too have never had a sound engineer say, "hey buddy, that floor tom should ring out longer than your 90 minute set!" All those kits sound good.

[@Imaddrums]

The gretsch renown and tama starclassic sound the best! I’m a tama guy but the gretsch really impressed me. I used to play the gretsch energy kit and I absolutely loved the edges on it and how easy it was to tune. Now I currently own a tama starclassic b/b hyperdrive and love despite the issues I have with the 12”. Amazing video gretsch and tama take the cake for me!

[@sambrantdrums9622]

That Gretsch just fits what I think an amazing drum set should sound like!! might have to pick one up in the future!

[@ssonicdeafmonkey]

It seemed to have the most tone.

[@dogonv]

Super happy with mine (20" BD version). Tom mount on BD was a must have for me too.

[@ShadyNeon]

I agree with Shane’s take on the Tom mounts. When they’re mounted on the bass drum they just feel so much more stable.

[@markricher7362]

The Tama Starclassic, the look, the sound, the hardware, that is the kit!

[@sierragold]

I agree-- the Starclassic was #1...!

[@rodolfoperalta5180]

Yes, but with virgin bass drum

[@elijahsacco]

Well when you put nearly the exact same hardware on it as your $7,000+ drums it better be the best 😂

[@alvinhedin1364]

Thanks a lot for this amazing video ! For those who would like to switch quickly between the different kit test: DW: 1:50 and 2:55 Gretsch: 5:34 and 6:47 Mapex: 9:34 and 10:25 Pearl: 14:03 and 15:00 Tama: 18:38 and 20:17 Head to head 24:10

[@shawndrummer6722]

Price progression 2024. - Best drum sets under 2000$: Gretsch Energy, Tama Stagestar, Pearl Roadshow, PDP Center Stage, Mapex Venus.

[@user-ms8eg]

Gretsch renowns in australia are $4k-5k 😵‍💫WHYYYYYYY

[@daynnethedrummer684]

For those wondering, the "Gretsch Formula Maple" shells replace the inner ply of gum wood from the USA Customs with a ply of softer maple. I know that the gum is a softer wood than the maple they use in the Customs, so it makes sense that they'd use a softer variant of maple in the core to cut costs a bit. But they are indeed an all maple shell. I have the rock configuration of the RN2s in the same Satin Tobacco finish, and they sound great. Very resonate drums. Maybe even TOO resonate 😂 I will say, in my opinion, they sound best with a coated single ply head on top, with a coated 2 ply being a very close second.

[@alexg4284]

I’ve gone with coated emperor over coated ambassador. Warm

[@johnh5367]

To my ear the Tama kit had the deepest, lowest booming bass drum. Tuning of course may have been the difference, but what a nice low register. I'm limited in my choices as I live in Thailand, but there are a set of Starclassics in that same finish at the Tama dealer in Bangkok, and I will be in BKK the next 2 weekends... Fat import tax, but to get that sound, it's worth it. Choosing an available snare will be the hard part.

[@BobSchoepenjr]

Gentlemen that was fun to watch. You did a lot of work to present this. To be honoust for me the Gretch on sunday, the TAMA on Monday, the Mapex on tuesday etc...

[@matthewfrohbieter1803]

I own a mapex Saturn. You won’t regret getting one. That being said the gretsch sounded amazing.

[@soolee-cho8908]

Im thinking of buying the tama starclassic. Thanks guys!

[@MarkMonolithOfficial]

The Gretsch and Tama sound best to my ears

[@ronaldgenendlis6423]

Agreed

[@MarkMonolithOfficial]

@@victorchiappetta3230 You should also look into the Ludwig Classic Oak series (formerly known as Ludwig Keystone X)

[@ramencurry6672]

I think I agree. I probably would get the Gretsch though but that’s just me

[@michaelmain8230]

Best stock heads

[@todds.6028]

23:08 - 23:16 Tama has just, in general, always outclassed the other drum manufacturers when it comes to hardware...in MY opinion.

[@andyham6094]

Always. Way ahead of the game

[@BenjaminGib]

One of the best drum demo videos I’ve ever watched and listened to, and I’ve watched A LOT. Thank you for putting the time and effort into this.

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks so much for the kind words!

[@SzymonWeiss]

1. Gretsch, 2. Tama. Thank you for this world's most helpful comparison.

[@drumcenternh]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tylee5291]

Same order for me..

[@jeffballou2940]

Tama and Gretsch for me. First hand experience with the Pearl kit, that 12” Tom cut out way to quick for my taste.

[@ivanbajovic3476]

Those Remo Pinstripes killing the sound on it (Pearl)

[@dantebattaglini5678]

I've always been a Pearl fan. But man that Tama just is beautiful and sounds amazing and the hardware has changed. I'm impressed.

[@williamduffy4689]

Shane is always criticizing his own playing, but he has a very distinctive style and I enjoy watching him play. I think his best moment in this video was playing the Gretsch kit. I like the Starclassic but I think the maple Starclassic is worth getting over the walnut birch. But love that color, they look better than most exotic kits over seven grand.

[@Assimilator702]

William Duffy If you want o spend less $$$ the Walnut/Birch are a great choice. There’s not as much difference between the 2 kits once the heads are the same on both. Heads give the sound. The drums provide the performance, appearance and of course the price.

[@Assimilator702]

crummyy My belief is that the overall density of the wood matters most. Then you have the hardware attached to the shell which increases mass. The overall thickness of the shell is important. Regardless of the density of the wood a thinner shell will have a lower fundamental compared to a thicker shell. Then we have the amount of shell touching the head and where the apex of the edge is. All these factors make more of a difference then the wood species. The sound is all in the heads. The shell regulates what the head is allowed to do. That’s the most logical way of theorizing drum sound. I have a Starclassic Maple snare 14 x 6.5 and a Starclassic Walnut/Birch snare also a 14 x 6.5. Maple and Birch have the same densities.....provided Tama is using Hard Rock Maple and a high density species of Birch. The B/W shell is slightly thinner than the Maple shell and definitely has a lower fundamental. Maple tends to not excite the higher overtones of the batter head while Birch does. Walnut also doesn’t excite the higher overtones and has an overall drier character than Maple. I get a lower fundamental out of the W/B snare while the Maple has a slightly higher pitch but still a controlled ring. Tama is making the W/B shells thinner on the snare shells compared to the B/B shells. I have a 14 x 5.5 and a B/B 14 x 7 and they both have much more overall volume than the 14 x 6.5 W/B. The SC Maple snare is also more mellow than the B/B snares. I would almost describe Maple as clean or even boring but not in a bad way. I’m not 100% positive combining woods makes much difference and if it does the differences are minute. For example a 10” SC Birch Tom sounds virtually identical to a 10” B/B Tom with the same heads and tuning. There might be a SLIGHT it more low end with the B/B drum but it’s minimal. Both of these drums have shells with the same overall thickness. Sorry if that’s too much info to process. All my findings are with either a Coated Ambassador or Coated Control Sound with an Ambassador Hazy. With specialty heads like an Evans HD Extra Dry or a Remo P77 the differences are MUCH more minimal. It comes down to an overall pitch at a given tension and overall volume.

[@nickmedias1]

@crummyy gretsch renown rn2 is made of north american maple, watch the video again , when Shane starts playing the renown rn2 kit his immediate response was wow.

[@markusthedrummer8143]

Can’t stand the way he plays. Ugh. So sloppy and he doesn’t know how to demo a kit.

[@judjohnson8652]

I got the DW (3 shells) for $699 and was absolutely blown away. Incredible kit.

[@butchcassidy3373]

I got the four piece for 999 and am very pleased. Quality heads made a huge difference in how great they sound

[@venubhalla2825]

To my ears, the Kick drum on the DW, sounds awesome. Overall though, TAMA rules. I'm amazed each time at the quality of production you guys put into these videos.🔥

[@tinterlande]

Why thank you! 😉

[@AMDpc067]

That dw kick was WOW

[@morgan3149]

This is the kind of (amazing) video that made me bought my drum kit. At first I wanted à 1000$ drum kit but this video made me lost my mind time and time again. So, I picked a Starclassic Walnut/Birch, yes it is. And in Molten Blue Ice Fade finish :) My kit goes very well with the treasure I found some times ago, a Tama Star Bubinga Snare in Blue Viking finish ! I am the happiest right now ! Thanks for your videos again :)

[@wannwarriors]

The TAMA's did it for me , Makes me want to go buy a set. And that finish is just cool! Thank you guys for doing these video's.

[@w4tkn]

I have the version before Bubinga Birch SCP, My ear prefers maple but it is a good kit.

[@maffau415]

I actually feel the Gretsch kit overall has the best sound. Tama is right there with it and I think for the price point, Tama has the best product though once you consider all the options they make available to you. In fact, I'm actually in the process of parting ways with my DW gear to switch over to Tama. Nothing wrong with DW or any of these brands for that matter, but Tama really is calling out to me these days.

[@Assimilator702]

Jeremy Good choice. Starclassics can’t be beat!

[@maffau415]

@@Assimilator702 Yeah I'm definitely looking forward to it. Already thinking of names for the new drums lol

[@Evolutioncity]

I did the same thing. Sold my DW performance and got a star walnut. Couldn’t be happier!!

[@Assimilator702]

Zach Var Good move.

[@DrummerGrrrl]

@@Assimilator702 Yeah, they can't be beat but they can be PLAYED! Get it?! LOL. I hate when non drummers ask me if I "beat the drums"! No, I do not. I keep the beat as I play my drums, musically. Non-musical people...smh.

[@XcluZiveBeats]

I’m liking the video before I even watch it because I already know it’s going to be fire!

[@FernandoBoteroMusic]

jajaja me too

[@sody2000]

The Tama Birch Bubinga SMOKES! I have one. GREAT purchase for the money.

[@WimTavernier]

I found the BB Starclassic kit including the snare second hand ( but in new condition) and he sounds amazing! A lot better than the walnut/birch combination now. I had the Superstar in the 80s en the Artstar II in the 90s but the Starclassic BB is the best!!!

[@Gnewland]

Agreed. I have the B/B In Molten Brown Burst with Black Nickel hardware. The stock heads are def not for me, but with my head choice they are darn near unbeatable for me. It also helps i bought them "Used" (3 months after they were purchased new) for $1100 shipped. What a bargain! I also own a couple DW Collectors and some other high end kits and this remains the 1 set i keep over all the others. Something about that Bubinga just does it for my ears. I also had a Mapex Saturn Walnut/Birch and that was close to as good, but still not as good to me.

[@Eric_Cartman83]

Grayson Newland what heads are you using?

[@Gnewland]

@@Eric_Cartman83 I use Clear Ambassadors on Reso and Clear Pinstripes on Batter most of the time, but if I’m recording I use Clear Ambassadors on batter too.

[@Rylan_McD]

The DW had some awkward overtones I wasn’t really digging. The gretsch had a great resonance, I’m sure tuned up they would sound great in a bop setting. The saturn kit sounded a little choked out. That could just be the stock heads but I wasn’t feeling it. The Pearl kit was very articulate - not a lot of resonance but a good tone. The TAMA has a big open sound with nice overtones. I think the Yamaha Tour Custom could have been a competitor. All maple shells and only 1300. You could then get a high end recording custom snare with it and come out in the same price range as these kits.

[@ohrid59mk76]

Yamaha Tour Custom is only 1300 $ ? in Europe same kit cost about 1600 € ( allmost 1900 $ ) !

[@andyham6094]

So true. Dw always seem to have some weird overtones. That’s a big gripe against DW that a lot of drummers notice. The tama’s sound and look the best.

[@Rylan_McD]

@@ohrid59mk76 Wow!! That’s crazy, must be something with the location of the distribution centers or something.

[@ohrid59mk76]

@@Rylan_McD I dont now why is that but I now that European products are also cheaper in the USA than in Europe !!! for example , VW Golf GTI or R type car cost 41 000 € in The Netherlands where I live and the same car is ONLY 29000 $ in USA ( 25500 € ) ! we have a common border with Germany where the VW Golf is made ! from my place to Germany is only 140 miles . USA made Ludwig clasic maple is from 3,500 € shell kit , DW Collectors from 4,300 € - 12 000 € ( exotic finish ) , I paid for my Tama Starclassic Elite bubinga - made in Japan 4600€ shell kit !

[@Rylan_McD]

@@ohrid59mk76 That is so strange, especially since your currency is “worth” more than ours. ☹️

[@gregbaugh7056]

I almost bought a Renown a few months ago, but found a used Brooklyn for only $500 more and with an extra floor tom and matching snare. Love the Renown sound though. So close to the Gretsch high end sound.

[@JMcNultyDrums]

I love the sound of the Renown kit. I've never really particularly liked or disliked Pearl but the Pearl Masters here sound phenomenal. Great job, guys.

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks for sharing!

[@kushking420]

I love having my toms on stands, IMO they are so easy to position. My sonor has a virgin bass drum but it came with two double arm stands and a hi hat pedal

[@pfunnk14]

Gretch sounded so good but it's Tama for the win for me. Put some coated G2s or coated remo ambassadors on those. Man so good for the price. Punching up to the 2 to 3k kits easy.

[@Assimilator702]

pfunnk14 I own a Starclassic Bubinga Elite Kit that I lusted after for YEARS. I also own 2 Starclassic B/B kits. I will say that while the Elites are amazing drums the B/B kits lose NOTHING to the Elites except for fit and finish. And even then it’s only a very slight difference like the inner ply oil treatment, the inlays, elegance of the metallic finish vs Sparkle on the B/B kits. Again very slight and NOT ONE BIT on sound. I still think the B/B bass drum and 10” tom is the best ever made by any drum company. All my B/B 10” toms sound amazing no matter the tuning or heads and the bass drum can made to sound short with loads of attack all the way to a controlled PUNCHY boom depending on where it is in the room. My Elites are picky on the heads they like for some reason which goes against my philosophy on how drums make the sounds we hear.

[@dreammachine86]

@@Assimilator702 I'm actually considering buying a Starclassic W/B soon as the B/Bs, which have the punchy sound I like and seem to be widely accepted as fantastic value for the performance, are no longer available. Only thing I don't seem to be as excited by with these W/Bs is the bass drum, doesn't have enough attack for my liking. I prefer the sound of the DW bass drum in this comparison although I did really like the rest of the Tama kit (and the Mapex also sounded good, again wasn't so keen on the bass drum though, didn't sound that pleasant to me). I'm thinking maybe if I ordered the Starclassic W/B with a 22x18 bass drum instead of the new standard size of 22x16 it may help to get the punchier sound I like but as they say in this video, a custom order could take a lot longer to be filled (and maybe cost more too?). You say you can get a variety of different sounds from your B/B bass drum? Would be interested to hear more about that. I don't have much experience with acoustic drums as I live in an apartment so have to use an electric kit most of the time. As soon as I find a studio/rehearsal room in my city that will work (i.e. fits budget, ideally alllows kit storage) I'm going to pull the trigger on an acoustic kit. Also considering saving up a bit more for a higher level of kit - a DW Collector's. I absolutely love the sound of cherry wood drums but there aren't many manufacturers using cherry for full kits. From what I can see, ordering a custom Collector's kit would be very expensive but a pre-configured kit like this: www.wembleymusiccentre.com/dw-collector-s-series-satin-oil-4-piece-shell-pack-natural-over-cherry.html would be more affordable - definitely more expensive than the kits in this comparison but that's still a good price for a Collector's and it would just involve saving up a bit longer. Although if I go to that price level it includes Tama Star Walnut which looks lovely, and Mapex Black Panther Cherry Bomb, another cherry kit and the audio I've heard from that sounds fantastic but the configuration is much more limited, no 22x18 bass drums.

[@Assimilator702]

Luke Barker I would get a B/B kit right now while they’re still available. The finishes available are nicer than the W/B series. There are tons of nice used kits in the market right now as well as new old stock kits retailers want off their showroom floors. And as far as the bass drum not being punchy enough that all hinges on the heads used and the tuning. The bass drum shell is important but if they’re built to a high standard as all Starclassics are you won’t have a problem getting a different bass drum sound that’s more to your liking once you find the right head/muffling combo. Also your room is VERY Important to your bass drum sound. Moving the drums closer to a wall or corner will get you MASSIVE gains in bottom end. Once you have enough low end you want to experiment with one or 2 towels to get the punchy attack. The B/B bass drum won’t let you down in all departments. And yes the 22X18 is MY preference and most B/B bass drums are that size. However the B/B bass drum shell might be a touch thicker than the W/B shell which WILL help with punchy attack. From the the few I’ve played with they seem to have a slightly lower fundamental. Maybe it has something to do with only 2 plies of Walnut versus the 3 plies of Bubinga? Again top of the line manufacturing practices are more important than the shell material. Shell thickness does play a considerable role which is why any Tama bass drum performs better than any DW I’ve ever played or heard. DW Collectors are too thin and lack authority unless miced of course. And while the DW Collectors is a more expensive kit......it or any of its underlings are not better drums than Starclassics. The Jazz series is the only I would consider owning. Starclassics can go toe to toe with ANY DW kit made. You’re paying for the fancy veneer, excessive marketing and employees medical and retirement funds. As far as PERFORMANCE the Starclassic drums from Birch to B/B to W/B to Maple or Bubinga to any of the STAR drums will give NOTHING up to a DW kit. AND they’re priced much more reasonably. That was a BABBLE fest....but get me talking about Tama drums on my first coffee of the day and that’s what happens.

[@markomarkovic5729]

@@Assimilator702 I agree with you, in almost everything. Unfortunately, I haven't had a chance to try the new Walnut/Birch set, but Birch/Bubinga is definitely one of the 5 best drums I've ever tried. DW is overpriced, such a high price is paid EXCLUSIVELY for the brand name and for "Made in USA" thing, not for the sound. For the money that would be spent on the DW, in my opinion a better option is some custom kit, like Craviotto, Noble & Cooley, Brady, etc... There are some really great companies. When it comes to cherry shells, if I were him I would buy Mapex without thinking - Cherry Bomb snare is one of the best wooden snare drums I have EVER heard!

[@drummermomcjs]

I liked the Pearl MCT sound the best. I think the Starclassic would be my next most preferred. Thank you for sharing this as it is helpful to hear the head to head comparisons.

[@elliem9008]

Time to upgrade from my Catalina club kit to the renowns. Love the sound but the Tama kit comes in a real close second.

[@turboplopp]

My thoughts and ears: Bass drum: DW (is DW even capable of creating a mediocre kick??) Snare: ? Toms: (d@mn they sound good!!) Build in hardware, tuning and ergonomics: probably Tama or DW. I wish this would have been a bigger part of the video...) If I absolutely had to choose between them I'd probably go with the DW Design. Why? First I'm a sucker for Kick Drums. The sound will improve quite a bit with nice heads. Plus I know DW (and Tama) never suck at hardware, wich is rather important if you ever move your kit. Nevertheless, this comparison demonstrates that any of these kits sounds great and owners should feel blessed to be able to play such beauties! I'd happily record any of them. And with different heads, tunings, mic choices, eq and compression I bet no one will be able to tell the difference between these blindfolded. Thanks DCOP for the effort making this video!

[@edwardvanwormer6993]

Great video! I really liked the Tama Starclassic the best. The quality of the mounts and equipment looks amazing. I would be interested to hear it with better heads.

[@tomasshannon6537]

Awesome video! Also extra appreciation for whoever did the sound changing flipping the panning so that it always fits the camera angle. Great work!

[@drumcenternh]

Glad you liked it! It's all in the details 😉

[@michaelwilson6806]

And the winner is....Tama!. My top 3, Tama, Gretch, and Mapex. However the Pearl set was neck and neck with the Mapex but the Mapex sounded slightly better with nice sustain. What i love about the Tama set is the decay is short without alot of overtones. Also the Pearl snare had a very nasty ring.

[@Lateralus1007]

Pearl snare was brass I believe

[@chadclark2853]

All the kits sounds great... Depends on the sound I’m in the mood for that day. You really can’t go wrong. The recording quality in these videos is positively amazing. I would love to see a video where you walk us through the recording rig. I’d kill to be able to get recordings like this!!

[@drumcenternh]

Thank you sir! We may do that in the future! [e-mail] if you ever want to pick my brain!

[@Chiroman527]

Great video guys at DCP. I thought I was gravitating toward the DW kit, the pdp kit at the lower price level was becommi g the wi ner for me. But after seeing and listening to this, for a little more money, really liki g the Tama Starclassic. You are right, you MUST listen on headphones , that does bring out the differences. Oh btw, I agree with other poster that the DW kick drum was awesome , but the look, hardware, and skund of the Tama is the wjnner to me. I'm an oldtimer, at 68 , returning to playing drums after a 50 year hiatus. I'm playing on crappy beginner kit from Gammon , but I'm starting to get my Sea Legs again, gravitati g to lower intermediate. Hey, if I can keep to the beat to most of the music i play to, im a very happy Camper. Its turning out to be terrific Retirement (it's in the very immediate future), hobby and has rei troduced the love of My Music again. Stay safe all, Happy Drumming.

[@Chiroman527]

Sorry for all the typos ...... typing on the Samsung Tablet is the culprit. Skund of the Tama kit is sound of the Tama kit.... Sux to get old

[@markomarkovic5729]

@@Chiroman527 Maybe, but you will have more time to play drums😉 Cheers

[@Chiroman527]

Marko, thank you for your reply. You are correct, more time to play drums......... 😁 But only if my wife can stand it !!!! But I guess she will have to. She gifted me the drum kit (yes a cheap one , but it works for now), as xmas gift in 2018. I am guilty of not practici g the paradiddles, rudiments, and other drumming techniques. I just dive into playing music and attempting to play along without missing too many beats!!! Of course, NO Led Zep [Bonham], or Rush [Piert] , Toto, Chicago, Steely Dan, of course The Who [ Keith Moon] ( can't touch those guys), but CCR, Petty, Meloncamp, Eagles, Stones, Beatles [if you listen closely to Ringo, he was much better than originally realized], Steve Winword [not Blind Faith with Ginger Baker - very difficult for me at times for he was a master of Syncopation on a drum kit], Linda Ronstadt [terrific country rock music], and other basic rock tunes. This is not a Drummer forum, but I but my two cents in ..... Be well all. Hopefully there is Tama Starclassic in my near future.

[@dancalabrese3523]

For pure sound to me it was pretty much a tie between DW and Tama. What I liked hearing the most to my ear though was that for all the hype of not mounting toms on a bass drum because it will remove some of that drums' resonance, or whatever, I couldn't detect that with the bass drums of any of the kits. I loved that Tama tom mount at any price point. The quality you get on any of these kits at this price point is amazing. I paid about two thousand for a Sonor Phonic Rosewood kit 40 years ago!

[@salexand96]

Overall drum for drum, the Gretsch is my first choice followed by a very close second for the Tama Starclassics. I agree, you cannot go wrong with whichever kit you select.

[@dustinfaulkner2624]

I’ve always been a Pearl fanboy and am in the market for a new Masters kit, but that Gretsch kit sounds fantastic. Definitely the standout in this video for me.

[@butterswilhelm7621]

I love that Tama kit

[@Kodos3000]

I agree 100% with Shane/Tony regarding tom mounts not being mounted on the bass drum. My Gretsch kit ( to me ) is a PITA to get both toms in a spot where I feel comfortable. and it takes forever to get them in that spot.

[@allenmitchell09]

They are all between 96%-98% to perfection. No human ear can differentiate any of these kits in a full song mix and even if they could best and worst are shoulder to shoulder. You simply can not go wrong with any of theses selections based on this exhibition. Thanks 🙏

[@allenmitchell09]

@@robbennett332 I spoke for myself as have you. The beauty of the comments section is that everyone can share their opinion.

[@Tristanrgreene11]

Boy I sure wish I could truly express myself in a dick ish, kinda f-u type way by not actually having anything really to say or explanation about how I feel….by being able to hit the dislike button! Haha just kidding 😀 yeah I love those “open minded” people that say I’m always open for a debate and am a good listener and can see both sides…. They usually however would love to continue being anonymous and just hate something just because they are just unhappy and know that tends to really pick at a fair open minded person. at least give one a reason or just be able to express yourself As if you really have a passionate angle to the task or opinion and have some passion, put in a lot of time with or the subject at hand. The dislike button however is a way to gauge the amount of likes there are involved but if ya take it away from people they’re going to start hating in different ways. Likes and dislikes are kinda stupid as well but to just take the balance away from even being able to handle to criticism just because of the more butthurt part , or just being able to understand why and how, express yourself will lead to way worse outcomes especially when it comes to situations where irrational things are happening between people learning how to understand common differences of why people are who they are because the differences are the sometimes the most beautiful thing of all when expressing yourself and having reasons of why, who, people are.

[@bladewolling4947]

I've always preferred the tom holders on my Tama Starclassic drums over the tom holders on my Pearl drums. And now seeing those new Tom mounts should make them even quicker to set up than before.

[@AgustinAliaga]

Loved the sound from the Gretsch and also from Tama (although very different between them). The one I didn't like so much was the Mapex drum kit.

[@michaelyolch79]

Wow, that Gretsch Renown is glorious! And mad props to Gretsch to include a very SERIOUS snare with this pack!

[@timothydavis3348]

wow, head to head at the end, Gretsch seems to win it for me.

[@jackdelessio1591]

I've watched this 50x easily. I was leaning towards Renowns, and when Shane said "WOW!", I ordered a set. And they're awesome. So, how bout a new version of this vid, but using the top of the lines? Maybe Sonor SQ2, Gretsch USA Custom, DW Collectors, Pearl Masterworks, Tama Starclassic.

[@johnnygarr6]

Tama easy. I might pick one of these up since I was looking for birch kit.

[@mikoajkowalczyk3374]

Tama > Gretsch > Mapex > Pearl > DW to my ears. Additional points for Tama for hardware and finishes. Love the work you guys do, lots of times these videos actually confirm what I think after playing gear in real life.

[@drumsNstuff79]

The Tama and the Mapex do it for me! Of course, i'm a little biased as I own a Tama and owned a Mapex (which was my main gigging kit for years). I had a Mapex Pro M in Blue Ice finish. It was almost exactly this blue finish on this new kit. I bought that kit because it was so much value for the money at the time the hardware was so nice. And Mapex are still killing it in that regard. Theirs had the most character and a nice ring but not too much. Tama I feel always makes great finishes and this kit looks amazing. But I own a birch Sliverstar and I feel the punchiness and focus of birch is always a great sound. Plus that tom mount looks so slick and easy to use! Tama has always, always, always made great hardware and still do! I almost want both! Would you guys take a gently used well taken care of Ludwig Signet in trade? lol..

[@ryankhwajazada3601]

I play the Pearl masters maple complete. Mine is in the Bombay gold sparkle lacquered finish. With the right heads, they sound fantastic. Your guy's drum videos are awesome and very knowledgeable. 👌🏻😎🥁

[@Gnewland]

I know i'm being "That Guy" with the B/B Trend right now, but I've owned my Molten Brown Burst (Black Nickel Hardware) for 3 years now and have tested it in as many applications as I can, and its the best kit iv'e played to this day. Granted sound tastes are different for everyone, but the stock heads def don't sound right to me on the Tama Kits. So while the W/B is not the same as a B/B, the hardware is the best in the price range (die cast standard, rack tom mount, the locks for toms and floor tom legs), the Finishes IMO are the best in the category, and like they said in the video, it exudes the quality of a kit 2x its price. I have owned/still own DW Collectors kits, top end Sonor, countless Saturns, and for the money you cant find better imo. The value on the Starclassic Line is impeccable, your'e really getting a lot for the price!

[@richardpenner5515]

I’ve watched this video repeatedly over the last couple of years to help me decide which kit to buy. It was down to the Tama or the Saturn. I owned a Mapex Armory kit and had to deal with those awful tom mounts. The comments about positioning these mounts is dead on. I liked the sound of the Saturn slightly better than the Tamas, but the hardware issue was the deciding factor. So, my W/Bs are here and sound glorious. Thank you DCP for helping me make the decision!

[@drumcenternh]

Awesome! So glad to hear it was helpful. Did you end up buying it from us?

[@soulfunkjazz]

Gretsch for me. Thumbs up for the comparison. A best of live drums and a best of recording drums would be nice. Also a better head to head with groove play on the full kit. Thanks!

[@loudandclearmedia]

Cool comparison...well done. I'd have the Gretsch, Tama, or Pearl in that order and with any one of them not look back. I put the Gretsch on top because of how barky and almost pitch-bendy it is...really organic sound with a lot going on there. The Saturn and DW weren't doing it for me.

[@andyham6094]

The body and depth and power of those Tama starclassics are unmatched

[@gaving1876]

great video, thank you. i own a Renown set which i use live and it fills all rooms and then i have a Saturn kit at home and your spot on, the things just sound perfectly equalized every stroke. The Tamas really stood out here.

[@storminsea]

Hi, thanks for the insight here. So would you say that the Saturns would be better for tight home spaces?

[@gaving1876]

@@storminsea Hi, the saturns to me sound big for their size, have a very full low end. They perform well live and in recording sessions. I choose to keep them home vs the Renown because the configuration I have is larger (6 piece vs a 4 piece Gretsch) Neither kit has any problem filling a smaller space with sound but the Saturn is perhaps more layered. I hope that helps

[@coreydaggett6887]

Great comparison video; the audio mixes are stellar per usual. -I really like how well the DW snare recorded. -For me, the Gretsch kit took the win with the supplied stock heads as demoed. -I liked the stock clear heads on my Tama WB, so I could see the beautiful Walnut interiors. But swapping to Remo coateds changed it from a good sounding kit to amazing. They work so well with the thin shells & cast zinc hoops. ...and the Soundworks snare- the Kapur version blows me away every time I play it! Thanks for putting the work in on these videos!

[@drumcenternh]

Thank you Corey!

[@drumlover1687]

I agree with you Shane about having a tom mount on the bass drum. I have an older Gretsch Renown kit which i love, except for the lack of a bass drum tom mount.

[@carloscrosara6931]

ALL awesome kits. Professional sound.

[@ondrikgaillard]

Wow I'm like that Tama starclassic walnut/birch sounded n looked the best to me

[@EricT43]

14:17 lol :) Anyway, I think the Gretsch sounded great, but a lot of it has to do with the 2-ply heads. Shane plays pretty hard and the 10" rack tom on the Gretsch was the only one that didn't choke when played hard, probably because of the 2-ply head.

[@JohnnygSawyer]

Fantastic Comparison Video. You guys nailed all the bullet points to these kits. I think a snare drum and premium heads included is important, it's value added for the consumer. Since most drummers play 80% live & 20% studio, i wouldn't be too concerned about the studio. There is magic in the studio, they can gate and compress to most any drum sound. I confess, i just bought a DW Design kit last month. I'm very happy with it other than the snare size. I would rather have a 7x13 snare drum over the 5.5x14 that is offered on this package. Honestly, all the kits showcased would work for me with some head tweaking. Great Job Guys!

[@daynnethedrummer684]

Please please PLEASE compare the Gretsch Renown RN2s to the USA Customs. I've been dying to hear a quality head-to-head comparison for a long time!

[@tedriker3968]

As long as it's with the same heads and tuning...

[@daynnethedrummer684]

Naturally. It would actually be cool to hear that with a few different heads/tunings as well. But that would probably be too much to ask. 😂

[@bakedalaska4363]

Ditto. The RN2s are incredible. Every time I play mine I wonder: is there much more than can be had from a drum? They're amazing.

[@adamfrost8417]

Like a lot of drums, you could probably get them to sound close with the same heads and tuning. The difference is in the quality of the hardware and shells, QC, and where it's built. USA Customs will last a lifetime and retain a lot of resale value.

[@jkben7415]

You guys are the best on the internet ! Thanks for your videos, all of your hard excellent work, and INFORMATIONAL comparisons. I watch you all the time. Its a great learning experience just for drummers. I like a bass drum tom mount as well as a option if I am not using my rack. Stand hung toms are a big big pain.

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks for the kind words, man. We appreciate you.

[@nycdrummingstar]

As always, great job. And Shane has some new licks. This is the video I've been waiting for, thank you.

[@nycdrummingstar]

Bty,. All the floor toms sound incredible, I know Tony love the Tunebot, so what's the reading for batter and resonant heads.

[@bane1240]

Hey guys, cant thank you enough for this video and several other videos I've seen over the last couple months. Love all the knowledge sharing and the staff opinions on everything. Makes it sort of feel like your watching someone you know give honest opinions and not strangers giving info with ulterior motives. In 2020 I lost my job due to COVID and while that was rough and unexpected, it did provide me the additional time to research drums/drumming (a lifelong interest that until now I haven't ever had the time or money to pursue). I think I have narrowed the kits down to either the Gretsch or the Tama. Both mainly for sound/looks and also the bass drum tom mount systems. While I dont plan to haul things around gigging, at 54, I prefer easy over complicated... :) I am planning to make an appearance at DCNH in the next few months to order everything and get all my questions answered. Thanks again and look forward to stopping in! Chris - from Ohio!

[@drumcenternh]

We look forward to seeing you and thanks for the kind words!

[@drumfanatik316]

Great job! I’m going with the Tama W/B all the way!

[@adrianobonelli1625]

First of all, I have to say that all these kits are great. It's not easy for me to say what's my favorite, I really love the Tama Starclassic, the Mapex Saturn and the Gretsch Renown at the same level.

[@joelbrown9780]

I still like my Renown kit after 12 years. I can't let it go. BTW, is there any news on Slingerland?

[@ldcsam1]

Yes, DW bought the name. I'm guessing you already knew that.

[@dul22]

I have been playing on a Gretsch Renown for some years now (soul/jazz), I'm so in love with it! In this range of budget it's very impressive indeed

[@PNW_Sportbike_Life]

First of all guys, great showcase of these great kits! Some caveats: -Pearls optimount system sucks; it can choke the hell out of a heavy mounted Tom. -Tamas hardware is unmatched, especially with the Starcast mount. However, walnut and maple sounds better than walnut/bitch (I currently have a Starclassic B/W and my last kit was a Saturn) -the finish on the Saturns smoky chrome lugs is terrible (at least it was in 2015 when I bought mine) I’m looking into ordering a renown though (I’ve owned one before) they work in almost any environment. None of my stages have been very upscale either, but the Renown works in a studio environment or a huge shop with no acoustic properties. The Renown’s are just fantastic! Also: I’m absolutely SICK of cymbal stand mounted toms!!

[@davidwainer6566]

The Head 2 Head is a GREAT idea! Keep up the good work guys. And Tama - all the way!

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks, David!

[@RefRMart10]

I own mapex mydentity maple, and a gretsch renown RN2. my next kit will be Tama starclassic!

[@777Jonathan777]

Half an hour well spent. Thanks Guys

[@delbert9357]

Great video. I have a double bass set of Pearl EXL exports. I know it's a cheap kit but it has good Tom mounts. The first thing I did was change all the heads expect the bass drum reso head. The bass drums have EMADS those worked great. I bet I tried every head combination out there on the toms nothing sounded right to me. So I decided to try something. I left the reso heads on the toms but cut them out about a inch from the hoops, now it's a open bottom tom. The batter heads I used EVANS hydraulic heads. Now they sound good and easy to tune with no overtones just in a room. When miced with a PA they sound like cannons if you want them to. One of the most important things to remember is your snare drum and cymbals. Thats what most people really hear the most. I haven't settled on a snare yet but the PAISTE 2002 line for me is where it's at. Great video guys keep up the good work. Thank you.

[@DrummerGrrrl]

I thought the toms on the Gretsch Renown kit sounded a tiny bit choked until I heard them under the room mics. OMG. So fecking great.

[@stevebray001]

great comparison - thanks so much. Not a lot in it at al on sound. For me what swings it is the bass drum tom mounts. Its a real pain when your drums are drifting all over the stage so mounted toms is the answer for me as playing a lot of different venues

[@jamesgardner2101]

Tama, with the Gretsch a close second. There's something I don't like about the Pearl- maybe a soft ply in the shell? Sounds a little off to me. That said, I'm a half-deaf guitarist, so there's that.

[@ivanbajovic3476]

Wrong drum heads. I believe that some standard 2 ply heads can change the story