What Is The Best Maple Drum Set Under $1000?
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- Опубликовано: 15 май 2020
- An in-depth buyer's guide of the 5 best Maple drum sets under one-thousand dollars.
Links for more info and to buy these kits are here:
PDP Concept Series 5-Piece Maple Shell Pack, Satin Seafoam
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/PDCM2215SF
All Available Concept Maple Shell Packs Here:
www.drumcenternh.com/drum-set...
Pearl Decade Maple 5pc Shell Pack w/22bd - Kobalt Blue Fade
Available for purchase here: www.drumcenternh.com/pearl-de...
All Available Decade Maple Shell Packs Here:
www.drumcenternh.com/drum-set...
Gretsch Catalina Maple 5 Piece Shell Pack w/22bd - Deep Cherry Burst
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/CM1-E825-DCB
All Available Catalina Shell Packs Here:
www.drumcenternh.com/drum-set...
Tama CL52KSPGBP Superstar 5pc shell pack Garnet Burst Lacebark Pine
Available for purchase here: www.drumcenternh.com/tama-sup...
All Available Superstar Classic Maple Shell Packs Here:
www.drumcenternh.com/drum-set...
Mapex Armory Series Rock Shell Pack - Ultramarine Finish
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/AR529SUM
All Available Armory Shell Packs Here: www.drumcenternh.com/drum-set...
Cymbals -
Paiste 900 Medium Cymbal Box Set w/Even Sized Crashes - 20, 18, 16, 14HH
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/CY0000190MXTE
www.drumcenternh.com
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/ drumcenternh
/ drumcenternh
#bestdrumsunder1000 #bestdrumsetunder1000 #mapexarmory #tamasuperstar #gretschcatalina #pearldecademaple #pdpconcept #drumcenternh 
Видеоклипы
The amount of work needed to create these videos is not lost on me. Great content, sincere communication and honesty go a long way to cultivate customers. Keep it up!
This, Car Wag. Thx for watching.
I certainly agree! This seems a good way to generate revenue and inform at the same time. But, dang those ads...
@@TheTommyboy63 Get a free ad blocker.
Totally 👍
Yeah. Agreed. These guys are old school. I wish they were my local store. Boo hoo I’m in France.
Timestamps for sound comparsion
Full Mix
3:10 - PDP Concept Maple
7:04 - Pearl Decade Maple
11:12 - Gretsch Catalina Maple
15:06 - Tama Superstar Classic
20:26 - Mapex Armory
Room Mics
4:30 - PDP Concept Maple
8:15 - Pearl Decade Maple
12:22 - Gretsch Catalina Maple
16:22 - Tama Superstar Classic
21:32 - Mapex Armory
Head 2 Head
10" Tom
23:18 - PDP Concept Maple (10x8, Clear)
23:23 - Pearl Decade Maple (10x7, Clear)
23:28 - Gretsch Catalina Maple (10x7, Coated)
23:33 - Tama Superstar Classic (10x8, Clear)
23:39 - Mapex Armory (10x8, Coated)
12" Tom
23:44 - PDP Concept Maple (12x9, Clear)
23:49 - Pearl Decade Maple (12x8, Clear)
23:54 - Gretsch Catalina Maple (12x8, Coated)
23:59 - Tama Superstar Classic (12x9, Clear)
24:05 - Mapex Armory (12x9, Coated)
16" Floor Tom
24:10 - PDP Concept Maple (16x14, Clear)
24:15 - Pearl Decade Maple (16x16, Clear)
24:20 - Gretsch Catalina Maple (16x16, Coated)
24:25 - Tama Superstar Classic (16x14, Clear)
24:30 - Mapex Armory (16x16, Coated)
Kick Drum (all 22x18)
24:36 - PDP Concept Maple
24:41 - Pearl Decade Maple
24:45 - Gretsch Catalina Maple
24:50 - Tama Superstar Classic
24:55 - Mapex Armory
Snare
24:59 - PDP Concept Maple (14x5.5 Maple)
25:04 - Pearl Decade Maple (14x5.5 Maple)
25:10 - Gretsch Catalina Maple (14x5.5 Maple)
25:15 - Tama Superstar Classic (14x6.5 Maple)
25:21 - Mapex Armory (14x5.5 Steel)
Why did you do all the work
But its cool thanks
My wife will be along shortly to pleasure you. Thank you!!
Hi
Thanks, brother!
Pearl sounds so differently mic'd vs in room sound. It's so crucial to hear that difference and you guys are awesome for presenting both so clearly.
Thanks, Matt.
Special credit to the individual/s that tuned these kits. They were remarkably close to each other and very well tuned. All 5 of those kits sound awesome and are a phenomenal value!
The MAPEX Armory Kit is the most complete, and pro looking/sounding of the lot, especially when matched with the Paiste 900 series cymbals! Big shout out to PAISTE! These pies sound Great!. It could be because it is a hybrid, and that birch adds a great musicality, that the other kits just seemed to lack (I’m sure that will change when the heads are upgraded). The Gretchen kit was a very close 2nd. It was the most classic “Maple-y” sounding kit of all of them. It seems that the coated heads really bring out the personality of these, and the other drums, that have been fitted with them. This example can be found on the Tama set. The snare was Great, and the tome sound exactly how you’d expect a TAMA kit to sound. It surely had a voice of its own. The other 2 kits are very nice, and perhaps its because of the clear heads but the attack and warmth, in comparison to the Mapex or Gretsch kits, just wasn’t there. I’m happy that they all are putting out these Amazing kits, at this price point. In 1988 (GET OFF MY LAWN!!) You’s have to pony up over 2 grand for a kit as complete, and stunning looking as these sets are. They surely aren’t the Corolla of drums any more, but, they also aren’t a Lexus! For a drummer who is gigging, and looking to step up her or his game, This is the Perfect way to go! I’d be happy to gig out on any of these kits. Thanks so much for the review! Cheers!
The Gretsch Catalina and Mapex Armory sounded the best to my ears.
I felt the same way. But, I wonder how much of that had to do with the coated heads.
agree!
Me too
Could not agree more...Gretsch & Mapex by far.
Had the Gretsch and loved it! Now I have the Mapex love it! Both great!
I would love to this same type of comparison done where the staff change out the heads.
Maybe do a fun test where each staff member is given 1500 - 2000 and has to build a complete set including hardware, cymbals, new heads, etc.
Hmmm... this is a cool one... Thanks! ;-)
Top Gear for drums
I got the Catalina Maple, and you can get the 6 piece Shell pack with a free 8 inch cymbal mounted Tom all for under $1000. it was an extraordinary value and I love the sound! After tuning, the drums sounded professional quality right out of the box, even with the stock coated heads. Absolutely love it!
Catalina Maple is a winner, for sure
I agree about Mapex. The Hyundai analogy is very appropriate. The quality of my Black Widow snare blew me away for the price.
If DW is the most overrated, then Mapex is the most underrated, probably because it's Taiwanese company, even though all major brands moved their production to China, Taiwan and Indonesia. Saturn is probably the best bang for a buck
Their Mars kits are hands down the best entry level drums on the market. and Armory is probably the best intermediate priced drums on the market... They're just killing it right now
Kevin Remsen I love my Natural Earth Walnut Black Panther snare.
Black Widow snare matters
I have an Mapex M-pro kit now for 15 years and i still love it..
When you finished with the kits I thought the Tama sounded best, but then when you did the head to head I thought the PDP and the Armory sounded best. I need to watch this video about 10 more times.
Thank you! We are really lucky! When I started playing drums this high end videos weren't out there!
13 years later I'm buying a first hand drumset for the first time (a dream comming true) and you are helping me a bunch!!!!
Thanks for posting this. I have a Gretsch Renown Maple kit and a Mapex Saturn V Exotic Deep Water Burl kit, and both are fantastic. My favorite on this video is between the Gretsch and Mapex, with the Pearl coming in a close 2nd.
I have the exact Mapex kit with the same finish. It’s phenomenal both stand alone and mic’ed. Incredible sound!
Some of the drum sets at that price point today sound better (mic'd) than what we were on stage with in the 60's. Nice video, Shane. And you're 100% correct that those starting now with their first kits have good quality to choose from ... even at the entry level price points.
These kits are all great for the money. Even 'cheap' kits offer so much in the way of sound and quality of hardware/finishes these days. This video is the first time I've ever heard the Decade maple and Superstar being played. Was blown away by how amazing those two kits sounded. Kids today are really lucky to have this stuff available. 😁
Couldn't agree more!
parsnips I own 2 Starclassic Tama B/B kits and a Starclassic Bubinga Elite Kit. I wasn’t expecting much but I first played the Maple Superstars I was actually in shock. They were sitting next to a Starclassic B/B which was tuned horrendously and yeah the Superstars still sounded better with the cheaper heads. 6 drums AND a snare 7 in total for $1K or less if on sale. The only budget kits that impressed me previously was the Gretsch Catalina Maple and the Yamaha Stage Custom Birch??? from 2012.
I guess it's because Drum manufacturing is now much more advanced. Even the $500 kits like Mapex Mars are made very precisely with perfectly 360 degrees roundness and precise bearing edges. Boy 25 years ago a $500 kit would've been a nightmare, But now they're totally gigable and recordable.
@@larkstonguesinaspic4814 That's right fellow King Crimson fan, and it should be noted that all big companies have moved production to China, Taiwan and Indonesia. I think that only flagship series are still made in USA/Japan/Germany, with the exception of Mapex, which is a Taiwanese company.
@@larkstonguesinaspic4814 I bought a brand new Sonor APX Jungle kit for $400 and the build quality is everything you described. Amazing and so much better than what we had in the 80's and 90's.
Thank you for putting in the time to do this! I think I am going to go with PDP 7pc Concept Maple - Black Satin Finish
Great comparison as always. There are really no bad choices here, I would be happy with any of them, but I was particularly impressed with the PDP and Mapex kits.
The kick of the Tama, toms from the PDP and the snare from the Mapex. Job done!
Best drum videos on RUclips. Great mixes, product explanation, occasional humor. Thank you!
So glad you like them, they are labor of love!
You guys rule, You’re precise, you’re intelligent about your findings Which makes for a great company that you have and a force to be reckon with.
Keep up the great work. Thanks so much for the information specially from an older drummer.
Thanks again
Mark Cinque
Thank you for this great ‘comparison’ video. So honest and professional. I watched all the way through. Once pubs and clubs are back open here in UK I am going to buy my first maple drum kit. It’s been a long wait ... but at 72 I still want to rock!! Thanks again. John @ Brizen Reviews
Cheers, John! We appreciate the kind words, and I'm excited to hear you're taking the plunge. Happy drumming!
I bought an armory based on this video and the drummers review video of it and, wow! Going from a 30 yr old export to this is night and day. What was most unexpected was how much easier the armory is to play because the feel is so dramatically better. With good heads and tuning there is absolutely no reason you can’t use it in a professional setting it sounds that good. And as Shane said, the tomahawk snare is outstanding.
You can play the tama superstar classic drums in a professional setting as well .
I bought the 6 piece Armory the same color as Shane is using and liked it so much and was so impressed I bought another kit in the Night Sky Burst.
To be fair, you can play just about any kit that's well tuned in a professional setting - yes, including Pearl Export, and yes, I could point out one or a master reggae drummer from Africa who work with a Pearl Export... But... that Mapex really sound ridiculous.
I own the 6 piece Armory in night sky burst. Just awesome for the price! Little things Mapex does, that the others don't....plastic lug bushings on all the drums to keep them in tune longer.
I also bought a Tama superstar classic in garnet lacebark pine finish. It was nice, but the armory kit blows it away.
@@johntheyank88 I bought the same kit in the night sky. 6 piece configuration. One of the best kids I've owned ( including a Yamaha recording custom.)
Great comparison! First set I got in ‘75 (college) was a Ludwig VistaLite “QuadraPlus” in clear amber. (Wish I would have kept them). After 40+ years of being off the drums, I’m going back to my favorite hobby… drums. This helped A LOT as I get the chops up, and settle in to choosing my new set. THANKS!
What a great comparison video 👍 the head to head was so informative too. Such a lot of work with excellent commentary and playing. Loving those Gretsch 🥁🥁🥁
When I first saw this video in the list, I had flash backs to last year when I was searching for an intermediate kit. These were the exact kits I was considering except I was looking at the 7 piece (6 for Mapex). I would’ve loved to had this video. However, for me, this video reaffirmed my choice. I got the Mapex 6 piece Studioease kit. As it currently sits, I have the Tomahawk with Evans HD dry, Emad on the kick and Pinstripes on the tom batters and Ambassadors on the resos.. I also added the 8-inch tom. For the money, they just sound great. The bearing edge makes tuning pretty easy. My next dream is the Mapex Sledgehammer. Come on murder hornet stimulus!! Great video!
I’ve been a Pearl guy since I bought my export series kit nearly 20 years ago. That being said, I really wanted them to be the best. That Mapex kit was beautiful and sounded so good!
Thanks for hard work in putting this comparison together. I want you to know that there are drummers who watch this carefully and your hard work is appreciated. I am going to checkout your store now. Thanks.
Your reviews are always so incredibly fantastic -- in depth honest and spot on in sound and commentary - keep up the great work! 👏
Thank you so much!
Proud owner of a PDP concept maple, I am happy my drumset compares to those nice other kits. I agree with you when you say the snare lacks snare beds. I use high end snares instead, so it´s not a problem.
You guys did an incredible job tuning the drums as close to each other as possible. I hear you!
Thank you Michael!
Thank you so much for posting this video Shane and Co. The drumming world sure has revolved from when I was coming up in the 60s.Alot of people like me couldn't afford the ludwig,Rogers, slingerland or gretsch.We bought the lower end drums.I couldn't have imagined getting to play anyone of these kits you demoed today.This unbelievable for under $1000.00.what a deal.
Right?! Drums are so good nowadays!
Thanks for all your work on these videos. I’m just trying to get some gouge on drums and your channel is helping a lot. THANK YOU!
One of the things that drew me to my Mapex Armory 6pc was the ultramarine gloss - an unbelievably gorgeous color!! One thing that Shane didn’t mention about the Armory is that you can trade in the tomahawk snare for other snare options for free directly from Mapex - I went with the Sabre snare which is a hybrid shell of Maple/walnut and sounds absolutely phenomenal!! One other selling point of the ultramarine gloss is there is a readily available 8” rack tom that can be added on. Also Shane was talking about no tom mount on the bass drum; honestly this design is to reduce vibration and let the bass drum stand alone to give you the best punch without ringing from the rack toms; also the soniclear mounts are top notch and do a fantastic job of letting the toms sing to their fullest. Just as I had originally planned I got a Pearl Icon rack and the Armory kit works just fine with the rack clamps and adapters. Up until I decided on my Armory kit I was deciding on either PDP concept maple or Gretsch Catalina maple and after having tried those two I’m glad I went with the Armory!!
Also I’d like to know what mics were being used - I just picked up the Audix DP Quad set after reading great reviews.
Honestly to me the differences were really small in sound, I couldn't really choose a favourite. The way you mix all of your videos make every drum kit sound fantastic.
I find the information I get from this company these videos and from the player himself is what everybody needs to make their drum decision on purchasing a set everybody has to hear what they sound like first we don’t hear the same nobody does but to compare different sets like they do is AWSOME I play a 1976 Pearl fiberglass shell pack had them sinse new but when I hear other drums of today I’m overwhelmed how things have changed and progressed over the years
Your comparison videos are the best. You got a great sound out of each of these sets. BTW, I have the Tama Superstar exactly in your video. I love it.
Thanks for watching and we appreciate the kind words!
Excellent Comparison! Thank You for giving us drummers quality content while in quarantine!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I have a DW Design Series maple set, which is essentially a really nice PDP kit with DW hardware and branding. For an "affordable" set under $1K, it's been pretty great.
Wow! What a great comparison - really appreciate the the work and candid comments. I play DW and I can hear the difference from these demos. People complain about the high price of DW and other high end drums, but the sound, feel and robustness is worth it
Love your videos!! Watching them with big interest,and joy!
This comparison really helped me make my decision on my new kit. All these kits r the ones I've been looking @. The Tamas r my pick. Love the 6.5 snare that goes with the kit, thanks for the awesome vid,
You will love them I have the tama superstar classic drums but in 7 piece I love the option of having more toms .
The Gretsch drums sound great
Honestly the best and well explained video I’ve actually enjoyed watching! Great job!
Great video! I had been scouring for one exactly like this for a while and this did not disappoint! AND YOU'RE NOT FAR FROM ME IN NH TOO!!!
Thanks for making this comparison. I found it honest and very helpful for a lot of drummers looking to purchase a good best bang for your buck kit.
Thanks for watching!
The Tama, Gretsch and Mapex sounded the best to my ear, and I agree with you Shane, that Mapex snare was awesome!
Hey, I was about to ask for a back to back comparison, but luckily, you provided one, already ❤ thanks a lot for these videos, they help a lot. I'm no where near Portsmouth or New Hampshire, but if I was, I'd stop by, just cause I appreciate the amount of work you guys put into these videos to serve drummers world wide. Keep up the good work!
I have a Gretsch Catalina maple in satin deep cherry red, gorgeous looking drums and it was very easy getting add-ons (I have 8, 10, 12 and 13” toms and 14 and 16” floortoms). Added Remo Emperor heads and changed the snaredrum (it’s the only thing about the kit that’s not great) for a Pearl Free Floating piccolo and it’s now the best looking and sounding drumkit I’ve ever seen and heard, truly in love with it.
I have the mapex armory kit, 6 pc. And I am in love with the sound!! Even with stock heads tuned nicely, that 16" floor has a lot of throat and deep. I think my mapex sounds better than the one in this video, woth stock heads. In person is just a whole different thing. Couldn't decide between pdp, gretsch and mapex. Glad I got the mapex!
I am playing a previous Gretsch Catalina Club jazz kit, bought in 2013. It does give me inspiration, and it is a long time before I need a more expensive drum set (hopefully a Broacaster). So I am a Gretsch guy but, definitely all these kits sound nice. Indeed, the only issue at this price point are the snare drums, but a good snaredrum will cost 2/3 to a full price of these kits. What I appreciate about these videos is a very thorough comparison, with good sound engeneering and deatailed head-to-head comparisons. Also, the nice words and philosophy coming with this is, well, inspirational. Keep the good job going.:)
Buy a used snare.
Nice. I like the fact that you gave the examples using the stock heads.
Glad it was helpful!
Man I clicked this video so fast once I saw this!! Thank you so much for considering my idea for a video! I didn't think it will ever happen, but it did! Thank you guys for the video! I play a Tama indigo burst 7 piece superstar classic!
Thanks for the idea!
They do sound great don’t they ? I own a superstar classic drums 7 piece dark red sparkle and they sound great!!!
I just messed around with a superstar classic and I was impressed! It was down to the Superstar classic or a Catalina maple and I think I’m going with the Gretsch. Both kits are outstanding though and really, there isn’t anything in this lineup that won’t work. (I’ve owned every brand now in this lineup haha). Furthermore, it’s really nice to be able to get a 3 up 2 down configuration for 1K. I also remember the days when a maple kit was financially prohibitive. I am 100% with you on having a bass drum tom mount; I’m sick of hanging drums off cymbal stands. Great content guys; thank you!
The fact that the head to head comparisons are almost all in time with one another tickles my brain in all the right ways.
Effort was made. Thanks for noticing!
I gig with the Gretsch Catalina Maple in the 7 piece config, and it sounds amazing. I love it!
What a great demo, thank you! The PDPs appeal to my ears, but very impressed by that punchy bass drum on the Gretsch.
What a great video, Shane and company. These are the videos that are most helpful to me as a gigging drummer/hopefully soon to be gigging. The deluxe, most expensive drums are fun to hear and drool over, but not practical for most of us. Same goes for cymbals. Those Paiste 900's are a serious value for money, in my opinion. Anyway, take care, y'all!
I agree its Hard To Lug around my cherished yamaha kit for a $ 100 a night . If we ever get back to Gigging Although it doesn't seem as important . Hope i'm wrong.
Shocked by that mapex. Wow.
They are eye candy
I live in far away, but if I ever come visit NH I'm coming to your store just because of these videos. Thanks a lot! 🤟🤟
Yes! We hope to see you at some point!
Excellent review Shane as usual!! Like you say, you can’t go wrong with any of these. Look at the options and finishes they provide, that would sway my decision.
Man! As a drummer who started my journey 20 years ago I thought I had it pretty good with my Pearl Export with the ridiculous Tom depths 😂
I wish I was a new drummer now a days, these are awesome! I’d even consider one of these if I wanted to add a maple kit to my collection.
All of these sound great, but the best ones to me are Gretsch and Tama. Also, the 900 cymbals sound very good for the price.
Good choices and yeah those 900 series cymbals record VERY well!
yep 100% with you on that
I have the gretchen and I'm happy with it .
"Gretchen"? Don't you mean Gretsch?
@@DrummerGrrrl Might have named the kit Gretchen!
Thank you for your wunderfull Work .
I dont't play Drums since 20 Years , but your Tests and Videos makes me "hungry" . Best Regards from Germany
Great Playing buddy really showing what all these kits can sound like for us Thank You
I like the Mapex too, but agreeing with you , I would prefer to have tom rack on the Kick Drum. At 68 years old, and after a 50 year Hiatus, just rejoining an enjoyment in life, to play drums again, I will be shopping for an upgrade to my cheap Grammond starter set my wife got as a XMAS gift in 2018. I will never get out of the basement, but looking to be able to play along to music and tunes I think I can handle . If I can play half as good as you, I would have achieved a nice goal. At my age, arthritis DOES configure into your abilities, and creates limitation. But I still love it !!! I know: Practice, Practice, Practice. THX for your quality Videos.
THAT MAPEX IS THE BEST KIT IN THERE!!!
My practice kit is the 7 piece Tama superstar classic custom in dark indigo burst! It's hardware is unmatched amongst all drum companies in that price range but my kit has all remos and with proper tuning/dampening it sounds as good if not equal to my new star classic kit, no joke. Tama in my opinion is just a better quality built kit compared to the competition with excellent sound quality. That's just my opinion though because I've owned multiple brands and nothing compares to Tama on every aspect. Saving now for my third Tama kit and it's going to be a Star series which is my dream kit.✌ brother
Pdp sounds like a DW
I agree, based on the sound presented in the video.
Normally I'd lean towards Tama
I agree !!! I have the armory kit. I put evans g2 heads on the Toms and the emad on the kick and it really sounds like a professional kit. You really don't need to spend a fortune now a days. The technology in drum making has come so far it's insane !!!
SOUND !
I have PDP drum set for 9 years and it sounds great
Fantastic and informative video. Very well done, guys.
Love the way you folks wrapped this up: what inspires you to play well. That’s so great! Best advice you could give.
Love the pearl snare/kit, Gretsch and the mapex. Mapex being the Hyundai of drums is a crazy good comparison. And like a lot of Hyundai’s, there were little details on the armory that didn’t make the cut on other drums: the virgin bass and the nylon washers for one are huge deals. Hell some of these kits don’t include those at the high end either!
I remember when visions came out. They seemed to kick everyone into gear to make good, cheap drums.
All the kits sounded great, but Mapex takes the win for me.
Not having the toms mounted on the bass drum looks way better imo.
Second that, bass drum tom mounts are easier yet uglier.
Yea and virgin kicks have more sustained low end
That's where people are different. I like the look of drilled bass drums for tom mounts, vintage looking. Each to there own though and that's cool✌
Dumbest idea drum companies ever dreamed up was mounting a cymbal and a drum to the same stand.... horrible resonant back feed acoustics from 2 completely different objects, also takes more time to setup and inconsistent drum positioning from one gig to the next. Not to mention the loose drum mounts and hardware to haul around.Then if the weight of the cymbal and stand doesn't counteract the weight of the tom along with cymbal stand feet positioning, that drum was not sturdy and liable to crashing over -cymbal/stand/drum- all at same time on a heavy song. And this is personal opinion .... a kit with toms on stands looks like a garage sale throw together job, not a factory set.
Alright, I'll shut up and go back to what's enjoyable - gigging and efficiency.
Also with a virgin bass drumm, you can set Toms up in more positions
Once again I really appreciate the effort with the comparison. Prior to hearing the last kit my choice was Gretsch, but surprisingly after hearing the Mapex it's definitely Mapex.
Nice video. It's amazing to think that a full maple kit can be purchased today for just a little more than the price of my very first kit, which was a piece of junk btw :). Granted my first kit also came with hardware and cymbals, but it still shows how far percussion equipment has come in 20 years.
listened to the video very carefully...First of all, they all sound great.....A lot of Bang For The Buck!....My picks were #1- Gretsch Catalina Maple, #2-Pearl Decade, #3- Mapex Armory, #4-Tama Superstar, #5 PDP Concept Maple....By The Way- Great job on the Video!
I used to own a tama superstar years ago then i tried a pearl session studio and i was sold . pearl has that boomy sound on their toms that i like . the decade sounded the best in my opinion.
Excellent vid guys! Thanks for taking the time to do this! Subbed!
Awesome, thank you!
Great video. I've drummed all my life. You're all great drummers. Working at Drum Heaven in Portsmouth NH
Keep up the great job
Love your cymbal comparison videos too.
For quick comparison:
03:10 DW PDP Concept
07:05 Pearl Decade
11:14 Gretsch Catalina
15:08 Tama Superstar Classic
20:28 Mapex Armory
You guys dropped this at the perfect time. I’ve been really into vintage sounds recently but I don’t own any kits with a modern sound. I wanted to have something for when I need that sound, without breaking the bank. I’ve been looking at the entry-level maple kits and have been considering all of these. Great sounds at a great price, especially in the used market. Thanks y’all 👍🏼
Glad you enjoyed it!
These aren’t entry level
@@drumcenternh I'm gonna buy one of these kits by the end of the year, been playing the same worn out 70s birch kit for 14 years and It's time for a 2nd kit/upgrade!
I was able to get a Gretsch Catalina kit for a killer deal from my buddy who worked at GC. Have been very happy with the kit.
I just ordered a tama superstar classic to add to my drum collection after buying a vintage rockstar kit last month...pumped for them!
All of these kits would sound much better without stock heads. A Sonor AQ2 would have been a good addition to this comparison. Great demonstration and thanks for taking the time to show us how these drums actually sound and for all the hard work you put into it 👍
Hands down, the Mapex Armory Kit. I’ve owned one before and kick myself for getting rid of it every time I hear and see a video of one, and how good they sound!!! The stock heads, like Shane said are garbage. But throw any brand on there you like and they will sing, due to the SonicClear bearing edge. I don’t understand why more companies don’t do this? It makes so much sense for the heads to sit level and seat better. Makes for easier tuning and a much better sound!!! My one wish from Mapex, instead of bringing back the MyDentity kits, they should make an option, and have to pay a little extra of course, but make a MyArmory line where you can pick your sizes, finishes, etc. Make the options a little more stream lined so you’re not sitting with a warehouse full of mustard yellow hardware though!!! 🤣🤣🤣
BTW, don’t steal my idea, I got that shiznet patented!!! 😂😂😂
This video helped me a lot. I wanted the pdp, but after watching I changed my mind quick.
Thank you for these really awesome comparisons. Love them!
Thanks for watching!
Guys I just wanted to chime in from the perspective of a studio engineer. I record mostly alt-rock, hard rock and some pop. I pulled the trigger on the Mapex Ultramarine Armory 5 piece rock shell pack in October and have been blown away by it. Currently I have clear Emperors on top and clear Ambassadors on the bottom. The kit is SO versatile, easy to tune and really shines through on a plethora of genres. It's weird, Mapex has had a not-so-great reputation on the interwebs over the years but after having an awesome sounding limited edition Meridian Obsidian kit, I've just ignored all that garbage, trusted my ears, and I've never been happier (my clients love it too!). This is a killer kit! And beautiful to look at!
just ordered the ultramarine tonight got 200$ free sweet water bucks as well on purchase! also got 14inch hi hats s series! im new to drumming but i really want a good kit not something that sounds off to really learn on! cant wait!
@@shreddyeddy7391 Awesome choice! You will love it. I have been recording drummers for years but started learning myself in January 2020 and the kit is such a joy to play. Especially how customizable the toms are in terms of ease of positioning, in a game of inches, having the flexibility to move them wherever is huge!
Purchased a 6 piece Gretsch Catalina Maple 10 years ago. No regrets!
I own the Mapex Armory 6 piece kit, in night sky burst. Probably the nicest finish, I've ever seen on any kit, at any price range. Looks like a 2000.00 kit. They sound amazing too ( with upgraded heads.)
Great video as usual Shane. You were spot on with your comments about feel. My Gretsch USA Customs speak to me when I am playing and I don't get that when I am playing a less expensive kit. I feel I get a lot deeper tone too. Y'all are top notch with these videos.
Thanks for the kind words and totally!
Great kits. I prefer the Tama since I’ve had two sets before. Absolutely love the 6 1/2 inch snare. The sizes in this demo are just perfect drum sizes for me. All of the sets sound well but the Mapex actually stood out. Thanks for a good review.
Correctly stated 👊
It’s unreal how amazing these lower budget kits sound these days. They honestly rival the high end kits in sound, and even in looks. I’d probably have to go with the Gretsch Catalina Maple though. PDP is a close second
I purchased the Pearl Decade Maple based on this review and it was absolutely SPOT ON! The quality of this drum set is very impressive and it sounds really sweet. I own 2 Pearl snares and play with Pearl Hi Hat and bass drum pedal and have always been impressed with the quality. Can't thank you enough.
can you tell me about the durability of the Decade Maples? Specifically the hardware? I've heard complaints about the PDP Concept L-arms/tom mounts for instance not being very durable, same with the Gretsch C Maple hardware being basically old Gibraltar parts etc. So I'm wondering about the Pearl stuff. How is the tom mount? Do the toms move a lot because the mount itself or connecting parts are unstable? How are the floor tom legs? Do you consider it to be able to take a pounding? My only complaint about vids/demos of these types is that they never seem to have a heavy hitter play the drums, or comment about the perceived durability over a long period of time etc. I've played on a Tama Superstar Classic and wasn't very impressed with the kit, particularly the hardware, so I'm trying to determine if any of these kits can really hold up for the long haul? Any info you could give on the Decade Maple's would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.
Shane .... great video !!! Very informative. I have actually been looking for a kit like these and had all 5 of these kits on my list. this helped me narrow down my list a bit. I have always been a Tama guy and Love their finishes. Think i'll stick with the Tamas. thanks again for the video.
A few years ago, at tax time I bought my first brand new kit in like 20 years. I got the 7pc pdp concept maple kit. Id been salivating over this kit since it was called the x7. I've had WAAAAAY more expensive drums, a 6pc Ludwig Superclassic maple kit, a 5pc wood hoop Roy Ayotte kit, a set of Pearl Masters, yadi yada, but that was in a time money was less of an issue for me. When I got the pdp's I bought them knowing they'd be my last kit for life. I love my pdp's even if they've been in storage for a couple years since getting a Roland kit named "lock down" lol. Here's the thing, I took my time, researched all available options. At the time the options were in a 7pc maple kit, the pdp's, Tama whatever's they're called, and the Catalina kit. I was currently playing the 6pc Catalina kit. And it served me very well for a few years. I'd sanded off the lacquer by hand, and refinished them in natural. Didn't seem to be that big a deal when I started out on the 10. By the time I got to that 16x16 I felt differently lmao, but too late then right? Anyways, they were great, but being as I was already playing that kit, I wanted to try something different. Even though it's basically the same now lol. I never have had a DW kit, which is my dream kit. Honestly, I had a guy who was going to sell me a 5pc no snare shell pack of collectors series in broken glass wrap. Well, that's the year I got audited. Yay!! He eventually sold them, in September. Can't blame the guy since he'd been holding them since March. I looked at all the options in person, which if course ruled out the Tama's. They had the best finishes by miles, truly beautiful but the hardware looked awful to me. It's like they used the same hardware in these as the cheapo imperialStar kit with the meinl cymbal shaped disks all in one. I ruled the gretachdgse out since I already had those. The PDP'S were honestly always going to be the way I went and I knew it, so I got them. Now, when I saw less than 2 months later, Pearl had decided to say "hold my beer, watch this" and came out with the Decade Maple 7pc set, I was just a tinge upset. Why? I mean, look at those! I got my Concepts in the pearl metallic white color. I love white drums, and whatcha know, here's a Pearl kit, in FLAT white! All the sudden, all that chrome I initially loved on my pdp's, seemed excessive to me. Pearl had went a different route, bad the mounts, and lug casings were all really low mass, and let that beautiful white "not" shine so well! If I'd have waited 2 more months, I'd without any doubt at all be playing a Pearl kit no... Well, whenever I can't stand it anymore and bust out my loud drums again. Man, they truly did come out swinging on that whole 7pc maple under a g, segment. Wonderful drums. I do think that before my days are over, I'll have traded out of my pdp's into that flat white 7pc Pearl kit. Stunning drums, and I've always loved Pearl. Most of my hardware and snare drums are all Pearl now, and I'm disappointed for researching and waiting for 3 or 4 years on a kit, to in the end jump the gun by a couple months. Yay! I still love my pdp's though. I'm not talk to typing this so they don't hear me lol
Great vid! The room mic recording was super helpful. Any chance you could do a Yamaha Stage Custom 20bd configuration vs 22bd configuration comparison? Bet it'd get a ton of hits.
The Tama Superstar maple is the best one of this lot. I loved the Mapex snare drum too! Great video!!!
I have the Mapex Armory in the rain forest burst with an added 14 inch floor tom and Paiste 900 series cymbals and I absolutely love it.
To me the Pearl and Gretsch sound the best. Great value drums, wow!
Agreed!
Same here!
The Mapex kit sounded and looked pro level. The snare popped far more than any of the others.
I have the Tama in Mohogany Burst as a 7 piece kit with an 8" rack tom and a 14" floor tom added. They sound amazing with Remo pinstripes on the batter side and Black Ambassadors on the resonant side.
Fantastic video and information. It really is hard to choose or pick from the drums you show cased but I think I will be going grestch .I have had pearl for the past 30 years .Thanks again from Australia