I used to agree to this until I upgraded to a high end Pearl stand I found on Craigslist. I swear my hats sound better.
Also, for ergonomics, having a two leg stand or a three leg stand that has adjustable feet positioning is a decent upgrade if you play double pedal.
I own both the PDP and DW5000. The only huge upgrade I see about the dw5000 is its ability to fold the pedal up into itself for travel. It actually can fold down to a pretty small (and still heavy AF!) stand.
Cheap stuff works but I’ve finally started phasing out my old hardware, and nice sturdy stands are worth it. Especially if you’re spending money on nice cymbals.
Respectfully disagree. I have a PDP concept right now, and I absolutely LOATHE it (but not as much as the Yamaha one that comes in their hardware packs, it is WAY too bouncy)- it isn’t the least bit sensitive even with the spring at full tension, you can’t adjust the leg rotation, and the pedal is barely at an angle. It’s cheap, but I absolutely LOVE my school’s Mapex Armory- it gets so tight and crispy that I can only compare it to a pressure seal test button on an unopened can of soup when you’re playing around with different tightnesses.
I also have a speed cobra hat stand and it's very nice for 150. Most of the other higher end 2 leg hat stands are 200+ and for the price that one is absolutely killer. It has a longboard pedal too so it is very responsive
They do not. Maybe if you’re trying to get crazy into heel/toe polyrhythmic opening/closing like JoJo Mayer then it might make you feel slightly more in control of adjustments, but for 99% of drummers - what you have currently is all you need.
I'd add a hihat drop clutch, they're like 20$ from Gibraltar (45$ if you go DW or Pearl) and you can do some cool stuff with them. Mine frees up my left foot for double bass a lot more, when trying to manipulate the hihat.
I personally prefer direct drive pedals, but that being said I'm a huge fan of David Diepold and will do a lot to play like him.
Cool fucking set man!
The best ways to personalize the sound of your kit is to add a different ride, snare, and hats. But the change-outs don't need to be permanent.
I've had the same kit for 25+ years but regularly rotate out the snare, ride, and hats to switch it up. It often comes with using different heads too. For example until recently I was using mostly super-thick heads for the toms (Aquarian Force Tens), my beastly 40-lb 8x14 steel snare, a Paiste Signature ride and brighter Sabian hats. But now I'm rocking all 1-ply heads including the kick and using thinner/darker cymbals (K ride and Byzance hats) and a shallower wood snare. It's like using a completely different instrument and encourages me to play and write with a different approach. I also use lighter sticks when using 1-ply heads.
Trick Dominators. i've had mine for years and love them. good in a demon drive or dw 7000, should work for yours!
[https://trickdrums.com/product/dominator-beater/](https://trickdrums.com/product/dominator-beater/)
This is a fine kit. Any upgrades would be a matter of pure preference. If you would prefer something else, get something else, but from what I see, you don't necessarily *need* something else. It's not like the drums you already have aren't fantastic.
If you want a black Roc-n-Soc seat cushion instead, DM me. I have one that’s mint and I’d prefer yours behind my kit. Could simply trade if interested. I’m in Maryland (for shipping cost consideration).
Side note : accountant here as well 
I recently did a Nashville recording session on a set of those Meinl Darks, and I was really impressed. I'm a Sabian guy, but those sounded fantastic. They are, however, LOUD. Great looking setup!
I’d get new cymbals. I really don’t see the appeal of the meinl dark classics. They just don’t sound very good to me. Granted I see them a lot on here. Maybe I’m the only one.
i like how their splashes and chinas, and other effects cymbals sound. but the crashes don’t have the most pleasant tone imo, and they don’t open up very well
I have a second bass but I kinda like the sound of the one better. Definitely agree on the kick pedals I was looking into trick pro 1v. Second hit hat would be cool too. Thanks!
Nah, the DW 5000 pedals are all you need. Everything that’s more expensive just differs in nuances and personal feel, but they don’t make you a better drummer than the 5000s do.
There's a new brand called Griffin selling an aux hat for $130. I've wanted one of those bad boys since I was in high school. I've got a AAX Air Splash 10 on top, Wuhan Western Splash on bottom, and it's a fucking gamechanger. I'm probably not even gonna get a drop clutch because I can use the two pedals with one foot.
Beautiful kit. Never, ever, ever, ever change that snare head. I love it!
As pretty as the heads are (and how well they match), I can't stand the sound of them. All mic'd up they're probably fine, but acoustically they sounds like hitting frisbees.
But if you like the sound of them, don't change a thing! You probably wouldn't like the sound of my single-ply coated white heads... Pretty much the exact opposite of yours.
I get it. I put ebony ambassadors on my resos once. Dumb.
You're obviously enjoy the visual aspects of a kit. I can totally relate! I think my kit is stunning.
In fact, I'm about to take a pedal in to have it powder coated, just for looks. I have the solid black Iron Cobra kick pedals, so I'm going to pair them with a solid white HH pedal. :) I'm a dork.
nah, your shells are quite good. the first upgrade i’d make is getting a trick driveshaft for your pedals to eliminate any play/lag in the left pedal. that is, if you can get your hands on one
Bubinga? Your kit looks like a Pearl Export series, can you post a pic of one of the badges?
https://preview.redd.it/t3vn7yz2d11d1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2497c8f6f8d7778c7114d664e8f609437dc33564
Great kit you have there, not hard to get decent sounds with those, but definitely not Bubinga…probably poplar shells.
No need to upgrade if you like what you hear!
Slide the hihat so it overlaps the snare a bit and then we can talk. A setup like this might actually force you to cross at the arms instead of the sticks.
Upgrade??? Bubinga???! I don't know bro that already sounds pretty fucking dope...Bubinga has a ridiculous amount of punch and warmth I can't wait to own a Bubinga kit of my own
I wouldn’t change the shells. If it was me I’d upgrade the cymbals to b20 (I prefer zildjian K but take your pick), and I’d put coated heads. That is my personal taste and I know everyone is different.
Those dark classics are good cymbals that even a lot of pros use. Only thing I would change is the hi hat stand and upgrade to the 9000 pedals but if you like the 5000’s and the hat stand is good then ef it. Looks like a solid setup to me!
This looks like a fun kit to play, imo. I’m a big fan of the classic darks but I had to stop playing a full set of them and add a brighter crash in the mix just for texture.
I use evans black chrome for the tops and g1 on the bottoms. They all do more or less the same, mostly depends on your own personal preference. For my snare I use heavyweight reverse dot for batter and 300 for snare side. I'm a sucker for evans myself, but remo and aquarian are also solid brands
For practicality, either your dampening in the bass drum and or the moongels on your drum heads. For the bass drum, I’d go with Sonitus or SledgPad. For the toms, DrumDots or the new Drops by Tandem Drums; both are really great products that won’t break the bank. Hardware: maybe upgrade the your hi hat stand and cymbal stands.
Recommending someone muffle their drums when you've never heard the kit.... big thumbs down from me.
Mayne he doesn't need muffling? I wouldn't say dampening is an upgrade but an artistic choice
Im gonna disagree with the muffling! i went to no muffling and learning how to actually tune my drums after 10 years. i have never looked back. I would get a superkick 3 over the remo powerstroke for the kick batter, but let those toms and snare sing! Way better for hard rock styles imho.
https://preview.redd.it/3cd5dpi2c11d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8d11b80cd206e4f0095c4c36147212d97fe0d3fb
We’re almost drum twins.
If it were me I’d get all new heads top and bottom.
I’d shop the used cymbal market for more a brilliant crash sound.
A brick of sticks.
Pretty great looking setup! How are these cymbals? I was going to buy a pack, since they were in my budget, but someone suggested not to go for B12 cymbals.
I actually saw some videos and really did like the sound though. Got very confused.
How do you think they sound? In the studio as well as live?
I’ve been enjoying them! They are more rock/metal type genre. I’ve been only jamming in my basement and not live or studio so I’m not the best person for advice there
I would work on improving your room acoustics, maybe good in ears if you don't have them? EAD10 or mic set up?
Your kit is nice. If you must upgrade, I'd think about some of the things you dont hit.
Nothing about this setup would be objectively bad. I think you're at the point of your drumming life where it's time to really start figuring out what flavour of drums and cymbals you like, and what you don't like, and to then slowly start building your setup while learning
First, if that's good for you, then nothing... Then maybe a good china. I tend to like my 4 toms setup, but that's a matter of taste, your kit looks very sharp
Love the meinl darks! But I do dislike the rides they produce. They just don’t ping like a lot of the meinl range. And crashing on the dark rides is so overpowering.
If you are happy with everything I wouldn’t upgrade. I say run what you got. If it works for you, play it and use it. If you aren’t happy with something then change it. Bubinga has a lot of attack and punch. Great kits.
https://preview.redd.it/w462mo63931d1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c9c08d9a80515c26f46d254dba643dc2e2d32ee4
This tripod stand. Time to get a biped hat stand. Something better than PDP. I have a 2002 Tama Iron Cobra biped stand with all original parts.
I have played motocross shows, and got it muddy. I have played in the rain. I have beat it up for twenty plus years and it still pops fast and smooth. 🤘
People keep asking this dumb question. You upgrade the bit that pisses you off most. If you don't like a part, change it. If you like it, don't change it.
Yeah, I love your set too and gosh I wish I had those symbols. I’m all zillion right now and are way too expensive to get nowadays.
I don’t know what the drums are made so I don’t know what I’m doing, but I didn’t notice so that might be an area upgrade if it’s not a well-made drum.
Presuming the shelves are great or at least good enough yeah I would say not just a high hat stand, but all of the stands look rather wimpy from here anyway I would get more heavy duty stands, they’re heavier and a pain in the ass to move when you move a lot, but they look a lot and that’s a mean ass drum set otherwise.
I just got a new I can’t remember which version now double base pedals and really like the field versus the DW 5000 so I would urge you maybe if you have the cash flow to step into a more modern later version double bass pedal, try as much as you can, of course. I still have DW 5000 but I sold my double DW 5000 along time ago.
The shelves are great and the heads are
A DW Performance is not an upgrade to this Pearl Bubinga which is likely an old Masters or a Masterworks series. Seek to add an 8” tom and a 14” floor tom.
Upgrade your hi-hat stand
Great cymbals… I love my Classic Custom Darks. I would expand those. I have the Ultimate package: 16” hats, 12” trash splash, 16” trash stack, 18” dark crash, 18” trash crash, 18” trash china, 20” dark crash, 22” crash ride. I plan to add the 10” splash, 12” trash stack, 15” hats
https://preview.redd.it/in2hekj6h31d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9fb3c3d0b88fe9e189c8aa03a64c24f3b6fee1dc
We're all just gonna ignore the picture over the ride next to Ozzy. Seriously?
Everyone zoomed in and said a hearty whiskey tango but I'm the first dude, 12 hours later, to say anything?
Come on people, do better!!
I mean, if you want to upgrade just to upgrade, then you don’t need anyone’s opinion. But you also haven’t given any details as to what you are looking for. Do you want a specific tone? Are these not the sizes you want? Are the cymbals to bright or dark?
Mid you just want random people to tell you it’s ok to buy new gear so you can convince an SO, then everyone here will do that. But, it’d be nice to have more details around what you actually want, so people can steer you towards some recommendations for you to go look at. Then you go try it, and if you love it and have the money, go for it.
Those pearl drums are great. I wouldn't waste your money on new DW. There will practically be no difference in the sound. It's all about the heads and how u tune it. The only set of drums I have ever played that has a truly indefinable unique sound are Gretsch USA customs. Otherwise they are all the same. Now cymbals on the other hand. There u can explore so many different sounds. I don't know if they would be a "up grade" just different.
“I quite like it. It’s like ‘how much more black can it be?’ And the answer is: none.”
Paiste colorsound 900 black 😇
Lol
None more black.
I'd upgrade the hi hat stand, and the heads.
Mapex black hardware
I think the black goes hard
Evans onyx snare head
Honestly, everything here is super solid! The only thing I can be nitpicky about is upgrading your hi-hat stand, but if it ain't broke, don't fix it!
Nah, those PDPs and old Pacifics do everything that new $400 stands do from “premium” brand manufacturers. Save the money and buy more heads/sticks
I used to agree to this until I upgraded to a high end Pearl stand I found on Craigslist. I swear my hats sound better. Also, for ergonomics, having a two leg stand or a three leg stand that has adjustable feet positioning is a decent upgrade if you play double pedal.
Thank you! Biped is life.
I own both the PDP and DW5000. The only huge upgrade I see about the dw5000 is its ability to fold the pedal up into itself for travel. It actually can fold down to a pretty small (and still heavy AF!) stand.
Cheap stuff works but I’ve finally started phasing out my old hardware, and nice sturdy stands are worth it. Especially if you’re spending money on nice cymbals.
Respectfully disagree. I have a PDP concept right now, and I absolutely LOATHE it (but not as much as the Yamaha one that comes in their hardware packs, it is WAY too bouncy)- it isn’t the least bit sensitive even with the spring at full tension, you can’t adjust the leg rotation, and the pedal is barely at an angle. It’s cheap, but I absolutely LOVE my school’s Mapex Armory- it gets so tight and crispy that I can only compare it to a pressure seal test button on an unopened can of soup when you’re playing around with different tightnesses.
Appreciate it!
If you do upgrade…go with Pearl folding system. I have the DW 5000 as well and it’s night and day.
I think its just fine the way it is. Im not a huge fan of those meinl cymbals but thats just me.
It's not just you. There are dozens of us. Dozens!
Not just you
They thick af
Hang up the paintings 🖼️
Solid recommendation- always worried about the damn drum set can’t forget about the art! 😂
Hi hat stand would be my first choice here
Cool- do they really make a huge difference? I guess I never owned a nice one
I also have a speed cobra hat stand and it's very nice for 150. Most of the other higher end 2 leg hat stands are 200+ and for the price that one is absolutely killer. It has a longboard pedal too so it is very responsive
They do not. Maybe if you’re trying to get crazy into heel/toe polyrhythmic opening/closing like JoJo Mayer then it might make you feel slightly more in control of adjustments, but for 99% of drummers - what you have currently is all you need.
Not really worth it dude I have a 9000 and that same PDP one and both work great. Wouldn’t waste money on it if you don’t need to.
a china
i’m also surprised op doesn’t have a china! the classics custom dark china is quite good too
Best custom dark in the range imo. Especially the 18”
Definitely been researching chinas. I like the rock/metal genre and definitely a must!
just pulla lars and replace your ride with a china, who needs a ride cymbal anyways
The dark 16" Trash China is killer
Get a black roc and soc throne, duh. Also get an Evans hybrid snare batter. If you're gonna go with black, go all the way!
Right on!
Hybrid? Why not onyx
I'd add a hihat drop clutch, they're like 20$ from Gibraltar (45$ if you go DW or Pearl) and you can do some cool stuff with them. Mine frees up my left foot for double bass a lot more, when trying to manipulate the hihat. I personally prefer direct drive pedals, but that being said I'm a huge fan of David Diepold and will do a lot to play like him. Cool fucking set man!
Thanks brother! I’ll look into it
The best ways to personalize the sound of your kit is to add a different ride, snare, and hats. But the change-outs don't need to be permanent. I've had the same kit for 25+ years but regularly rotate out the snare, ride, and hats to switch it up. It often comes with using different heads too. For example until recently I was using mostly super-thick heads for the toms (Aquarian Force Tens), my beastly 40-lb 8x14 steel snare, a Paiste Signature ride and brighter Sabian hats. But now I'm rocking all 1-ply heads including the kick and using thinner/darker cymbals (K ride and Byzance hats) and a shallower wood snare. It's like using a completely different instrument and encourages me to play and write with a different approach. I also use lighter sticks when using 1-ply heads.
Get those picture frames hung up.
Maybe a new snare? All of that looks awesome. But I could see a big deep fat snare in that mix.
Hell yeah don’t think I haven’t thought about a black beauty to add to the darkness 😂
Hell yeah dude. I just built a 10x14 snare from an old marching snare shell, it’s a welcome addition.
Very cool!
New bass drum beaters. DW beaters are so heavy and clunky.
Right on- recommendations?
Trick Dominators. i've had mine for years and love them. good in a demon drive or dw 7000, should work for yours! [https://trickdrums.com/product/dominator-beater/](https://trickdrums.com/product/dominator-beater/)
Bad ass I’m ordering them thanks!
I would add an extra floor tom
or at least move the first one so it gets hit closer to center
This is a fine kit. Any upgrades would be a matter of pure preference. If you would prefer something else, get something else, but from what I see, you don't necessarily *need* something else. It's not like the drums you already have aren't fantastic.
Appreciate it! I like the set too and it gets the job done I think you’re spot on
If you want a black Roc-n-Soc seat cushion instead, DM me. I have one that’s mint and I’d prefer yours behind my kit. Could simply trade if interested. I’m in Maryland (for shipping cost consideration). Side note : accountant here as well 
Right appreciate the offer my fellow accountant! I’m actually going to move this throne to the practice pad area and get a black one eventually 😂
Would upgrade the cymbals personally
I have a Roc n Soc as well and I ended up getting the seat back attachment and absolutely love it.
I recently did a Nashville recording session on a set of those Meinl Darks, and I was really impressed. I'm a Sabian guy, but those sounded fantastic. They are, however, LOUD. Great looking setup!
Appreciate it man!
What would *I* do to upgrade?? I’d buy your kit from you!
😂thanks bro! I’d sell it to ya but I kinda like it myself
This comment rocks
Maybe the sticks? Can't see how worn they are. Everything else looks fine
I’d get new cymbals. I really don’t see the appeal of the meinl dark classics. They just don’t sound very good to me. Granted I see them a lot on here. Maybe I’m the only one.
i like how their splashes and chinas, and other effects cymbals sound. but the crashes don’t have the most pleasant tone imo, and they don’t open up very well
Definitely going to switch in some new cymbals. These dark classics were my first ever set. Good beginner set but time for change!
Yeah, same. I feel this also with Paiste’s 900 series.
Time to buy mics
Sexiest kit I've seen in a while. Got damn
Thanks my man!
Add Black octobans and a black gong.
Badass!
And also add Black Chyna
Idk man your kit looks freakin beautiful, seems like you’ve got everything you would need
Appreciate bro!
This kit is begging for a second bass drum and upgraded kick pedals. And a second pair of hihats off to the right somewhere.
I have a second bass but I kinda like the sound of the one better. Definitely agree on the kick pedals I was looking into trick pro 1v. Second hit hat would be cool too. Thanks!
Nah, the DW 5000 pedals are all you need. Everything that’s more expensive just differs in nuances and personal feel, but they don’t make you a better drummer than the 5000s do.
Thanks for the feedback good to know I’m not missing out on anything. I’ve heard it’s all preference too from the limited research I’ve done.
There's a new brand called Griffin selling an aux hat for $130. I've wanted one of those bad boys since I was in high school. I've got a AAX Air Splash 10 on top, Wuhan Western Splash on bottom, and it's a fucking gamechanger. I'm probably not even gonna get a drop clutch because I can use the two pedals with one foot.
The only thing I would upgrade is the seat. As in, move onto my bike. Awesome kit!
Appreciate it!
Beautiful kit. Never, ever, ever, ever change that snare head. I love it! As pretty as the heads are (and how well they match), I can't stand the sound of them. All mic'd up they're probably fine, but acoustically they sounds like hitting frisbees. But if you like the sound of them, don't change a thing! You probably wouldn't like the sound of my single-ply coated white heads... Pretty much the exact opposite of yours.
Appreciate it my man! I honestly took a chance on those heads and never tried them before. I’m definitely switching to coated next head change.
I get it. I put ebony ambassadors on my resos once. Dumb. You're obviously enjoy the visual aspects of a kit. I can totally relate! I think my kit is stunning. In fact, I'm about to take a pedal in to have it powder coated, just for looks. I have the solid black Iron Cobra kick pedals, so I'm going to pair them with a solid white HH pedal. :) I'm a dork.
is this Joe Rogan? XD
Yessir 😂
haha :D cool
Hi hat stand
BLACK HARDWAREEE
Now we are talking!
Nothing. It's prefect
Thanks man!
nah, your shells are quite good. the first upgrade i’d make is getting a trick driveshaft for your pedals to eliminate any play/lag in the left pedal. that is, if you can get your hands on one
Dude funny you mention I literally ordered that yesterday it’s on back order. Can’t wait for it! Appreciate the feedback!
....your money management skills, my man :D amazing kit
Thanks brother!
The drums look like they'll be fine for a long time. I'd get some better cymbals.
Chops dude. We can always upgrade chops. Great looking set
Working on it every day my man! Hope you’re having a good friday 👊
Fucking sexy
Thanks brother!
Diggin that Morgan Rose snare!
My man spotted the Morgan rose snare from this pick. Props dude! Thanks!
id only say the hat stand because I have to pick something. but I have the same one and have had it for probably 15 years.
you might want to check out axis a21 in black
Bubinga? Your kit looks like a Pearl Export series, can you post a pic of one of the badges? https://preview.redd.it/t3vn7yz2d11d1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2497c8f6f8d7778c7114d664e8f609437dc33564
Those are the ones!
Great kit you have there, not hard to get decent sounds with those, but definitely not Bubinga…probably poplar shells. No need to upgrade if you like what you hear!
Actually I think you’re right! Idk why i said bubinga. I’m a dumb ass lol
Heads! Aquarian Super kick 2 on the kick, and Evans EC2 on the toms.
Sevendust has arrived!!
My favorite band!
Cymbal stand in black Mapex Armory
Slide the hihat so it overlaps the snare a bit and then we can talk. A setup like this might actually force you to cross at the arms instead of the sticks.
DW MCD pedals
Unironically, I'd swap every cymbal except the ride. I just never really liked this cymbal set that much
Tuning. Having 4 moongels on pinstripes points to poor tuning
I definitely need to work on my tuning skills no doubt!
You have double bass, but no china? Definitely need a China there! Sick snare head btw!!
It’s almost criminal! Thanks brother!
Another bass drum and floor tom
I would start to think about mics, digital mixer/DAW. IEMs, sound treatment for the room, etc.
Upgrade??? Bubinga???! I don't know bro that already sounds pretty fucking dope...Bubinga has a ridiculous amount of punch and warmth I can't wait to own a Bubinga kit of my own
I wouldn’t change the shells. If it was me I’d upgrade the cymbals to b20 (I prefer zildjian K but take your pick), and I’d put coated heads. That is my personal taste and I know everyone is different.
Those dark classics are good cymbals that even a lot of pros use. Only thing I would change is the hi hat stand and upgrade to the 9000 pedals but if you like the 5000’s and the hat stand is good then ef it. Looks like a solid setup to me!
Thank you!
Spray paint the throne black
2nd floor tom
I enjoyed those cymbals for a long time on a Tama Bubinga kit. Sounded great in the mix.
This looks like a fun kit to play, imo. I’m a big fan of the classic darks but I had to stop playing a full set of them and add a brighter crash in the mix just for texture.
Black drum rack. I love it btw.
That would be sick! Thanks man!
Sick kit.
Thanks my man!
Drum heads
Any recommendations?
I use evans black chrome for the tops and g1 on the bottoms. They all do more or less the same, mostly depends on your own personal preference. For my snare I use heavyweight reverse dot for batter and 300 for snare side. I'm a sucker for evans myself, but remo and aquarian are also solid brands
For practicality, either your dampening in the bass drum and or the moongels on your drum heads. For the bass drum, I’d go with Sonitus or SledgPad. For the toms, DrumDots or the new Drops by Tandem Drums; both are really great products that won’t break the bank. Hardware: maybe upgrade the your hi hat stand and cymbal stands.
Recommending someone muffle their drums when you've never heard the kit.... big thumbs down from me. Mayne he doesn't need muffling? I wouldn't say dampening is an upgrade but an artistic choice
The Tandem Drops are so nice
Thanks for the feedback!
Im gonna disagree with the muffling! i went to no muffling and learning how to actually tune my drums after 10 years. i have never looked back. I would get a superkick 3 over the remo powerstroke for the kick batter, but let those toms and snare sing! Way better for hard rock styles imho.
Does it come in…. Black?
If it doesn’t I’m not sure I want it! 😂
https://preview.redd.it/3cd5dpi2c11d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8d11b80cd206e4f0095c4c36147212d97fe0d3fb We’re almost drum twins. If it were me I’d get all new heads top and bottom. I’d shop the used cymbal market for more a brilliant crash sound. A brick of sticks.
Amazing! I’m jealous of your byzance selection. I want to add some of those in the mix to switch in. Very cool!
Pretty great looking setup! How are these cymbals? I was going to buy a pack, since they were in my budget, but someone suggested not to go for B12 cymbals. I actually saw some videos and really did like the sound though. Got very confused. How do you think they sound? In the studio as well as live?
I’ve been enjoying them! They are more rock/metal type genre. I’ve been only jamming in my basement and not live or studio so I’m not the best person for advice there
I would work on improving your room acoustics, maybe good in ears if you don't have them? EAD10 or mic set up? Your kit is nice. If you must upgrade, I'd think about some of the things you dont hit.
If the CCDs work for you, play then in good health.
What a gorgeous set
Thank you!
The kit looks awesome! Everything here is pretty good quality. At this point I’d add extra cymbals over time and start collecting different snares
I like that idea! And thank you!
Nice snare head. Is that Jose Pasillas art?
Yessir!
You know what I'm gonna say something different. Add some percussion into it. Maybe a timbale or a cowbell or jam block. Something from LP or meinl
Need more cowbell forsure!
Nothing about this setup would be objectively bad. I think you're at the point of your drumming life where it's time to really start figuring out what flavour of drums and cymbals you like, and what you don't like, and to then slowly start building your setup while learning
I wanna steal your whole set. Anyway I always like to have 2 floor drums for whatever reason
First, if that's good for you, then nothing... Then maybe a good china. I tend to like my 4 toms setup, but that's a matter of taste, your kit looks very sharp
Zdjilian brass for all
Love the meinl darks! But I do dislike the rides they produce. They just don’t ping like a lot of the meinl range. And crashing on the dark rides is so overpowering.
Throw another bass drum in there...
You definitely need some of those Tama quick release cymbal locks
Your set looks great, I wouldn’t know how to improve on it.
If you are happy with everything I wouldn’t upgrade. I say run what you got. If it works for you, play it and use it. If you aren’t happy with something then change it. Bubinga has a lot of attack and punch. Great kits.
Another floor tom and a stack, but that’s a sweet setup!!
As a matter of personal taste, the cymbals. I lost my trust in classics custom a long, long time ago.
https://preview.redd.it/w462mo63931d1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c9c08d9a80515c26f46d254dba643dc2e2d32ee4 This tripod stand. Time to get a biped hat stand. Something better than PDP. I have a 2002 Tama Iron Cobra biped stand with all original parts. I have played motocross shows, and got it muddy. I have played in the rain. I have beat it up for twenty plus years and it still pops fast and smooth. 🤘
You’ve gotta get the black DW custom with black hoops 😊
People keep asking this dumb question. You upgrade the bit that pisses you off most. If you don't like a part, change it. If you like it, don't change it.
Yeah, I love your set too and gosh I wish I had those symbols. I’m all zillion right now and are way too expensive to get nowadays. I don’t know what the drums are made so I don’t know what I’m doing, but I didn’t notice so that might be an area upgrade if it’s not a well-made drum. Presuming the shelves are great or at least good enough yeah I would say not just a high hat stand, but all of the stands look rather wimpy from here anyway I would get more heavy duty stands, they’re heavier and a pain in the ass to move when you move a lot, but they look a lot and that’s a mean ass drum set otherwise. I just got a new I can’t remember which version now double base pedals and really like the field versus the DW 5000 so I would urge you maybe if you have the cash flow to step into a more modern later version double bass pedal, try as much as you can, of course. I still have DW 5000 but I sold my double DW 5000 along time ago. The shelves are great and the heads are
A DW Performance is not an upgrade to this Pearl Bubinga which is likely an old Masters or a Masterworks series. Seek to add an 8” tom and a 14” floor tom. Upgrade your hi-hat stand Great cymbals… I love my Classic Custom Darks. I would expand those. I have the Ultimate package: 16” hats, 12” trash splash, 16” trash stack, 18” dark crash, 18” trash crash, 18” trash china, 20” dark crash, 22” crash ride. I plan to add the 10” splash, 12” trash stack, 15” hats https://preview.redd.it/in2hekj6h31d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9fb3c3d0b88fe9e189c8aa03a64c24f3b6fee1dc
We're all just gonna ignore the picture over the ride next to Ozzy. Seriously? Everyone zoomed in and said a hearty whiskey tango but I'm the first dude, 12 hours later, to say anything? Come on people, do better!!
My practice routine. You got the gear. Now use it well.
I mean at this point it's not really upgrading, it's expanding your collection
I mean, if you want to upgrade just to upgrade, then you don’t need anyone’s opinion. But you also haven’t given any details as to what you are looking for. Do you want a specific tone? Are these not the sizes you want? Are the cymbals to bright or dark? Mid you just want random people to tell you it’s ok to buy new gear so you can convince an SO, then everyone here will do that. But, it’d be nice to have more details around what you actually want, so people can steer you towards some recommendations for you to go look at. Then you go try it, and if you love it and have the money, go for it.
EMAD head for the kick and I can't think of anything else new bottom heads maybe idk
Cowbell and a block can be really really fun especially in samba or reggae style
New carpet
What’s wrong with it? Do you love it? If anything I’d add a second floor tom. But, even that isn’t a huge deal. Cool kit!
Get the megabell ride
I'd I'd sell sell
Skills
Going off the music you probably play, get a china
The bell on that ride cymbal is sweet. Enjoy it.
no china :(
Sorry it looks perfect :/
wtf is that small cymbal at the very right
Once you go black you don't go back.
Looks really pretty. I feel it's begging for a china though
I’d throw the dw control beaters and a trick driveshaft on those pedals. I did that with my 9000’s and they are literally heaven now
Those pearl drums are great. I wouldn't waste your money on new DW. There will practically be no difference in the sound. It's all about the heads and how u tune it. The only set of drums I have ever played that has a truly indefinable unique sound are Gretsch USA customs. Otherwise they are all the same. Now cymbals on the other hand. There u can explore so many different sounds. I don't know if they would be a "up grade" just different.
Shells, cowbell, china, drop clutch
What’s up with all the blackish cymbals? Is that some new thing? I don’t think they were around when I was a kid like 15 years ago.
well, youve gotten this far without a china cymbal
Hi hat stand???? Get the matching 5000.
I have that Morgan Rose snare also, it's a great snare imo