So my friend and myself last night over numerous beers decided we should buy a cheap, used drum set to fuck around on. My question to you all is how much should they cost and do you have any advice for us? Thanks!

I don't know about prices, but use adequate hearing protection and don't move into the apartment above me.

between 500 and 1000 bucks depending on the quality of the cymbals. cheap = pearl export or tama swingstar. Ludwing rocker series could also be included in that list. go cheap on the drums themselves and spend you money on the cymbals. Even a really lowend kit can be tuned to sound half way decent. but bad cymbals are always bad no matter what. good luck!

There is some good advice in here.

I bought a brand-new Pearl Export kit back in 1994, which was priced at $800. Over time, the quality of this line has improved, while the price has dropped; you can find such a kit at around $400 - $500.

I have to concur with the opinion regarding cymbals; no matter how good your kit is, you will sound terrible (overall) if you decide to use sub-par cybmals. I recommend cymbals by Sabian and the old stand-by, Zildjian. Paiste makes some decent materials, too.

However, if you are willing to spend some decent cash, I suggest you go for quality, and nothing says quality and class like a kit by Drum Workshop. Holy shit, those things are nice.

Links:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/search.html/sr ... 3A13346691 ;

http://www.dwdrums.com/

i'm with hot. wax. drum workshop is great. while i don't use their drums, i do use their hardware. i can't say enough good things about the 5000 series pedals. I'm a turbo man myself (5002) and the two legged high-hat stand is perfect for getting the high-hat close to that second bass drum pedal.

being that im a drummer you would think that i would have some idea about this. unfortunately, i dont.

if you're just looking for something to 'fuck around with' look into something used, you could possibly find a 'decent' 4 piece kit some guy's trying to get rid of for as low as $400.

back in '94 i scored a 7 piece Tama Swingstar set (with minimal cymbals) from some guy who put an ad in the paper needing to get rid of it. he was broke and needed cash.. i paid $500.00

My first kit was a Tama Starclassisc, and it's a great kit. My favorite kit is my 72 Ludwig. I lucked out, got it from guitar center for $220.

As already stated, go used. I scored my 5 piece Pacific LX set (all maple) for $350 from a kid who changed his mind and wanted to play guitar. This included hardware and Zildjian lower end cymbals.

Here's a Tama Rockstar kit, which is a good starter kit, in Champaign IL on ebay...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... eName=WDVW

No cymbals, but it's a good kit. Busty has one.