On drums...

Locally I've been working with a seller on these:
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/msg/2362983859.html

After selling my two Designer kits a few years back, I swore I'd move on from really expensive Sonor kits. Anyone ever play Maple Heavy Designers? I wish this kit had a 10, but I may have found one to add on, though it's 10x9. Maybe I could cut down the 12 to 12x10 and convert the 14x14 to a floor tom. Dunno if I'd use the 18 as a floor tom most of the time, maybe do a soft convert to a bass drum. Sheesh for over $2000, you'd think I could just buy a kit already in my sizes--is this madness?

Thoughts opinions?
Thanks, H

Probably a bit of madness, but who among us could refute that claim?

If looks were the issue, those certainly would fill the bill. Cutting down the drums would be an incredible hassle, with the long lugs and tom hangers. Sonically, why are you thinking heavy maple? Less overtones than the light maple, more focussed mids, less highs and bass. A heavy rock kit.

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Gregory

Yes, less overtones, but all the nice deep that maple gives. I've has Sigs and the dryness just didn't do it for me. Maple seems to have a nice "sparkle" at the high mids too.

Actually the 12x12 wouldn't need to be re-lugged at all as the lugs on these early drums only came in two or three lengths. A 12x12 tom has the same lugs as a 12x10 tom, but the tension rods are different length to make up for the disparity. See the 14" tom as a great example.

The thing that's gnawing at me, after the cost, is that they are Black--not necessarily bad but very Phill Rudd. Also you said it Greg--Heavy Rock. I'm not playing that style these days so much and probably won't in the future. A 22 is doing me just fine right now and 20's are an old fave of mine.

I like the rarity of the thick shells, but my old Maple Lights sounded incredible. I play Yamaha Beech Customs now and let's face it a good drummer sounds good on any kit. If I do say so myself.

Overpriced for goofy sizes Hale. And way overpriced to be looking for orphans or modifying drums.
I know Maple heavy's are rare but....so is money.
They will sound "square", huge and dry. No way around it.
PLUS...you don't get the hardware. Ridiculous.
By time your done with the whole deal, you'll be 4K into the thing.
Just tell yourself no and tomorrow you will be happy you did.
My 02
PS. Sam had a awesome Maple heavy kit in bubinga for that money. With a snare and all the hardware. And more friendly sizes.

EDIT: Just noticed thats not even the Ebay listing. He has it on craigslist too?? ha

Kelly is right on this one - it would be an "expensive and hard-to-finish" project...

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Goki - short from Goran

Let the good drums roll!!!

Again?

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Gregory

"Kelly is right on this one"

Apparently not always

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Cliff

River City Trio

What if we did all have the same opinions?

If you can find a 10, send me the 12,16,24, and you have the 10,14,18.
If i was in the US, it might be worth it. But freight would be ridiculous

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Jeff
Gots ta luv da Beech
Australia

Thanks gentlemen, yes after all the hassle it's not really worth it. Money these days is nice to have--drums well they aren't worth the hassle sometimes. Thanks for talking me down...