Tips/guide to buying a used drum kit

[Saturn/Return]

Hello everyone! Buying a 2nd hand drumset can be an intimidating experience but can lead to great savings on the cost of drums.

What are the basic things I should check on regarding it's sound and durability? With second-hand goods there is more chance you could be misled or worse still, outright conned. Please share some tips and advice in buying a used drumkit.

All insightful comments and suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
This will be truly helpful for all interested in buying 2nd/used hand drumset.

Thanks to all

[peeves24]

1. always always do your research. things always get less intimidating if you know a thing or two about what you're actually buying.
2. get the total price of the 2nd hand unit along with the things that will need replacement e.g. heads, stands. you will be surprised that buying brand new is more worthwhile if you factor in the prices of the other hardware that will make your 2nd hand drums functional
3. if in doubt, ASK somebody who knows otherwise cross your fingers then forget your purchase price and never discuss the amount again 

[Akira JUMBO]

Topic exists. Searching..

[Saturn/Return]

I really don't post as much here but I've really looked up to the Pinoydrum Forums since rarely any fighting or disrespect goes on here. I hope to learn from what everyone can share. Pardon my noob post, I tried the search function but I had no luck. Pls delete if needed.

Thanks and best regards to all

[inigo]

Sound
Shells
Shells are subjective. Some people like the cheap woods, some people like the high-end ones. Doesn't matter.
It's mostly in the heads, so invest in good drum heads (e.g. Remo, Evans, Aquarian, etc) Bad shells + good and well-tuned heads is always better than good shells + sucky heads.

There's a thread about heads, and one about tuning them.

Cymbals
Bronze is better than brass. Higher prices does not mean better... it just means there are more processes involved in making it.

Durability
Cheap hardware almost always means not very durable. Like Squier vs Fender (knowing that you're a guitarist, hehe)

Prices
Like guitars, always check 2nd hand prices and prices online. Also, info on series, brand, etc are probably as abundant in the web as that for guitars.

Drum forums are also useful. For starters: www.pearldrummersforum.com, www.drummerworld.com

Happy hunting

[Akira JUMBO]

When Selling/Buying 2nd-hand Gears..
http://talk.philmusic.com/board/index.php/topic,89695.0.html

First Time Gear Buyer Questions Here!
http://talk.philmusic.com/board/index.php/topic,41598.0.html

What newbees should know before buying a Drum item
http://talk.philmusic.com/board/index.php/topic,111024.0.html

HTH. Lock up!