A Mark In Time
General Discussion => General Discussion => Topic started by: marky49 on August 24, 2009, 06:35:30 PM
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Hi guys,
Do we have a drummer in our forum who can recommend a drum kit for kids? How much are they? I need one for my almost 3 year old son who likes to play the rhythm on everything what he can reach. He seems to be quite serious about it as he is asking me all the time since weeks if he can have a drum kit. And I've shown him Danny's kit on a picture, now he is really into it! ::)
Is cheap ok at this stage? Where should I buy it (we live in central London)? I've really no idea about drums at all, starting to google and surf now...puh, any help is much appreciated.
Thanks,
martina
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I don't know but I am interested in the answers. My son who is 5 is very interested in drums, even more since the drummer from Dr Feelgood gave him his sticks at the end of a gig!
He's got a plastic toy kit which he's had since he was one and it's time for an upgrade. Isn't 3 a little young I ask myself though?
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I had the same concerns as he will be 3 years old in November, so I sent a question to Danny on myspace (no answer) and now to Guy.
GF: "If they can hold a pair of sticks and hit things with them then they're old enough. Most kids do this before they can walk!. There are plenty of kids drum kits around, I'd suggest a visit to your local music store. Yamaha are ALWAYS a good bet but there are so many great deals around. No need to fork out a fortune at this stage."
My son can hit things and starts to play a rhythm already. He is also quite tall for his age.
Forgot to say: I went to three stores already. And had three different opinions, don't know if they tried to rip me off...haven't bought any yet.
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I'm not a drummer (i'm a guitarist), but one of my sons have a small kit. I think you should take Guy's advice: don't spend much money on the first kit. My son's kit is a good kit from a toy store (it's a real instrument though, not a toy like most kits you buy at toy stores.) As time goes by and it seems like the kid really enjoys it and probably is going to continue drumming, you can upgrade the kit, for instance buy a new and better kick drum pedal, then a high hat, a new snare and so on. Good luck!
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I'm not a drummer (i'm a guitarist), but one of my sons have a small kit. I think you should take Guy's advice: don't spend much money on the first kit. My son's kit is a good kit from a toy store (it's a real instrument though, not a toy like most kits you buy at toy stores.) As time goes by and it seems like the kid really enjoys it and probably is going to continue drumming, you can upgrade the kit, for instance buy a new and better kick drum pedal, then a high hat, a new snare and so on. Good luck!
Thank you for your reply.
Can you give me the name of that kit or the store where you bought it? Would like to check on the web.
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I found an interesting website http://www.vintagedrum.com/category/Learn-to-Play-Drum-Sets-for-Kids
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Great! Thanks!
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That site looks interesting, but maybe a little overprized. I think a drumkit from a toystore will do. I gave my sisters little boy one when he was 3 as well, simple one in a toystore, little similar to this one: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3592663 . He loved it very much, but now at the age of 10 he doesn't like at anymore. More interest in sports nowadays. So no need to pay more than necessary. Don't forget to buy a little seat as well. From the site you found the $99,95 things will do. Or wait another couple of months, most of the times (at least in Holland) in oktober most shops will come with good actions.
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Great! Thanks!
when you go to their FAQ this is great advice: http://www.vintagedrum.com/kids_popup.htm
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That site looks interesting, but maybe a little overprized. I think a drumkit from a toystore will do. I gave my sisters little boy one when he was 3 as well, simple one in a toystore, little similar to this one: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3592663 . He loved it very much, but now at the age of 10 he doesn't like at anymore. More interest in sports nowadays. So no need to pay more than necessary. Don't forget to buy a little seat as well. From the site you found the $99,95 things will do. Or wait another couple of months, most of the times (at least in Holland) in oktober most shops will come with good actions.
Thanks, Ingrid!
We have some time until his b'day, but we start with no knowledge at all. Guitars are no problem for me, but drums? ???
What I found out so far is, we want a 5-piece drum set. If he wants drum lessons, a drum instructor will prefer a 5 piece set over a 3 piece set. And we don't want plastic, but I don't want to spend
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I'd tend to agree with Ingrid, a toy kit is enough at his age. My son has one which is even more plastic than that. I have changed the "skins" using an old painting (ie canvass). Sure it's far from sounding like a real kit but it
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I'd tend to agree with Ingrid, a toy kit is enough at his age. My son has one which is even more plastic than that. I have changed the "skins" using an old painting (ie canvass). Sure it's far from sounding like a real kit but it
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If the ToysRus set is made of wood and ajustable in heighth and tiltable, it could be a great set to start with. It looks like the skins are tunable and changeable, and that's good. If you want to turn it into a five piece set, you can add a high-hat stand and a new snare drum on a floor stand. The original kick-drum-mounted snare can easily be changed into a tom. When the time comes for real lessons, you can add a floor tom, and the drum kit is complete. But it's all a matter of money, of course.
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Thanks for all your answers, confused me really! :-\
So, I've asked Guy back again (thank you) and he said he would go for a real kit if it's not a fad of our son. I don't think it is, because he is asking me since weeks if he can have a drums kit. For a 3yo it sounds very serious. And, his wooden drum http://www.elc.co.uk/toy/wooden-drum-1/ is his most loved toy in the house.
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Without being overly disrespectful of previous suggestions, i would purchase a Roland TD4 electronic set (if you can afford it) - this stuff is cutting edge technology, sounds great at low volumes and reacts with real kit sensitivity!
The band i play with, rehearse with a TD20, which is top of the line - very expensive - but allows us to rehearse without turning all our amps up to ear splitting gig levels! And our drummer LOVES it! He spends all night adjusting the sounds with a big smile on his face (cos the TD20 doesn`t belong to him)!!!
Believe me, even if you don`t have a talented young prodigy on your hands, your ears will THANK YOU!!!!
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Without being overly disrespectful of previous suggestions, i would purchase a Roland TD4 electronic set (if you can afford it) - this stuff is cutting edge technology, sounds great at low volumes and reacts with real kit sensitivity!
The band i play with, rehearse with a TD20, which is top of the line - very expensive - but allows us to rehearse without turning all our amps up to ear splitting gig levels! And our drummer LOVES it! He spends all night adjusting the sounds with a big smile on his face (cos the TD20 doesn`t belong to him)!!!
Believe me, even if you don`t have a talented young prodigy on your hands, your ears will THANK YOU!!!!
For a 3 year old boy? Are you talking of this http://drums-percussion.musiciansfriend.com/product/Roland-TD4S-V-Compact-Electronic-Drum-Set?sku=580565 ?
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Well..... YES!
If you are considering purchasing a `live` sounding real kit for a <10yr old i would say "bad idea" - firstly because they will not need to play at such volume for a LONG time and secondly because REAL GOOD kits are VERY expensive!
The TD series is not cheap, but VERY good value. The sounds + playablilty are incredible, the feel is spot on, and of course, what you will hear in your house will not make you shout "STOP PLAYING THAT RUBBISH!" .....lol
Honestly, even for a 3 yr old it is an investment that you won`t be disappointed in. But if you bought an entry level `normal` drum kit, its the sort of purchase you could seriously regret IF it were a fad.
Anyway you should do what seems best for your household - visit a local music shop and see a TD4 in action at all volumes and get the shop guy to play a real kit for you too, see what you think... :)
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Thanks Fletch! Exactly this is our problem, how much should me spend? We went to a local music shop in London (Soho, Denmark Street) and a guy who is working there told us the same as you now. Very interesting and helpful! I first thought he wants to rip us off, but now...I don't think this anymore. Haven't told him then. 8)
I think we'll go for a real drums kit. But which one and what price range, I'm still confused here.
There is a great store not far from us http://www.propercussion.co.uk, but they will probably give us another opinion! :-\
On the other hand, if our son will be serious with the drums, he will torture us in the house, I hope not our neighbours too. How loud is an acoustic drum kit?
One more question, does the rule apply for drums as well: You'll get what you've paid for?
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P.s. I certainly don`t want to be disrespectful of Guys advice (& i`m acutely aware of doing so recently regarding his forum!) BUT....
As an average musician myself, i know from experience that it is MUCH easier to improve and be inspired when what you play FEELS GOOD and what you hear SOUNDS GREAT compared to most entry level instruments that can be (brutally speaking) less than inspiring.
Folks like MK and GF are INCREDIBLY talented individuals and would have developed their talents had they`d been given the crappiest load of wood and sticks available to modern man - Mere mortals like the rest of us, DESERVE and NEED to be given a helping hand when learning.... i say, help your youngster if you can afford to do so. I guess i equate this whole thread with someone who aspires to learning the Piano but only provides themselves with a dodgy 12" Casio toy to start with. Bad idea!
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How loud is an acoustic drum kit?
One more question, does the rule apply for drums as well: You'll get what you've paid for?
Very Loud! (go to a shop and get the assistant to play!)
And YES! lol, but don`t worry - just like guitars, you can get great sounding gear for reasonable prices these days.
good luck :)
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Thank you, Fletch! Really appreciate your info.
Well, we'll go and visit another store and get the assistant play an acoustic and electronic kit. Listen to their advice. But I think my son is more into the real sound at the moment! ::)
I need to discuss it with his Daddy now and see what he wants to spend on it. But I'm worried already after the last gift...
Oh my dear, why not the guitar? :'(
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Hi Martina,
just reading the posts,
if it was me I'd be buying a cheap ( not plastic ) drum kit.In fairness the lad is only 3 so he might decide next week that he wants to play the violin or something & the drum kit is gathering dust until he has another lash at it after seeing the Cadburys advert on the tv.At least if its a cheap one it goes down to experience & if he really likes it then you can upgrade down the line.
I have four kids,three of which have gone past the 3yrs of age bracket & I've bought & searched the internet for stuff that I couldnt buy locally only to see it thrown in the playroom with the rest of the also ran's once they find another fad.
Just my opinion,but I wouldnt be forking out a fortune at this stage.
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Yes, very good point too. Who knows what will happen next, and he comes up very soon with something different. I think we'll go for a real drum kit, but not for a fortune at this stage.
Thanks, Waterline Man!
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I totally agree with our man from the waterline. (I too am a tightfisted bitch ;D)
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Thank you, Fletch! Really appreciate your info.
No worries - I know your pain from two angles! First from playing and buying guitars / amps myself (i`ve learnt that its MUCH better to practice when what you hear sounds like the album!) and secondly from my own son (12yrs old) who agonized last year whether to learn drums or guitar... In the end he chose guitar, but meanwhile i learnt a lot! Plus, My rehearsals with the TD20 are nothing short of incredible - its true, we wouldn`t play live with them (although we probably could, but thats another story) - but the feel / sounds / NICE volumes are an absolute JOY!
I know your son is only three and if you think this is just a passing fad then go for the toyrus toy, but a real instrument like a TD4 is a keeper that will hold its value and always be an asset - like a 1954 stratocaster...... drool! :)
All the best - i do tend to rave on about these things!!!!! Music is good for the soul! ;D
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Thank you, Fletch! Really appreciate your info.
No worries - I know your pain from two angles! First from playing and buying guitars / amps myself (i`ve learnt that its MUCH better to practice when what you hear sounds like the album!) and secondly from my own son (12yrs old) who agonized last year whether to learn drums or guitar... In the end he chose guitar, but meanwhile i learnt a lot! Plus, My rehearsals with the TD20 are nothing short of incredible - its true, we wouldn`t play live with them (although we probably could, but thats another story) - but the feel / sounds / NICE volumes are an absolute JOY!
I know your son is only three and if you think this is just a passing fad then go for the toyrus toy, but a real instrument like a TD4 is a keeper that will hold its value and always be an asset - like a 1954 stratocaster...... drool! :)
All the best - i do tend to rave on about these things!!!!! Music is good for the soul! ;D
You are right! It's so difficult to decide at the moment. And without any knowledge about drums even more difficult.
I'm more into acoustic guitars. I've both of MK's signature Martin and they are just great (and expensive too). I love to watch them and the sound is so different to my very first guitar which I still have. But you don't know which way he wants to go at the age of 3. We would certainly give him an asset...hmmm. Really a drag.
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I totally agree with our man from the waterline. (I too am a tightfisted bitch ;D)
lol ;D ;D
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We are always into quality and we will buy a good but not too expensive kit. I think when we buy a very cheap one and it sounds crap, he will very soon lose interest in playing. So he won't get a Ferrari but a Mercedes... 8)
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So he won't get a Ferrari but a Mercedes... 8)
Like that one?
Not sure it will fit as it is a second hand car (although it probably cost much more than some Ferrari - Mercedes are not so cheap after all :P )
(http://images.forum-auto.com/mesimages/315181/9986-mercedes-benz-300-sl-coupe-1954-copy.jpg)
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So he won't get a Ferrari but a Mercedes... 8)
Like that one?
Not sure it will fit as it is a second hand car (although it probably cost much more than some Ferrari - Mercedes are not so cheap after all :P )
(http://images.forum-auto.com/mesimages/315181/9986-mercedes-benz-300-sl-coupe-1954-copy.jpg)
Almost, but very close indeed.
(http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/marky66_photos/656186_MB_SL_420x275.jpg)
And...no need of a driving licence in our garden.
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with 3 years, my advice will be whatever he can kick again and again...
Let
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We go for real. We'll put it in my music room where 8 guitars and 2 keys are already stored. And soon a drum kit, now we miss the bass. Do we? ;-)
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We go for real. We'll put it in my music room where 8 guitars and 2 keys are already stored. And soon a drum kit, now we miss the bass. Do we? ;-)
A Fender Precision Bass would do the perfect picture then :D
I do think that as your child is learning. he needs something he could kick again and again before he learn how to do the tricks, then it
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We were at www.musicstore.de in Cologne last weekend which is the biggest music store in Europe. They have lots of drums on display, hard to pick one...and fun to try. Guy pointed me to Yamaha, so we think of a Yamaha junior drums kit. It sounds great and can 'grow' with him.
I couldn't resist to have a look at the guitars section. There is one I like to have. Why is it always a Martin? :P
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We were at www.musicstore.de in Cologne last weekend which is the biggest music store in Europe. They have lots of drums on display, hard to pick one...and fun to try. Guy pointed me to Yamaha, so we think of a Yamaha junior drums kit. It sounds great and can 'grow' with him.
I couldn't resist to have a look at the guitars section. There is one I like to have. Why is it always a Martin? :P
Because any good acoustic guitar is a good acoustic guitar, but a Martin is a MARTIN :D
I recall helping a friend
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This is our favorite at the moment: Manu Katch
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This is our favorite at the moment: Manu Katch
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Thanks BPDNEDCID for your great advice and very cool drum kit, indeed!
Thommy will get ear protection, they're on our list.
Btw, Phil Collins and 'In the air tonight' is my son's fav video at the moment. He saw the song on 'EC and friends' in B'ham 1986 which is in my EC collection. Now it is running all day... ::)
What do you think about the budget? The Yamaha Manu Katch
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I found this Tama Imperialstar Junior Drum Kits :-\
(http://www.drum-stop.co.uk/images/Tama-junior-kit-BMM.jpg)
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... Btw, Phil Collins and 'In the air tonight' is my son's fav video at the moment. He saw the song on 'EC and friends' in B'ham 1986 which is in my EC collection. Now it is running all day... ::)
marky49, PM your mailing address (if you like) and I can send you literally dozens of better versions of that song, both on CD and DVD. (Bootlegs, of course, nothing commercially available.) I say better versions because during that NEC show (I have the DVD as well) Phil gives an extremely poor performance of the song. I honestly think he was stoned or drunk at the time, although Phil has always been one of those guys that never seemed to get mixed up in drugs.
As for the Tama set you posted, why the frown face? I think that kit looks good. Depends on the size though. Perhaps too big for a three year old? But that is the joy of having little ones: They can always grow into things!
Peace.
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The frown face stands for undecided, that's what we are at the moment. You know, he is only 3 but quite tall already. Don't know if it is right for his age?
Have sent you a PM.
Cheers,
Martina
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Got your PM. Did you want some PC boots then? If so, I'll need your mailing address...
Peace.
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The frown face stands for undecided, that's what we are at the moment. You know, he is only 3 but quite tall already. Don't know if it is right for his age?
Have sent you a PM.
Cheers,
Martina
I think you can adjust every piece for the correct high, but not sure about the bass which has the two tombs, probably the tombs could be adjusted too, but not sure.
You better go to a real shop and do some tests, I
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We now have a drum kit (kid) ;) in our house. For his 3rd birthday he got this drum kit and he loves it (http://images.musicstore.de/images/GALLERY_DRU0007364-003_1_images400.jpg)
For interested parents, our son goes to musical classes at Gymboree http://www.gymboree-uk.com/franchisee.php?id=14 in Hampstead/London. Great fun for the kids, can recommend it.
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Congratulations, Marky! And more to your :) son also.
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I hope you have a nice sound isolated room!
Good luck!
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Many thanks. It was great to see his happy face when he walked in and saw the drum kit.
For the noise level: well, yes! ::) But he is playing in the lower ground and it is ok, so far...