re: Music Board Drummers

A few points I'll make and I"ll try to keep from writing a book.

Getting something super customized (Like the SJC, Resin or Truth) will cost a good bit but you will take a huge hit on resale value. When you decide down the road that your tastes change you will have a hard time selling something that has a weird finish, sizes, or powder coated hardware and from a brand that is considered boutique. Especially something you will have paid out the arse for. Of those boutique custom brands C & C have definitely turned the corner and separated themselves. Similar to Pork Pie.

Those DW Performance series are fine drums and if they are tuned up well with good heads I would consider them pro-level and I actually prefer the sound of them to the regular collectors. The only difference is there aren't as many size and finish options and that's how they keep the cost down. There is nothing wrong with the fit, finish, or shells in those kits.

Don't order a Yamaha MCA. Yamaha is about to move their from Japan to China and they will be discontinuing those. So add ons won't be possible starting this summer.

I have a Gretsch USA custom kit that I got last year. It took about 12 weeks to get. They are all made to order in South Carolina. I got black lacquer but after I ordered they changed the pricing structure and now the satin finish USA kits are significantly cheaper and a great value in my opinion.

Also, DW collectors and Gretsch USA Custom are about as polar opposite on the sound spectrum as you can get. The Gretsch have thin shells, with no reinforcement rings and die cast hoops and the DW Collectors have triple flanged hoops and the shells have reinforcement rings. Two totally different sounds.