Daniel Ross, can you help?

This year, the item at the top of my fifth-grader's wish list is the dreaded (for parents) "drum set." I have been putting off making a decision on this. Would you mind answering a few questions for me? How did you get started as a drummer/percussionist? Did you take lessons? Do you have any suggestions on what to get the rank beginner? Should I invest in heavy-duty ear plugs, or should I just up the blood pressure meds? Thanks for any advice you can offer.

RT Tugger's blog | login to post comments

Comment viewing options

Select your preferred way to display the comments and click "Save settings" to activate your changes.
RT-Drumming
Submitted by Daniel Ross on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 1:55pm.

The way I got started in percussion was very interesting. On the move from elementary school to middle school, I was told by my parents that I had to either join the band or the chorus. I hated singing so I chose the lesser of two evils (at the time). On the first day, the band director told us to choose our instruments.

There were 22 kids that wanted to do percussion. only 10 would make it. I was one of the lucky 10. I have never regretted my decision.

I took lessons from 6-8 grades. In the middle of my 7th grade year, my lessons teacher stopped teaching at my middle school and I had to travel to Riverdale to take lessons. After a year and a half of taking lessons in Riverdale, I stopped because there was nothing else I could learn from that teacher.

I don't know how if your 5th grader's interest in drumsets are going to last past christmas, or if it's just a fad. If it's a fad, I'd invest in a cheaper drumest that can be played on for a few months and then discarded in the basement.

However, If your child is truly interested, there are electronic drumsets taht you can control the volume on (these range from 800 to the mid 1000's) or I'd suggest investing in a drumset made by Yamaha or Ludwig or Evans with Sabian or Zildjan cymbals.

Having said that, another way to gauge your child's interest in drumming is to just buy him a snare drum (ludwig or yamaha) with some general Vic Firth SD-1 Generals from the local music store (Jackson's on 314 or Attina's on 54 or Guitar Center in Bank's Crossing on 85 or Music and Arts in the Avenue).

If your child does go on to middle school doing percussion, let me know.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

"Triangle Park"? Give me a break.
They should have fixed Shamrock first.

SCHS '07. Drumline.

login to post comments
Thanks, Daniel
Submitted by RT Tugger on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 11:47pm.

I enjoyed reading about your start in drumming, and I appreciate the advice on drumsets. I have no idea what Vic Firths are, but I'll likely head to either Attina's or Guitar Center this weekend. I'm glad you suggested starting with a snare drum, because I was wondering if that would be a good way to get started without buying an entire drumset (at least until we see how long the interest lasts). Once again, many thanks!

login to post comments
Starting out
Submitted by Daniel Ross on Sat, 12/15/2007 - 9:56am.

I agree with Hutch. Jackson's has better prices than Guitar Center or Attina's and the staff is much more friendly.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Triangle Park"? Give me a break.
They should have fixed Shamrock first.

SCHS '07. Drumline.

login to post comments
Daniel
hutch866's picture
Submitted by hutch866 on Sat, 12/15/2007 - 10:11am.

That's where we bought the hutchette's buffet clarinet the place in PTC and Attina's both wanted an arm and a leg where at Jackson's they just got an arm and a foot.

I yam what I yam....Popeye


login to post comments
Music Stores and Drums
muddle's picture
Submitted by muddle on Sat, 12/15/2007 - 10:41am.

Area musicians lost out when Fayette Music Merchants closed up. That was a great mom and pop shop. The only silver lining is that my compulsive guitar-buying pretty much came to an end. I would walk in there and he would have a used or vintage instrument at an unbelievable price. Next thing I knew, I was trying to explain things to Mrs. Muddle. (The shop also was a nice feature on the Fayette square, which is otherwise taken up by unattractive businesses.)

I've noticed that Costco is selling drum kits at a fairly cheap price. I'm sure you wouldn't want to take these along on your band's European Tour, but I wonder if they are a good way for a young person to get started at a fairly affordable price.

________________

My Opie impression: circa 1963.


login to post comments
hutch
Submitted by Daniel Ross on Sat, 12/15/2007 - 10:40am.

They have the best prices on drumsticks and auxilary stuff. Once I was considered a repeat customer, I got deals on mismatched drumsticks (yes there's a way to tell if two drumsticks don't match). Out of every 3 pairs I bought of mismatched sticks, at least 2 pairs matched.

And three pairs of mismatched sticks cost the same as one pair of mismatched at attina's.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Triangle Park"? Give me a break.
They should have fixed Shamrock first.

SCHS '07. Drumline.

login to post comments
Tugger
hutch866's picture
Submitted by hutch866 on Sat, 12/15/2007 - 7:38am.

Check with Jacksons at Old National and 138 across from the Mcdonalds they will most likely have a better deal then Attina's.

I yam what I yam....Popeye


login to post comments
Drums, music stores, etc.
Submitted by RT Tugger on Sat, 12/15/2007 - 4:58pm.

Thanks, everyone, for the comments about Jackson's. I can see I need to check them out before I buy anything. We bought an electric guitar last year from Guitar Center and were pleased with their service, but I'm all about saving money if the service is just as good elsewhere. I still can't believe I'm contemplating adding drums to mix of music/noise at our house.

login to post comments
Someone explain?
Submitted by d.smith700 on Sat, 12/15/2007 - 5:28pm.

What does : "I'm all about saving money," or "all about" anything?
Surely not?
Does it translate as : Among many other things, I want to save money when I can?
I am all about many, many things, myself!

login to post comments
Sure Smithy, I'll explain
Submitted by RT Tugger on Sun, 12/16/2007 - 12:32pm.

d.smith = nitpicker = someone who pays too much attention to petty details. Have a nice Sunday!

login to post comments
RT
Submitted by Daniel Ross on Sat, 12/15/2007 - 5:18pm.

You get used to the noise after a while. I know I've lost a bit of my hearing since becoming a percussionist.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Triangle Park"? Give me a break.
They should have fixed Shamrock first.

SCHS '07. Drumline.

login to post comments
RT
Submitted by Daniel Ross on Sat, 12/15/2007 - 5:18pm.

You get used to the noise after a while. I know I've lost a bit of my hearing since becoming a percussionist.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Triangle Park"? Give me a break.
They should have fixed Shamrock first.

SCHS '07. Drumline.

login to post comments
Daniel...
Submitted by RT Tugger on Sun, 12/16/2007 - 12:37pm.

I'm sure I'll adjust. We have several instruments at our home, and I've witnessed the learning curve from beginner to accomplished musician. I'm glad my kids have an interest in music, and I'm happy to support that interest. I'd rather them play an instrument than play electronic games; they do enough of that anyway.

login to post comments

Comment viewing options

Select your preferred way to display the comments and click "Save settings" to activate your changes.