What is a good drum set to buy for Jazz AND rock?

Question

I have it narrowed down to some vintage kits:
-Rogers Londoner XP8
-A 1970's maple Slingerland

I have all the hardware and most of the cymbals. I'm looking from something around $1000. Over the past few years my gigs have been more and more mixed between jazz and rock instead of just rock.

Answer 1

These are two good sets for jazz, though I somewhat agree with another answer that the sticks are very important. Many jazz drummers I know have changed to multi-rod type strikers, especially with electronic kits. I use many different size, weight and style sticks. Anyhow, that's another question.



I use Rodgers vintage for most of my gigs, jazz and rock. But the Slingerland maplewood has been a selection by many jazz drummers. Either kit would work for any type of music. Just use bigger, heavier sticks for most rock gigs. This is a generalization, but most rock kits use bigger drums and are tuned lower in pitch. This generally gives penetration through the ensuing sound wall of electronic guitars. But many jazz drummers (Tony Williams, Alphonse Mouzon, e.g.) like this penetration also. It depends upon the group and the location.

Answer 2

Gretsch Catalina

Mapex Horizon Jazz Drum Set

Answer 3

I spent around $700 on my Tama Rockstar Custom. I like it very much. The smallest tom is 10 inches. If you tune it tight with a coated head, you get the jazz sound. Use coated heads on all the toms, and a thin plastic on the bass, and you can get the whole kit sounding like what you hear on jazz CDs. Best thing about the Tama Rockstar series is that they are built very well. Ball joints for the tom hardware is easy to adjust, also super strong. I bought mine about 6 years ago, so I'm not up to par on whats availabe right now, but i imagine the Tama sets are still good. As for mid priced cymbals, I highly suggest the Paiste Alpha thin crashes. I have a 10 and 14 on my set and I love the sound. Even if I had more money to spend, i wouldn't care to replace them.

Answer 4

Gretsch USA Custom, 4 or 5 pc new or used is the best. Also, too complete the sound add K.Zildian cymbals.

Answer 5

It's not the drumset, its the sticks, but I'd go with 1970's, it has the look of cool for jazz, and the old fashioned style for rock!

Answer 6

Slingerlands have FANTASTIC Jazz sounds