Should I buy or wait?

[DragonWarLord]

When you first began learning, did you buy a drum set or did you only practice on your teacher's equipment? Or maybe you rented equipment or used some at a local church or other place that allowed you to borrow.

I am not sure whether to splurge and buy what I want immediately, or do the wiser thing and wait until I've had a few lessons and know if this is really something I'll take to.

Recommendations and experiences appreciated.

 

[pwarbi]

Personally if you are only starting to learn how to play the drums or any instrument for that matter, I think the best thing to do is to beg, borrow or steal the equipment before you buy your own. Musical equipment isn't cheap and especially full drum kits, and even if you do buy and decide it's not for you, while you will be able to sell the kit on quickly and without taking too much of a loss, is it really worth all the hassle?

Many music shops here in the UK so I'm sure they'll do it in most countries around the world, will rent equipment out for a modest fee, and as long as you look after it of course then that could be something to look into before you take the step of buying your own for the first time?

 

[tonyb]

If you have the means to buy the musical equipment I wouldn't advice you to wait. The earlier you get the instrument and learning and playing the faster you become very good and develop excellent skills at playing instruments.

Whether you purchase the instruments now or when you finish your training it's still going to be yours. I believe the earlier you start getting a maximum feel of them the better for your training.

 

[TheKnight]

You should have the instrument with you in your home. The longer you have it with you, the faster you'll learn but if you lack the money, you can buy a drum sound pad instead and practice on that. My cousin couldn't afford drums at first and used the pad.

 

[DR KOKIL AGARWAL]

I bought my drum set only after going to the classes for 15 days. It was only after I felt that I loved to enjoy drumming I invested my money in buying one.

I started with a very basic design and slowly upgraded it with time.

 

[Rey]

You should have the instrument with you in your home. The longer you have it with you, the faster you'll learn but if you lack the money, you can buy a drum sound pad instead and practice on that. My cousin couldn't afford drums at first and used the pad.

if you can afford it get it that looks so sick

 

[test-user]

if you can afford it get it that looks so sick

A cheap set can often be bought for 200 - 300 USD on eBay, maybe less. In that case, while I have to say that practice pads are good, especially for beginners and marching band players, they are not always necessary.

 

[DR KOKIL AGARWAL]

As a beginner I feel that one should start with minimal investment. Soon as the progress occurs both in terms of interest as well as performance level one should start upgrading the equipment correspondingly.

 

[Shine_Spirit]

For beginners, I think it's best to rente (from someone or a known store ) and see if it really is what you want to buy because interests may change over time. After you're sure - and you can afford it - buy it.

 

[Corzhens]

[No message]

 

[Shine_Spirit]

Well said. Very useful tips. I think starting investing a little money is a wise thing to do (regardless of whether you have money or not ) because you kill your will without making your pocket complain. Woot

 

[Kaynil]

This is a personal thing, man. You know yourself better than us, depending on what is making you hesitate can guide what is the wiser approach.

If you tend to switch hobbies too easily and don't trust yourself yet to keep this one as a long term commitment, then I definitely would suggest you keep exploring if you like it by juicing as much as possible whatever chance you can get with the school's or a friend's set.

On the other hand, if part of why you are considering buying an instrument of your own is because you feel limited by using external resources then, I would recommend you buy yourself something simple that you can call your own just so you can indulge into your passion to your heart's content.

 

[bhuvi]

In my opinion till you get experienced with it I suggest you to wait

 

[Cmdr Data]

I would start small. Find a starter pack or bundle. Buy used gear online. Ask friends if you can rent some gear. You might decide you don't want to follow through with this. However, you're more likely to get frustrated with limited progress by not having the means to practice at home. This could lead to burn out. The good thing about music gear is that is always maintains some value so you can get portions of your investment back.

 

[Martee]

I'm a fan of starting off small and working my way up. I'd buy myself a 'beginners' kit and once I feel comfortable and want to start adding more into the mix I'll slowly and slowly upgrade myself to a proper kit when I can drum away to my hearts content. I've gone straight to the top with stuff before and it's always been more annoying than it is cool when I find out I've no idea what I'm doing with all the bells and whistles before I can even get myself into a rhythm on something simple.

 

[overcast]

I think initially if you can learn from virtual means or through some person who can lend you the drum or any instrument is a good start point. Once you are comfortable and getting used to that you can go ahead and buy it.