I wonder why stores don't sell complete drum sets with stands, pedal, stool, cymbals, sticks and earplugs included. I understand that top line sets should be custom-picked but entry and intermediate level should be offered as a complete package. Intermediate sets can have a few more options and can come with or without cymbals. But a starting drummer doesn't care how many options he has to choose from. What he cares about is getting a decent set, all-in one.
Also, drums should be fitted with quality heads, from entry to exclusive level. There's no other factor that affects sound as much as heads do. But I see flimsy heads on drums all the time. How can you convince a customer if the set doesn't sound right in the shop? That's why I would fit drums with either coated or self-muting heads, to cut unwanted overtones.
The default sizes should also be reviewed. I'd say something like this:
Pop set: 10x9, 12x10, 14x14, 20x16, 13x6
Rock set: 10x9, 13x11, 16x16, 22x18, 14x6
If I would be a shop owner, I would present some 4 piece drums with cymbals, correspoding hardware and quality heads. I'd suggest some different cymbals or heads if the customer wants to and explain him how it affects the sound, or order an extra tom or two if he wishes. But at least offer a complete product you can work with. Just think about this pop-funk set, I'd buy it in right away:
Sonor force 3000
10x9 coated amb or PS3 / clear amb
14x14 coated amb or PS3 / clear amb
20x17 clear PS3 / coated PS3 with evans pillow
12x5 delite snare or 13x5 s classix snare
coated amb / clear amb SS
Two double boom stands, one holding the tom and crash, the other a ride and crash
15 or 16" A custom crash
17 or 18" A custom crash
20 K custom ride, 20 K ride, 20 K custom medium ride or 20 K custom dark ride
13 K/Z hats, 13 K hats, 13 K light hats, or 13 K custom dark hats
HH stand
Snare stand
Kick pedal
Stool
VF 5A or H5A sticks
Cheap earplugs
There you've got it, one excellent pop/funk set. Now do a jazz set, a rock set and metal, and you're set.
Also, drums should be fitted with quality heads, from entry to exclusive level. There's no other factor that affects sound as much as heads do. But I see flimsy heads on drums all the time. How can you convince a customer if the set doesn't sound right in the shop? That's why I would fit drums with either coated or self-muting heads, to cut unwanted overtones.
The default sizes should also be reviewed. I'd say something like this:
Pop set: 10x9, 12x10, 14x14, 20x16, 13x6
Rock set: 10x9, 13x11, 16x16, 22x18, 14x6
If I would be a shop owner, I would present some 4 piece drums with cymbals, correspoding hardware and quality heads. I'd suggest some different cymbals or heads if the customer wants to and explain him how it affects the sound, or order an extra tom or two if he wishes. But at least offer a complete product you can work with. Just think about this pop-funk set, I'd buy it in right away:
Sonor force 3000
10x9 coated amb or PS3 / clear amb
14x14 coated amb or PS3 / clear amb
20x17 clear PS3 / coated PS3 with evans pillow
12x5 delite snare or 13x5 s classix snare
coated amb / clear amb SS
Two double boom stands, one holding the tom and crash, the other a ride and crash
15 or 16" A custom crash
17 or 18" A custom crash
20 K custom ride, 20 K ride, 20 K custom medium ride or 20 K custom dark ride
13 K/Z hats, 13 K hats, 13 K light hats, or 13 K custom dark hats
HH stand
Snare stand
Kick pedal
Stool
VF 5A or H5A sticks
Cheap earplugs
There you've got it, one excellent pop/funk set. Now do a jazz set, a rock set and metal, and you're set.