Drums are rediculous...

[Hotsticks1]

Drums are rediculous...ly overpriced that is! 

True story. I'm in love with drums but it seems like unless you're endorsed or you have some serious connections they have the habbit of ripping holes in and brothas and sistas pocketts everywhere!!! And I'm not hating at all, kudos to all of those who are good enough to be endorsed and who have connections, I have much respect for you doing what you do. But for those of us who aren't lucky enough to have come acroos those things what's to become of us as far as finances? I was up at Guitar Center the other day and they're saying that similar to college tuition drum prices are rising tremendously. It seems like everytime I get some cash I have to go out and buy sticks, or replace a head...No dates, no new clothes, no Denny's...AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!  . It's driving me nuts!!! So I'm just curious if anyone has any idea why drum prices are getting so high and if there's any possibilty of things getting a little easier on the ol' billfold? Get at me ya'll...

[j_kay]

Unfortunately, that's just the nature of this nation's economy - supplies are more expensive than they were ten years ago, twenty years ago, etc. 

You're still young, so you have time to get into a good career that will afford you (with good stewardship, that is) to get what you want.  For now, however, just be patient and save  - price matching from an e-commerce site to your local Guitar Center or Sam Ash will save you a lot of dollars.  You just have to be more astute in finding those bargains. 

As MENDOZA stated, eBay is also a good place to get some really, really nice gear (reference: http://www.learngospelmusic.com/forums/index.php/topic,42981.0.html). 

[BigFoot_BigThumb]

Basically drums have become more about woods, finishes, and the visual aspect more than it did in the past.  Back in the day it was a shell with a covering on it.  Now it's about custom this, custom that.  Exotic woods, gold plated hardware, combination shells, and made-to-order drums are what's in now.  Hands down, it's pure and plain old capitalism.  No matter what it costs, if you want it, you will pay what we ask for it.  Yes drums are sounding better than ever before, but I don't see myself paying 7K+ for a drum kit anyime soon(DW).   

[j_kay]

Now that you mention it, those were great points that you've mentioned, especially about capitalism. 

[Hotsticks1]

Basically drums have become more about woods, finishes, and the visual aspect more than it did in the past.  Back in the day it was a shell with a covering on it.  Now it's about custom this, custom that.  Exotic woods, gold plated hardware, combination shells, and made-to-order drums are what's in now.  Hands down, it's pure and plain old capitalism.  No matter what it costs, if you want it, you will pay what we ask for it.  Yes drums are sounding better than ever before, but I don't see myself paying 7K+ for a drum kit anyime soon(DW).   

I gotta agree, you hit the nail right on the head...but still other than getting a ridiculously cheap kit it's almost like you can't get the best of everything. Because I didnt just mean the kit, I'm talking about the cymbals, the heads, the sticks, the pedals, stands, sticks...etc. IT'S JUST TOO $MUCH$!!! But I guess being somewhat of a youngin' I have to take J_kay's advice and just be patient...God will bless if it's for me I guess....

[oneleggreg]

Well young bro,  just start where you can and be a good steward over what ever God allows you to have.  And thank him for whatever.  As a Christian there is no such thing as luck.  I'm not endorsed by anybody,  but over the years God has blessed me with relationships with managers that has always allowed me to trade up.  And everytime I play out people what to by some piece of my kit,  and I keep in touch with them just in case I decide to sell something.

So in all Be a great steward over whatever God gives you.
Be Blessed!