I'm looking to buy a side drum for personal practice/competition soloing. Right now I'm looking at a Premier 1049. Any input/advice/suggestions for other drums?


P

Since you are involved with a pipe band, I believe you should be looking at the 1049S model. It has the double snares you need for pipe band drumming. Of course, Premier has a model 0041 and two high tension models (HTS 700 and HTS 350). Dynasty has a double snare model DFX14, Yamaha has the MTS-9213 and 9214 double snare models, and finally, Pearl has a pipe band snare that's pretty much a FFX with double snares.

All of these companies have quality products but I've read that getting parts for Premier drums might be an issue. Other than that, it's more about what you are willing to spend.

Check out Andante drums.

http://www.andantedrums.co.uk/

They have a very good drum and their head is rather nice as well. I know Garf Cadet has used it and likes it. I would stay away from the double snares because they are not meant for pipe band drumming and the sound will not be the same. The only one that I think might be close is the DFXT which is a halfway point between a corps style snare and a pipe snare. Look at the Pearl and Andante drums. Premeire has been the standard for pipe drumming for years but it is hard to find someone who deals with them and its very hard to get replacement parts for them. Also Premeire is not known for their amazing customer service. I love the Andante drums a very nice sounding axe.

I have a Premier HTS700 and mine works great, as for getting parts, i've never had a problem but i guess that could depend on your location.

if you are looking to get a drum, then why not join a band? i know lot of bands provide their members with a drum to play.

I too have used andante and I feel that they are a very very sound choice. Sweet sound, clean look and we never had any problems with them.

I would personally recommend using either the Premier HTS 700 or even consider purchasing a second-hand Premier HTS 300. My band currently uses the 300's but we considering upgrading to the 700's. One point to consider though is that i have heard the hoops on the newer drums are considerably weaker than those on the HTS 300.

I personally own and have played All the Premier HTS Premier Drums, and Prefer the HTS 700. The Andante is a great drum buttt it definitely has a sound of its own. I do prefer the Core-tec head by Andante.. Especially on a Pearl Pipe Drum!
Just personal Preference:)

Nathan McLaren
http://www.nathanmclaren.com
----------------------------
Toronto Police Pipe Band
CADRE
I.A.T.D Member

I've always love the Premier hts myself. I bought one used and just cleaned it up. It's a strong drum thats almost impossible to mess up. If you're looking for a site to purchae used drums try fallspercussion.com

If you still are looking for a side drum you can get a hts700 from drumsplus.com for $450 all paint and lacquered black on black...I recommend the lacquered rather than wrap for durability...I've seen too many wraps pulling apart from the elements of playing outside. this drum on most sites is around 600+...good luck.