VSX vs. VLX

[pdp7997]

I'm looking to get a new kit since I sold my x7, and I fell in love with the vision series. Is the only difference between the VLX and VSX the finish? Would the wrap have any effect on the sound? I can't make up my mind between the strata white VSX and the Amber fade VLX. The amber fade looks kinda like my old pdp tobacco fade, so I was thinking of getting something a little different. The guy at gc said he could get the VLX shell pack (fusion) to 500 out the door.

[Mr.BoJangles]

I'm pretty sure the only difference is the finish. VLX being lacquered, and VSX being wrapped. A wrap wouldn't affect the sound.

Get the VLX's, I just picked up my set, you won't be dissapointed.

[The Dorian]

The only difference is between the wrap and laquer.

No effect on sound.

[Genius Switch]

mr. bojangles....where are the pics of your kit?

[Mr.BoJangles]

mr. bojangles....where are the pics of your kit?

Their not up yet, seeing how my brother took our digital camera to his new house. If you like, I can take pictures on a webcam, even though the quality would suck.

[Stefan Ray]

Yes, the VLX will sound better because it is a lacquer finish instead of a wrap. Wraps do not sound as pure as a lacquer kit because of the wrap and the glue for the wrap on the shell. They choke the drum ever so slightly.

[pdp7997]

Yes, the VLX will sound better because it is a lacquer finish instead of a wrap. Wraps do not sound as pure as a lacquer kit because of the wrap and the glue for the wrap on the shell. They choke the drum ever so slightly.


Yea, thats what I was thinking.

[Genius Switch]

A few thoughts....

I'm not going to say that a wrapped kit will sound "slighty" different than a painted kit. It MIGHT be true. On the other hand, has anybody ever taken two identical kits with identical finishes and been able to get them to sound the same?

I say consider your needs....are you playing out? Outdoors? Is durability an issue? Does it clash with bass player's guitar (joking of course).

I personally would like a finish that is orignal and classy at the same time. I also go for finishes that are unique to the brand (ex. Yamaha's Musashi black, Mapex's Bermuda Sparkle, or Pearl's Purple Craze) If it's a wrapped kit...so be it. If it saves me a few bucks...even better.

My favorite Vison colors so far are Black Fade for VLX and Strata Red for the VSX. I have seen Vison kits in Strata White, Strata Blue, and Gun Metal Sparkle as well. They are all very nice colors. Amber Fade is kind of boring to me since every brand offers it and it's lost it's novelty.

Have fun choosing.

[NYR Fan]

I'll add my 2-cents. I just purchased a VLX in Strata Red, I may get it today! I made my decision based on years of playing in the clubs, private parties, etc. In terms of wear and tear, nothing beats a wrap finish. All the top companies have quality wrap coverings, my experience up to this point was with Tama and their Starclassic and Superstar lines. The Duracover wraps were flawless and in terms of sound, if there is a difference between lacquer and wrap, in my experience, it's been slight with a quality product.

[skywalker2]

Yes, the VLX will sound better because it is a lacquer finish instead of a wrap. Wraps do not sound as pure as a lacquer kit because of the wrap and the glue for the wrap on the shell. They choke the drum ever so slightly.


actually, no it wont. it will sound good or bad depending on his tuning skills and what kind of environment he is playing in. you can't blame it on glue either, as there is glue holding the seams of the drum together to being with, wether it is a wrap or not.


so therefore the only extra glue applied would be on the outer ply, which if we go by the visions approach to drums in general, is irrelevant, since its the INNER ply that determines the drums predominant sound.


IF there is a sonic difference between wrapped and lacquered kits, human ears cannot pick it up. You are simply imagining it because you are buyist towards a particular kit. If you ears can honestly detect the difference, you need to be working for some kind of secret agency doing something that is against the law.


the only choice he has to make will be dependent on a few evaluations of his needs/preferences.

Gigging and frequent outdoor use or transport usually would require a wrapped finish, as it protects the drum shell. But some people prefer the look and finish of a lacquered kit and like the color combos possible with painting the shell...other prefer wraps for the same reasons.

[skywalker2]

A few thoughts....

I'm not going to say that a wrapped kit will sound "slighty" different than a painted kit. It MIGHT be true. On the other hand, has anybody ever taken two identical kits with identical finishes and been able to get them to sound the same?

I say consider your needs....are you playing out? Outdoors? Is durability an issue? Does it clash with bass player's guitar (joking of course).

I personally would like a finish that is orignal and classy at the same time. I also go for finishes that are unique to the brand (ex. Yamaha's Musashi black, Mapex's Bermuda Sparkle, or Pearl's Purple Craze) If it's a wrapped kit...so be it. If it saves me a few bucks...even better.

My favorite Vison colors so far are Black Fade for VLX and Strata Red for the VSX. I have seen Vison kits in Strata White, Strata Blue, and Gun Metal Sparkle as well. They are all very nice colors. Amber Fade is kind of boring to me since every brand offers it and it's lost it's novelty.

Have fun choosing.


it has been debated alot, and i think actually proven that there is no significant difference sound.

[Mr.BoJangles]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v692/braeden_pilgrim/drums.jpg

Ironcobra, here's some low quality pics to hold you over until I can get better ones.

[pdp7997]

^sweet kit.

[Mr.BoJangles]

^ much appreciated bro.