Dealers in UK (the good the bad and the ugly)

[MooMoo]

Tell me your experience of buying kit (anything drum related) online in the UK.
As the title states, I wanna know who's good, bad and damn right ugly.

Post their sites expalining why I should buy or not.

Cheers

Wannna be (going to be) ELX and Paiste

Moooooooooooooooooo

[stewk]

I've had very good experience with Newcastle Drum Centre www.newcastledrumcentre.co.uk

Very helpful staff and efficient service

regards

Stewk

[Nez]

Ditto - I use Newcastle most of the time. I've visited in person (though I live in the south-east) and bought my kit that way, but have since placed several orders by phone. I've cheated slightly by generally avoiding postage as I have relatives in Sunderland, so normally they collect and bring stuff when visiting, if I can stand the wait... The store is a reasonable size and they have quite a bit set up. They will 'play test' items for you, rather than letting customers bash stuff (guess it keeps everything in better nick). Very good prices.

I've also ordered over the phone from The Drum Shop in Gateshead, just a few miles away and have good service from them too. I've never visited, but hear the shop is quite small. Good prices.

The other shop I deal with is PMT (Professional Music Technology) in Southend - they also have several other stores (another in Essex plus one in Birmingham). Prices vary - some stuff is a bit steep, some very competitive. The Pearl Hardware is usually very well priced... It's a big store with the upstairs dedicated to drums/perc - lots of stuff on display and you can generally have a bash yourself. Good if you want to get hands on to try stuff before buying somewhere cheaper!

I've visited Wembley Drum Centre (poor service, unfriendly, overpriced - but great stock on show).

Footes in central London is a smallish shop with quite a lot crammed in - pretty poor service, fairly high prices.

The drum shop in Denmark Street, London (name changes periodically) - snobby attitude, poor service, high prices...

Music Bay in Gravesend, Kent - limited stock, high prices, but fairly helpful.

Bonners in Eastbourne - moderately limited stock, average prices, friendly and helpful on the occasions I've visited (twice).

Other UK shops I know of but have little/no direct experience of:

Birmingham Drum Centre - huge shop, lots on display; prices don't look great; one phone discussion - seemed reasonably helpful.

Scheerers in Leeds - good reputation from others on the forum, reasonable prices.

Rockfactory in Yorkshire - good rep on the forum, good prices, seem helpful

Poolepercussion - seem helpful, free postage? (I think), prices aren't too hot and they don't do a lot of Pearl stuff generally...

Drumwright, Reading - no current experience (will be visiting next weekend!)
Have heard mostly good things, seem to have quite a large store.

I've heard positive comments about ElectroMusic (Doncaster?) and SoundAttak in Colchester too, but have no experience of either.
ADC in Liverpool sell a lot on ebay, but again, no experience.

There are also several good shops in Wales (esepcially Cranes in Cardiff) and Scotland (Glasgow and Edinburgh, amongst others) - as you don't say where you are, I don't know if you're interested in them too.

I've put links below for most of those mentioned... bear in mind that you're much better buying over the phone than over the net - most shops don't set up their websites for this anyway, but it's why a few of the sites (eg Bonners) are very poor...
Happy shopping!

Links:
Newcastle (http://www.newcastledrum.co.uk)
Gateshead (http://www.drumshop.co.uk/)
PMT (http://pmtonline.co.uk/)
Wembley (http://www.wembleydrumcentre.co.uk/)
Footes (http://www.footesmusic.com/) Bonners (http://www.brass-and-drums.co.uk/) (website isn't much!)
Birmingham (http://www.birminghamdrumcentre.co.uk/default.asp)
Scheerers (http://www.scheerers.com/static/indexsite.htm)
Rock Factory (http://www.rockfactory.co.uk/drumdept/drum.htm)
Poole (http://www.poolepercussion.co.uk)
ADC Liverpool (http://www.adcdrums.co.uk/)
ElectroMusic (http://www.electromusic.co.uk/)
SoundAttak (http://www.soundattak.co.uk/) (Essex - Colchester)
Drumwright, Reading (http://www.drumwright.co.uk/index.asp)

[stewk]

I forgot to mention that in addition to Newcastle Drum Centre I also use Drum Central (Edinburgh & Glasgow) a lot, as they are local to me. Great service from both shops although I've never tried mail order as I live so close.
Web site has no prices but they will match genuine any UK price and as I say great service from the guys in the shops.

www.drumcentral.co.uk


cheers

Stewk

[MooMoo]

Thanks for that Nez

I would particulary like to know how you get on in Drumwright.
They are a five min car journey from but from my experience was totally ignored.
See my post in the export threads, Questions, Questions, Questions.

Thanks

Mooooooooooooooooo

[rubmyudders]

adc r super cool.

[calumc]

The main two I've dealt with are rockfactory (bought my kit there) and Newcastle. Both very good!

[millsybaby]

WOW! Why didnt you just check mikedolbear, i've seen you there too!

Anyway - Paiste - www.ecymbals.co.uk - unbeatable - and i mean that, if you tell julian you're form the mikedolbear forum, you get matesrates too!

Pearl - www.adcdrums.co.uk - ADC are the other half of eCymbals or visa versa anyway - best prices on pearl, paiste and sonor in the UK - fact!

[Chris0288]

I forgot to mention that in addition to Newcastle Drum Centre I also use Drum Central (Edinburgh & Glasgow) a lot, as they are local to me. Great service from both shops although I've never tried mail order as I live so close.
Web site has no prices but they will match genuine any UK price and as I say great service from the guys in the shops.

www.drumcentral.co.uk


cheers

Stewk

yep totally agree!!

great guys, ordered my masters through them and theyve been great so far answering q's i have, their even chasing up pearl on the 10% extra for black hardware thing that seems wrong, dont think i should have been charged for it, also they kept aside the last IC flexiglide double instock and a P2002B elim for a week for me so i can go in and decide between the 2 tommorrow, plus their price matching them for me, amazing bunch of guys!

[spaghettistix]

Any good drum dealers in Essex-having trouble finding anything!

[Nez]

See my link above for PMT - they have stores in Southend and Romford. The Southend store is pretty cool - they have loads of stuff set out (it's upstairs, with guitars and the like downstairs) and they seem pretty relaxed about letting you try stuff if you're polite, unlike some shops I've visited. I've not been to the Romford store.
I believe there's also a drum shop in Hornchurch which isn't too far off, but I can't remember the specifics...

[Nez]

Found the details:
DRUMS INC. 3, SUTTON LANE, HORNCHURCH, ESSEX RM12 6RD 01708 478450
(no website) - don't know for sure if they still exist...

Also, there's another shop in Southend I forgot about:
Honky Tonk Music (http://www.honkytonkmusic.co.uk/) - they seemed OK but not as much stuff or as helpful as PMT...

And there's Soundattak in Colchester, link also in my post above...

[spaghettistix]

Found the details:
DRUMS INC. 3, SUTTON LANE, HORNCHURCH, ESSEX RM12 6RD 01708 478450
(no website) - don't know for sure if they still exist...

Also, there's another shop in Southend I forgot about:
Honky Tonk Music (http://www.honkytonkmusic.co.uk/) - they seemed OK but not as much stuff or as helpful as PMT...

And there's Soundattak in Colchester, link also in my post above...

Thats great thanks, had heard bout PMT but haven't been yet! I'm in Colchester a lot so I'll check out that Soundattak!! Thanks!

[chinatype]

PMT in Birmingham are quite good. They seem to have a good stock of drums and cymbals. My local drum shop has never got what you want, they say it will take 2-3 weeks every time you ask how long to order. Me and a mate drive to Birmingham just because of this. I have'nt bought much off the internet though. Electro Music in Doncaster are excellent also, ask for Paul he is red hot on knowledge and very helpful.

[spaghettistix]

I'm hearing good things about PMT all over the place, i'll def av 2 go there!

[Nez]

I should definitely give them a visit as they have so much stuff to look at/try out, but make sure you know your prices first, as theres are great for some stuff and less good for others. But very useful if you want to do some reconaissance before buying elsewhere at a better price!

[Siy]

ADC Liverpool All The Way

Thir Cheap Nice PPl And Give Good Advice And Support

Paiste, Pearl :) IRON COBRAS :D

[Nez]

Just a follow up - Honky Tonk in Southend are closing down and have already sold off almost all of their stock; if you're in the area it might be worth a dash over to grab a last minute bargain - they had some very good prices on LP percussion (especially Ridge Rider cowbells) when I was in on Friday, but beware it may be too late already...

[Jaik]

I would most definately use www.poolepercussion.co.uk i trust those guys soooo much.

NEVER EVER BUY ANYTHING DRUM RELATED FROM BIRMINGHAM. I DONT KNOW WHY BUT BRUMMIES JUST CANT DEAL WITH DRUMS!
I bought a pearl elx from a store in birmingham with an add-on 8 inch tom pack (they said i had to wait a while for the add on pack which is fair enough).
First they sent me the standard kit, with one tom arm missing so i called them and said 'Oi sort it out' so they sent me the tom arm.
2 months later they sent me the add on tom it was the right colour but the wrong size so i called them and said 'Oi sort it out....****'.
So i waited.......then a couple months after that a little 8 inch sized package came to the door. My tom! YAY! Wait......the right size....the wrong colour!! so i called them 'What the f*ck are you doing? Jesus, i could have made that motherf*cker by now!' (or words to that effect)
SEVEN MONTHS LATER I HAVE THE TOM. And two spares.

My girlfriend also bought me a cymbal from there for my tim ein the studioi which they 'forgot to send out' and i had a fight with another birmingham based drum company about a bass drum pedal that broke and they said that it didnt .

There is my story about birmingham and drums, dont get me wrong i love brummies, lots of my family live in Birmingham. But i dont think brummies should deal in drums, just as builders shouldnt build houses.

Jaik
www.traumaticdisorder.com
www.poolepercussion.co.uk

[Siy]

I would most definately use www.poolepercussion.co.uk i trust those guys soooo much.

NEVER EVER BUY ANYTHING DRUM RELATED FROM BIRMINGHAM. I DONT KNOW WHY BUT BRUMMIES JUST CANT DEAL WITH DRUMS!
I bought a pearl elx from a store in birmingham with an add-on 8 inch tom pack (they said i had to wait a while for the add on pack which is fair enough).
First they sent me the standard kit, with one tom arm missing so i called them and said 'Oi sort it out' so they sent me the tom arm.
2 months later they sent me the add on tom it was the right colour but the wrong size so i called them and said 'Oi sort it out....****'.
So i waited.......then a couple months after that a little 8 inch sized package came to the door. My tom! YAY! Wait......the right size....the wrong colour!! so i called them 'What the f*ck are you doing? Jesus, i could have made that motherf*cker by now!' (or words to that effect)
SEVEN MONTHS LATER I HAVE THE TOM. And two spares.

My girlfriend also bought me a cymbal from there for my tim ein the studioi which they 'forgot to send out' and i had a fight with another birmingham based drum company about a bass drum pedal that broke and they said that it didnt .

There is my story about birmingham and drums, dont get me wrong i love brummies, lots of my family live in Birmingham. But i dont think brummies should deal in drums, just as builders shouldnt build houses.

Jaik
www.traumaticdisorder.com
www.poolepercussion.co.uk

Yeah i know what u mean i got my bass pedal and hi0hat stand from poole but thir exspensive now i have shoped around peds 150 hi-hat 150 ADC drums peds 120 hi-hat 130 or summit and they do more good deals and good service try em out oh best paiste cymbals eva!

[millsybaby]

NO the best paiste eva belongs to www.ecymbals.co.uk FACT! They are however closely linked, dont know how, but they are good friends! I just got a great deal off www.ADCdrums.co.uk on my new kit thanks to Julian(the main man over at ecymbals) ADC are best for everything accessories wise and pearl! www.Poolepercussion.com are best for DW hardware, www.Soundattak.co.uk on DW drums and most other drums. www.Electromusic.co.uk are good for alot of stuff aswell!

If you want any help on pearl or paiste, contact ADC and eCymbals, they know virtually everything between them(obviously each to his own, so dont go mithering Julian about Pearl!)

[Siy]

NO the best paiste eva belongs to www.ecymbals.co.uk FACT! They are however closely linked, dont know how, but they are good friends! I just got a great deal off www.ADCdrums.co.uk on my new kit thanks to Julian(the main man over at ecymbals) ADC are best for everything accessories wise and pearl! www.Poolepercussion.com are best for DW hardware, www.Soundattak.co.uk on DW drums and most other drums. www.Electromusic.co.uk are good for alot of stuff aswell!

If you want any help on pearl or paiste, contact ADC and eCymbals, they know virtually everything between them(obviously each to his own, so dont go mithering Julian about Pearl!)


TOTALLY AGREE :) ADC AND ECYMBALS TOPE NOTCH !!
got good deals all the time and good service!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[millsybaby]

They just saved me ... wait for it ... £400 on my new kit! And thats just the drums! Nevermind all the hardware i'll be getting aswell! Unbelieavable! See the masters forum for my kit!
Julain is a great guy though, best salesman i've ever dealt with, honest and knows his **** and when he doesnt, he'll own up but do his best to find out! True class act!

[Siy]

well they saved me all in all £950 or more so yeah hes great andy is oki heheshould be going thir soon to get my stuff need money hehe



Siy

[millsybaby]

Is tha from yorkshire by any chance? You sim a bit hammered!

[Lexx W]

Any 1 no were i can extend my kit. i have pearl forum at home and i want to add another floor tom(14" by 14") and rack tom(8/9/10"). Plz give me details and not musicmass.net. cheerz.
--------------------------------------
Lexx W

[Ste^]

ADC in liverpool are the best i thik i hae ever been into, the staff will help you and advise you on things if your stuck, and they do some good deals if your buying a lot, never bought online though as i go to liverpool 3 times a week at least i just go in person, but they are wreally helpful, personally i'd give them 10/10

the shop size itself is small but they have a fair bit crammed in, and the also order stuff in for you or they'll hase it in storage, ask SiY he bought all his cymbals from there.

Ste

[Pearl Chamon]

I'm going to order my SMX this friday from electromusic but I've been hearing about Pearl undergoing changes and some of their kits may not be available. Do you think I should worry and do you have any information about this?
Thanks.

[millsybaby]

I think you shouldn't worry - just expect a long wait!

I'd get in touch with ADC with regards to the price - they are the dogs for pearl! They'll beat electro any day! www.adcdrums.co.uk

They are the best in UK for pearl - fact! Hope i'm not too late and you haven't wasted a good sum of money! Electro are good, but ADC are great!


Lex - same store for your extensions - if pearl do it - they can get it :D

[Lukus]

I've used Poole Percussion and Newcastle Drum :) PP are good, ND are amazing, got exactly what I wanted from them, at a v good price :) Lots of emails + phone calls to Roy :P

I used to do work experience in Music Bay at Gravesend :P Nez where u from?

[Thrush]

I have worked with and dealt with pretty much all of em (used to work for Impact Perc in London and we shipped to pretty much everyone) but as far as personal "buying from" I only really use Supreme Drums in Walthamstow (now closed other than online sales, but I still know Lou very well so he opens up for me :) ) and Wembley Drum Centre in, er, Wembley lol.

Personally, from expirience, I wouldn't bother with Pro Perc in Kentish Town, nor Footes in Golden Square, nor (can't remember the name) the basement drum shop in Denmark Street, as all three lack something very important to me when I'm spending good money on drum stuff - service. In all three places I have never been offered the time to sit down and talk things thru properly, or just hang out for a bit and chat - and for me, if I was spending serious wedge on a Masters or a lot of Zildjians that is what I want. Wembley has always been good to me that way, Mike and Dave there always have time (even if they keep nipping off to answer the phone or run something thru the till) to make me feel welcome and like they actually WANT to sell me something, so I'm happy there. They also have probably the BIGGEST selection of stock (drums, hardware, cymbals etc) in England, all available to try, so I always go there if I want to compare cymbals or pedals, and even heads (yes!) etc... And because of the immense buying power they have with the likes of Pearl and Zildjian, along with Tama and Sabian they can sort out great prices :)

Other places I have had good expirience with is Poole Perc (as mentioned above) Newcastle Drum (as above), Drums Inc in Hornchurch (They do still exist! - ask for Gary or Graham), one in Mitcham, South London (can't remember name!!!!)

[Nez]

I've used Poole Percussion and Newcastle Drum :) PP are good, ND are amazing, got exactly what I wanted from them, at a v good price :) Lots of emails + phone calls to Roy :P

I used to do work experience in Music Bay at Gravesend :P Nez where u from?

Medway towns, Rainham specifically, a fairly short drive from Gravesend…
Personally, I found the prices a little high and the range a little limited at Music Bay – no offence! They just can’t really compete with some of the bigger shops. Newcastle are my fave, I get most of my stuff from them and Roy is always a big help.

Thrush – I guess you’ve been luckier with Wembley than me, they virtually ignored me when I went, but I guess it probably helps if you’re a repeat visitor in terms of building up a rapport with the guys. From their website, their prices don’t seem that good, so do they drop them in-store if you’re on good terms? I think Birmingham may contest who’s got the biggest store/stock though…

I agree about the other smaller London dealers – Footes are rarely helpful and the one in Denmark Street always seems to be moving about and changing hands – and as you say, the service is weak.

[EditableSoul]

From My Experience Sound Attak is the best - well in Essex anyway

[curly]

I used to like John Shearer's Talking Drums in Archway (London); I bought my Yamaha Recording Customs there and they gave me a good deal. John use to be the drummer with Iron Butterfly, a really nice guy and a great drum store. Unfortunately, he went out of business, so that's not much help to you.

I agree with the comments about other London stores Footes and Pro Perc, not very welcoming or helpful and seem to have a couldn't care less attitude about you and whether you buy anything or not.

I had good experiences with Wembley Drum Centre. They're friendly on the phone and welcoming and helpful in the store whether you're buying or just browsing. Great stock on display too.

Drumwright in Reading are good in my experience too. Helpful and friendly with good stock and a customer loyalty programme.

[Thrush]

Nez - I guess you are right, what also helps is I have known Mike and Dave @ Wembley for quite some time as I used to deal with them whenI was in the business too.... Tho I know a mate of mine (who Mike had never met) got a good deal there when buying a Starclassic and cymbal set - they knocked 20% off the bill and threw in a complete set of hard cases for free too....

In regard to advertised prices, your pretty much right. The list prices you see aren't so great, but if you haggle a bit you can usually get a good deal on whatever it is you are buying. I usually just ask whats the best price you can do this for, and when they give me a figure, I um a bit and then see if they'll go another 10 quid down, lol....

[Pearl Chamon]

Drumwright have finally got my SMX and they said I will receive it either tomorrow or Thursday.

[Rictov]

Hi There!

Have been dealing with Drumwright for three years, and I have to say that they are one of the most helpfull bunch in the industry i've come accross so far. They'll do anything to get you a deal, they know their stuff, they have a huge range of kits to choose from. They aren't that bigger shop but they have a sound proof room for you to play test the kit you want.

Also if you order, they will make sure you get a quality kit as they conduct 5 point inspection tests, this stops you getting any duff kits or imperfections. Which you might need if your thinking of buying a Premiere kit, the way their going at the moment, it seems like they only send out damaged kits!

Hope thats of some use!
;) :)

[Lukus]

Heya

Well, I've always had good experiences with NDC (Roy is great :)). I've been emailing Wembley a bit arranging to come in on Saturday to try out some stuff, cos I'm thinkin of buying some Elims :)

The guy that emailed back was super nice, and althought the price is about £20 higher than I've seen elsewhere (excluding eBay :P) I'd rather pay that for good service, and the ability to try it out first :)

I'll let y'all know after Saturday

Cheers

[Pearl Chamon]

Drumwright = Reliable but quite pricey.

[Nerdlinger]

Are e-cymbals reliable?? And does anyone know if the deliver to Northen Ireland??

[Pearl Chamon]

I havn't dealt with them myself but I have heard some good things about e-cymbals. I'm not sure whether they ship to NI.

[DrummerDudeDave]

www.thedrumplace.co.uk is pretty good

Also, Octave in Dunstable have reasonable stock, and will order anything, friendly too

[Dont Judge Me]

ADC Drums are gr8. Rockem music r ok. Wembley drum centre rule.

[Funky Drummer]

i live 5 mins from drumright and i have to say, they are the dogs b****** of drumshops around this area of the uk. Another great place is Andertons in Guildford
http://www.andertonsonline.co.uk
Check it out !

[Pearl Chamon]

:eek: I wish I lived near such a great drum store.. :(
My local music shop is very small and stocks only a small amount of drum equipment...

[Funky Drummer]

yeh it's really REALLY REEAALLLLYYYY useful mate...:cool:

[Nev]

I live within 10 minutes drive of both Newcastle and Gateshead drum shops. Never had to shop anywhere else, great prices, great staff and great shops!

[Pearl Chamon]

Lucky lucky people...

[Funky Drummer]

yes we are lol
we are indeed

[Pearl Chamon]

Hmm, Drumwright's sale has started although the prices havn't seemed to really go down. Electromusic still beats the majority of prices that Drumwright has to offer. Meh.

[millsybaby]

Are e-cymbals reliable?? And does anyone know if the deliver to Northen Ireland??


Yes they do, and they are unbeatable in service and quality everytime! Tell Julian(the guy who runs it) millsy sent you, and you will get gold treatment! Not that it snot unbeatable anyway! I've dealt with him for nearly a year now, and he has been great on every transaction! He even tracked me down a 20" sig heavy bell ride, months after paiste ran out! :D

They are the best for paiste, and best for service! Everytime!

[roxyskinflint]

Newcastle drum centre are good i got my kit from them but the wait on some stock is hopeless but i think thats pearls fault not the shop...

Ordered a 14x5.5 snare diamond burst in august was told xmas for delivery now told march
ordered new TH-2000 holders at same time had to wait till november
Ordered B-1000 x 4 had to wait until last month for them
Ordered S-2000 & H-2000 and they sent the old ones rather than the new updated versions and it took a month to get the new ones...

soundattak are good dealers though ive ordered allsorts i orderd an OCDP car and they sent me another cap for free and a whole load of famous stars and staps stickers

and i ordered a piar of sticks and got a free pair of zildjian shorts

very helpfull and honest too

[millsybaby]

Newcastle drum centre are good i got my kit from them but the wait on some stock is hopeless but i think thats pearls fault not the shop...

Ordered a 14x5.5 snare diamond burst in august was told xmas for delivery now told march
ordered new TH-2000 holders at same time had to wait till november
Ordered B-1000 x 4 had to wait until last month for them
Ordered S-2000 & H-2000 and they sent the old ones rather than the new updated versions and it took a month to get the new ones...

soundattak are good dealers though ive ordered allsorts i orderd an OCDP car and they sent me another cap for free and a whole load of famous stars and staps stickers

and i ordered a piar of sticks and got a free pair of zildjian shorts

very helpfull and honest too

Yeah, that is pearl, i had similar problems with ADC. Its all the changes they've made! This year though, it'll run smoother, and we get the great hardware!

[roxyskinflint]

Yeah im loving the push button spikes on my hat and snare stands although my new kit aint been gigged yet though some of my B-1000's are still in the box as are my tom holders and clamps...i was gonna wait until my snare and 16" tom came but i cant wait so its getting gigged with my tama rockstar snare and 1 tom less than im used to...

its like waiting for xmas im so excited ive had this kit sitting in a cupboard since the end of July and the day is getting closer

[millsybaby]

I know what that ****s like! I just got an EXR before crimbo as i couldnt afford the BRX, and i had to wait for two weeks to play the damned things i was soundproofing my garage! It was nicley tuned and polished when it was up though, as thats all i could do to it! lol!

[Pearl Chamon]

The wait was worth it I bet...

[millsybaby]

Indeed it was! The kit rules! Mwahaha! Cant wait to order my BRX in april though!

[bumhead]

DRUMWRIGHT is my local drumshop.they do have a great little shop,its jam packed with a huge range of goodies.plus they do know what they are talking about.they did a good P/X on some old Paistes i had.i do find them expensive (esp. on hardware) its like everything you buy though.you've got to shop around.the best shop i've dealt with via the World Wide Wait is ADC Drums.good prices,excellent service(answering emails very quickly)-i might have to visit them sometime.Wembley Drum Centre is good to,but like Drumwright,is expensive on some things cheap on others.if any of you folks are in Reading,Drumwright is worth a look.i can't stress enough though,that when buying stuff,REALLY look around.phone/email/visit as many places as you can.i'm not a tight arse but it can save you a lot of money.beware of postage charges if your having something sent to because that can bump a 'cheap' price back up.

[Pearl Chamon]

Indeed it was! The kit rules! Mwahaha! Cant wait to order my BRX in april though!

Where will you be ordering your BRX from?

[millsybaby]

Too true! It took me many a month to find my dealers for my gear - but i now have all 3 with the best prices for each! I also have a pretty good relationship with all of them! As for service - Julain at www.eCymbals.co.uk is great! He rang me up on sunday just to confirm something and for a bit of a chat! Thats it! A simple e-mail would suffice - but thats why he's the best salesman i've ever dealt with! PERIOD!

[millsybaby]

www.ADCdrums.co.uk is where i'll be getting my BRX from! Its all been arranged since october, i just have to pay a deposit before april! I wanted to wait until after NAMM, so they recommended ordering it at the MusikMesse show in Germany in April to get it a bit fasttracked as it will be ordered direct to the head of pearl Europe - ie he dealt with it so its the best service!

I'm slowly being tempted to go MRX though! I love the cut of birch, but the 26" bass, and the warmth and low end is lsowly winning me over! ARGHH!

[millsybaby]

I'll be ordering my kit from ADCdrums - without doubt! Best price i've ever seen! I 'm slowly being tempted to go MRX though! Its damned annoying me!

[millsybaby]

Dammit - its said my 1st didnt go through! ARGHH!

[Pearl Chamon]

Lol. How much is it going to cost?

[millsybaby]

Around the £2500 mark - its a big kit, and i loike the loud power sound! Heres a DW kitbuilder of it -

[millsybaby]

The cymbal position has changed slightly since that, but you get the idea!

In the gap between my 14" tom and the ride, will be two cowbells aswell!

[pand]

poolepercussion were awful in the store!

[Pearl Chamon]

That kit looks like it is going to be great!

poolepercussion were awful in the store!

How were they awful?

[millsybaby]

I've dealt with poole many a time, nad they were always fine with me. Not as good as other stores, but they were good! Electro were good, but a bit slow and ADC just rules the roost!

[millsybaby]

That kit looks like it is going to be great!


Cheers! I hope it turns out great aswell! The cymbals are great, i've nearly got all those. I have a tico main snare, and a firecracker side snare, so all i need now is the main body of the kit! :p

[Pearl Chamon]

What cymbals have you got?

[millsybaby]

ALL PAISTE!

17" & 19" RUDE Crashes
20" Sig Heavy Bell Ride(Discontinued)
24" Mega Power Bell Ride
17" Dimensions Medium Heavy Crash
17" Sig Full Crash
15" Sig Power Hi-Hats(Discontinued)
6" Bell Chime

And as of tomorrow i'll have on the way:

18" & 19" Sig Power Crashes
12" Sig Splash

And eventually i'll add to the setup
20" 2002 Novo China
18" Sig Heavy China
14" Sig Sound Edge Hi-Hats
and another ride!

I also plan at some point having a full set of 2002's!

[Pearl Chamon]

Wow. I love Paiste but they are so damn expensive.

[millsybaby]

Yeah they are, but i love them enough to pay the price! I have a preety OK job aswell, which does help! I just ordered my 18" and 19" Sig Powers and 12" Sig Splash and some more stands tonight - cant wait for those bad boys! My kit will look amaing when there in place!

You don know where to go for cheap paistes though right?

www.ecymbals.co.uk - unbeatable prices, and if you tell Julian millsy sent ya - you get even unbeatable service.

[Pearl Chamon]

I may start buying from them... I like Sabian but I just feel Paiste have more class.

[millsybaby]

Its not all about the name, although they do have far more class! Out of all the companies in drumming, they have the toughest endorsement policies! Thats how strict on reputation they are!

However, the sound is very distcinctive and lets face it - superior! Any paiste is an instrument, not just a cymbal!

You cant beat eCymbals for paiste though! Julian is a great guy, a like i said, they are unbeatable on price and service! Just set aside 20mins to get through all the packing they put around the cymbal to protect it in transit, and your good! lol! I'm not joking! It does take a good 10-20mins to get through the tape and all the bumf they apck the boxes with! But, thats one more quality service they have!

[bluemist]

went to birmingham drum centre today, staff were really helpful!!!!! great store too

[millsybaby]

Bit pricey though.

[bluemist]

err didnt think they were that bad.....there website is one of the best too, always updated!!!!

which is best place to get a pearl masters>?

[millsybaby]

They dont have them on the website, but the best place for Pearl in the whole UK is www.ADCdrums.co.uk - tell them i recommended them to you!

They did me an amazing deal on my EXR and got me the Ltd editionThey have given me a price on a monster BRX that i am saving for aswell, and its the best price i've ever heard of!(see previous page for a DW kitbuilder of the setup)!

[millsybaby]

Heres the kit i got of them! Pretty much all of this has been bought from ADC. I've got asome more on the way aswell! Some pearl stands, and a few more paiste's! :D

[Pearl Chamon]

That's a nice kit, looks a bit cramped in that little space!

[millsybaby]

Yeah, it is a bit cramped! I just got my new cymbals today, so it will be even more cramped soon!

[Thrush]

They dont have them on the website, but the best place for Pearl in the whole UK is www.ADCdrums.co.uk - tell them i recommended them to you!

They did me an amazing deal on my EXR and got me the Ltd editionThey have given me a price on a monster BRX that i am saving for aswell, and its the best price i've ever heard of!(see previous page for a DW kitbuilder of the setup)!

All that said, no one in the UK can beat Wembley Drum Centre tho when it comes to Pearl, as they ARE the main UK Pearl outlet, rather than just a Pearl dealer...

But it all depends on who you deal with and how well you know them. I know Mike and Dave @ Wembley really well (go back years with Mike) and I used to deal with them on a prefessional level, so I know if I need something by PEarl or Zildjian (again, they have so much more buying power with Zildjian than anyone else in the UK) or Pearl, thn I know that WILL be the place that can do it cheapest. ADC are good, don't get me wrong, and they do great deals, but I could get it cheaper at Wembley ;) As I said, it's who you deal with and who you know - working in the industry does have it's perks as you build up a long "mate" list as you go on ;) (I don't work in the industry now tho, but as long as you check in every now and again it's all good ;) )

[Pancopation]

www.classicdrums.biz

Located in the same county as Poole Percussion. But totally kicks their ***, was in earlier today, got a great deal on some sticks and bag. Plus a little discussion on how PP wern't too happy with CD opening shop!

[millsybaby]

All that said, no one in the UK can beat Wembley Drum Centre tho when it comes to Pearl, as they ARE the main UK Pearl outlet, rather than just a Pearl dealer...

But it all depends on who you deal with and how well you know them. I know Mike and Dave @ Wembley really well (go back years with Mike) and I used to deal with them on a prefessional level, so I know if I need something by PEarl or Zildjian (again, they have so much more buying power with Zildjian than anyone else in the UK) or Pearl, thn I know that WILL be the place that can do it cheapest. ADC are good, don't get me wrong, and they do great deals, but I could get it cheaper at Wembley ;) As I said, it's who you deal with and who you know - working in the industry does have it's perks as you build up a long "mate" list as you go on ;) (I don't work in the industry now tho, but as long as you check in every now and again it's all good ;) )

Yeah, the "mate" thing is always a factor, but Wembley always seemed to have extortiante postage reats to me, and not only that - i'm a manchester lad, so buying from a southern shop feels wrong! :p
Still not bought my monster BRX either, i was thinking of going reference, but after seeing the price of them - i'm staying BRX!

[Gogzy]

yep totally agree!!

great guys, ordered my masters through them and theyve been great so far answering q's i have, their even chasing up pearl on the 10% extra for black hardware thing that seems wrong, dont think i should have been charged for it, also they kept aside the last IC flexiglide double instock and a P2002B elim for a week for me so i can go in and decide between the 2 tommorrow, plus their price matching them for me, amazing bunch of guys!

yea The guys at dc are great for service,ive pretty much bought all of my cymbals/hardware from those guys,they chased pearl up for 9 months for a pcx-200 rack clamp for me,also ordered my 18" floor tom from them on the friday afternoon and buy the monday afternoon it was there.i got my rack from the manager in the glasgow shop aswell.and the lady who works int he edinburgh shop aint too bad looking either lol.

[Jonny]

Rockfactory.co.uk is by far the best shop that i have come across so far. i have bought everything from heads to sticks and cymbals etc and have never had a problem with them. most of the gear arrives by next day delivery and you can always guarantee that whatever you have ordered will be in perfect condition by the time it gets to you as it is all heavily packaged.

[paulpdh]

http://www.angliadrumcentre.co.uk. Very helpful and courteous. I have started using them instead of cookes band instruments in Norwich UK

[malakite]

I agree about the other smaller London dealers – Footes are rarely helpful and the one in Denmark Street always seems to be moving about and changing hands – and as you say, the service is weak.

TPA - denmark street - i know one of the people who work there must admit it wasn't the best service/prices but when i finally properly met him (as a promoter) he apologised for the foul mood he was in

they are nice, but they are centeral london - rent = £££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££

[malakite]

anyone know where i can get snare wires where it wont cost me through the nose for shipping (wembley)

[millsybaby]

If you roing Wemble, they might be able to send it cheaper than on the website - alternatively, try www.adcdrums.co.uk - but ring the number to get it sent cheaper!

Mention that i sent ya!

[Sonorlite]

anyone know where i can get snare wires where it wont cost me through the nose for shipping (wembley)

According to sound attacks latest advert it says FREE shipping for website orders. And um...dont tell'em i sent ya....cuz they dont know me. :D

[millsybaby]

Haha! Ribbit!

ADC's website prices also inc free shipping buddy! Mwhaha!

[Sonorlite]

I havent checked their site, so i wouldnt know of their policies.

You have informed me, So, i am now aware. My Millsy-ribbit-warbler. ;)

[millsybaby]

I will never use Electro again after the stiffed me on a Pearl stand - i payed for the top end version, they snet the mid end - and wouldnt refund me! I'll never go there again.

Got a snare from Footes - wont use them again it was dented by the postie right in front of my eyes as he tripped when getting it from the van - they hadnt insured it - and wouldnt take it back - never use them again!

Poole are a great bunch - no probs, but wouldnt get my replacemnt screw for my DW9000 hi-hats stand when i asked! I now use DMdrums for my DW gear - as they would get my screw! Besides, great service! Mike and Dave are great guys!

I wish i could get to BDC easily as they ahev loads of kits on display as its huge - but its a treck! I hear good things.

However - i now buy from ADC as i have never had any problems, i use Pearl, Paiste and Aquarian and they are pretty great on price for all of these - probably the best in the UK to be honest on them, on Paiste defo!
Julian, Andy,Jack and Nick are all top guys who have helped me no end in getting my gear ASAP and as affordable as possible! Pretty much all of my current kit has been bought from them because of this.
So for me - its ADC and eCymbals all the way!

I have alos bought a stand from Newcatsle in the past, but i dont find their prices on what i use to be the best around - they are however fast service, and have good prices on some things(yamaha mainly if i remember).

[millsybaby]

I havent checked their site, so i wouldnt know of their policies.

You have informed me, So, i am now aware. My Millsy-ribbit-warbler. ;)

Whaddya mean not checked it! You better check Julians regularly - its due for erm ... something special ... soon!

Where do you manily shop then? Or are you endorsed? Damn why do you get away with this hidden personality on the forum! I get hassled for a pic on a monthly basis - you just cruise by! Oh i get it - you keep a high/low profile -i'm just always in people faces! :rolleyes: Silly me!

[Mr. Oliver]

hello, im sorry someone copied and pasted that long review done in the first page here and used and said it was my own, i believe it was my brother, but now i got lots a bad rep:(:(please give me good rep!!!!

and i also deleted the message, thankyou

[sanzo]

"The drum shop" in gateshead are good,well for me anyway, I just bought a set of vintage A zildjian hihats for 55 pnd and asked for a 14" coated g2 to try it out and ended up sending me the whole G2 prepack instead I now like these heads and may use them on all my toms and ditch the emps. I only paid for the one head so I cant understand how thay made such a mistake.

Over the road a bit the other shop , Newcastle drum, I bought my 7 pc yamaha a few months ago and had some probs there.
firstly a major problem which left me with mild depression for weeks but have now gotten used to,I ordered the kit specifiacally in rock sizes for deeper soundig toms as show in the pic on their site. Got the drums a few weeks later and they were all fusion sizes which I didnt like the sound of and I couldnt really send them all back.
Also,they only sent over 3 of the 5 toms and had to wait 2 months for the 8" and another month after that for the 16" both of which they said I would "obviously" have to pay the postage for to NI,I didnt pay the extra postage which was proper order since they advertised the whole kit for sale in the first place.
you win some and loose some I guess.

[Sonorlite]

Where do you manily shop then? Or are you endorsed? Damn why do you get away with this hidden personality on the forum! I get hassled for a pic on a monthly basis - you just cruise by! Oh i get it - you keep a high/low profile -i'm just always in people faces! Silly me!

In the words of Chaka Khan, Millsy. ..."aint nobody." ;)

Wembley.....BDC....PMT....Drumwright and Sainsburys. :)

[millsybaby]

Sainburys! hahaha!

So the southern and midland stores then. Fair does! Makes sense i suppose! Which is the best out of those?

[Sonorlite]

Depends i suppose on what you're hunting for and who has it in stock. Price equaling is fine, until one doesnt have what you want in stock. I prefer BDC out of all three. Drumwrights knowledgable and friendly too, but there prices seem steep at times. Wembley is just wembley. But i find its ok. :)

[millsybaby]

BDC is supposed to be huge with loads of kit on display and lots of stock! I heard a rumour they have a reference kit and a few masterworks in at the mo - with an emerald fade sparkle one aswell! Damn i wish i could drive!

[Sonorlite]

BDC is supposed to be huge with loads of kit on display and lots of stock! I heard a rumour they have a reference kit and a few masterworks in at the mo - with an emerald fade sparkle one aswell! Damn i wish i could drive!

Its fecking HUGE! I'd never seen so many kits on display in ONE shop. Their cymbal range seemed small though, too me. For the shops size. Last time i was there.

Drumwright have expanded too. I remember the shop originally and its certainly grown considerably in a few years. Infact, i dont ever recall so many drum shops in the uk right now. The ironic thing is, central london is dead for drum stuff -compared to what it was. In the Old days, there was 4 drum shop in shaftsbury avenue within 20 feet of each other and across the road from each other.

[champdave]

BDC is huge, but they don't stock Paiste and they tend to be more expensive than other shops. In my local area, the best shops around are the Rattle and Drum shops (www.rattleanddrum.co.uk) - they have great prices and the staff know what they are talking about. Plus they stock about everything, make deals with you, cut off % for you from products if you're a regular!

I usually end up using ADC drums though, because they are cheap, friendly, and give free delivery! :)

EDIT: in fact my MMX snare just arrived from ADC the moment I pressed post! what service! :D

[millsybaby]

I just got an e-mail off ADC today that some gear i enquired about a bit ago is on its way! Now thats service!
I remeber a while back, Julain at eCymbals rang me up on a sunday morning, before placing an order with Paiste to see if i wanted to order anything! haha! Talk about service!

[Thrush]

I heard SoundsMusical in Essex are pretty cheap, and have a knowledgable drum department ;) ;) ;) ;) ;)

[**George**]

Whats the best place for Sabian cymbals (preferably AAX)???????

[Pezzoni]

Ecymbals are fantastic, Julian seems like a really nice guy, and I can't wait to see their site after it's redisign... Should be awesome - When I get paid for a job I'm doing at the moment, I'll be hopping directly over to get myself a nice new crash :D

Scheerers in Leeds are atrocious - Don't go anywhere near them. The staff sell unsuspecting and unknowlegeable people things they don't want / need, in addition to being chronic liers. This is also coupled with a degree of ineptitude. They're okay for the odd pair of sticks, or a bit of hardware or a cymbal, so long as you're carefull, and check the prices on the website first.

[millsybaby]

I really cant wait for the re-design - you'll know why when it goes up haha!

[Fluke]

I went to some scabby little drum shop in London, absolutely dire. Never went back but sadly can't remember the name either. You'll know it when you see it anyway. 6 feet square, sod all in there and staff with a very haughty expression. Turn and run! :D

Drumwright have always had a great atmosphere and service, not cheap but the more you buy the more freebies and discounts you get. Their shop has far more stuff in it than seems possible, and they have another storage area nearby. Used Wembley a bit in the past, certainly massive stock, very impressive place. Hell of a journey for me to get there though.

Just used ADC through ebay for the first time, and will be checking them out in future again.

My mrs attempted to use Rockfactory to buy me AA hats for last Christmas. Their site said it was in stock and they billed her, then eventually said that the hats weren't in stock and they had no idea if they would come before Christmas or not. They then had the cheek to argue over a refund for a charge they shouldn't even have made yet. NEVER AGAIN.

[Drummer-BiL]

ADC are cool, I got my acoustic kit from there.
Newcastle Drum Centre are ace as well, very prompt at sending my Electric Kit
Birmingham Drum Centre is amazing bar there prices!! Although Ive brought two kits in the past from there simply down to choice and stock!
Finally, Rattle and Drum (Stoke - they have three stores), I buy most of my equipment from there.
Cheers

[HuH]

I've just recently bought a Mapex kit from http://www.drumshop.co.uk and the guys there were particularly helpful and I ended up with a great deal. I'd recommend them.

[Just_Dan]

well so far odering from pearl has been so bad. i did the stupid thing of ordering a rack system near christmas it took 4 months for me to get it and this was just when the DR-503 came out so it was pretty hard to get hold of in the uk. and ordering my kit took 2 months to get here and then i realised that they screwed up the order and gave me a fusion size kit instead of a rock size kit. all those were online. some of the websites that i have visited like birmingham drum centre and drum wright have been superb at sending my stuff within in two days and they have a massive stock and really low prices. i got another rack system the same dr-503 but for £60 less bearing in mind this was a few years later.(for those who are wondering why i bought one i wanted to have my cymbals hanging from it like the drummer from mega death.

[Thrush]

for those who are wondering why i bought one i wanted to have my cymbals hanging from it like the drummer from mega death.
Damn! show me pics of that two tier rack dude!!!

[Aks]

cba to read all post.. but drumwright,,Good

simon from there help'd me out..and try'd to get me the best deal possable and the right stuff for my styles..Even pointed me if it wise to buy this produt or not

i give 2 thumbs up...(would give more but i not got any more)

[nofxrock]

Drumwright have a very good/wide range, but they are very expensive, postage costs are very high too, and delivery times; in my experience, are quite poor.

I find Newcastle Drum Centre to be the best. Although it's annoying that you have to e-mail them for most prices on items, they reply with VERY competitive prices (usually 5/10% cheaper than other online stores). They truely shine when it comes to ordering high-end kits, they really beat the competition price wise. I highly recommend them.

[champdave]

ADC are cool, I got my acoustic kit from there.
Newcastle Drum Centre are ace as well, very prompt at sending my Electric Kit
Birmingham Drum Centre is amazing bar there prices!! Although Ive brought two kits in the past from there simply down to choice and stock!
Finally, Rattle and Drum (Stoke - they have three stores), I buy most of my equipment from there.
Cheers

Agreed - Rattle and Drum (also in Derby) are great, I get most my stuff from them.

Found out something yesterday - ADC will match the price of Paiste cymbals from ecymbals, so you can get the cymbal for the same price with no delivery fees! Although having said that, I think eC give free delivery if you call. :)