Giving the MMX series another shot

[phips]

Hello all, before I bought my BRX kit, I had a nice Sunrise Fade MMX 22,16,13. Beautiful set of drums, but they just did not work for me at the time. I just could not get the tone I was looking for. I attribute most of that, to my lack of tuning experience. And the fact that, that kit had Mastercast hoops. Now it's 5 years later and I'm ready to give the MMX series another shot. I love my BRX kit, and have had some time playing/tuning the MRX toms I had for a few years. From all that, I came to the conclusion I wanted thin shell Maple drums. So......I just picked up a decent MMX kit of ebay (should arrive next week) 10x10, 12x10, 16x14 and 22x16. I may sell the 10x10, but I'm defiantly adding legs to the 16x14. Should be a nice second kit for practice and the occasional gig. I'm thinking the 12x10, 16x14 should work nice together. This is a older MMX kit (mid 90's I think) that has the Stainless Steel SuperHoops and I.S.S. mounts.

So after that long winded...."hey guys, I just bought a new kit" I'm looking for head suggestions and guidance, to help make this MMX experience better than the last one.

[Jutt8]

Jeff,

VERY NICE!!!! I love sapphire burst too. You have to bring those bad boys over next time you come--Yes the whole kit, not just one drum. I want to see those things in person. Man---I saw that on ebay. Always loved that finish---it's so unique. DO NOT sell the 10x10. If I were you I would cut the 10 and 12 down to 8 inch depths. Trust me, you'll love it and have more variety if you desire.

Here I go--it's not even my kit and I'm telling you what to do LOL!!! I can't help it, I'm excited for you man. Congratulations!!! You're going to find out this time what's so special about the mmx sound.

I like the idea of you putting legs on that FT too.

Oh yeah, of all the heads I've had on my thin shelled kit with rings, the clear G2's always have sounded the best to my ears. REP to you Jeff

[phips]

Thanks Justin I appreciate the support. I have always like the Sapphire Burst too, we'll see how the kit looks when it arrives. The pictures from the auction show a lot of scars and scratches on all drums, so I may eventually refinish them. I hear ya with the 10, I won't jump the gun. I do think the 12x10 will work nice with the shallow 16x14 though. I liked this kit for those reasons, and the kick is 16" depth, I don't care for 22x18. I think I got it for a good price ($550 shipped). I'm going to sell the through together Ludwig Rocker kit I have, and put the cash into the MMX.

I have heard that 2 ply heads work nice in thin shell drums as you said, we'll see what the masses think.

I think it's time for you and the wife to come up here though . I do think sally and I will be heading your way this summer, stay tuned ! !

[Diofter]

Really nice kit! I would add legs on the floor tom, optimounts on the toms and maybe cut them down to 8inch depth like Jutt88 wrote. Love that finish ,too bad Pearl doesn't offer it!

[Jutt8]

Thanks Justin I appreciate the support. I have always like the Sapphire Burst too, we'll see how the kit looks when it arrives. The pictures from the auction show a lot of scars and scratches on all drums, so I may eventually refinish them. I hear ya with the 10, I won't jump the gun. I do think the 12x10 will work nice with the shallow 16x14 though. I liked this kit for those reasons, and the kick is 16" depth, I don't care for 22x18. I think I got it for a good price ($550 shipped). I'm going to sell the through together Ludwig Rocker kit I have, and put the cash into the MMX.

I have heard that 2 ply heads work nice in thin shell drums as you said, we'll see what the masses think.

I think it's time for you and the wife to come up hear though . I do think sally and I will be heading your way this summer, stay tuned ! !

I think getting rid of a Ludwig Rocker for an MMX is a good trade ; ) I know, we have to come your way, but you know how crazy the gig schedule is in the summer. If not, go check it out. Maybe in the fall or winter we can make that trip. We definitely need to visit you all at some point on your turf. I agree, I love 22x16 kick--one of the best sizes ever.

[robstafaria]

LOL I was looking at that kit too. My thoughts are mirrored as the others. If I bought that kit I was thinking to have the rack tom cut down, legs on the floor tom and most likely a new finish! Oh well.....keep us posted!

Heads wise, I like either clear or coated G2's over G1's or Emperor's over Diplomats. The later combo is still new to me so I dont have alot of time with them. I would say to start with the clear G2's. The coated G2's might work great with the extra deep shell really nice though.

[Eric]

Been looking at that kit for a while. Glad a PDF'r
scored her. I like what you have in mind for it.
Legs,OptiMounts ect .... Clear Emperors over
Ambassadors would be my choice. Classic combo.
White Pearl logo reso would look great too.

[Stevie D]

Don't forget that MMX's have re-rings, so if you cut them you'll have another problem to solve.

[Jutt8]

Don't forget that MMX's have re-rings, so if you cut them you'll have another problem to solve.

First, Go B's--love your avatar Stevie. Big Pens fan too, but have always loved the B's (Cam Neely and Ray Bourque in particular--true Hall of Famers).

With the rings, the craftsman can either take the originals rings out which is tricky work and you'll pay for it (I did this) and put them back in OR the craftsman will just put new maple rings in from Keller to make life easier. I had the original rings taken out and put back in because the craftsman couldn't get birch rings from keller and I wanted the shells as original as possible.

Since this kit is maple, it will be much easier if he goes that route.

[phips]

Thanks guys, appreciate the input. I do have a set of clear emp and amb. that will get the first shot. I'm stil going to sit on the 10 for awhile, and see how the kit plays out.

It's good to hear that some of you were interested in the kit. I thought it was a good deal, that makes me feel better about it.

[nova]

I posted thyat kit for Schmasty this weekend on the "Maco Tamo Thread. What a steal! And you prefer Super Hoops! Great Fit! Congrats!

[Blk Diamond]

Congrats Jeff,

Your new Masters MMX kit looks stunning in Sapphire Burst!
Sounds like you have some great ideas in store, for this beauty of a kit.
What a wonderful addition to your sweet BRX kit!

[phips]

^^^ Thanks guys, I'm looking forward to "getting to know" this kit. Like I said, my first MMX kit did not work out very well. This time I have some experience to draw from, so this kit will have a good shot at sticking around. My expectations are low, as far as the Sapphire Finish is concerned. Don't get me wrong, I do like that finish. But the description of the kit in the auction was not to positive. I'm good with that, the seller took the time to remove the heads to check out the edges, and the inside of the shells. That's what really matters for a purchase like this. This will be a great second kit, and I can always refinish it if I want.

[robstafaria]

I completely understand Phlps, I had a very similar experience with my first MMX and MRX kits. Confessions of a drum gear-aholic. I had two different MMX kits and a MRX kit and really didnt like one thing or something about each one of them. At the time I loved my old BRX kit but now I really love the sound or tone of the MMX drums. Same can be said my Reference kit, I really missed the warm tone of the 4ply maple shell. Im now putting together another MMX drumset, one peice at a time. lol

[ResonantAscendancy]

NOOO LONNY!! I was looking at that kit too man!! Haha, Love the finish. Glad a fellow PDFer snagged it up. I'm very interested to see how it sounds and what comes of it. Please post some better pics when you get it. I agree with all the suggestions made as well. Have some REP!