Drumming

Ear plugs: all the same or should I splash out for some Loops?

Yeah I think that's pretty much what I'm after! Thanks, that narrows down the search a fair bit. I quite like Paiste as well so will take a look at those.

I like Alpine. A bit cheaper than Loop and they come with different filters to block out more or less sound. They come with either a metal tube or a little pouch. It's a pain in the arse to get the plugs out of the tube so I avoid them. The pouch is also bigger so harder to lose.

I used Loop for a while, they're a lovely product but I think you might actually get a better fit with some of those Alpine ones or else go all in and get fitted if you're playing a lot...

I'm a fairweather drummer but if I played any more than I do I'd be getting some proper fitted ones.

I'm a fairweather drummer but if I played any more than I do I'd be getting some proper fitted ones.

Counterpoint: I play quite a bit (and used to play fucking loads). I'm pretty thick and lose at least 2 pairs a year. I'd love a proper fitted pair but absolutely cannot be trusted!

I am very much a beginner, only playing grade 1 & 2 level stuff and when I play along to music I use noise cancelling headphones but when I'm trying to use a metronome etc I realise how loud drums are (sorry neighbours) and should probably be thinking about long term hearing health.

I'll look into the suggestions, thanks all!

Has anyone tried any Gear4Music own brand stuff? They've got some dirt cheap cymbals that actually sound pretty good from the videos I've seen. The price is a little bit too good to be true though!

I got some sticks from them and a small bass amp. Think of them as the Decathlon of the music equipment world - decent enough for the money.

Can't comment on their cymbals mind.

Got you! I'm tempted to give a cymbal a punt if the quality isn't too bad. Thanks for the reply.

Earplugs: I use Happy Ears. Love them, around £11 a pair I think. Some pro musician friends use them too.

Is there anywhere in London with a decent selection of cymbals? I'd like to try a few different types out but it's hard to get a decent impression from YouTube videos etc. I'm particularly concerned about volume. I play a lot of gigs without mics and some cymbals just don't cut through enough.

I was going to say Wembley Drum Centre, but looks like it’s closed down (?)..!

Drumshack on Lavender Hill has a room downstairs you can test stuff out in - or the wildcard option would be a probably-too-far drive down to Graham Russell Drums in Fareham?

Damn, I used to love going to Wembley Drum Centre as a teenager!

Drumshack is a good call actually. Fareham is definitely too far, haha.