by Michael S » Tue Dec 31, 2002 6:26 pm
My first inclination is to agree with 120dec. I ruled out Matadors because I didn't think the cost/improvement ration was there over the Aspires. Matadors are expensive for so-called intermediate level drums. And the head mounting is a good idea. Aspires may feel like toys but they are very well made drums for their cost. (Compare the cost to other make entry level drums.) The cost shaving has to be in the heads. Bu, due to the sizes of entry drums, your options there are limited other than mounting your own. A big difference will be noted, however.
On the other hand, if Matadors are what you really like, then, by all means, get them. But shop around alot. I was determined to move up to higher priced LP's but one day, just for the heck of it, I tried some very inexpensive Toca Traditional series drums, at 2/3 the cost of Matadors much less the cost of Galaxy or Patatos. The way they looked was intriquing but I really fell in love with the sound and feel of the bison heads. Whereas their quality was not a major step up, they were what I was looking for, so price and quality be damned, they are what I got, play today, and still love. And isn't that what is most important?