Let's see, Weckl started off playing Gretsch, then went with Yamaha and Sabian, then switched to Zildjian for a few years, then back to Sabian.
Tony Williams started off with Gretsch and Zildjian, and switched to DW shortly before his premature death.
Phil Collins started off playing Gretsch and Zildjian and Paiste, then switched to Premier and Zildjian, then switched to Pearl for a minute, then back to Gretsch, then to Sabian.
Neil Peart started off playing Rogers, then went with Slingerland, then with Tama, then with Ludwig (all while playing Zildjian). Then he switched to DW and had Sabian make a line for him.
Todd Sucherman was playing Sonor drums and then switched to Pearl.
I could go on. Bottom line is, all of these guys always sounded great, regardless of the equipment. Every manufacturer makes some great stuff, and has some stuff that misses the mark.
If you could build your ideal set of drums, with parts from any manufacturer, what would you do? I have always tended to modify things like tom mounts & snare throw-offs, but what else do you like or dislike from the various makes?
Personally, I really like Yamaha's hardware, and Ludwig's new hardware too. I'm not familiar with Sonor's stuff, as I've only seen it up close a few times. I like some of Pearl's hardware, but have never liked their mounting system or lugs. I like a lot of Tama's hardware and pedals (especially their hi-hat), but I haven't liked the look of their lugs in a long time. Gretsch has nice lugs, and Slingerland's were nice (very Gretsch-like), but Gretsch pretty much gave up on their hardware or pedals (although the DW pedals are direct descendants of the Gretsch pedal from the past). I'm not a fan of DW's lugs, but their jazz line seems nice (with the die cast hoops). Canopus seems like an interesting company, but I've never actually heard them played in person. Not digging their hardware or mounts either really. Yamaha has some great sounding drums, and I've heard that their new mounting system is great - I just wish it looked nicer. Fibes should be on the comeback trail in about a year. Tempus will have new owners soon. Ludwig seems to offer some amazing choices in finishes and sizes, but no die-cast hoops for their toms. Brady drums are incredible, but super pricey. And they don't make any hardware, so you've gotta go a la carte.
