well I voted endorsements cuz if a drummer I like uses something it’s gotta be at least decent. That prompts me to go check the item out at a store and test it/inspect it/ yadda yadda yadda.
I would never buy a large/high priced product without trying it first (i.e. drums or cymbals) However, I usually refer to online reviews or conversations with my local drum store staff for the smaller stuff. For example, I read some very favorible things about the Kick Port on this very forum and went out and bought it…by the way, very cool product.
I’m a reseacher by trade and I collect data from lots of sources in order to make an informed decision. The Drum magazine and website are very helpful in my data collection and decision making processes. Thanks Andy.
well I voted endorsements cuz if a drummer I like uses something it’s gotta be at least decent. That prompts me to go check the item out at a store and test it/inspect it/ yadda yadda yadda.
I am always skeptical about endorsements. Do they endorse the product or use the product they endorse? Here’s some apples and oranges: Robert De Niro endorsed an hair-enhancing comb. In the photo, it shows a 1970’s babe fawning over his hair. Comb your hair, get the babe. Buy the drum, play like the endorsee.
That’s true but then again they prob wouldn’t endorse a product they wouldn’t use. I still believe that trying a product before buying it is always the best way to get new gear. I jut use endorsements to get ideas as to what might be good.
One choice I didn’t see was “Playing/Trying Out The Product In A Drum Shop.”
I will seldom, if ever, buy anything online without playing it first. I definitely would not buy a drum or cymbal without playing the actual piece.
BINGO! I was looking for that also. That’s the bottom line. I will get guidance from trusted friends when needed and go from there. that’s how I ended up with my Gennie’s. My Saturn’s, I searched out myself. Took a couple days, but was well worth it.
