Restoring some drums

jeddy lee

I have played guitar for 10 years-ish now. I have also off and on played around on drums when I've played in bands. I acquired a very very beaten up basic (maybe pearl?) set a few years ago to practice on and teach other people (I worked a lot with troubled kids, music is a great tool).

Now these drums have sentimental value to me. I am taking off the heads and stripping them down to repaint them and decoupage them with clippings from 5 years of rolling stone magazines, then adding a nice finish to make sure it looks really professional. So now, they will be one of a kind, but I also want to update the sound. Most of the hardware is usable, and I bought a new kick pedal and set of hi-hats. Inevitably I will need a new ride and crash symbols. Any thoughts on brands?

I also want to add new skins/heads onto the kick and toms, and buy a nice tight snare. Any idea's on brands or recomendations?

This is still ment to be a very basic set, and relatively bargain prices. I want it to be the Fender of the drum world. Paying for utility, not sophistication.