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Pricing and availability

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about GMS Drum Kits.

Setup and maintenance

  • The 18” deep kick drum may require removing rims to fit through narrow doorways, especially in older homes with smaller door frames.

    Source
  • Older GMS kits might require repairs, such as replacing missing kick drum spurs, but the investment is often considered worthwhile for their sound quality.

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Comparisons

  • Owners compare GMS kits favorably to DW Collector Series, noting superior sound quality despite the latter's higher market prestige.

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  • While Keller shells are criticized for using rotary cut veneer, GMS kits are still valued for their sound, often compared favorably to high-end brands like DW.

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User experience

  • Enthusiasts highlight GMS kits as iconic, especially for their unique sound in jazz and funk settings, reminiscent of Scott Amendola's performances.

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  • Long-term users with multiple drum kits note that GMS kits hold a special tonal quality, distinguishing them from other high-end sets.

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  • Owners often regret selling GMS kits, with some describing them as "unicorns" due to their exceptional sound and rarity.

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  • A direct trade for a GMS drum kit can be a viable option for acquiring these drums, highlighting potential value in bartering within the community.

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Build quality

  • The unique hardware and in-house milled lugs on GMS kits are highly praised for their distinctiveness and quality.

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Use cases and applications

  • GMS kits are recommended for their sound quality across various music styles, with a strong reputation in rock music, particularly noted for their use by Stone Temple Pilots.

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  • White GMS drums evoke an 80s aesthetic, reminiscent of iconic setups like Vinnie Colaiuta's Yamaha kit, appealing to those seeking nostalgic or classic stage visuals.

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Features and functionality

  • White drums are noted for their visual appeal under stage lights, offering a modern and classy look that stands out more than wood grain finishes.

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  • The 16" Versa Stack from Stack Ring Percussion is used alongside GMS kits, suggesting compatibility and tonal enhancement for nuanced performance setups.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Refinishing a GMS drum kit to a satin white wrap can cost approximately $450 CAD, providing a fresh and modern aesthetic.

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Critic Reviews

Web Exclusive! GMS Drums: Looking Back and Stepping Forward With New York’s Original Boutique

moderndrummer.com

GMS Drum Kits are celebrated for their hands-on craftsmanship and innovative designs. Known for products like the Revolution series and PVS snares, GMS offers unique features such as the vented bearing edge for enhanced drum sensitivity. Their aesthetic finishes and attention to sonic detail set them apart, catering to drummers seeking both style and sound. While some traditional lines like the Grand Master series are less emphasized, GMS continues to innovate with specialized products. However, their foray into lower-end models like the SL series was less successful due to quality control challenges. Overall, GMS remains a respected boutique brand, focused on delivering quality and distinctive drumming experiences.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jizmak Da Gusha (Brad Roberts) uses GMS Drum Kits

Jizmak Da Gusha (Brad Roberts)

Drummer

Gwar

...
Verified via Photo

This quote was taken from an interview with him through DrumMagazine.com

"GMS are the best drums that the humans could come up with. I initially found out how to make sounds by beating the slaves with their own severed arms, and then realized that when I hit them, they would make weird tones. As time went on, I discovered you could stretch different animal skins over stuff – like the Grand Canyon – and make a big sound. But it seems, GMS are the next logical step from beating slaves and stretching animal skins over the Grand Canyon. And they make a comprehensible sound that you humans can understand."

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use GMS Drum Kits, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
rui_berton

rui_berton

Gear IQ 87

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