buying a kit but not using the whole kit.....

[shinealight]

So basically, do I buy a kit that's almost what I'm after for a steal, but has a few extra bits that I probably won't ever use?

There's a 6-piece Gretsch Catalina (not the current version) for sale locally for dirt cheap....and with stands etc. as well, for less than half of what the new equivalent is, and it's in near-new condition - it was bought for a kid who quickly lost interest. I'd prefer one of the jazz models because I've got little use for more than one rack tom (or the extra cymbal stands and things, but that matters less) but this is the next closest thing.

[hella1hella]

If you still dig it, I would get it. God knows as musicians our tastes change a lot! Might be nice to have the extra stuff. Keep the extras for a few months or maybe a year, if you never use them sell the extras.

[hella1hella]

If you still dig it, I would get it. God knows as musicians our tastes change a lot! Might be nice to have the extra stuff. Keep the extras for a few months or maybe a year, if you never use them sell the extras.

[tatotateman]

If the price is right, go for it. Do you think you'd be able to find a smaller kit with just what you want for less?

I've got a 5 piece Catalina Birch that previously belonged to a kid who lost interest. When I play it (which is rare anymore) I hardly ever use the mounted toms, but it's nice to know that if I ever needed them, they're there, waiting for me.

[MrLambyLamb]

If the price is right, go for it. Do you think you'd be able to find a smaller kit with just what you want for less?

I've got a 5 piece Catalina Birch that previously belonged to a kid who lost interest. When I play it (which is rare anymore) I hardly ever use the mounted toms, but it's nice to know that if I ever needed them, they're there, waiting for me.

This. Unless you're paying a huge premium, it can't hurt to have extra drums. Just nest them and stick them in a closet.

Plus, as noted earlier, you might get a bug to try something different as time goes on. Maybe put in a left side floor tom. I had a 7-piece Yamaha set I bought when I was a kid. I never used more than 5 pieces after about the first 6 months, but being able to change configurations made it feel like I had a new kit each time.

[missionguitars]

I really liked the Catalina back when I took up drums again, and if you are buying it right, getting your money back (if not more) shouldn't be a problem.

Like the others said, just hide the parts you aren't using in the closet and swap them in when you get bored of your set up.