K and an A Custom then , eh Rich? I definately liked the sound of the As I've played before. The kit had 14" A hats and a 14 and 16" crash. The rest of the line up contained a few paiste 5 or 802s, cant remember.

As for custom drums, stuff here in the Uk costs enough as it is...Americas probably the best for that...so if i WERE to buy a custom kit, itd probably be from the us of a. id love a custom snare and bass drums...in my opinion , the two mosyt fundamental drums within a kit.

Something like that in mind, but with probably four rack and two floor toms.

no, i didn't think so anyway, but now that i look for them, they are.

http://www.pacificdrums.com/drumsLX/index.htm

a custom built set made by a drummer and not a painter will out perform any kit at any price range.  They are custom built to your specs with any hardware you want and they are finished in any fashion you want...  And all for usually less money... 

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i gotta say in theory i agree steve but in the reality (from what i can see) is that the whole explosion in 'custom' drum manufacturing is a bit of a con for which, esecially over here, you pay big money for.

 whether you take the 'big' new wave of custom drum com's i.e ocdp et al or one man average joe drum makers  they all look the same to me (and probably sound the same) because they all end up using RIMMS on the toms, the majority use keller shells and genric lugs because they dont have the size to produce there own hardware or mounting systems. im sure they all have wonderful specs and build quality but is it any better than any top line manufactuer?

i really have know idea as ive never looked into buying a custom drumset, can you pick for example DW lugs, pearl hoops or whatever? how much 'choice' do you really get.i dont know

im sure its just me but there does seem to be a big 'wow' at the moment about custom drums and i really dont get it. i know i for one would have a hard job telling a 4ply shell from a 8ply one, taking head choice and tunning into consideration. different shell depth options are covered in most top kits, yes custom drum makers can make you a kit from a wider variety of exotic woods, but could i tell the difference between a maple and whatever wood shell? doubt it if im honest.

just an observation

Theres no one persons suggestions that i can totally agree on.

I guess its just up to personal preference at the end of the day. Also, surprisingly at the end of the day as well, you can only afford to dish out that much cash on an instrument if youve tried and tested it yourself.

its probably the best way to do so. Looks play a large role as well, and there are some custom kits that do not suit my tastes visually. But then again, i guess its to some other persons own taste, and thus the 'custom' issue is highlighted once again.

Yep, this place is far too expensive. you lucky americans...darn