So a couple week ago I saw a set of Buffed Bronze Zildjian Gen16s with the 13" HiHat, 16" crash, 18" crash/ride, module and etc. that streets for between $800 and $900, advertised for $475+ $25 shipping ... or offer.
It was listed as new, open box.
I asked the usual set of "anything functionally or cosmetically wrong" questions to both get answers and to be on record as having asked (because of the suspiciously low price) ... and after a few back and forth messages through Reverb, I offered $425 and it was accepted.
I'll be using these with a double kick set of Tamas sporting Remo Silent Strokes and Roland triggers running through a DDrum DDTi 10 channel I/O expansion to my DM10X controller to make a married set of what will be an almost full circle of electronic and hybrid acoustic jumbo quad bass rig, sort-of like Neil Peart's "time machine" ... or that's the plan anyway.
I might even get one of those Billy Gibbons lookin' pimp-ass hats that Neil wears.
As you may know .. the Gen16 is a stand-alone system that goes directly to your amplification/PA, so I won't need any e-drum channels for them, just the Rolands on Tamas themselves.
Anyway ...the Gen16 set got here yesterday, and I have to admit I was expecting 'something' with it to be less than perfect ... but it's just as advertised, a new open box set that's perfect!
I set them up on a spare Pearl hihat and some boom stands (my DM10X set is play ready, but my Tamas are packed up until I get my studio finished).
They feel freakin great! And although not an exact sonic match for acoustic cymbals, they are a 'huge' step up from anything else I've played in the eCymbal arena, and IMHO actually good enough to gig with.
The controller allows for a number of "shaping" options and so you can do things that for example make a set of 13" HiHats sound like they are much bigger, add some built-in reverb, and because it is a real electronic cymbal in the same sense as a electronic guitar with it's own pickup/sensor (not triggers) you can run the output through FX, like a phaser, echo, and etc.
So, for the second time in just a short period (I also recently bought a Fender '63 Vibroverb RI in perfect condition for $500 locally!) I actually got a killer deal!
Me ... the guys that never gets a "braggin' rights" deal on anything, and only reads about you other guys getting them!
So yeah .. I got a really good vibe about 2017.