Best drum kit for studio recording?

[Anxiety35]

Hi everyone. Long time drummer here.

We know that drum endorsees play certain brands live but what they use in studio may be a different brand than what they're endorsed by. The classic example is Lars Ulrich. He's been a Tama endorsee for a long time, but recorded with a Gretsch kit for Metallica's black album.

My question is for studio owners, engineers, producers, and others who have experience in the studio. What drum brand and line are the best for the studio (i.e. Gretsch USA Custom, Ludwig classic maple, etc. - not just "Gretsch" or "Ludwig")?

[DTA]

I really think that mic quality, engineer experience, proper tuning, and new drumheads can realistically make any drumset sound good. If a Tama Starclassic Bubinga is mic'd improperly with old drumheads, it probably won't sound as good as a budget kit with new heads and good micing. The only real difference I notice is that I think coated heads on toms sound warmer and deeper than clear heads.

[Stadler]

I would use anything named "Bubinga". 

[Anxiety35]

I would use anything named "Bubinga".

That's my choice, preferably Tama Star or Starclassic bubinga. However, I've found that studio folks prefer something else other than a Tama brand in their house. Personally, I have a Tama Starclassic maple. I love it.

Back to the original question. I understand that with a decent kit, head choices, tuning, proper mic placement, and control room magic, you can get pretty much what you're looking for. I've also heard that a kit that has a wrap for a finish is not good because it chokes the resonance of the drum. However, there are some kits that are more desirable for recording. Plus, the "natural sound" or "naked sound" of the kit matters too. So, studio peeps want something that can do it all.

[Adami]

It totally depends on what kind of music you're doing. If you're doing jazz or if you're doing prog metal, those are totally different drums. You need different drums sometimes, but definitely different heads, tunings, set ups, etc. So what kind of music are you looking to do?

[TheCountOfNYC]

Tama Starclassic is always a safe bet. As for cymbals, you can’t go wrong with Sabian or Zildjian.

[romdrums]

A lot of it is situational.  Adami and DTA make a lot of good points.  There are a lot of different factors to consider.  New heads are definitely a plus, mic selection and placement, the acoustics of the room, type of music, etc.  Heck, even snare drum and cymbal selection can play a huge role.  Here are some links that can help you get a better idea of what to look for.

https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/mic-drum-kit/?id=LBpSBFIODFEATggJVABbRQwFAVAPAw&utm_content=article1-image&utm_source=marketing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20180517-category-mic-month

https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/how-to-get-a-great-snare-drum-sound-by-sweetwater/

https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/pro-tips-for-enhancing-your-drum-sound/

https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/drum-recording-tip-let-it-bleed/

https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/drum-mic-shootout-with-mike-johnston-of-mikeslessons-com/