Gear the Pros Use! I generally perform with my DWCustom drum kit, maple/mahogany. The Collector's Series is the original American made custom drum set. I've had this one since 2000 and I love the sound of it.
My approach to drumming definitely vaires depending on the style of music that I"m playing. I couldn't express enough how important it is to record yourself every time you play, especially when you're playing with other musicians. A lot of times what you end up hearing while you're playing ends up sounding different on the playback. If you're a drummer just starting out, you can find music recorded wihtout the drums so you can play with it...this is very helpful because it gets you listening to all the instruments involved and gives you a better understanding of what to accent and when. Plus, they usually have the option of listening to the original drums recorded with the music and/or a metronome.
I'll go with the basic setup for most straight ahead rock music. For different styles like funk or latin, I'll usually just have my 8" & 10" rack toms up front Playing different styles of music... and put my 12" on the lift of my hi-hats, One-dimensional or multiwhich is also accompanied by percussion instruments (cowbells, concert Toms, dimensional playing - it's your choice. I think the multichimes, etc). dimensional players tend to stand Rack Toms - 8" x 8", 10" x 8", 12" x 10" out and go further in their careers. Try to play with as many Floor Toms - 14", 16" musicians as you can. Your learning Bass Drum - 22" x 16" curve will go up exponentially as you broaden your horizons and by having many guitarists, bassists, singers, or whatever in your life. DON'T listen too much to high praise, or the harshest of criticism. Listening to too much of either can be quite detrimental to your psyche. If you know you're good, be the last to proclaim it with words, express it with ability...if you let your talents do the talking, they will speak volumes in your favor.