i am looking to buy a new or used drumset...ive been playing on and off for about 8 years...i dont want something extremely professional but also dont want a beginner set...i am looking to spend around 400...any suggestions?

hahahahahaha.....good luck with that one! I went for First Act. Lame, but good.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Tama-Stagestar-5Piece-Drum-Set?sku=449293

thats a tama kit on musiciansfriend.com its about $430, look around on that site, im sure you'll find something that'll interest you in your price range

I'm not sure about specific brands or anything, but if your an expirenced drummer, I'd get a quality brand, thats been slightly used.

That way, its cheaper, but reliable.

Whatever you do: DO NOT GET AN ELECTRIC!!!! I'd day the safest way to go is an acoustic Gibson, used of course, and i bought my most recent instrument off of ebay,which was a good price for good quality.Hope I helped
-MBF-

Yamahas are good budget sets. Great actually. You probably cant afford a Yamaha Stage Custom, so I'd go with a lower model pearl or Tama. Ive played a pearl export series for 6 years now without faliure. As soon as I get a job, im either going to buy a Yamaha Stage Custom or a Mapex of some sort. Just check out musiciansfriend.com, your bound to find something you like.

Yamahas are good budget sets. Great actually. You probably cant afford a Yamaha Stage Custom, so I'd go with a lower model pearl or Tama. Ive played a pearl export series for 6 years now without faliure. As soon as I get a job, im either going to buy a Yamaha Stage Custom or a Mapex of some sort. Just check out musiciansfriend.com, your bound to find something you like.