Electronic Drum Kits...

Posted: Mon Mar 20, 2006 9:54 am

Hello!

I'd like to get a few recommendations on electronic drum kits. I've done a little research on the web on the various makes/models...But I'd like to get some real world experience.

We'd use these for recording, but primarily for live sound.

Let me know what you think. Thanks!

Posted: Sat Mar 25, 2006 2:47 am

Roland stuff is solid. Depending on your budget you can stay fairly cheap and still get a decent sound. Keep in mind that it's going to sound digital, even their $5,000 set sounds digital to the trained ear.

Cheers,
-Ryan-

Posted: Fri Mar 31, 2006 11:11 am

Right, I understand that. Our delimma is that we are in a fairly small building and we play louder music. Eventually we'll be building a larger worship space, but at this time the drums are just too loud and even wish the percussionist controlling their volume, it is just too much.

Are the Yamaha or DDrum sets worth a look? Also, do all the models of the new Rolands have the same computer module?

Posted: Sat Apr 22, 2006 2:30 am

I would recommend trying to play a few different ones at a music store, but I would stick with Yamaha if you're on a budget, or Roland if you have the cash.

You could always get a Yamaha kit and upgrade it later by adding the better Roland cymbals and module.

If I had the cash, I would get a Roland TD-20.

But, remember that electronic drums still sound digital. I would recommend doing a mixed kit for a live show. Perhaps, electronic kick and toms, and acoustic snare and cymbals. This seems to work pretty well for live applications. Then you can just use the full electronic kit at home when you need to be quiet.

I do expect the quality to improve in the upcoming years though, so I would say just make sure you get something that you can upgrade.

-restashured

Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 8:34 am

Low Budget?

Alesis D4 (or other module), triggers on your existing drums, pop the heads, fill the drums with packing peanuts. This is the best, cheapest alternative IMO. Does it sound like triggered drums? Maybe, maybe not. Depends on the playing, arrangements and mixing techniques.

We have the big boy Roland V-Drums. Hate em'. They so have their purpose. The reason that I hate them is because, if you plan on moving them much, you will find that the hardware is not heavy duty. You should buy some extra pad mounts!

If you want the high end system, look for a used one. There are plenty around. New MI gear is for suckers here. LOTS of mark-up.

Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2006 12:04 am

Be aware of the mixed kit of acoustic and electric drums, they can still be real loud. The typical acoustic snare and cymbals (if hit hard) become hard to mix level with electric drums.

It's worse for the other players on stage (I've suffered from this) as opposed to front mix. That is on stage with out cranking drums in monitors, hearing nothing but Hi Hats, crack of snare and that %^&*$# Rock Ride Cymbal... I played in a band with this set up for 2 years and the Rock Ride still haunts me in my sleep. We did switch out to in ear monitors which helped balance everything out on stage, but more important...

The drummer has to learn how to hit this new kit in a balanced way or it will be a nightmare to mix, and to my understanding not the most delightful task for a drummer.

Alesis D4 was/is a great unit. I worked with many drummers using that unit and as a guitar player, singer & on stage sound man I have no complaints. But that was over 10 years ago, last time I heard one of those on stage. Same on the older Roland 1/2 rack unit, was great.

On the cheaper end, one drummer I worked with made his own triggers from "stuff" from radio shack, he had the "inslulated" toms & Bass drum triggered (played through 400 watt monitor w a 15" speaker) , combo live/triggered snare (double trigger on snare for rim shots) and real cymbals. He always had back up triggers though. We played loud and he sounded great... on Dance/rock stuff but I would never expected that drum kit to pull off a jazzy or more delicate/musical stlye.

Good Luck
Marc

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