Electronic Drums

[splat15k]

My Fellow AO'ers,

I've interested in getting into playing the drums. Now I know many drummers will argue that acoustic drums are they only way to go, but I would love to have the silent play (headphone output) and the hundreds of sounds that electronic kits have to offer.

With that being said, electronic drum kits are EXPENSIVE. I've looked into Roland, Hart, Pintech, and Yamaha kits, and I can rule out the rubber pads of the Yamaha. I know there are a few relatively inexpensive kits out there, but I don't want to invest in something that will be completely replaced in the future as my needs grow.

Where do I start? Any advice?

[Aggravated Assault]

Looking at the used market is always an option. The new stuff is expensive no doubt...If you are looking for less expensive, I think Alesis has a buget kit, but it will be a rubber pad style like all of the other budget models.

If you don't like the "feel" of the rubber pads, you are going to be looking only at the higher end stuff like the Roland V series or Hart TE stuff.

As for outgrowing, I still use a 10+ year old Roland TD-7 set for recording, and even practice, when it suits what I'm practicing. If you get something decent it will last you a long time.

OTOH, you can get mufflers for acoustic drums and cymbals for quiet practice, then just take em' off when you want to annoy the neighbors.

Good Luck and rock on

[kosmo]

I know Best Buy and Walmart carry a set that costs about 160 bucks. Comes with a fake guitar and a microphone too.

[splat15k]

Other than ebay, where is a good place to look for used equipment?

[warpig13]

OTOH, you can get mufflers for acoustic drums and cymbals for quiet practice, then just take em' off when you want to annoy the neighbors.

As a drummer, this is my advice.

[splat15k]

As a drummer, this is my advice.

Care to share why this is your advice and while you're at it, can you suggest some good muffler kits?

Thanks

[GroovYChickeN 2.o]

I would see if there is a local music shop where you can go talk to the employees there. Most music shops will have a for sale bulletin board for people to sell their equipment. Also see if there is a Guitar Center somewhere near you. They will have just about anything your looking for new. They will also let you try out just about anything in the store.

Also and a drummer I would say for your first kit steer away from a electronic kit. It is very hard to learn some important fundamentals like dynamics and posture and the like on electronic kits. (well the inexpensive ones anyway)

As far as muting pads there are a lot to pick from. Here are some examples that are sold by musician's friend. I use Vic Ferth pads myself but then again that is only because I got them on sale.

[Indignant]

my friend had an electronic kit for a while. his mom offered to pay the difference between that and a new set because she didn't want the noise anymore... he didn't like it. ended up selling it and just giving his mom's money back, haha

[splat15k]

Oh man, I completely forgot about the Guitar Center in town; I'll have to check it out. I have to admit, I'm a little bashful about advertising my noobishness on the acoustic kits, so I figured that having a set of headphones would give me more confidence to learn and try new things.

Thank you for the input/suggestions thus far!

[NeedForSpeed]

I recently had this question come up on a drum forum. Check this out.

http://www.centerstagem.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=2220

Two words: Drum mutes
and eventually those sounds may not be as interesting
You could always buy a module and a few electronic triggers for effects but not the the whole kit

Looks at Craigslist

There is always cheaper drum stuff on there.

[rifleman wi]

yea, craigslist is the way to go, i just picked up a really nice black 6 piece Pearl Export for $250 off there. Great Success

I recently had this question come up on a drum forum. Check this out.

http://www.centerstagem.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=2220

Two words: Drum mutes
and eventually those sounds may not be as interesting
You could always buy a module and a few electronic triggers for effects but not the the whole kit
Looks at Craigslist
There is always cheaper drum stuff on there.

[splat15k]

Excellent link NFS, thank you. I checked my local craigslist and came up with nothing I'll check frequently though.