Yamaha DTXpress/DTXplorer/DTXtreme

Nick,

It depends on your definition of "work."  Traditionally, Yamaha pads 
have mated better with Yamaha electronics, and likewise on the Roland 
side. Roland, however, usually accommodates Yamaha gum rubber better 
that Yamaha does mesh heads, especially in the area of dynamic range.  
If you're seriously considering a Roland brain, take one of your 
Yamaha rubber pads to a Guitar Center or similar Roland outlet and 
connect it with the TD-6V module to make your own assessment.

So far as mesh heads are concerned, superiority to rubber is not a 
given.  The accuracy and feel of a mesh-head drum depends entirely on 
which head is on it. The Roland heads always tended to be too springy 
for many peoples' taste.  Hart's two-plies had far more champions 
until Roland forced them from the market. Hart's single-ply 
replacement might be worth a try if the Rolands don't do the trick. 
Also, if you're not familiar with the pads in Yamaha's DTXtreme kit, 
you should do yourself a favor a try them out before investing in a 
mesh kit or snare. I personally have favored mesh for many years, but 
the Xtreme pads are nothing like those that in the Xpress kits; they 
have both give and feel. They are easily as playable and gentle on the 
joints as Roland's stock meshes (as well as being quieter)

It's always entertaining to read a new installment in the "Roland 
beats Yamaha hands-down" series. It's as old as this board. Usually, 
it gets a firm reply from Yamaha people, but maybe those days are 
gone. But the issue of which sounds are better is hugely subjective. 
No one testimony should rule the day simply because it exists. I 
happen to like the TD-6 sounds and module better than the higher end 
Rolands, because of the way the samples are constructed. But I would 
hardly suggest that everybody will find the Roland better than the 
Yamaha in every, way, shape, or form. For instance, Yamaha has always 
won the "bang for buck" award, and has alway been more accessible for 
customer support.

How about it, all of you who have some experience with both Roland and 
Yamaha products? How do you respond to Chris' challenge?

Ed



--- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, "Chris . B." <mmhs@...> wrote:
>
> Yeah, replacing the snare with the Roland meash head woulcertainly 
> make a difference with your drumming, just as long as they
> are compatible with each other. This I'm not sure about Nick.
> Cheers,
>          Chris.