Yamaha DTXpress/DTXplorer/DTXtreme

Hi Jason

Welcome to the group and to the world of electronic drums. 

I have been meaning to write a review of a software tutorial product
that is done especially for the Yamaha electronic drum kits. Here are
some details:

The product: StickMaster
Available for download at: http://www.yamahamusics
oft.com/stickmaster/index.php
Cost: US$24.95

You connect up your PC to your Yamaha kit using a standard midi lead.
The software uses a progression of drum lessons to get you playing
along with various pieces of music in different styles. The music is
played through the DTX and so you get to hear yourself and the music
in your headphones. The drum music (tabs) are very easy to follow and
the 3D animation of the drummer helps you to see what sticks you
should be using on what piece of the kit.

The software picks up when you hit each pad and it grades you out of
100 for your playing of the piece in that lesson. I found that this
really drove me to stick with each piece until I got 100%. Even on
the early lessons this is not that easy but it is fun mastering each
step.

This product is great fun to use for beginners and intermediate
drummers and it beats the books and CD's I have tried mainly because
it "listens" to you and it knows when you did not really do it right.

Good luck
Roger

BTW: I scanned the group archive for info on headphones and went with
the recommendation of Sennheiser HD200. They are really good and can
handle the full rang of highs and lows required. I also got an amp
for jamming with and yet again got a recommendation from the group
archive of using a keyboard amp (Peavey KB100) and that does the
business for me.

--- In DTXpress@y..., "jasonbokamper" <jasonbokamper@y...> wrote:
> Hi,
>  
> I just bought my first set of electronic drums (Yamaha DTXPRESS).
>  
> I have never played drums before, so I am trying to stay
inexpensive 
> as I don't know if I will pick up the hobby or not.
>  
> I have the basic Yamaha kit, but it looks like I need a few more 
> items. Can you please recommend a (inexpensive) amp, a pair of 
> headphones, and a drum pedal that will work well with my kit. 
Where 
> to find the items would be helpful also.
> 
> Any help would be appreciated.
> 
> Thanks!
> 
> Jason