Yamaha DTXpress/DTXplorer/DTXtreme

--- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, "Andy Griffin" <andygk7@y...> wrote:
> Hi all
> 
> Hopefully picking up my DTXpress III tomorrow - I'm going to need a 
> bass pedal and have been looking at the Tama HP200 ( baby cobra ? )
> looks like a good pedal and can get one for £50 with the kit - is 
> this a good choice or are there better ones ( for around the same 
> money )any advice ?

Congratulations, Andy. Personally, I find it hard to make 
recommendations about staples like pedals and stands, partially 
because my references are spotty and partially because of the old 
adage about one man's meat (or vegetables). With low- to mid-level 
kick pedals, the variables aren't that wide; most of the name brands 
should do fine. I always liked the entry-level Yamaha, but I'm sure 
that the Tama is just as good. You are unlikely to suffer buyer's 
remorse whatever you happen to choose at that price. But you can 
nitpick the really expensive ones to death. 

> Also - will be wanting to input some tunes to play along to 
possibly 
> from a Discman - assume you need a lead with a jack plug on either 
> end to do this and take the external speaker socket from a CD 
player 
> to the input of the brain ?

For most discman-type players, you'll need a stereo cable with 1/8" 
plugs, which is exactly what's necessary for the aux, input on the 
DTXPU. If you run a cable from the back of a full-sized CD player, 
you'll need an RCA to 1/8" adaptor on the DTX end. If you use 
headphones with it, don't press the discman's into service; it won't 
work. Post if you need recommendations.  

> Anyone got any advice about sticks - the rubber half coated ones 
read 
> up well - best choice ?

Just a few days ago, we had a string of posts (again) about sticks. I 
won't rehearse it. We tend to emphasize keeping them on the slender 
side both to allow the module do the work of creating volume and to 
protect the components from brute force. I like the Zildjian 5A DIPs, 
at least until the rubber wears away, but there's no universal
"best." Chances are that if you had a favorite style/size years ago, 
you can resurrect it now--unless, of course, it was a bludgeon.

Keep us informed.

Ed