Yamaha DTXpress/DTXplorer/DTXtreme

To: DTXpress@yahoogroups.com
From: keith@kdel.co.uk
Date: Wed, 21 Nov 2007 09:06:12 +0000
Subject: [DTXpress] Re: Looking For A Good Beginers Set

--- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, "jjlawn2" > wrote:
>
> I am looking for a decent beginners electronic drum set that is not
> very expinsive. Any brands or models I should look for?
>

Well, you've come to the right place to be recommended the Yamaha
range! The DTXplorer is the cheapest but I haven't played it - maybe
someone here has and can pass comment. There are cheaper kits on the
market based on the Alesis module I think, but I don't know much about
it. The DM5 module is reasonable but I am not sure the pads sold with
it are regarded very highly.

There is some company called Roland around as well, but they tend to
be the most expensive on the market. They have brought out a new
cheap kit - the HD1 - but the reports I have heard about it are not
good. It is quite cramped with no adjustment and horrible pedals.

There are quite a few discussions on the subject at

http://acapella.harmony-central.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=19

Keith.

> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> _________________________________________________________________
> Celeb spotting – Play CelebMashup and win cool prizes
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I am looking for a decent beginners electronic drum set that is not
very expinsive. Any brands or models I should look for?

I agree Jonathan, try to find a shop where they sell also electronic
kits and try.

I tested the Alesis D4, DM5 and DMPro. The DM5 is the only one
available nowadays from Alesis.

I have a DTXpress II and I'm fully satisfied with it, but I also have
to agree, meshes would be better to play as I built a kit with mesh
heads and this was a little bit better to play but I had sensitivity
issues, was not good enough.
As soon as you get used to the rubber pads, they are great to play and
the DTXpress II is a decent kit and really not bad.

I'd like to recommend getting a used D4 and build your own kit, but I
don't recommend this. Building can get also very expensive and the
results are sometimes disappointing. The hardware seems cheaper and
building is seducing because you think you can save lots of money, but
you will need lots of hardware, lots of screws, lots of glue and lots
of other material. All in all this is very expensive let alone the
time you need to plan, to design and to built and adjust your kit. I
built 3 kits and would never do that again since I have a DTXpress II.

Perhaps you look around in newspapers or some internet auctions and
try to get a used DTXpress. To be honest, I wouldn't buy a DTXplorer.
You can get a used DTXpress for the same or under the price of a
DTXplorer. Buying a used one can also be cheaper than building a kit.

And please, hands off the Roland HD-1, this seems to be more a toy or
some sort of a low-space practice kit and think of expanding
eventually, impossible with the HD-1.

Good luck

--- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, Jonathan Wilkinson ...>
wrote:
>
> As Keith says,
>
> There's the (Alesis) DM5Pro Kit, (Yamaha) DTXplorer and (Roland)
HD-1 kits at the cheapest end of the price range.
> And to be honest, it shows. I haven't tried a DTXplorer, but I have
tried the DM5 and HD-1. The latter is utterly awful. In my opinion,
it's roland trying to be cheap, and it just doesn't work. If you're
not comfortable playing the thing then you never will be able to get
comfortable. Well, I couldn't anyway.
>
> My advice is to try and find a (good) music, or even better
dedicated drum shop, with staff that actually know something about
electronic kits, other than what they're called and how much they
are... and organise an afternoon/day with them to go try a few out.
>
> Then buy the one YOU like best. Of course, I'd say if you're serious
about getting an electronic kit, maybe try to stretch to a DTXpress
III or IV... it'll still be loads cheaper than the "equivalent" Roland.
>
> But as with all things, you get what you pay for. I have a DTXtreme
IIs and I quite like the pads on it. Of course, I would prefer mesh
ones, and maybe one day I'll get/make some... but I would LOVE a TD20
kit (that's the most expensive roland one - about \ufffd3500 worth of
expensive)... but the price is just stupid.
>
>
> To: DTXpress@...: keith@...: Wed, 21 Nov 2007 09:06:12 +0000Subject:
[DTXpress] Re: Looking For A Good Beginers Set
>
>
>
>
> --- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, "jjlawn2" wrote:>> I am
looking for a decent beginners electronic drum set that is not > very
expinsive. Any brands or models I should look for?>Well, you've come
to the right place to be recommended the Yamaharange! The DTXplorer is
the cheapest but I haven't played it - maybesomeone here has and can
pass comment. There are cheaper kits on themarket based on the Alesis
module I think, but I don't know much aboutit. The DM5 module is
reasonable but I am not sure the pads sold withit are regarded very
highly.There is some company called Roland around as well, but they
tend tobe the most expensive on the market. They have brought out a
newcheap kit - the HD1 - but the reports I have heard about it are
notgood. It is quite cramped with no adjustment and horrible
pedals.There are quite a few discussions on the subject at
http://acapella.harmony-central.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=19Keith.
>
>
>
>
>
>
> __________________________________________________________
> Celeb spotting \ufffd Play CelebMashup and win cool prizes
> https://www.celebmashup.com
>

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As Keith says,

There's the (Alesis) DM5Pro Kit, (Yamaha) DTXplorer and (Roland) HD-1 kits at the cheapest end of the price range.
And to be honest, it shows. I haven't tried a DTXplorer, but I have tried the DM5 and HD-1. The latter is utterly awful. In my opinion, it's roland trying to be cheap, and it just doesn't work. If you're not comfortable playing the thing then you never will be able to get comfortable. Well, I couldn't anyway.

My advice is to try and find a (good) music, or even better dedicated drum shop, with staff that actually know something about electronic kits, other than what they're called and how much they are... and organise an afternoon/day with them to go try a few out.

Then buy the one YOU like best. Of course, I'd say if you're serious about getting an electronic kit, maybe try to stretch to a DTXpress III or IV... it'll still be loads cheaper than the "equivalent" Roland.

But as with all things, you get what you pay for. I have a DTXtreme IIs and I quite like the pads on it. Of course, I would prefer mesh ones, and maybe one day I'll get/make some... but I would LOVE a TD20 kit (that's the most expensive roland one - about \ufffd3500 worth of expensive)... but the price is just stupid.

To: DTXpress@yahoogroups.com
From: keith@....uk
Date: Wed, 21 Nov 2007 09:06:12 +0000
Subject: [DTXpress] Re: Looking For A Good Beginers Set

--- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, "jjlawn2" > wrote:
>
> I am looking for a decent beginners electronic drum set that is not
> very expinsive. Any brands or models I should look for?
>

Well, you've come to the right place to be recommended the Yamaha
range! The DTXplorer is the cheapest but I haven't played it - maybe
someone here has and can pass comment. There are cheaper kits on the
market based on the Alesis module I think, but I don't know much about
it. The DM5 module is reasonable but I am not sure the pads sold with
it are regarded very highly.

There is some company called Roland around as well, but they tend to
be the most expensive on the market. They have brought out a new
cheap kit - the HD1 - but the reports I have heard about it are not
good. It is quite cramped with no adjustment and horrible pedals.

There are quite a few discussions on the subject at

http://acapella.harmony-central.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=19

Keith.

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> it are regarded very highly.
> 
>

- OK, I'll tell you my story. A few months back I got the itch to add
an electronic kit to my home studio set up. Often the only time I get
to compose these days are weekend nights, very late. I can do
everything with headphones, save for vocals and drums (I have an
acoustic kit too). So drums were usually done on Sunday afternoons.
I hated to wait until the next day to finish a song.

I did my research online, knowing at this time I couldn't afford even
the low end Roland kit. The Alesis DM5 module seemed great(and it
is !!)but the pads really iffy (well I finally saw one in person and
they are beyond iffy, cheap plastic toys, no go here). Good luck in
finding a DM5 Pro, everybody seems sold out, and they are on
backorder everywhere (does this thing really exist ?). I considered
one of the Medelli kits that are all over e-bay under the names Yoki,
OSP, Borgi, etc., but I saw one under the name Astro in a local music
store, and if this is part of that family, then they have real
problems that nobody tells you about, the biggest of which is, the
jack plug is 1/8 inch stereo and is located undeneath the center of
the pad where it receives the greatest impact of the stick hit, and
there is nothing there to soften the blow, thus a strong snare hit,
and the chord pops out every time, unacceptable for $699.00.

The newest Simmons SD7K that Guitar Center sells doesn't seem to bad,
but I heard that people had issues with the SD5K holding up after a
year. I don't know if they've improved these, but the one I tried
wasn't half bad, and they are $599.00 right now. Musicians Friend,
Music 123, and Guitar Center (online only)are selling the old SD5K
for $399.00 now. I would say that's decent as a beginner kit, and the
lowest price you'll find any e-kit for other than a toy Ion kit
from Target or Walmart.

Then I saw a Yamaha DT Express II on Craigslist, used for $500.00.
Keep an eye on sites like this, often you can get a good used deal
locally. I was glad I waited and found this. I almost ordered a
Simmons before I found this, and I'm totally happy with my Yamaha.
Mine belonged to a rich boy who scarcely played it, never even
programmed a single used kit, although he said he HAD been in a band.
It's missing a screw here and there, some of which I replaced,but
otherwise in primo condition. I've added two cymbal pads to expand it
already (only had it two weeks). I love this thing.

John

-- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, joe glover > wrote:
>
> Thanks for your help. Joe
>
> Keith wrote: --- In
DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, "jjlawn2" wrote:
> >
> > I am looking for a decent beginners electronic drum set that is
not
> > very expinsive. Any brands or models I should look for?
> >
>
> Well, you've come to the right place to be recommended the Yamaha
> range! The DTXplorer is the cheapest but I haven't played it - maybe
> someone here has and can pass comment. There are cheaper kits on the
> market based on the Alesis module I think, but I don't know much
about
> it. The DM5 module is reasonable but I am not sure the pads sold
with
> it are regarded very highly.
>
>

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- OK, I'll tell you my story. A few months back I got the itch to add
an electronic kit to my home studio set up. Often the only time I get
to compose these days are weekend nights, very late. I can do
everything with headphones, save for vocals and drums (I have an
acoustic kit too). So drums were usually done on Sunday afternoons.
I hated to wait until the next day to finish a song.

I did my research online, knowing at this time I couldn't afford even
the low end Roland kit. The Alesis DM5 module seemed great(and it
is !!)but the pads really iffy (well I finally saw one in person and
they are beyond iffy, cheap plastic toys, no go here). Good luck in
finding a DM5 Pro, everybody seems sold out, and they are on
backorder everywhere (does this thing really exist ?). I considered
one of the Medelli kits that are all over e-bay under the names Yoki,
OSP, Borgi, etc., but I saw one under the name Astro in a local music
store, and if this is part of that family, then they have real
problems that nobody tells you about, the biggest of which is, the
jack plug is 1/8 inch stereo and is located undeneath the center of
the pad where it receives the greatest impact of the stick hit, and
there is nothing there to soften the blow, thus a strong snare hit,
and the chord pops out every time, unacceptable for $699.00.

The newest Simmons SD7K that Guitar Center sells doesn't seem to bad,
but I heard that people had issues with the SD5K holding up after a
year. I don't know if they've improved these, but the one I tried
wasn't half bad, and they are $599.00 right now. Musicians Friend,
Music 123, and Guitar Center (online only)are selling the old SD5K
for $399.00 now. I would say that's decent as a beginner kit, and the
lowest price you'll find any e-kit for other than a toy Ion kit
from Target or Walmart.

Then I saw a Yamaha DT Express II on Craigslist, used for $500.00.
Keep an eye on sites like this, often you can get a good used deal
locally. I was glad I waited and found this. I almost ordered a
Simmons before I found this, and I'm totally happy with my Yamaha.
Mine belonged to a rich boy who scarcely played it, never even
programmed a single used kit, although he said he HAD been in a band.
It's missing a screw here and there, some of which I replaced,but
otherwise in primo condition. I've added two cymbal pads to expand it
already (only had it two weeks). I love this thing.

John

-- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, joe glover > wrote:
>
> Thanks for your help. Joe
>
> Keith wrote: --- In
DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, "jjlawn2" wrote:
> >
> > I am looking for a decent beginners electronic drum set that is
not
> > very expinsive. Any brands or models I should look for?
> >
>
> Well, you've come to the right place to be recommended the Yamaha
> range! The DTXplorer is the cheapest but I haven't played it - maybe
> someone here has and can pass comment. There are cheaper kits on the
> market based on the Alesis module I think, but I don't know much
about
> it. The DM5 module is reasonable but I am not sure the pads sold
with
> it are regarded very highly.
>
>

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From: "John Spokus" <whistlingtk@...>
To: <DTXpress@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Wednesday, November 21, 2007 1:31 PM
Subject: [DTXpress] Re: Looking For A Good Beginers Set


>- OK, I'll tell you my story. A few months back I got the itch to add
> an electronic kit to my home studio set up. Often the only time I get
> to compose these days are weekend nights, very late. I can do
> everything with headphones, save for vocals and drums (I have an
> acoustic kit too). So drums were usually done on Sunday afternoons.
> I hated to wait until the next day to finish a song.
>
> I did my research online, knowing at this time I couldn't afford even
> the low end Roland kit. The Alesis DM5 module seemed great(and it
> is !!)but the pads really iffy (well I finally saw one in person and
> they are beyond iffy, cheap plastic toys, no go here). Good luck in
> finding a DM5 Pro, everybody seems sold out, and they are on
> backorder everywhere (does this thing really exist ?). I considered
> one of the Medelli kits that are all over e-bay under the names Yoki,
> OSP, Borgi, etc., but I saw one under the name Astro in a local music
> store, and if this is part of that family, then they have real
> problems that nobody tells you about, the biggest of which is, the
> jack plug is 1/8 inch stereo and is located undeneath the center of
> the pad where it receives the greatest impact of the stick hit, and
> there is nothing there to soften the blow, thus a strong snare hit,
> and the chord pops out every time, unacceptable for $699.00.
>
> The newest Simmons SD7K that Guitar Center sells doesn't seem to bad,
> but I heard that people had issues with the SD5K holding up after a
> year. I don't know if they've improved these, but the one I tried
> wasn't half bad, and they are $599.00 right now. Musicians Friend,
> Music 123, and Guitar Center (online only)are selling the old SD5K
> for $399.00 now. I would say that's decent as a beginner kit, and the
> lowest price you'll find any e-kit for other than a toy Ion kit
> from Target or Walmart.
>
> Then I saw a Yamaha DT Express II on Craigslist, used for $500.00.
> Keep an eye on sites like this, often you can get a good used deal
> locally. I was glad I waited and found this. I almost ordered a
> Simmons before I found this, and I'm totally happy with my Yamaha.
> Mine belonged to a rich boy who scarcely played it, never even
> programmed a single used kit, although he said he HAD been in a band.
> It's missing a screw here and there, some of which I replaced,but
> otherwise in primo condition. I've added two cymbal pads to expand it
> already (only had it two weeks). I love this thing.
>
> John
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> -- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, joe glover <jjlawn2@...> wrote:
>>
>> Thanks for your help. Joe
>>
>> Keith <keith@...> wrote:          --- In
> DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, "jjlawn2" <jjlawn2@> wrote:
>> >
>> > I am looking for a decent beginners electronic drum set that is
> not
>> > very expinsive. Any brands or models I should look for?
>> >
>>
>> Well, you've come to the right place to be recommended the Yamaha
>> range! The DTXplorer is the cheapest but I haven't played it - maybe
>> someone here has and can pass comment. There are cheaper kits on the
>> market based on the Alesis module I think, but I don't know much
> about
>> it. The DM5 module is reasonable but I am not sure the pads sold
> with
>> it are regarded very highly.
>>
>>
>
>
>
> Community email addresses:
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>
> Alternate DTXpress site:
>  http://www.dtxpressions.com
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
> -- 
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.16.2/1142 - Release Date: 
> 11/20/2007 5:44 PM
>
>

> >> market based on the Alesis module I think, but I don't know much
> > about
> >> it. The DM5 module is reasonable but I am not sure the pads sold
> > with
> >> it are regarded very highly.
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
> >
> > Community email addresses:
> >  Post message: DTXpress@yahoogroups.com
> >  Subscribe:    DTXpress-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
> >  Unsubscribe:  DTXpress-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> >  List owner:   DTXpress-owner@yahoogroups.com
> >
> > Shortcut URL to this page:
> >  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DTXpress
> >
> > Alternate DTXpress site:
> >  http://www.dtxpressions.com
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > -- 
> > No virus found in this incoming message.
> > Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> > Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.16.2/1142 - Release Date: 
> > 11/20/2007 5:44 PM
> >
> >
>

--- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, "jjlawn2" > wrote:
>
> I am looking for a decent beginners electronic drum set that is not
> very expinsive. Any brands or models I should look for?
>

I would stick with Yamaha or Roland. I've heard so many bad things
about the Alesis entry-level kits and I played one, in a music store.
I was not impressed at all. Flimsy mounting arms for the components,
only one or two tom-tom pads, the cymbal pads don't pick up sounds
very well, the foot "pedals" are a joke...

Yamaha has a nice entry-level kit as does Roland. You might want to do
some homework by visiting Musician's Friend (www.musiciansfriend.com)
just to read up on the spec's on these kits.

Good luck! I'm a beginning e-drummer myself (have played acoustic
drums since 1979) and am looking to buy a set by the end of the year.
It'll be the Yamaha DTXpress IV or a Roland set.

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