Electric drum kits- help!
Discussion
My 13yo daughter is taking drum lessons on a "standard" drum kit she has had for a few years. She's studying for her grade 5 exam, and says she wants to get an electronic drum kit so she can change the sounds.
I know nothing about electronic drum kits,and precious little about drumming. The kit she has was £150 and seems to do the job, but what do I know.
Is an electronic drum kit "better" in any way? Or is it just lighter and easier to move around? As she isn't an playing in a band, transport is not an issue at the moment.
It might be worth getting one if it keeps her enthusiasm for practising up - everyone likes new stuff - so what should I look for on an electronic kit? Any brands to avoid or look for, what spec does she need?etc etc
Any help appreciated as I don't want to throw mine and her money away on a lemon
I know nothing about electronic drum kits,and precious little about drumming. The kit she has was £150 and seems to do the job, but what do I know.
Is an electronic drum kit "better" in any way? Or is it just lighter and easier to move around? As she isn't an playing in a band, transport is not an issue at the moment.
It might be worth getting one if it keeps her enthusiasm for practising up - everyone likes new stuff - so what should I look for on an electronic kit? Any brands to avoid or look for, what spec does she need?etc etc
Any help appreciated as I don't want to throw mine and her money away on a lemon
The major difference is it will be quieter for everyone else, as she can put her headphones on.
Basically e-kits break down into either rubberised pads or ones with mesh heads.
Mesh heads feel more natural but are more expensive, but also quieter.
I started my e/kit with pads, but slowly moved to mesh, then replaced the whole thing with a full kit with mesh heads.
Got rid altogether when I moved into a detached house and didn't need to be quiet anymore.
Regarding the different sounds, I tried them. For the first week or so, then never changed from the basic kit sound, they're OK, and probably sound good through a Pa, but they never sound as good as the real thing, so always saw them as a bit of a gimmick.
As with all things though, you get what you pay for, more expensive is better, Roland and yamaha are good, but you can get real cheap stuff a lot less, but I wouldn't want to play them myself.
As a general comment, if her other kit was only £150, it won't be a high quality one, so on the plus side she won't be comparing the e-kit against a high end acoustic - not a criticism, we all do what we need to do.
Finally. Congratulations to your daughter on getting to grade 5 at her age! I didn't even get the chance to start playing until I was older than she is (that was 47 years ago though)
Basically e-kits break down into either rubberised pads or ones with mesh heads.
Mesh heads feel more natural but are more expensive, but also quieter.
I started my e/kit with pads, but slowly moved to mesh, then replaced the whole thing with a full kit with mesh heads.
Got rid altogether when I moved into a detached house and didn't need to be quiet anymore.
Regarding the different sounds, I tried them. For the first week or so, then never changed from the basic kit sound, they're OK, and probably sound good through a Pa, but they never sound as good as the real thing, so always saw them as a bit of a gimmick.
As with all things though, you get what you pay for, more expensive is better, Roland and yamaha are good, but you can get real cheap stuff a lot less, but I wouldn't want to play them myself.
As a general comment, if her other kit was only £150, it won't be a high quality one, so on the plus side she won't be comparing the e-kit against a high end acoustic - not a criticism, we all do what we need to do.
Finally. Congratulations to your daughter on getting to grade 5 at her age! I didn't even get the chance to start playing until I was older than she is (that was 47 years ago though)
Edited by sociopath on Tuesday 28th June 22:54
Thanks for that really helpful reply!
I have no idea what her current kit is - bought it second hand a couple of years ago from a guy who played in a local band (blues stuff I think). I didn't know anything then either, but it seems to have done the job so far
I'll start having a look round at kits for sale,and no doubt will be back with more questions as I find out the full extent of what I don't know!
I have no idea what her current kit is - bought it second hand a couple of years ago from a guy who played in a local band (blues stuff I think). I didn't know anything then either, but it seems to have done the job so far
I'll start having a look round at kits for sale,and no doubt will be back with more questions as I find out the full extent of what I don't know!
Happy to help, it's a minefield now with all the cheap. Chinese kits, some are good, some are appalling.
If she got the kit from a pub player it should be OK, if they stick with it in the early years they tend to stick with it forever. I'm 60 and slowly weaning myself off, only got two kits now!
If she got the kit from a pub player it should be OK, if they stick with it in the early years they tend to stick with it forever. I'm 60 and slowly weaning myself off, only got two kits now!
I am not a drummer myself so the below is just my thoughts as a parent of a budding one!
Take a good look at Alesis. I really rate their stuff. My son has the Nitro Mesh, which can be expanded with additional Tom’s/cymbals (search YouTube some chap has about 14 pads in total!).
It is very good quality and has been in daily use for two years. Great as mentioned because you can play via headphones or add an amp. I’d recommend it for sure.
Having said that I recently capitulated and picked up a Pearl Export acoustic kit as well, so he has the option both now, and happily bangs away at either depending on how much noise he wants to make or if he wants to faff about with different sounds or record then play back and mess about with a guitar over the top etc.
One main reason I got the acoustic, that you might want to bear in mind, is most of the value (read as Chinese!) e-kits don’t really have a proper hi hat mechanism, and the pads are (much!) smaller than a real kit. He is only on grade 1 at the moment, but going forward would need an acoustic kit anyway for proper hi hat control.
So in actual fact I suppose what I’m really saying is if she is really in to it, have both! Or maybe promise as a reward for completing grade 5?
The Alesis kit with the expansion pack, and decent drum amp/headphones will probably set you back 500 all in if you shop around. Or have a look on ebay plenty used ones on there.
A friend has a Carlsbro one with solid pads (which feels more like a toy to me), I’d recommend mesh pads every time. Take a look at Thomann, and Donner Music also as they do own brand ones. As mentioned Yamaha and Roland are the best, with a price tag to match.
Take a good look at Alesis. I really rate their stuff. My son has the Nitro Mesh, which can be expanded with additional Tom’s/cymbals (search YouTube some chap has about 14 pads in total!).
It is very good quality and has been in daily use for two years. Great as mentioned because you can play via headphones or add an amp. I’d recommend it for sure.
Having said that I recently capitulated and picked up a Pearl Export acoustic kit as well, so he has the option both now, and happily bangs away at either depending on how much noise he wants to make or if he wants to faff about with different sounds or record then play back and mess about with a guitar over the top etc.
One main reason I got the acoustic, that you might want to bear in mind, is most of the value (read as Chinese!) e-kits don’t really have a proper hi hat mechanism, and the pads are (much!) smaller than a real kit. He is only on grade 1 at the moment, but going forward would need an acoustic kit anyway for proper hi hat control.
So in actual fact I suppose what I’m really saying is if she is really in to it, have both! Or maybe promise as a reward for completing grade 5?
The Alesis kit with the expansion pack, and decent drum amp/headphones will probably set you back 500 all in if you shop around. Or have a look on ebay plenty used ones on there.
A friend has a Carlsbro one with solid pads (which feels more like a toy to me), I’d recommend mesh pads every time. Take a look at Thomann, and Donner Music also as they do own brand ones. As mentioned Yamaha and Roland are the best, with a price tag to match.
I've just gone through this exact thing ahead my youngest's upcoming birthday.
Mesh is definitely the wsy to go, and seem to be pretty good at the 'budget' end now.
I was looking at a Tourtech TT22M, but am being told it's around a 4 month wait for stock from manufacturers.
I ended up going for an Alesis Surge.
Mesh is definitely the wsy to go, and seem to be pretty good at the 'budget' end now.
I was looking at a Tourtech TT22M, but am being told it's around a 4 month wait for stock from manufacturers.
I ended up going for an Alesis Surge.
We have the Alesis Command mesh set, which our 11 year old has been using for around 3 years now and also got him to grade 5.
He normally uses it with headphones but recently started using the amp & brother on electric guitar - its very noisy! I can't comment on the finer points (toms, high hats etc), but it seems to have everything he needs.
I think he'd like an acoustic set now, but we need to create space away from the neighbours before going down that route.
He normally uses it with headphones but recently started using the amp & brother on electric guitar - its very noisy! I can't comment on the finer points (toms, high hats etc), but it seems to have everything he needs.
I think he'd like an acoustic set now, but we need to create space away from the neighbours before going down that route.
I quite fancy the idea of getting an electronic drum kit and practising. Sort of for hobby/excersie and to improve my rythm.
I am not musical in the least and have the rythmic beat of a lopsided dishwasher.
Is this madness - am I likely to hate it? I'm my head it it's a great idea but I suspect it's more fantasy rather than anything. I do like a challange and I can stick at things. It seems much easier that other instruments.
Anybody else tried this?
Thanks in advance.
I am not musical in the least and have the rythmic beat of a lopsided dishwasher.
Is this madness - am I likely to hate it? I'm my head it it's a great idea but I suspect it's more fantasy rather than anything. I do like a challange and I can stick at things. It seems much easier that other instruments.
Anybody else tried this?
Thanks in advance.
The Alesis kits use the same mesh heads as many other e-kits including Thomann’s Millenium range, Tour-Tec etc, I think they are made by a company called Medalin.
The drum module will be different, but will use the same connections, so they will all be interchangeable and you will be able to use an Alesis module with cheaper mesh heads.
I have a Millenium MPS e850 kit and it’s great. I have changed the pedal for my Pearl double pedal. Otherwise, it is standard. I’ve had it a few years and have been playing for about 20 years. It’s a bit of an adjustment from a regular drum kit, but the mesh heads are great. You can also adjust the settings so it is pretty much like playing a real kit. I love it.
The drum module will be different, but will use the same connections, so they will all be interchangeable and you will be able to use an Alesis module with cheaper mesh heads.
I have a Millenium MPS e850 kit and it’s great. I have changed the pedal for my Pearl double pedal. Otherwise, it is standard. I’ve had it a few years and have been playing for about 20 years. It’s a bit of an adjustment from a regular drum kit, but the mesh heads are great. You can also adjust the settings so it is pretty much like playing a real kit. I love it.
pistonheadforum said:
I quite fancy the idea of getting an electronic drum kit and practising. Sort of for hobby/excersie and to improve my rythm.
I am not musical in the least and have the rythmic beat of a lopsided dishwasher.
Is this madness - am I likely to hate it? I'm my head it it's a great idea but I suspect it's more fantasy rather than anything. I do like a challange and I can stick at things. It seems much easier that other instruments.
Anybody else tried this?
Thanks in advance.
Commenting as interested in answers to this tooI am not musical in the least and have the rythmic beat of a lopsided dishwasher.
Is this madness - am I likely to hate it? I'm my head it it's a great idea but I suspect it's more fantasy rather than anything. I do like a challange and I can stick at things. It seems much easier that other instruments.
Anybody else tried this?
Thanks in advance.
I purchased a 2nd hand Roland TD-1DMK as a ‘lock-down’ project having never played before and was recommended to buy ‘A fresh Approach to the Drumset’ a book that comes with links to 33 lessons on YouTube teaching the basics through to different styles of drumming with play along exercises and tracks.
I loved it and after a while I ‘upgraded’ to a second hand TD25KV which came with a decent drum throne, monitor, hi-hat stand, double base pedal and ‘noise eaters’ and I’ve added a 4th tom and 2nd crash.
It’s really easy to connect a laptop or iPad to the drum module so you can play along to various tracks of which they are plenty including drumless on YouTube.
Sound is good through headphones but I tend to wait until Mrs Aero is out before hooking up the monitor.
My advice would be but a cheap 2nd hand one to start with and see how you get on. I paid £370 for the TD1 and sold it for £350 thirty months later.
I loved it and after a while I ‘upgraded’ to a second hand TD25KV which came with a decent drum throne, monitor, hi-hat stand, double base pedal and ‘noise eaters’ and I’ve added a 4th tom and 2nd crash.
It’s really easy to connect a laptop or iPad to the drum module so you can play along to various tracks of which they are plenty including drumless on YouTube.
Sound is good through headphones but I tend to wait until Mrs Aero is out before hooking up the monitor.
My advice would be but a cheap 2nd hand one to start with and see how you get on. I paid £370 for the TD1 and sold it for £350 thirty months later.
We've had electronic drums in the house for a while now.
The go to is Alesis or Roland. 2nd hand is a good option. Mesh heads essential.
If they are grade 5 don't cheap out. That is a good standard! When we looked at them along time ago hi-hats were rubbish on the cheaper kits but that may have changed now. The Roland we have now uses a normal stand and is close to a normal kit.
The other benefit of them is that they can be quiet and a lot more gentle on young ears (and neighbours). However, they can transmit a lot of vibration. Ours is upstairs and will still make the floors bounce when used enthusiastically!
The go to is Alesis or Roland. 2nd hand is a good option. Mesh heads essential.
If they are grade 5 don't cheap out. That is a good standard! When we looked at them along time ago hi-hats were rubbish on the cheaper kits but that may have changed now. The Roland we have now uses a normal stand and is close to a normal kit.
The other benefit of them is that they can be quiet and a lot more gentle on young ears (and neighbours). However, they can transmit a lot of vibration. Ours is upstairs and will still make the floors bounce when used enthusiastically!
Yes ekits aren’t silent, the kick drum still makes quite a noise, I’m relegated to the garage with mine.
I would stick with Roland or Alesis, all mesh ideally but you can swap bits out later. I’ve played on some of the cheaper kits and wasn’t impressed, would avoid personally as I think you’d end up buying twice.
As for "better", some people prefer them. I prefer acoustic but no way I could have one at home unless it was in a proper soundproofed room.
I would stick with Roland or Alesis, all mesh ideally but you can swap bits out later. I’ve played on some of the cheaper kits and wasn’t impressed, would avoid personally as I think you’d end up buying twice.
As for "better", some people prefer them. I prefer acoustic but no way I could have one at home unless it was in a proper soundproofed room.
Edited by wombleh on Sunday 7th January 21:16
Tried a thomann millennium set recently (just looked it up, the cheapest MPS150), and the usual weak spot (hi hat) was bearable. Everything else was good or very good. The lower priced kits are usually made by one or two makers, and a lot of companies stick their label on it, so not too much difference.
If you want to try and see if you like it, I would recommend buying new (it's below 300 quid) and if you don't like drumming send it back after a week.
With the new stuff you can't go wrong as it's so much better than the kits from 5 - 10 years ago, and buying second hand makes sense only for higher quality stuff.
But first read tests of e drumkits of all price ranges, and go to your local music store and listen to the variety on E drums in real, this should sharpen your ears and your expectation.
If you want to try and see if you like it, I would recommend buying new (it's below 300 quid) and if you don't like drumming send it back after a week.
With the new stuff you can't go wrong as it's so much better than the kits from 5 - 10 years ago, and buying second hand makes sense only for higher quality stuff.
But first read tests of e drumkits of all price ranges, and go to your local music store and listen to the variety on E drums in real, this should sharpen your ears and your expectation.
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