Help me find the best eDrum set for my father

[hama111]

Go hit that and go hit a Yamaha DTX (new or 2nd user). Then you can decide.

[opinion bit - beware - but reiterating some stuff I said above]

I'll never get a kit with an evil proprietary cable snake, so that eliminates the TD17.

Rolands also use modelling for sounds which some describe as "fake" sounding and it seems no one likes (see a comment above, for example, "I have a TD-17....The sound become annoying after awhile")

Yamaha in the other hand, uses multi-layered samples - taking a current DTX6/8/10 kit for example - up to 40 samples per zone per pad - that's up to 120 samples on a 3-zone... and up to 14 pads with no cable snake. Oh and many more 3-zone pads....

But - as I've said - down to a test drive. Everyone has a different view on "best"- often driven by what they have.

---
Disclaimer, I have stuff from everyone - no axe to grind. Been gigging full ekits since '86.

I appreciate your advice a lot. What does "proprietary cable snake" mean? If the TD17KL is not a viable option, a second hand DTX must be the way to go. If that’s the case, which one of these would you go for?: Dtxpress IV | DTX500 | DTX582K | DTX502

We thought it was a good idea to see if the guy with the dtxpress IV could drop the price down to 350-400 eur. We could also go to their place to try it out since its not that far away. But, yeah, not sure if its a good idea.

You talked about the DTX6 and above, but what about the 5 series ones I referenced above? Do they conserve the majority of benefits with their high tier counterparts?

About the TD17KL posted earlier, is its module the same as for the TD17KVX(2), etc?

Oh and, let’s say we buy the dtxpress IV. Can the module be upgraded with a higher tier one in the future or the connections are different? Same goes for the DTX500, TD17KL and so on. Once you buy a kit, the module cannot be upgraded? Are the connections different or something else?

"Disclaimer, I have stuff from everyone - no axe to grind. Been gigging full ekits since '86." -Wow! I bet you got some stories to tell about a bunch of them...

It's being used for study and practice don't forget.
But yeah, try a couple out if you can.

That’s the thing tho. There’s no place to try these out. We’d have to order it from a site, try it out at home and then decide. If we go for a second hand bargain nearby our place (let’s say 300km radius), sure they will be up for us to go to their place before making the deal.

And yes, for study/practice I think something around 700 eur should do okay. Then again, it’s quite hard to find something not toy-like at those prices...

 

[electrodrummer]

I appreciate your advice a lot. What does "proprietary cable snake" mean?

Cable snake - manufacturer proprietary multi-cable [pic] where the cables from the pads are all connected to a single plug, and that plug is connected to the module. One lead breaks / get chewed by the family pet (yes, this happens), then you have to buy a whole new cable snake. This is really bad at a gig - you'll have to re-wire the whole kit and this assumes you have a spare with you.
Modules without snakes - like all the DTXs or a couple higher level Rolands use individual guitar/instrument cables from the pads to individual sockets on the module. Break a cable at a gig, grab a spare €2 lead (even one from a guitarist in an emergency) and plug it in - 20 second fix.

If the TD17KL is not a viable option, a second hand DTX must be the way to go. If that’s the case, which one of these would you go for?: Dtxpress IV | DTX500 | DTX582K | DTX502

Those? Easy - DTX582K (DTXpress IV was superseded by DTX500-based range which was superseded by DTX502-based range..... now superseded by DTX6 etc)

(to help you with model numbers, using the DTX502 range as an example...the DTX502 is a module. When bought with a load of pads as a KIT, "K" is added. Depending what pads, the number changes... So, DTX502K, DTX522K, DTX532K, DTX562K, DTX582K etc - all DTX502 module + a bunch of pads...) Roland uses letters after the module name to define the off-the-shelf kit (module+pads).
Think of it like buying a car where you have a model e.g. "Focus", then letters/numbers to define the engine size, gadgets, trim etc

We thought it was a good idea to see if the guy with the dtxpress IV could drop the price down to 350-400 eur.
We could also go to their place to try it out since its not that far away. But, yeah, not sure if its a good idea.

Always test drive. Pointless gettng something you hate hitting, or sounds rubbish

You talked about the DTX6 and above, but what about the 5 series ones I referenced above? Do they conserve the majority of benefits with their high tier counterparts?

5x2 series is a fine range of kits. Multi-layered samples, silicone pad(s), 3-zone snare (head+rim+cross-stick), 3-zone cymbals (edge+bow+bell), dedicated app (if that's something you like), up to 12 pads - and no evil snake.

About the TD17KL posted earlier, is its module the same as for the TD17KVX(2), etc?

Yes, as mentioned in note about model numbers, above.

Oh and, let’s say we buy the dtxpress IV. Can the module be upgraded with a higher tier one in the future

Yes - no problems.

"Disclaimer, I have stuff from everyone - no axe to grind. Been gigging full ekits since '86." -Wow! I bet you got some stories to tell about a bunch of them...

Yup.

That’s the thing tho. There’s no place to try these out. We’d have to order it from a site, try it out at home and then decide. If we go for a second hand bargain nearby our place (let’s say 300km radius), sure they will be up for us to go to their place before making the deal.

And yes, for study/practice I think something around 700 eur should do okay. Then again, it’s quite hard to find something not toy-like at those prices...

€700? Me - new( if you find old stock)/ex-demo/2nd user DTX5x2K for that. .

 

[hama111]

Cable snake - manufacturer proprietary multi-cable [pic] where the cables from the pads are all connected to a single plug, and that plug is connected to the module. One lead breaks / get chewed by the family pet (yes, this happens), then you have to buy a whole new cable snake. This is really bad at a gig - you'll have to re-wire the whole kit and this assumes you have a spare with you.
Modules without snakes - like all the DTXs or a couple higher level Rolands use individual guitar/instrument cables from the pads to individual sockets on the module. Break a cable at a gig, grab a spare €2 lead (even one from a guitarist in an emergency) and plug it in - 20 second fix. View attachment 609260

Those? Easy - DTX582K (DTXpress IV was superseded by DTX500-based range which was superseded by DTX502-based range..... now superseded by DTX6 etc)

(to help you with model numbers, using the DTX502 range as an example...the DTX502 is a module. When bought with a load of pads as a KIT, "K" is added. Depending what pads, the number changes... So, DTX502K, DTX522K, DTX532K, DTX562K, DTX582K etc - all DTX502 module + a bunch of pads...) Roland uses letters after the module name to define the off-the-shelf kit (module+pads).
Think of it like buying a car where you have a model e.g. "Focus", then letters/numbers to define the engine size, gadgets, trim etc


Always test drive. Pointless gettng something you hate hitting, or sounds rubbish

5x2 series is a fine range of kits. Multi-layered samples, silicone pad(s), 3-zone snare (head+rim+cross-stick), 3-zone cymbals (edge+bow+bell), dedicated app (if that's something you like), up to 12 pads - and no evil snake.

Yes, as mentioned in note about model numbers, above.

Yes - no problems.

Yup.

€700? Me - new( if you find old stock)/ex-demo/2nd user DTX5x2K for that. .

I honestly couldn’t ask for better advice. Will tell him right away and post updates soon. Again, thank you so much.

 

[hama111]

Oh and btw, forgot to ask earlier. Is there any online forum or platform similar to headfi, wallapop, ebay... where I could find 2nd hand eDrum kits for sale? The person has to be in Europe and preferably Spain to avoid, you know, taxes, fares, huge delivery costs, etc.

 

[electrodrummer]

Oh and btw, forgot to ask earlier. Is there any online forum or platform similar to headfi, wallapop, ebay... where I could find 2nd hand eDrum kits for sale? The person has to be in Europe and preferably Spain to avoid, you know, taxes, fares, huge delivery costs, etc.

eBay (plenty in the UK). Facebook drum groups (again, lucky for choice here)

 

[kzac]

Initially, he‘s decided to buy this set: Yamaha DTX6K3-X

At first glace, it has everything he needs although the 3/5 star review there is on the site went quite critical when it comes to its capabilities so it kinda pulls him away from buying it right way.

He’s also seen these: Yamaha DTX6K2-X , ALESIS STRIKE ZONE KIT , Alesis Crimson II SE Mesh Kit , Millenium MPS-1000 , Fame DD-One XT

The budget is around 1,5k eur.

I like the sound of the Yamaha kits but hear is the deal with electronic drums.
Roland is the best manufacturer of e-drums. And they will be the ones in business within 20 years.
They stick to robust designs and maintain them for many years.

So consider the Roland kits for your dad, he will be more pleased in the long run

The trick to Roland is to not purchase the entry level kits with entry level pads (either rubber or mesh)

Opt for a high end Roland pad setup and the module you desire

I discovered this after purchasing a kit with PDX pads and a good module and acquiring mediocre sounds.
By accident I acquired the PD 105 and PD 85 mesh pads used on the positional sensing modules. TD10,20,30 etc.
Those pads with my TD 11 or TD15 module sound far better than the current TD07 or TD17 modules with the PDX pads. To acquire a comparable sound from Yamaha you will need the DTX 8 setup.

To get him a very good kit, you might have to assemble from bits if the TD27 is out of reach financially. Find something with the better drum pads TD 105 or 125 as snare and the PD 85s as your toms. Then purchase a Roland module to go along with them. I think the TD 15 is a far better module than the TD 07 and maybe the TD 17 (which many folks complain about), if he does not desire to assign different sounds to the Head Rim of the pads, then the TD 25 would be an excellent choice.

For cymbals his ride will need to be 3 zone Roland or Roland compatible, Lots of folks swear by the Lemon cymbals, although I haven't tried them personally.
The hi hat of choice for most folks would be the VH 11 on a normal hi hat stand... I personally use the combo Cy5 with the FD8 foot switch with great success however, and don's see the need to change just to put my hi hat cymbal on a traditional stand. Using the Cy5 with the separate hi hat pedal, provides vast options for positioning which wouldn't be possible with a traditional hi hat stand.

The good thing about Roland is they don't tend to change their tried and true designs very often, so your gear has support for far longer than other manufacturers. They still make the PD 85BK that I use on my kit, so all of the bits are available to maintenance my pads.

I was able to cobble together an excellent TD15 kit for less than $1500 us. It requires some research to know what your looking for, but in the end its a very beneficial adventure.

 

[bpaluzzi]

I like the sound of the Yamaha kits but hear is the deal with electronic drums.
Roland is the best manufacturer of e-drums. And they will be the ones in business within 20 years.

"Best" is subjective. Many (MANY) people hate the Roland sounds. And if you're saying that Yamaha won't be in business in 20 years, I have a bridge to sell you.

The good thing about Roland is they don't tend to change their tried and true designs very often, so you gear has support for far longer than other manufacturers.

Not true. They're no better or worse than other manufacturers.

 

[kzac]

"Best" is subjective. Many (MANY) people hate the Roland sounds. And if you're saying that Yamaha won't be in business in 20 years, I have a bridge to sell you.



Not true. They're no better or worse than other manufacturers.

Im not saying Yamaha won't be in business, what I am stating is they tend to rely too much on planned obsolescence when it comes to e-drums. Replacing their products and not supporting their earlier product offerings, letting them obsolete.
Roland is quite the other way round
I have owned both Yamaha and Roland and I find the Roland sounds and those constructed aftermarket for Roland to be better and more extensive than what I was getting from my Yamaha e-drums.
Im not trashing Yamaha, I have several Yamaha acoustic drum kits which I use as my studio and gigging kits.

My point is Roland is the dominate force in e-drums and therefore, the mainstay of support is going to fall toward Roland. Further Roland supports its earlier offerings. You can find all the downloads, and support data for the Roland modules back to the TD6V. You won't find that with Yamaha.
Basically I'm saying Roland is a better supported product when it comes to e-drums, therefore I feel comfortable suggesting them to potential purchasers. Yamaha makes and excellent product, I just don't think they are as well supported as the Roland products, and that makes a difference 5 years after you have made your initial purchase

 

[bpaluzzi]

Im not saying Yamaha won't be in business, what I am stating is they tend to rely too much on planned obsolescence when it comes to e-drums. Replacing their products and not supporting their earlier product offerings, letting them obsolete.

That’s also not true though. What planned obsolescence does Yamaha have? Pads from the very first DTX series are supported today.
Yamaha even publishes a chart showing all of their backwards compatibility:

https://usa.yamaha.com/files/download/other_assets/4/1206194/PadModuleCompatibility_en_d0.pdf

Further Roland supports its earlier offerings. You can find all the downloads, and support data for the Roland modules back to the TD6V. You won't find that with Yamaha.

False. Yamaha has the same level of support.

DTX 2.0 manual, from the late 90s

https://jp.yamaha.com/files/download/other_assets/7/334247/DTXv2E1.pdf

DTXTreme gen 1, from 2000:

https://usa.yamaha.com/files/download/other_assets/8/334248/DTXTREMEE1.pdf

DTXTreme gen 2, from 2002:

https://usa.yamaha.com/files/download/other_assets/6/314136/dtxt3_en_om_b0.pdf

etc.