Yamaha DTXpress/DTXplorer/DTXtreme

- 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.
> 
>