Yamaha DTXpress/DTXplorer/DTXtreme

On Fri, 11 Oct 2002 04:58:23 -0000, you wrote:

>Hi Jason,
>
>If you're trying to keep the expenses down for now, I would not get an
>amp to start with - headphones should work fine until you want to
>start jamming with others.  There has been discussion before on the
>subject of which headphone work and which don't - you may want to
>search on headphones and read what others have found.

I second the opinion on the amp.  I bought a pair of Samson RH-600
from the local Sam Ash for $49.99.  They are very comfortable and
sound great.

>The two other things you need are a throne and a pedal (I assume you
>have sticks already.

I bought a Tama Iron Cobra Jr. pedal.  I think it's one of the best
"low end" pedals.  I paid $59.99 for it at Sam Ash.

When I purchased the kit, I bought the cheapest Tama throne they had
for $24.99.  I wish I had spent much more.  In fact, I'm looking to
buy a new one now as soon as I can find a shop locally that has the
Tama Ergo-Rider and the Pork Pie Big Boy in stock so I can try them
out.  The Tama goes for about $115 and the Pork Pie $130 or so.  I'd
consider it money well spent if they are comfortable and fit my
oversized ass well.

Nothing sucks more than to want to play more, but your ass won't let
you.

Here's a piece of advice on trying out thrones...  If it's a tad
uncomfortable when you try it out at the store, it will be downright
unbearable after playing on it for an hour.  Spend the extra money on
a throne that your ass falls in love with.  If you decide that
drumming isn't for you, you'll always be able to sell it.  Good
thrones fetch a decent buck on ebay.  You can't give the bad ones
away.

As for sticks... Lots of personal preference there but since you
indicated that you are just starting out, go with something on the
light side, as heavy sticks on the rubber pads don't go together well.
I use two different pair.  I use Pro Mark 747 hickory WT for my light
stick and Pro Mark 747 Oak WT (I think they're the Neil Peart
autographed model) for my heavier stick.  I like the fact that the
shape feels the same in my hand between the two, but that I can switch
to a lighter stick if need be (I use the oak sticks primarily)




Jim Tonak
ratzo@...