Yamaha DTXpress/DTXplorer/DTXtreme

Jim,

I just endured a month-long layoff from drumming due to severe 
arthritis/tendinitis in my right (lead) elbow and hand, as well as 
bad swelling and pain in my left ankle and right knee. The leg 
problems probably stem from the heavy sports that I was able to do 
until my early forties, but the arm pain is a combination of the 
arthritis that runs in my family and 40 odd years of drumming. I 
just today cautiously began playing again as an experiment. Your 
ankle sounds like a bitch. Sorry to hear about that. I hope you can 
find a way to minimize the hardship in the future and come back 
strong.

I know people have already reported about the Zidjian anti-vibe 
sticks. They received mixed reviews in the past, but maybe with a 
little more time, people have become more, or less, possessed of 
their first impressions. If anyone has a mind to aid an old-timer in 
his quest to cut down on the reverberation through the hand, the 
info will be much appreciated (thanks to Pete Corona for the aid 
thus far, if he's reading).

After a month of inactivity, I feel like I need lessons, and I 
wouldn't mind getting them in some exotic locale....  Hmmm, Stewart, 
is the rumor true that you offer your overseas students free airfare 
and room/board? Just a thought.

Ed