Yamaha DTXpress/DTXplorer/DTXtreme

--- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, "adamh52683" <adamh526@h...> wrote:
> I've had my dtxpress 2 for a couple of months now and have noticed 
> that the pad on my kp65 has a small indent at the top of its impact 
> point.  My question is, does this effect the triggers response to a 
> noticable degree and what problems should I look for before 
deciding 
> that I need to replace the entire kp65 unit?  Thanks. 
 
Adam, 

Many people have reported that the rubber surface on their KP65s 
began to show signs of wear within a few months. Although a little 
dent or soft spot wouldn't necessarily translate into a noticeable 
deficiency in triggering, you should take care before it gets 
serious. Just for the record, the Yamaha replacement part is 
p/n8587900, but there are easier, quicker fixes. OGD suggests gluing 
a rubber bicycle-tire patch to the face of the pad. Stephanie 
recommends applying a drum beater patch that you can buy at your 
local music store. Whatever method you choose, you should 
periodically switch the position of your beater slightly left/right 
and up/down to minimize further problems. By the way, these DIY 
strategies will not negate your warranty. 

One flaw or another has always dogged the DTXpress kick. The KP60 had 
a troublesome circuitboard, and the 65 has flimsy rubber on the 
exterior and possibly crumbly foam padding around the piezo. I've had 
a Drum Tech kick pad for more than 3 years. You can certainly tell 
where it's taken most of its punishment, but it has yet to flinch. 
It's all about price point. The Drum Tech is built like the 
proverbial tank, but it costs as much as a (small) tank, too.

Ed