Yamaha DTXpress/DTXplorer/DTXtreme

--- boomer535 wrote:
> I just picked up a used DTXpress kit and am not real
> happy with the rebound I'm getting with the sticks
> I was given with the set. They are Regal Tip 5B (nylon).
> Just beginning to get back into drumming after a long
> (35 yrs.) layoff. and I'm not really any good at it yet. 

Welcome to the electronic branch of the old age drummers club. Only 
kidding really, but there's a few of us here who match your 
description (my layoff was a mere 28 years).

On the subject of sticks, rather than type it all over again I will 
cross-post something I put up on the Yahoo group drummzillaslair 
recently, which tells you about the sticks I use routinely (Vater 7A 
Manhattan).

Stewart

--- m_c_herlihy wrote:
> Anyone playing with these new sticks from Zildjian?
> Do they really cut down on vibration with
> electronic kits?

I've been using a pair of antivibe 5As for a while now.

Firstly, yes, they really do cut down significantly on vibration. No 
question. The difference is instantly apparent.

However, three caveats.

First, they're not available in all sizes. They come only in 2B, 5A,
5B and 7A, so if you're into more unusual sizes and shapes then
you're outta luck.

Second, they feel different to the regular sticks of the same size.
They work by replacing a core at the butt end of the stick with a
hollow rubber contraption to absorb the vibration. This is not the
same density as hickory, so the stick ends up more "top heavy" than a
regular stick of the same size. If you're into lighter materials like
maple, this will be less apparent. I don't have a problem with it,
but finicky people might.

Thirdly, they absorb vibration. Yes, this is a good thing, but it
also affects the way the stick behaves in the hand. It's much less
responsive because it swallows some of the rebound force. This is
only really a big deal with rudimental work, for which gum rubber e-
pads are hardly best suited anyway, but you can definitely feel the
difference on, say, a Real-Feel pad.

They form a part of my regular stick set. My approach is to use a
lighter, thinner stick with a long taper as my regular stick. This
absorbs more vibration into the taper and almost enhances the rebound
without changing the behaviour of the stick. It still jars, but not
as much as a thicker stick with a less pronounced, shorter taper. YOu
don't need a heavy stick for e-drums anyway - just turn the volume 
up!

I have three sticks I use regularly:

Vater 7A Manhattan. These are a cross between 5A length and 7A
diameter, but with a long, thin taper. I love these sticks!

Zildjian 6A dip. Same dimensions as the Vater, but lighter. Ideally,
they're too light for regular. I use these only when I'm suffering
with the dropsy (I have very dry hands).

Zildjian 5A antivibe. I use these only when my hands and wrists are
getting fatigued. I will probably replace them with the 7A, and live
with the half-inch less length.

Stewart