Yamaha DTXpress/DTXplorer/DTXtreme

I've got some info on my employer Guitar Center's stand on the new 
Yamaha DTXpress III and DTXtreme IIs sets. The DTXpress III (i.e., the 
one with the pie-shaped cymbal pads) will be available in all stores 
from pretty much the second week in February onwards. the DTXtreme IIs 
will come in March to select stores only. If the store near you isn't 
in a big market, i.e. Boston, NYC, Hollywood, Chicago or San Francisco, 
you won't see a DTXtreme IIs in a GC showroom.
As for the DTXpress III Special, the one with the new round cymbal 
pads, GC will NOT be carrying them. They will NOT be available for 
demoing, they will only be available on a special order basis.
I personally am pretty disgusted about that, we have the showroom 
space, and people want to try this kit, am I right? I'm in discussions 
with our buyers and allocators to try and get them to acknowledge the 
buzz on forums like this about this kit, but so far I'm running on deaf 
ears. I'm not giving up, however, those guys know me as a person who'll 
complain for months if I have to, and getting GC to carry Pacific drum 
racks was one hell of an uphill struggle....
My store, Orange, CT, will see the DTXpress III set, but most likely 
not the DTXtreme IIs.

As for Roland, the V-Compact will be replacing the low-end Pintech 
Spirit pad sets in GC's product roster, price at $899.99. The V-Tour is 
currently priced at 1395.99, an will be available in a few weeks time. 
V-Pro (TD20SBK) will be available in select stores (big market areas, 
see above) fo $5499.99, that is, until Roland comes to their senses and 
lowers MAP price. Again, my store will see the V-Compact and the 
V-Tour, but unlikely the V-Pro.

I'll keep you all posted on any developments, I hope I can change this 
trend of our management ignoring customer demands around, at least for 
a little while. In the meanwhile, bug your local GC drum salespeople 
and get them to relay to their buyers that you as a customer want to 
check this set out, and demo then new gear.

Stuart McConaghy
Canopus Drums
Meinl Cymbals
SilverFox Sticks