Yamaha DTXpress/DTXplorer/DTXtreme

--- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, "wzk283" <mark_davies@n...> wrote:
> I was waiting to but a DTXPress III which is due in the UK in the 
> next month. Probably around £799 (without bass pedal) via mail 
order 
> however I went into a local drum today and they had a DTXPress III 
in 
> stock for £799 but I was get them to include some extras in the 
price 
> so for £799
> 
> DTXPress II Kit
> Throne
> Premier Bass Pedal (£69 normaly, 6000 series I think)
> Drum Sticks
> Next day home delivery and setup
> 1 Drum lesson
> Local shop so close if there are any problems etc.
> 
> Sounds like a good? or is it worth waiting for the III and paying 
> extra.
> 
> What are the main differences?

Mark,

I hope more people than me respond. The main difference between the 
DTXPII and IIISTD are the new rack and the module's new cymbal 
sounds, which stand to be an advance over those in the II. For some 
of us, the prospect of motif cymbals is a big deal, but it won't 
necessarily matter to someone who wants a kit now and wants it as 
cheaply and conveniently as possible. If you were in line for the 
IIISP, I'd definitely advise waiting, but with the IIISTD, I'm not so 
sure. Let's play devil's advocate:

Have you actually sat on the throne that the store is offering. Your 
derriere is going to be spending a lot of time on that thing, and all 
thrones are not created equal. Have a seat on it for a while and try 
to imagine whether the prospect of hours at a time on it still seems 
inviting. If you might be buying another one soon, this freebie might 
not matter.

I'm not familiar with the Premier pedal; I assume that it's entry-
level quality, which by no means makes it worthless. On the contrary, 
it's probably a nice catch. Maybe someone else can say more. 

You do need drumsticks, but in the scheme of things, a free pair or 
two here and there doesn't amount to much. One drum lessons can't 
really be any more than a tease for you to continue, which wouldn't 
necessarily be a bad thing if you like the teacher etc.

The local drum shop around the corner is not to be sneezed at, not 
just for dealing with anything that goes wrong but also for helping 
with the upgrade path. Does the shop stock Yamaha hardware? Do they 
stock any other kind of edrum gear that might appeal to you down the 
road?  If not, can they get it quickly? There's often a lot of mixing 
and matching in this game. Headphones should be an immmediate 
priority, and not just any will do. We can help with what you need to 
look for, but if the shop has appropriate options, you'll be in good 
shape. Finally, the more business you do with a local dealer, the 
more you are apt to receive price breaks. 

Next-day delivery is great, but setup? I honestly think that setting 
the kit up yourself is a valuable way to get familiar with the 
components. You have to consult the manual, find out what such and 
such is called, learn firsthand which components require which 
cables, etc. 

How does this all add up to you? Does the II look like the winner? A 
month or so isn't a long time to wait if you aren't convinced that 
the bird in hand is better. Are you sure that your mail or web order 
of the III won't include a pedal and/or throne? I hope I've given you 
some food for thought. Some of our UK members might be able to whip 
up a better meal.

Ed