Yamaha DTXpress/DTXplorer/DTXtreme

--- Jonathan in Japan wrote:
> So these days I'm thinking of converting an acoustic kit.
> My idea is to put mesh heads with triggers...

I would be loathe to toss away the portability benefits - I have just 
bought a Stage Custom acoustic set which is a thing of beauty 
but "portable" is never a word I will use in the same sentence.

(I would also be tempted to quote Richard Feynman's wife: "why do YOU 
care what other people think?")

I think there are some easier options to consider first.

1. On clamp slippage, if you're still using the composite clamps and 
tom holders, consider replacing them with metal universal clamps 
(such as Gibraltar SCGPRMC) and Yamaha's "acoustic" tom holders which 
have the same fitting - as they supplied with the DTXtreme. You can 
also swap out the clamps for assembling the rack with Gibraltar 
equivalents.

2. Keep your eyes open for some nicer mesh pads. People are still 
selling the older maple DTXtreme pads (there's a set going on eBay UK 
right now - item 3721247405). They would be perfectly compatible, 
look cool, and would be easier to transport than full-size shells. Or 
you could go with Pintech ConcertCasts.

3. If you're itching to convert, try a "half small shell" approach - 
don't use the full shell set, but buy a set of two 10" tom shells and 
cut them in half - this would give you a snare and three toms, they 
could be lacquered any way you please, and would look pretty decent.

4. Yamaha's pie cymbals are, arguably, the uncoolest visual part of 
the kit. Consider swapping them for the new, round Yamaha cymbals.

Stewart