Yamaha DTXpress/DTXplorer/DTXtreme

Okay, I thought I posted this message but apparently I did something wrong so here I go again...I apologize if this comes up more than once. I just wanted to say Hey to everyone and to thank you for the honest and information questions and answers. I am about to purchase the DTXPress kit and this group has been the single greatest source of information influencing my decision. I have been contemplating purchasing an electronic kit for some time now, but the costs involved have, up til now, eliminated that posibility. The positive review of this kit in Modern Drummer piqued my interest enough to check this kit out at the local music stores. Now, I have to admit I was impressed by the pads, which i expected to be very hard and loud like other less expensive electronic drums. These were soft & quiet and, in my opinion, on par with the standard kits. Unfortunately, I was less impresssed with the sounds and the songs. I found the drum and cymbal sounds to be very thin & tinny and not very convincing or satisfying. Now, on reviewing your past postings, it seems that everyone is very impressed with the drum sounds in this module. So, I am wondering if everyone had to teak the sounds to get what they are happy with or maybe the kit I played at the store was "out of whack" with all the potential buyers (like me) pushing all the buttons and possibly changing the original sounds. I am going back to the store to test a new, out-of-the-box kit tonight but am still interested in everyone's opinions on the sounds included in this module. Thanks again for all of the information!

I'm glad that the information you got from this group has helped. When I
first started getting info about the DTXpress, primarily from the MD
article you mentioned, there was no good source of information. That's the
reason I created this list. Hopefully it will grow into a consistant source
of reliable information and a great source of user kits too.

I very much like the sounds in the module. I've been playing a friends
Vdrums for over a year now, and while these aren't on that level, they are
very good for what you pay for. Make sure you listen on a good set of
headphones or a good keyboard amp or PA. It makes all the difference in the
world. After I get back on vacation, I may post some mp3's of me playing on
some of the different kits, just to give others a way to hear what's
available. I welcome others to do the same, just keep the file sizes low.
The DTXpress offers far more than the V's in terms of effects, noises and
other sounds besides just drums. The sequencer is a plus as well, but I
haven't realy had time to fiddle with it.

The songs do suck, in my opinion. This is really not important if you have
it hooked to a computer with a sequencer, as you can write or download any
MIDI file and play along while muting the drum track. Some of the preset
kits are not very functional but there is plenty of space to create your own.

All of this is just my opinion but I hope it helps. This is a great kit for
the money. Let us know when you get it.


				Chris





At 04:12 PM 11/23/99 -0000, you wrote:
>From: eyemaster69@...
>
>Okay, I thought I posted this message but apparently I did something wrong
so here I go again...I apologize if this comes up more than once. I just
wanted to say Hey to everyone and to thank you for the honest and
information questions and answers. I am about to purchase the DTXPress kit
and this group has been the single greatest source of information
influencing my decision. I have been contemplating purchasing an electronic
kit for some time now, but the costs involved have, up til now, eliminated
that posibility. The positive review of this kit in Modern Drummer piqued
my interest enough to check this kit out at the local music stores. Now, I
have to admit I was impressed by the pads, which i expected to be very hard
and loud like other less expensive electronic drums. These were soft &
quiet and, in my opinion, on par with the standard kits. Unfortunately, I
was less impresssed with the sounds and the songs. I found the drum and
cymbal sounds to be very thin & tinny and not very convincing or
satisfying. Now, on reviewing your past postings, it seems that everyone is
very impressed with the drum sounds in this module. So, I am wondering if
everyone had to teak the sounds to get what they are happy with or maybe
the kit I played at the store was "out of whack" with all the potential
buyers (like me) pushing all the buttons and possibly changing the original
sounds. I am going back to the store to test a new, out-of-the-box kit
tonight but am still interested in everyone's opinions on the sounds
included in this module. Thanks again for all of the information!

>
>>Community email addresses:
>  Post message: DTXpress@onelist.com
>  Subscribe:    DTXpress-subscribe@onelist.com
>  Unsubscribe:  DTXpress-unsubscribe@onelist.com
>  List owner:   DTXpress-owner@onelist.com
>
>Shortcut URL to this page:
>  http://www.onelist.com/community/DTXpress
>
>

I have to agree. For the money, there is no better
sounding kit. Chris is right about the type of
headphones, amp etc. used. If you get the chance, ask
the store to put the DTXpress thru a big amp or PA. I
guarantee you'll be impressed. Also, some of the
preset sounds are a bit thin. I have found that by
layering two sounds for each voice, the kit can have a
lot more depth.
At the end of the day, ANY electronic kit is going to
sound "different" to real acoustic drums. It'll be a
long time before e-drums start to sound anything like
acoustics - with all that snare buzz, resonance and
rattling....

Good idea about the MP3's Chris. I like a challenge.
It'll be a good way of showing off to each other, too.
Just no cheating. If you record yourself to MIDI and
then quantize it/fix it, I'll be able to tell....

(only kidding, who wants to listen to all our
mistakes, eh?)

--- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, Giles Hearn <giles_hearn@... 
wrote:

> I have to agree. For the money, there is no better
> sounding kit. Chris is right about the type of
> headphones, amp etc. used. If you get the chance, ask
> the store to put the DTXpress thru a big amp or PA. I
> guarantee you'll be impressed. Also, some of the
> preset sounds are a bit thin. I have found that by
> layering two sounds for each voice, the kit can have a
> lot more depth.
> At the end of the day, ANY electronic kit is going to
> sound "different" to real acoustic drums. It'll be a
> long time before e-drums start to sound anything like
> acoustics - with all that snare buzz, resonance and
> rattling....
> 
> Good idea about the MP3's Chris. I like a challenge.
> It'll be a good way of showing off to each other, too.
> Just no cheating. If you record yourself to MIDI and
> then quantize it/fix it, I'll be able to tell....
> 
> (only kidding, who wants to listen to all our
> mistakes, eh?)

i tried to post once already with a long explanation of how bad 
(new) a drummer i am but I had a problem with my session and I am 
not sure if it got posted. I have uploaded some mp3's of me 
(attempting) to play my DTXpress to my website that may be of use to 
drummers curious how the DTXpress sounds.  Please bear in mind that 
it probably sounds much better if you are a good drummer :)

http://www.mattdevlin.net/audio

If you listen and choose to provide feedback, please be kind :) I 
have been playng only a few months and my fragile ego may not be 
able handle harsh criticism on this topic.

Also note that the recording levels are a bit low, I am still 
working on mastering the recording.  (among other things) I am 
currently recording to a portable minidisc player.

--- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, chris thackston <christ@... 
wrote:
> 
> I'm glad that the information you got from this group has helped. 
When I
> first started getting info about the DTXpress, primarily from the 
MD
> article you mentioned, there was no good source of information. 
That's the
> reason I created this list. Hopefully it will grow into a 
consistant source
> of reliable information and a great source of user kits too.
> 
> I very much like the sounds in the module. I've been playing a 
friends
> Vdrums for over a year now, and while these aren't on that level, 
they are
> very good for what you pay for. Make sure you listen on a good set 
of
> headphones or a good keyboard amp or PA. It makes all the 
difference in the
> world. After I get back on vacation, I may post some mp3's of me 
playing on
> some of the different kits, just to give others a way to hear 
what's
> available. I welcome others to do the same, just keep the file 
sizes low.
> The DTXpress offers far more than the V's in terms of effects, 
noises and
> other sounds besides just drums. The sequencer is a plus as well, 
but I
> haven't realy had time to fiddle with it.
> 
> The songs do suck, in my opinion. This is really not important if 
you have
> it hooked to a computer with a sequencer, as you can write or 
download any
> MIDI file and play along while muting the drum track. Some of the 
preset
> kits are not very functional but there is plenty of space to 
create your own.
> 
> All of this is just my opinion but I hope it helps. This is a 
great kit for
> the money. Let us know when you get it.
> 
> 
> 				Chris
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> At 04:12 PM 11/23/99 -0000, you wrote:
> >From: eyemaster69@h...
> >
> >Okay, I thought I posted this message but apparently I did 
something wrong
> so here I go again...I apologize if this comes up more than once. 
I just
> wanted to say Hey to everyone and to thank you for the honest and
> information questions and answers. I am about to purchase the 
DTXPress kit
> and this group has been the single greatest source of information
> influencing my decision. I have been contemplating purchasing an 
electronic
> kit for some time now, but the costs involved have, up til now, 
eliminated
> that posibility. The positive review of this kit in Modern Drummer 
piqued
> my interest enough to check this kit out at the local music 
stores. Now, I
> have to admit I was impressed by the pads, which i expected to be 
very hard
> and loud like other less expensive electronic drums. These were 
soft &
> quiet and, in my opinion, on par with the standard kits. 
Unfortunately, I
> was less impresssed with the sounds and the songs. I found the 
drum and
> cymbal sounds to be very thin & tinny and not very convincing or
> satisfying. Now, on reviewing your past postings, it seems that 
everyone is
> very impressed with the drum sounds in this module. So, I am 
wondering if
> everyone had to teak the sounds to get what they are happy with or 
maybe
> the kit I played at the store was "out of whack" with all the 
potential
> buyers (like me) pushing all the buttons and possibly changing the 
original
> sounds. I am going back to the store to test a new, out-of-the-box 
kit
> tonight but am still interested in everyone's opinions on the 
sounds

> included in this module. Thanks again for all of the information!
> >
> >>Community email addresses:
> >  Post message: DTXpress@onelist.com
> >  Subscribe:    DTXpress-subscribe@onelist.com
> >  Unsubscribe:  DTXpress-unsubscribe@onelist.com
> >  List owner:   DTXpress-owner@onelist.com
> >
> >Shortcut URL to this page:
> >  http://www.onelist.com/community/DTXpress
> >
> >

Hey Matt!  I heard all your drum samples and I'm impressed, your 
well on your way!  You have the right idea on fills and I'm glad to 
hear your making up your own and not some stuff every novice drummer 
does!  Your recording was a bit low but thats easily fixable with 
some tweaking!  When you have more recordings, with or without 
music, let us know, we'll listen!

- UN.H  


--- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, "mhd31971" <mhdevlin@n...> wrote:
> i tried to post once already with a long explanation of how bad 
> (new) a drummer i am but I had a problem with my session and I am 
> not sure if it got posted. I have uploaded some mp3's of me 
> (attempting) to play my DTXpress to my website that may be of use 
to 
> drummers curious how the DTXpress sounds.  Please bear in mind 
that 
> it probably sounds much better if you are a good drummer :)
> 
> http://www.mattdevlin.net/audio
> 
> If you listen and choose to provide feedback, please be kind :) I 
> have been playng only a few months and my fragile ego may not be 
> able handle harsh criticism on this topic.
> 
> Also note that the recording levels are a bit low, I am still 
> working on mastering the recording.  (among other things) I am 
> currently recording to a portable minidisc player.
> 
> --- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, chris thackston 
<christ@... 
> wrote:
> > 
> > I'm glad that the information you got from this group has 
helped. 
> When I
> > first started getting info about the DTXpress, primarily from 
the 
> MD
> > article you mentioned, there was no good source of information. 
> That's the
> > reason I created this list. Hopefully it will grow into a 
> consistant source
> > of reliable information and a great source of user kits too.
> > 
> > I very much like the sounds in the module. I've been playing a 
> friends
> > Vdrums for over a year now, and while these aren't on that 
level, 
> they are
> > very good for what you pay for. Make sure you listen on a good 
set 
> of
> > headphones or a good keyboard amp or PA. It makes all the 
> difference in the
> > world. After I get back on vacation, I may post some mp3's of me 
> playing on
> > some of the different kits, just to give others a way to hear 
> what's
> > available. I welcome others to do the same, just keep the file 
> sizes low.
> > The DTXpress offers far more than the V's in terms of effects, 
> noises and
> > other sounds besides just drums. The sequencer is a plus as 
well, 
> but I
> > haven't realy had time to fiddle with it.
> > 
> > The songs do suck, in my opinion. This is really not important 
if 
> you have
> > it hooked to a computer with a sequencer, as you can write or 
> download any
> > MIDI file and play along while muting the drum track. Some of 
the 
> preset
> > kits are not very functional but there is plenty of space to 
> create your own.
> > 
> > All of this is just my opinion but I hope it helps. This is a 
> great kit for
> > the money. Let us know when you get it.
> > 
> > 
> > 				Chris
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > At 04:12 PM 11/23/99 -0000, you wrote:
> > >From: eyemaster69@h...
> > >
> > >Okay, I thought I posted this message but apparently I did 
> something wrong
> > so here I go again...I apologize if this comes up more than 
once. 
> I just
> > wanted to say Hey to everyone and to thank you for the honest and
> > information questions and answers. I am about to purchase the 
> DTXPress kit
> > and this group has been the single greatest source of information
> > influencing my decision. I have been contemplating purchasing an 
> electronic
> > kit for some time now, but the costs involved have, up til now, 
> eliminated
> > that posibility. The positive review of this kit in Modern 
Drummer 
> piqued
> > my interest enough to check this kit out at the local music 
> stores. Now, I
> > have to admit I was impressed by the pads, which i expected to 
be 
> very hard
> > and loud like other less expensive electronic drums. These were 
> soft &
> > quiet and, in my opinion, on par with the standard kits. 
> Unfortunately, I
> > was less impresssed with the sounds and the songs. I found the 
> drum and
> > cymbal sounds to be very thin & tinny and not very convincing or
> > satisfying. Now, on reviewing your past postings, it seems that 
> everyone is
> > very impressed with the drum sounds in this module. So, I am 
> wondering if
> > everyone had to teak the sounds to get what they are happy with 
or 
> maybe
> > the kit I played at the store was "out of whack" with all the 
> potential
> > buyers (like me) pushing all the buttons and possibly changing 
the 
> original
> > sounds. I am going back to the store to test a new, out-of-the-
box 

> kit
> > tonight but am still interested in everyone's opinions on the 
> sounds
> > included in this module. Thanks again for all of the information!
> > >
> > >>Community email addresses:
> > >  Post message: DTXpress@onelist.com
> > >  Subscribe:    DTXpress-subscribe@onelist.com
> > >  Unsubscribe:  DTXpress-unsubscribe@onelist.com
> > >  List owner:   DTXpress-owner@onelist.com
> > >
> > >Shortcut URL to this page:
> > >  http://www.onelist.com/community/DTXpress
> > >
> > >

I checked out the samples u have on your site and it seems like you have
the correct patterns figured out for some good basic 4 beat rock
patterns.

If anything, you seem to have a problem getting out of any "wrap arounds"
from the toms back to kick/snare/hat pattern. If I were u I would first
and foremost, *slow down* the tempo and practice with the click track to
get your basic chops centered in the beat. Practice patterns SLOWLY and
then, when you have a feel for the stick placement, gradually increase
tempo and re-inforce the muscle memory.

Though I did play "Professionally" (i.e. I got paid for making noise :)
I'm certainly no expert on drumming, so of course I could be completely
wrong, but the above is how I started and I can usually fake my way
through a few sets.

Just my $00.02! :)

Vern
-- 
Vern Graner CNE/CNA/SSE     | "If the network is down, then you're
Senior Systems Engineer     | obviously incompetent so why are we
Texas Information Services  | paying you? Of course, if the network
vern@... www.txis.com  | is up, then we obviously don't need
Cell 507-7851 Desk 328-8947 | you, so why are we paying you?" VLG



mhd31971 said:

> i tried to post once already with a long explanation of how bad
> (new) a drummer i am but I had a problem with my session and I am  not
> sure if it got posted. I have uploaded some mp3's of me
> (attempting) to play my DTXpress to my website that may be of use to
> drummers curious how the DTXpress sounds.  Please bear in mind that  it
> probably sounds much better if you are a good drummer :)
>
> http://www.mattdevlin.net/audio
>
> If you listen and choose to provide feedback, please be kind :) I  have
> been playng only a few months and my fragile ego may not be
> able handle harsh criticism on this topic.
>
> Also note that the recording levels are a bit low, I am still
> working on mastering the recording.  (among other things) I am
> currently recording to a portable minidisc player.
>
> --- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, chris thackston <christ@...
> wrote:
>>
>> I'm glad that the information you got from this group has helped.
> When I
>> first started getting info about the DTXpress, primarily from the
> MD
>> article you mentioned, there was no good source of information.
> That's the
>> reason I created this list. Hopefully it will grow into a
> consistant source
>> of reliable information and a great source of user kits too.
>>
>> I very much like the sounds in the module. I've been playing a
> friends
>> Vdrums for over a year now, and while these aren't on that level,
> they are
>> very good for what you pay for. Make sure you listen on a good set
> of
>> headphones or a good keyboard amp or PA. It makes all the
> difference in the
>> world. After I get back on vacation, I may post some mp3's of me
> playing on
>> some of the different kits, just to give others a way to hear
> what's
>> available. I welcome others to do the same, just keep the file
> sizes low.
>> The DTXpress offers far more than the V's in terms of effects,
> noises and
>> other sounds besides just drums. The sequencer is a plus as well,
> but I
>> haven't realy had time to fiddle with it.
>>
>> The songs do suck, in my opinion. This is really not important if
> you have
>> it hooked to a computer with a sequencer, as you can write or
> download any
>> MIDI file and play along while muting the drum track. Some of the
> preset
>> kits are not very functional but there is plenty of space to
> create your own.
>>
>> All of this is just my opinion but I hope it helps. This is a
> great kit for
>> the money. Let us know when you get it.
>>
>>
>> 				Chris
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> At 04:12 PM 11/23/99 -0000, you wrote:
>> >From: eyemaster69@h...
>> >
>> >Okay, I thought I posted this message but apparently I did
> something wrong
>> so here I go again...I apologize if this comes up more than once.
> I just
>> wanted to say Hey to everyone and to thank you for the honest and
>> information questions and answers. I am about to purchase the
> DTXPress kit
>> and this group has been the single greatest source of information
>> influencing my decision. I have been contemplating purchasing an
> electronic
>> kit for some time now, but the costs involved have, up til now,
> eliminated
>> that posibility. The positive review of this kit in Modern Drummer
> piqued
>> my interest enough to check this kit out at the local music
> stores. Now, I
>> have to admit I was impressed by the pads, which i expected to be
> very hard
>> and loud like other less expensive electronic drums. These were
> soft &
>> quiet and, in my opinion, on par with the standard kits.
> Unfortunately, I
>> was less impresssed with the sounds and the songs. I found the
> drum and
>> cymbal sounds to be very thin & tinny and not very convincing or
>> satisfying. Now, on reviewing your past postings, it seems that
> everyone is
>> very impressed with the drum sounds in this module. So, I am
> wondering if
>> everyone had to teak the sounds to get what they are happy with or
> maybe
>> the kit I played at the store was "out of whack" with all the
> potential
>> buyers (like me) pushing all the buttons and possibly changing the
> original
>> sounds. I am going back to the store to test a new, out-of-the-box
> kit
>> tonight but am still interested in everyone's opinions on the
> sounds
>> included in this module. Thanks again for all of the information!
>> >
>> >>Community email addresses:
>> >  Post message: DTXpress@onelist.com
>> >  Subscribe:    DTXpress-subscribe@onelist.com
>> >  Unsubscribe:  DTXpress-unsubscribe@onelist.com
>> >  List owner:   DTXpress-owner@onelist.com
>> >
>> >Shortcut URL to this page:
>> >  http://www.onelist.com/community/DTXpress
>> >
>> >
>
>
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>
> Community email addresses:
>   Post message: DTXpress@onelist.com
>   Subscribe:    DTXpress-subscribe@onelist.com
>   Unsubscribe:  DTXpress-unsubscribe@onelist.com
>   List owner:   DTXpress-owner@onelist.com
>
> Shortcut URL to this page:
>   http://www.onelist.com/community/DTXpress
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
> http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

Great! Thanks for the good feedback and advice.  I was nervous about 
posting anything that would open me up to harsh critique.  However I 
was eqully excited at that fact that I was able to pound out a 
couple measures that didn't sound completey horrible, albeit very 
basic.  I have also been working on some of the exercises from 
moderndrummer.com with limited success at this point.  If I progress 
to any new levels I will post some more sounds and ask for more 
feedback.

Thanks again.

--- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, "Vernon Graner" <vern@t...> wrote:
> I checked out the samples u have on your site and it seems like 
you have
> the correct patterns figured out for some good basic 4 beat rock
> patterns.
> 
> If anything, you seem to have a problem getting out of any "wrap 
arounds"
> from the toms back to kick/snare/hat pattern. If I were u I would 
first
> and foremost, *slow down* the tempo and practice with the click 
track to
> get your basic chops centered in the beat. Practice patterns 
SLOWLY and
> then, when you have a feel for the stick placement, gradually 
increase
> tempo and re-inforce the muscle memory.
> 
> Though I did play "Professionally" (i.e. I got paid for making 
noise :)
> I'm certainly no expert on drumming, so of course I could be 
completely
> wrong, but the above is how I started and I can usually fake my way
> through a few sets.
> 
> Just my $00.02! :)
> 
> Vern
> -- 
> Vern Graner CNE/CNA/SSE     | "If the network is down, then you're
> Senior Systems Engineer     | obviously incompetent so why are we
> Texas Information Services  | paying you? Of course, if the network
> vern@t... www.txis.com  | is up, then we obviously don't need
> Cell 507-7851 Desk 328-8947 | you, so why are we paying you?" VLG
> 
> 
> 
> mhd31971 said:
> > i tried to post once already with a long explanation of how bad
> > (new) a drummer i am but I had a problem with my session and I 
am  not
> > sure if it got posted. I have uploaded some mp3's of me
> > (attempting) to play my DTXpress to my website that may be of 
use to
> > drummers curious how the DTXpress sounds.  Please bear in mind 
that  it
> > probably sounds much better if you are a good drummer :)
> >
> > http://www.mattdevlin.net/audio
> >
> > If you listen and choose to provide feedback, please be kind :) 
I  have
> > been playng only a few months and my fragile ego may not be
> > able handle harsh criticism on this topic.
> >
> > Also note that the recording levels are a bit low, I am still
> > working on mastering the recording.  (among other things) I am
> > currently recording to a portable minidisc player.
> >
> > --- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, chris thackston 
<christ@...
> > wrote:
> >>
> >> I'm glad that the information you got from this group has 
helped.
> > When I
> >> first started getting info about the DTXpress, primarily from 
the
> > MD
> >> article you mentioned, there was no good source of information.
> > That's the
> >> reason I created this list. Hopefully it will grow into a
> > consistant source
> >> of reliable information and a great source of user kits too.
> >>
> >> I very much like the sounds in the module. I've been playing a
> > friends
> >> Vdrums for over a year now, and while these aren't on that 
level,
> > they are
> >> very good for what you pay for. Make sure you listen on a good 
set
> > of
> >> headphones or a good keyboard amp or PA. It makes all the
> > difference in the
> >> world. After I get back on vacation, I may post some mp3's of me
> > playing on
> >> some of the different kits, just to give others a way to hear
> > what's
> >> available. I welcome others to do the same, just keep the file
> > sizes low.
> >> The DTXpress offers far more than the V's in terms of effects,
> > noises and
> >> other sounds besides just drums. The sequencer is a plus as 
well,
> > but I
> >> haven't realy had time to fiddle with it.
> >>
> >> The songs do suck, in my opinion. This is really not important 
if
> > you have
> >> it hooked to a computer with a sequencer, as you can write or
> > download any
> >> MIDI file and play along while muting the drum track. Some of 
the
> > preset
> >> kits are not very functional but there is plenty of space to
> > create your own.
> >>
> >> All of this is just my opinion but I hope it helps. This is a
> > great kit for
> >> the money. Let us know when you get it.
> >>
> >>
> >> 				Chris
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> At 04:12 PM 11/23/99 -0000, you wrote:
> >> >From: eyemaster69@h...
> >> >
> >> >Okay, I thought I posted this message but apparently I did
> > something wrong
> >> so here I go again...I apologize if this comes up more than 
once.
> > I just
> >> wanted to say Hey to everyone and to thank you for the honest 
and
> >> information questions and answers. I am about to purchase the
> > DTXPress kit
> >> and this group has been the single greatest source of 
information
> >> influencing my decision. I have been contemplating purchasing an
> > electronic
> >> kit for some time now, but the costs involved have, up til now,
> > eliminated
> >> that posibility. The positive review of this kit in Modern 
Drummer
> > piqued
> >> my interest enough to check this kit out at the local music
> > stores. Now, I
> >> have to admit I was impressed by the pads, which i expected to 
be
> > very hard
> >> and loud like other less expensive electronic drums. These were
> > soft &
> >> quiet and, in my opinion, on par with the standard kits.
> > Unfortunately, I
> >> was less impresssed with the sounds and the songs. I found the
> > drum and
> >> cymbal sounds to be very thin & tinny and not very convincing or
> >> satisfying. Now, on reviewing your past postings, it seems that
> > everyone is
> >> very impressed with the drum sounds in this module. So, I am
> > wondering if
> >> everyone had to teak the sounds to get what they are happy with 
or
> > maybe
> >> the kit I played at the store was "out of whack" with all the
> > potential
> >> buyers (like me) pushing all the buttons and possibly changing 
the
> > original
> >> sounds. I am going back to the store to test a new, out-of-the-
box
> > kit
> >> tonight but am still interested in everyone's opinions on the
> > sounds
> >> included in this module. Thanks again for all of the 
information!
> >> >
> >> >>Community email addresses:
> >> >  Post message: DTXpress@onelist.com
> >> >  Subscribe:    DTXpress-subscribe@onelist.com
> >> >  Unsubscribe:  DTXpress-unsubscribe@onelist.com
> >> >  List owner:   DTXpress-owner@onelist.com
> >> >
> >> >Shortcut URL to this page:
> >> >  http://www.onelist.com/community/DTXpress
> >> >
> >> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
> > ---------------------~--> Get a FREE REFINANCE QUOTE - click 
here!
> > http://us.click.yahoo.com/2CXtTB/ca0FAA/i5gGAA/kkLolB/TM
> > -----------------------------------------------------------------
----~->

> >
> > Community email addresses:
> >   Post message: DTXpress@onelist.com
> >   Subscribe:    DTXpress-subscribe@onelist.com
> >   Unsubscribe:  DTXpress-unsubscribe@onelist.com
> >   List owner:   DTXpress-owner@onelist.com
> >
> > Shortcut URL to this page:
> >   http://www.onelist.com/community/DTXpress
> >
> > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
> > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

I am beaming :)  Thanks for the positive feedback.  I am operating 
on an island here as I have no one to play with at the moment and 
can only base my quality (or lack thereof) on my own ear.  I will be 
sure to let the group know if I get something else recorded that is 
worth hearing.

cheers :-)

--- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, "underneathheaven" <realvast@s...> 
wrote:
> Hey Matt!  I heard all your drum samples and I'm impressed, your 
> well on your way!  You have the right idea on fills and I'm glad 
to 
> hear your making up your own and not some stuff every novice 
drummer 
> does!  Your recording was a bit low but thats easily fixable with 
> some tweaking!  When you have more recordings, with or without 
> music, let us know, we'll listen!
> 
> - UN.H  
> 
> 
> --- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, "mhd31971" <mhdevlin@n...> wrote:
> > i tried to post once already with a long explanation of how bad 
> > (new) a drummer i am but I had a problem with my session and I 
am 
> > not sure if it got posted. I have uploaded some mp3's of me 
> > (attempting) to play my DTXpress to my website that may be of 
use 
> to 
> > drummers curious how the DTXpress sounds.  Please bear in mind 
> that 
> > it probably sounds much better if you are a good drummer :)
> > 
> > http://www.mattdevlin.net/audio
> > 
> > If you listen and choose to provide feedback, please be kind :) 
I 
> > have been playng only a few months and my fragile ego may not be 
> > able handle harsh criticism on this topic.
> > 
> > Also note that the recording levels are a bit low, I am still 
> > working on mastering the recording.  (among other things) I am 
> > currently recording to a portable minidisc player.
> > 
> > --- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, chris thackston 
> <christ@... 
> > wrote:
> > > 
> > > I'm glad that the information you got from this group has 
> helped. 
> > When I
> > > first started getting info about the DTXpress, primarily from 
> the 
> > MD
> > > article you mentioned, there was no good source of 
information. 
> > That's the
> > > reason I created this list. Hopefully it will grow into a 
> > consistant source
> > > of reliable information and a great source of user kits too.
> > > 
> > > I very much like the sounds in the module. I've been playing a 
> > friends
> > > Vdrums for over a year now, and while these aren't on that 
> level, 
> > they are
> > > very good for what you pay for. Make sure you listen on a good 
> set 
> > of
> > > headphones or a good keyboard amp or PA. It makes all the 
> > difference in the
> > > world. After I get back on vacation, I may post some mp3's of 
me 
> > playing on
> > > some of the different kits, just to give others a way to hear 
> > what's
> > > available. I welcome others to do the same, just keep the file 
> > sizes low.
> > > The DTXpress offers far more than the V's in terms of effects, 
> > noises and
> > > other sounds besides just drums. The sequencer is a plus as 
> well, 
> > but I
> > > haven't realy had time to fiddle with it.
> > > 
> > > The songs do suck, in my opinion. This is really not important 
> if 
> > you have
> > > it hooked to a computer with a sequencer, as you can write or 
> > download any
> > > MIDI file and play along while muting the drum track. Some of 
> the 
> > preset
> > > kits are not very functional but there is plenty of space to 
> > create your own.
> > > 
> > > All of this is just my opinion but I hope it helps. This is a 
> > great kit for
> > > the money. Let us know when you get it.
> > > 
> > > 
> > > 				Chris
> > > 
> > > 
> > > 
> > > 
> > > 
> > > At 04:12 PM 11/23/99 -0000, you wrote:
> > > >From: eyemaster69@h...
> > > >
> > > >Okay, I thought I posted this message but apparently I did 
> > something wrong
> > > so here I go again...I apologize if this comes up more than 
> once. 
> > I just
> > > wanted to say Hey to everyone and to thank you for the honest 
and
> > > information questions and answers. I am about to purchase the 
> > DTXPress kit
> > > and this group has been the single greatest source of 
information
> > > influencing my decision. I have been contemplating purchasing 
an 
> > electronic
> > > kit for some time now, but the costs involved have, up til 
now, 
> > eliminated
> > > that posibility. The positive review of this kit in Modern 
> Drummer 
> > piqued
> > > my interest enough to check this kit out at the local music 
> > stores. Now, I
> > > have to admit I was impressed by the pads, which i expected to 
> be 
> > very hard
> > > and loud like other less expensive electronic drums. These 
were 
> > soft &
> > > quiet and, in my opinion, on par with the standard kits. 
> > Unfortunately, I
> > > was less impresssed with the sounds and the songs. I found the 
> > drum and
> > > cymbal sounds to be very thin & tinny and not very convincing 
or
> > > satisfying. Now, on reviewing your past postings, it seems 
that 
> > everyone is
> > > very impressed with the drum sounds in this module. So, I am 
> > wondering if
> > > everyone had to teak the sounds to get what they are happy 
with 
> or 
> > maybe
> > > the kit I played at the store was "out of whack" with all the 
> > potential
> > > buyers (like me) pushing all the buttons and possibly changing 
> the 
> > original
> > > sounds. I am going back to the store to test a new, out-of-the-
> box 
> > kit
> > > tonight but am still interested in everyone's opinions on the 
> > sounds
> > > included in this module. Thanks again for all of the 
information!

> > > >
> > > >>Community email addresses:
> > > >  Post message: DTXpress@onelist.com
> > > >  Subscribe:    DTXpress-subscribe@onelist.com
> > > >  Unsubscribe:  DTXpress-unsubscribe@onelist.com
> > > >  List owner:   DTXpress-owner@onelist.com
> > > >
> > > >Shortcut URL to this page:
> > > >  http://www.onelist.com/community/DTXpress
> > > >
> > > >

Vern is correct with his advice.  First I would slow down to a 
comfortable tempo, one where you can do eight or sixteen notes 
without "thinking" about them on the hi-hat all while working a 
basic beat on the snare and bass drum.  I think you may have a 
problem coming back into a basic beat after your fills because your 
throwing too much into your fills at your level.  What you can try 
is playing a comfortable tempo, then do an easier fill, and practice 
coming back into the comfortable tempo right on time and right on 
beat.  I know your trying to be creative and not sound repeative 
with your fills, and thats fine, and your doing a good job of it, 
its just you gotta work on coming back in, right on time.  Don't 
worry though, its a good sign when your making practice harder than 
it should be because it displays your creative future on the 
drumset.  This creative future should stand as motavation to master 
the basics because you already know once you master them, your 
plenty ready for more advanced playing.  Don't ever give up, playing 
drums is worth the practice!

-UN.H



--- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, "mhd31971" <mhdevlin@n...> wrote:
> I am beaming :)  Thanks for the positive feedback.  I am operating 
> on an island here as I have no one to play with at the moment and 
> can only base my quality (or lack thereof) on my own ear.  I will 
be 
> sure to let the group know if I get something else recorded that 
is 
> worth hearing.
> 
> cheers :-)
> 
> --- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, "underneathheaven" 
<realvast@s...> 
> wrote:
> > Hey Matt!  I heard all your drum samples and I'm impressed, your 
> > well on your way!  You have the right idea on fills and I'm glad 
> to 
> > hear your making up your own and not some stuff every novice 
> drummer 
> > does!  Your recording was a bit low but thats easily fixable 
with 
> > some tweaking!  When you have more recordings, with or without 
> > music, let us know, we'll listen!
> > 
> > - UN.H  
> > 
> > 
> > --- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, "mhd31971" <mhdevlin@n...> 
wrote:
> > > i tried to post once already with a long explanation of how 
bad 
> > > (new) a drummer i am but I had a problem with my session and I 
> am 
> > > not sure if it got posted. I have uploaded some mp3's of me 
> > > (attempting) to play my DTXpress to my website that may be of 
> use 
> > to 
> > > drummers curious how the DTXpress sounds.  Please bear in mind 
> > that 
> > > it probably sounds much better if you are a good drummer :)
> > > 
> > > http://www.mattdevlin.net/audio
> > > 
> > > If you listen and choose to provide feedback, please be 
kind :) 
> I 
> > > have been playng only a few months and my fragile ego may not 
be 
> > > able handle harsh criticism on this topic.
> > > 
> > > Also note that the recording levels are a bit low, I am still 
> > > working on mastering the recording.  (among other things) I am 
> > > currently recording to a portable minidisc player.
> > > 
> > > --- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, chris thackston 
> > <christ@... 
> > > wrote:
> > > > 
> > > > I'm glad that the information you got from this group has 
> > helped. 
> > > When I
> > > > first started getting info about the DTXpress, primarily 
from 
> > the 
> > > MD
> > > > article you mentioned, there was no good source of 
> information. 
> > > That's the
> > > > reason I created this list. Hopefully it will grow into a 
> > > consistant source
> > > > of reliable information and a great source of user kits too.
> > > > 
> > > > I very much like the sounds in the module. I've been playing 
a 
> > > friends
> > > > Vdrums for over a year now, and while these aren't on that 
> > level, 
> > > they are
> > > > very good for what you pay for. Make sure you listen on a 
good 
> > set 
> > > of
> > > > headphones or a good keyboard amp or PA. It makes all the 
> > > difference in the
> > > > world. After I get back on vacation, I may post some mp3's 
of 
> me 
> > > playing on
> > > > some of the different kits, just to give others a way to 
hear 
> > > what's
> > > > available. I welcome others to do the same, just keep the 
file 
> > > sizes low.
> > > > The DTXpress offers far more than the V's in terms of 
effects, 
> > > noises and
> > > > other sounds besides just drums. The sequencer is a plus as 
> > well, 
> > > but I
> > > > haven't realy had time to fiddle with it.
> > > > 
> > > > The songs do suck, in my opinion. This is really not 
important 
> > if 
> > > you have
> > > > it hooked to a computer with a sequencer, as you can write 
or 
> > > download any
> > > > MIDI file and play along while muting the drum track. Some 
of 
> > the 
> > > preset
> > > > kits are not very functional but there is plenty of space to 
> > > create your own.
> > > > 
> > > > All of this is just my opinion but I hope it helps. This is 
a 
> > > great kit for
> > > > the money. Let us know when you get it.
> > > > 
> > > > 
> > > > 				Chris
> > > > 
> > > > 
> > > > 
> > > > 
> > > > 
> > > > At 04:12 PM 11/23/99 -0000, you wrote:
> > > > >From: eyemaster69@h...
> > > > >
> > > > >Okay, I thought I posted this message but apparently I did 
> > > something wrong
> > > > so here I go again...I apologize if this comes up more than 
> > once. 
> > > I just
> > > > wanted to say Hey to everyone and to thank you for the 
honest 
> and
> > > > information questions and answers. I am about to purchase 
the 
> > > DTXPress kit
> > > > and this group has been the single greatest source of 
> information
> > > > influencing my decision. I have been contemplating 
purchasing 
> an 
> > > electronic
> > > > kit for some time now, but the costs involved have, up til 
> now, 
> > > eliminated
> > > > that posibility. The positive review of this kit in Modern 
> > Drummer 
> > > piqued
> > > > my interest enough to check this kit out at the local music 
> > > stores. Now, I
> > > > have to admit I was impressed by the pads, which i expected 
to 
> > be 
> > > very hard
> > > > and loud like other less expensive electronic drums. These 
> were 
> > > soft &
> > > > quiet and, in my opinion, on par with the standard kits. 
> > > Unfortunately, I
> > > > was less impresssed with the sounds and the songs. I found 
the 
> > > drum and
> > > > cymbal sounds to be very thin & tinny and not very 
convincing 
> or
> > > > satisfying. Now, on reviewing your past postings, it seems 
> that 
> > > everyone is
> > > > very impressed with the drum sounds in this module. So, I am 
> > > wondering if
> > > > everyone had to teak the sounds to get what they are happy 
> with 
> > or 
> > > maybe
> > > > the kit I played at the store was "out of whack" with all 
the 
> > > potential
> > > > buyers (like me) pushing all the buttons and possibly 
changing 
> > the 
> > > original
> > > > sounds. I am going back to the store to test a new, out-of-
the-
> > box 
> > > kit
> > > > tonight but am still interested in everyone's opinions on 
the 

> > > sounds
> > > > included in this module. Thanks again for all of the 
> information!
> > > > >
> > > > >>Community email addresses:
> > > > >  Post message: DTXpress@onelist.com
> > > > >  Subscribe:    DTXpress-subscribe@onelist.com
> > > > >  Unsubscribe:  DTXpress-unsubscribe@onelist.com
> > > > >  List owner:   DTXpress-owner@onelist.com
> > > > >
> > > > >Shortcut URL to this page:
> > > > >  http://www.onelist.com/community/DTXpress
> > > > >
> > > > >

Hey thanks again.

Let me ask the group this....

What is the consensus view on practice?  With music? Or Without?  
Personally I am having far more fun simply playing.  I have very 
little desire to imitate someone else, I just enjoy playing the 
drums.  Is this a reasonable approach or should I spend some time 
playing to music also?   On top of that.. is there a place to get 
popular music with the drum tracks removed?  I hate playing to the 
electronic "songs" that are on the dtxpress.

Thanks.


--- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, "underneathheaven" <realvast@s...> 
wrote:
> Vern is correct with his advice.  First I would slow down to a 
> comfortable tempo, one where you can do eight or sixteen notes 
> without "thinking" about them on the hi-hat all while working a 
> basic beat on the snare and bass drum.  I think you may have a 
> problem coming back into a basic beat after your fills because 
your 
> throwing too much into your fills at your level.  What you can try 
> is playing a comfortable tempo, then do an easier fill, and 
practice 
> coming back into the comfortable tempo right on time and right on 
> beat.  I know your trying to be creative and not sound repeative 
> with your fills, and thats fine, and your doing a good job of it, 
> its just you gotta work on coming back in, right on time.  Don't 
> worry though, its a good sign when your making practice harder 
than 
> it should be because it displays your creative future on the 
> drumset.  This creative future should stand as motavation to 
master 
> the basics because you already know once you master them, your 
> plenty ready for more advanced playing.  Don't ever give up, 
playing 
> drums is worth the practice!
> 
> -UN.H
> 
> 
> 
> --- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, "mhd31971" <mhdevlin@n...> wrote:
> > I am beaming :)  Thanks for the positive feedback.  I am 
operating 
> > on an island here as I have no one to play with at the moment 
and 
> > can only base my quality (or lack thereof) on my own ear.  I 
will 
> be 
> > sure to let the group know if I get something else recorded that 
> is 
> > worth hearing.
> > 
> > cheers :-)
> > 
> > --- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, "underneathheaven" 
> <realvast@s...> 
> > wrote:
> > > Hey Matt!  I heard all your drum samples and I'm impressed, 
your 
> > > well on your way!  You have the right idea on fills and I'm 
glad 
> > to 
> > > hear your making up your own and not some stuff every novice 
> > drummer 
> > > does!  Your recording was a bit low but thats easily fixable 
> with 
> > > some tweaking!  When you have more recordings, with or without 
> > > music, let us know, we'll listen!
> > > 
> > > - UN.H  
> > > 
> > > 
> > > --- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, "mhd31971" <mhdevlin@n...> 
> wrote:
> > > > i tried to post once already with a long explanation of how 
> bad 
> > > > (new) a drummer i am but I had a problem with my session and 
I 
> > am 
> > > > not sure if it got posted. I have uploaded some mp3's of me 
> > > > (attempting) to play my DTXpress to my website that may be 
of 
> > use 
> > > to 
> > > > drummers curious how the DTXpress sounds.  Please bear in 
mind 
> > > that 
> > > > it probably sounds much better if you are a good drummer :)
> > > > 
> > > > http://www.mattdevlin.net/audio
> > > > 
> > > > If you listen and choose to provide feedback, please be 
> kind :) 
> > I 
> > > > have been playng only a few months and my fragile ego may 
not 
> be 
> > > > able handle harsh criticism on this topic.
> > > > 
> > > > Also note that the recording levels are a bit low, I am 
still 
> > > > working on mastering the recording.  (among other things) I 
am 
> > > > currently recording to a portable minidisc player.
> > > > 
> > > > --- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, chris thackston 
> > > <christ@... 
> > > > wrote:
> > > > > 
> > > > > I'm glad that the information you got from this group has 
> > > helped. 
> > > > When I
> > > > > first started getting info about the DTXpress, primarily 
> from 
> > > the 
> > > > MD
> > > > > article you mentioned, there was no good source of 
> > information. 
> > > > That's the
> > > > > reason I created this list. Hopefully it will grow into a 
> > > > consistant source
> > > > > of reliable information and a great source of user kits 
too.
> > > > > 
> > > > > I very much like the sounds in the module. I've been 
playing 
> a 
> > > > friends
> > > > > Vdrums for over a year now, and while these aren't on that 
> > > level, 
> > > > they are
> > > > > very good for what you pay for. Make sure you listen on a 
> good 
> > > set 
> > > > of
> > > > > headphones or a good keyboard amp or PA. It makes all the 
> > > > difference in the
> > > > > world. After I get back on vacation, I may post some mp3's 
> of 
> > me 
> > > > playing on
> > > > > some of the different kits, just to give others a way to 
> hear 
> > > > what's
> > > > > available. I welcome others to do the same, just keep the 
> file 
> > > > sizes low.
> > > > > The DTXpress offers far more than the V's in terms of 
> effects, 
> > > > noises and
> > > > > other sounds besides just drums. The sequencer is a plus 
as 
> > > well, 
> > > > but I
> > > > > haven't realy had time to fiddle with it.
> > > > > 
> > > > > The songs do suck, in my opinion. This is really not 
> important 
> > > if 
> > > > you have
> > > > > it hooked to a computer with a sequencer, as you can write 
> or 
> > > > download any
> > > > > MIDI file and play along while muting the drum track. Some 
> of 
> > > the 
> > > > preset
> > > > > kits are not very functional but there is plenty of space 
to 
> > > > create your own.
> > > > > 
> > > > > All of this is just my opinion but I hope it helps. This 
is 
> a 
> > > > great kit for
> > > > > the money. Let us know when you get it.
> > > > > 
> > > > > 
> > > > > 				Chris
> > > > > 
> > > > > 
> > > > > 
> > > > > 
> > > > > 
> > > > > At 04:12 PM 11/23/99 -0000, you wrote:
> > > > > >From: eyemaster69@h...
> > > > > >
> > > > > >Okay, I thought I posted this message but apparently I 
did 
> > > > something wrong
> > > > > so here I go again...I apologize if this comes up more 
than 
> > > once. 
> > > > I just
> > > > > wanted to say Hey to everyone and to thank you for the 
> honest 
> > and
> > > > > information questions and answers. I am about to purchase 
> the 
> > > > DTXPress kit
> > > > > and this group has been the single greatest source of 
> > information
> > > > > influencing my decision. I have been contemplating 
> purchasing 
> > an 
> > > > electronic
> > > > > kit for some time now, but the costs involved have, up til 
> > now, 
> > > > eliminated
> > > > > that posibility. The positive review of this kit in Modern 
> > > Drummer 
> > > > piqued
> > > > > my interest enough to check this kit out at the local 
music 
> > > > stores. Now, I
> > > > > have to admit I was impressed by the pads, which i 
expected 
> to 
> > > be 
> > > > very hard
> > > > > and loud like other less expensive electronic drums. These 
> > were 
> > > > soft &
> > > > > quiet and, in my opinion, on par with the standard kits. 
> > > > Unfortunately, I
> > > > > was less impresssed with the sounds and the songs. I found 
> the 
> > > > drum and
> > > > > cymbal sounds to be very thin & tinny and not very 
> convincing 
> > or
> > > > > satisfying. Now, on reviewing your past postings, it seems 
> > that 
> > > > everyone is
> > > > > very impressed with the drum sounds in this module. So, I 
am 

> > > > wondering if
> > > > > everyone had to teak the sounds to get what they are happy 
> > with 
> > > or 
> > > > maybe
> > > > > the kit I played at the store was "out of whack" with all 
> the 
> > > > potential
> > > > > buyers (like me) pushing all the buttons and possibly 
> changing 
> > > the 
> > > > original
> > > > > sounds. I am going back to the store to test a new, out-of-
> the-
> > > box 
> > > > kit
> > > > > tonight but am still interested in everyone's opinions on 
> the 
> > > > sounds
> > > > > included in this module. Thanks again for all of the 
> > information!
> > > > > >
> > > > > >>Community email addresses:
> > > > > >  Post message: DTXpress@onelist.com
> > > > > >  Subscribe:    DTXpress-subscribe@onelist.com
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Hey Devlin!  Its UN.H again!  I love playing a drumset no matter 
what, wheather its for five minutes or five hours, I always have 
fun!  I love playing the set all by myself, that is the way to be a 
musician without copying someone else, its also a way to make sure 
you play a musical instrument and not just make noise.  I love to 
practice "solos," and let me tell ya, I need to practice them! :)  
Sometimes I like to play difficult patterns on the hi-hat, snare, 
and bass drum.  I feel that, incase I was faced with an unavoidable 
drum duel, that the almighty hi-hat, snare, and bass drum can take 
down any double basser with a proper, mind boggling, and technical 
pattern.  I do, however, practice double bass religiously!  But one 
of the funnest things for me to do has a kid, and still today even, 
is to air drum a really cool song or beat!  I love feeling like a 
part of my favorite bands and the DTXpressII lets me do just that 
with the ability to play along to CDs and mp3s.  I think trying to 
play along to TOOL and Dream Theater is my favorite hobby in the 
whole world, even more so then playing in a band, because these 
bands I play along to are my favorite musicians playing my favorite 
songs!  I love my DTXpressII!!!  Playing along to music cd is also 
great practice for staying on beat to music that is perfectly on 
time!  And if you mess up while playing a drum part it will stand 
out because the drum track will "pop out" and hit you right in the 
face!  I feel I have grown as a musician just because I've not only 
listened to these great rock drummers, but actually tried to pull 
off what they do!  If your looking for some music with no drums I've 
seen Modern Drummer offer some cds called "turn it up" I believe.  
They feature rock and bass songs that are very useful, or so I've 
heard, to practice with!  I've also seen a cd-rom entitled "Drum-
Rom" that contains two discs.  One is music with no drums, which is 
apparently "cutting edge" and the second disc features a 
professonial drummer giving instruction and also playing along to 
the songs.  Modern Drummer gave it a 9/10.  Ok I gotta go to bed 
now! :)  Whatever you do and no matter how you practice, it doesn't 
matter, as long you play and express!

- UN.H     



--- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, "mhd31971" <mhdevlin@n...> wrote:
> Hey thanks again.
> 
> Let me ask the group this....
> 
> What is the consensus view on practice?  With music? Or Without?  
> Personally I am having far more fun simply playing.  I have very 
> little desire to imitate someone else, I just enjoy playing the 
> drums.  Is this a reasonable approach or should I spend some time 
> playing to music also?   On top of that.. is there a place to get 
> popular music with the drum tracks removed?  I hate playing to the 
> electronic "songs" that are on the dtxpress.
> 
> Thanks.
> 
> 
> --- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, "underneathheaven" 
<realvast@s...> 
> wrote:
> > Vern is correct with his advice.  First I would slow down to a 
> > comfortable tempo, one where you can do eight or sixteen notes 
> > without "thinking" about them on the hi-hat all while working a 
> > basic beat on the snare and bass drum.  I think you may have a 
> > problem coming back into a basic beat after your fills because 
> your 
> > throwing too much into your fills at your level.  What you can 
try 
> > is playing a comfortable tempo, then do an easier fill, and 
> practice 
> > coming back into the comfortable tempo right on time and right 
on 
> > beat.  I know your trying to be creative and not sound repeative 
> > with your fills, and thats fine, and your doing a good job of 
it, 
> > its just you gotta work on coming back in, right on time.  Don't 
> > worry though, its a good sign when your making practice harder 
> than 
> > it should be because it displays your creative future on the 
> > drumset.  This creative future should stand as motavation to 
> master 
> > the basics because you already know once you master them, your 
> > plenty ready for more advanced playing.  Don't ever give up, 
> playing 
> > drums is worth the practice!
> > 
> > -UN.H
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > --- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, "mhd31971" <mhdevlin@n...> 
wrote:
> > > I am beaming :)  Thanks for the positive feedback.  I am 
> operating 
> > > on an island here as I have no one to play with at the moment 
> and 
> > > can only base my quality (or lack thereof) on my own ear.  I 
> will 
> > be 
> > > sure to let the group know if I get something else recorded 
that 
> > is 
> > > worth hearing.
> > > 
> > > cheers :-)
> > > 
> > > --- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, "underneathheaven" 
> > <realvast@s...> 
> > > wrote:
> > > > Hey Matt!  I heard all your drum samples and I'm impressed, 
> your 
> > > > well on your way!  You have the right idea on fills and I'm 
> glad 
> > > to 
> > > > hear your making up your own and not some stuff every novice 
> > > drummer 
> > > > does!  Your recording was a bit low but thats easily fixable 
> > with 
> > > > some tweaking!  When you have more recordings, with or 
without 
> > > > music, let us know, we'll listen!
> > > > 
> > > > - UN.H  
> > > > 
> > > > 
> > > > --- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, "mhd31971" <mhdevlin@n...> 
> > wrote:
> > > > > i tried to post once already with a long explanation of 
how 
> > bad 
> > > > > (new) a drummer i am but I had a problem with my session 
and 
> I 
> > > am 
> > > > > not sure if it got posted. I have uploaded some mp3's of 
me 
> > > > > (attempting) to play my DTXpress to my website that may be 
> of 
> > > use 
> > > > to 
> > > > > drummers curious how the DTXpress sounds.  Please bear in 
> mind 
> > > > that 
> > > > > it probably sounds much better if you are a good drummer :)
> > > > > 
> > > > > http://www.mattdevlin.net/audio
> > > > > 
> > > > > If you listen and choose to provide feedback, please be 
> > kind :) 
> > > I 
> > > > > have been playng only a few months and my fragile ego may 
> not 
> > be 
> > > > > able handle harsh criticism on this topic.
> > > > > 
> > > > > Also note that the recording levels are a bit low, I am 
> still 
> > > > > working on mastering the recording.  (among other things) 
I 
> am 
> > > > > currently recording to a portable minidisc player.
> > > > > 
> > > > > --- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, chris thackston 
> > > > <christ@... 
> > > > > wrote:
> > > > > > 
> > > > > > I'm glad that the information you got from this group 
has 
> > > > helped. 
> > > > > When I
> > > > > > first started getting info about the DTXpress, primarily 
> > from 
> > > > the 
> > > > > MD
> > > > > > article you mentioned, there was no good source of 
> > > information. 
> > > > > That's the
> > > > > > reason I created this list. Hopefully it will grow into 
a 
> > > > > consistant source
> > > > > > of reliable information and a great source of user kits 
> too.
> > > > > > 
> > > > > > I very much like the sounds in the module. I've been 
> playing 
> > a 
> > > > > friends
> > > > > > Vdrums for over a year now, and while these aren't on 
that 
> > > > level, 
> > > > > they are
> > > > > > very good for what you pay for. Make sure you listen on 
a 
> > good 
> > > > set 
> > > > > of
> > > > > > headphones or a good keyboard amp or PA. It makes all 
the 
> > > > > difference in the
> > > > > > world. After I get back on vacation, I may post some 
mp3's 
> > of 
> > > me 
> > > > > playing on
> > > > > > some of the different kits, just to give others a way to 
> > hear 
> > > > > what's
> > > > > > available. I welcome others to do the same, just keep 
the 
> > file 
> > > > > sizes low.
> > > > > > The DTXpress offers far more than the V's in terms of 
> > effects, 
> > > > > noises and
> > > > > > other sounds besides just drums. The sequencer is a plus 
> as 
> > > > well, 
> > > > > but I
> > > > > > haven't realy had time to fiddle with it.
> > > > > > 
> > > > > > The songs do suck, in my opinion. This is really not 
> > important 
> > > > if 
> > > > > you have
> > > > > > it hooked to a computer with a sequencer, as you can 
write 
> > or 
> > > > > download any
> > > > > > MIDI file and play along while muting the drum track. 
Some 
> > of 
> > > > the 
> > > > > preset
> > > > > > kits are not very functional but there is plenty of 
space 
> to 
> > > > > create your own.
> > > > > > 
> > > > > > All of this is just my opinion but I hope it helps. This 
> is 
> > a 
> > > > > great kit for
> > > > > > the money. Let us know when you get it.
> > > > > > 
> > > > > > 
> > > > > > 				Chris
> > > > > > 
> > > > > > 
> > > > > > 
> > > > > > 
> > > > > > 
> > > > > > At 04:12 PM 11/23/99 -0000, you wrote:
> > > > > > >From: eyemaster69@h...
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >Okay, I thought I posted this message but apparently I 
> did 
> > > > > something wrong
> > > > > > so here I go again...I apologize if this comes up more 
> than 
> > > > once. 
> > > > > I just
> > > > > > wanted to say Hey to everyone and to thank you for the 
> > honest 
> > > and
> > > > > > information questions and answers. I am about to 
purchase 
> > the 
> > > > > DTXPress kit
> > > > > > and this group has been the single greatest source of 
> > > information
> > > > > > influencing my decision. I have been contemplating 
> > purchasing 
> > > an 
> > > > > electronic
> > > > > > kit for some time now, but the costs involved have, up 
til 
> > > now, 
> > > > > eliminated
> > > > > > that posibility. The positive review of this kit in 
Modern 
> > > > Drummer 
> > > > > piqued
> > > > > > my interest enough to check this kit out at the local 
> music 
> > > > > stores. Now, I
> > > > > > have to admit I was impressed by the pads, which i 
> expected 
> > to 
> > > > be 
> > > > > very hard
> > > > > > and loud like other less expensive electronic drums. 
These 
> > > were 
> > > > > soft &
> > > > > > quiet and, in my opinion, on par with the standard kits. 
> > > > > Unfortunately, I
> > > > > > was less impresssed with the sounds and the songs. I 
found 
> > the 
> > > > > drum and
> > > > > > cymbal sounds to be very thin & tinny and not very 
> > convincing 
> > > or
> > > > > > satisfying. Now, on reviewing your past postings, it 
seems 
> > > that 
> > > > > everyone is
> > > > > > very impressed with the drum sounds in this module. So, 
I 
> am 
> > > > > wondering if
> > > > > > everyone had to teak the sounds to get what they are 
happy 
> > > with 
> > > > or 
> > > > > maybe
> > > > > > the kit I played at the store was "out of whack" with 
all 
> > the 
> > > > > potential
> > > > > > buyers (like me) pushing all the buttons and possibly 
> > changing 
> > > > the 
> > > > > original
> > > > > > sounds. I am going back to the store to test a new, out-
of-
> > the-
> > > > box 
> > > > > kit
> > > > > > tonight but am still interested in everyone's opinions 
on 

> > the 
> > > > > sounds
> > > > > > included in this module. Thanks again for all of the 
> > > information!
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >>Community email addresses:
> > > > > > >  Post message: DTXpress@onelist.com
> > > > > > >  Subscribe:    DTXpress-subscribe@onelist.com
> > > > > > >  Unsubscribe:  DTXpress-unsubscribe@onelist.com
> > > > > > >  List owner:   DTXpress-owner@onelist.com
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >Shortcut URL to this page:
> > > > > > >  http://www.onelist.com/community/DTXpress
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >