Yamaha DTXpress/DTXplorer/DTXtreme

I know that this has been posted a lot. But I couldn't find it in the 
archives. And I'm lazy. Just wondering if anyone had a cheap 
solution. I think I will order the extra parts that come with the 
DXpressII. But I still don't like the rack.

Thanks a lot,

Jonny

--- slushycow wrote:
> Just wondering if anyone had a cheap 
> solution ... I still don't like the rack.

Depends what you mean by "cheap". It's just standard-sized 1.5" 
racking, so you can replace clamps piecemeal with quality 
(Gibraltar, for example) - I'm assuming it's the plastic clamps that 
are the biggest problem for you. Complete racks and odd clamps show 
up now and again on eBay, if you are willing to go that route. For 
example, have a look at item 2553948645 which is a job lot of 
Gibraltar clamps.

In the meantime, tell us about gigging with the DTXpress! What sort 
of stuff, how often, what's the reaction ... 

Stewart

Thanks Moosetication,

Yeah I guess it's true that my biggest problem is the clamps. I'll 
look into some stronger ones. My problem is that I live in Japan, and 
things are expensive. Used things are also hard to find.

About gigging with the kit. Here in Japan, there are many many little 
clubs that you just can't play acoustic drums in. So my band can play 
in really small clubs. I don't really use all the effects. Just run 
the standard jazz kit. Good enough for me. As far as a reaction goes, 
people say they have never seen electronic drums. I had one girl tell 
me that she enjoyed watching my footwork. Her first time to see it. I 
use acoustic cymbols when I play live as weel for a more buff look. 
But for me, it still feels like a toy. I hope to change that soon, 
since we are getting more serious. 

Thanks again

Jonny

Cheapest solution is to order new Knobs and Bolts from Drumbalaya. I 
think you do this for about $3.00 (or less) per clamp or so.

Jonny:
I can understand your thoughts that the DTX feels like a toy when 
your gigging!

The first time I played a gig with the kit we were double-billed with 
another band. The drummer for this band played a 7-piece Yamaha kit 
with about 20 cymbals (I kid you not). Honestly, I felt a bit foolish 
behind my little rubber pads.

I quickly got over that when I was packed away 10 minutes after the 
gig, and this guy was still undoing wingnuts on his cymbal stands!!!!

Stephen

Hi Jonny,

I upgraded my rack with an used Yamaha RS-80 from Drumbalaya - very 
affordable w/ good, solid 2x bolt metal rack clamps. I merged it 
w/the stock DTX1 RS-60; double-braced the center section and expanded 
the sides. It is very solid now and doesnt sway in the wind as before.


Steve K.