Hi guys,

I am struggling with whether to buy an electronic drum set or an acoustic set. I would really appreciate your input. I will be doing some performing (pubs, festivals, etc.) so the set will be on stage in front of an audience.

I really like the flexibility of an electronic set with all the sound effects and the ability to easily adjust the volume but these sets are not very impressive to look at. I also think most audience members are probably used to seeing a big acoustic set (even though the electronic set can sound as good or better).

What do you think? Are there bands out there using an electronic set on stage? Have you found any resistance? Also, what brand of electronic sets do you recommend? I can't afford Rolands but I do have my eye on either Yamaha or the Alesis Pro model.

Thanks!!!

I gigged for a few years with a totally 'E'-kit. I never received any flak about it, and my band loved it, but I don't know that there weren't anti-E drummers out in the audience bashing it behind my back... ya know?

The convenience factor was awesome. Not so much pertaining to load-in/out (still took me about a half hour) but as far as stage volume and what was going thru the PA, I was always happy. Using a HEALTHY PA is key though, with anything less it ain't pretty. Also, monitoring becomes a little trickier. I used in-ear-monitors and loved the clarity and safe volume levels, but there was no physical 'feel' w/ the E's, so I ended up adding a stage monitor for a little more impact while playing. Some E-players like the "Buttkicker" device that you mount to your snare for some physical feedback.

I should mention though, I only used the top-of-the-line Roland units for gigging, but I have seen some folks performing w/ the TD6 now and then and I guess it didn't sound horrible.

I did eventually convert to a hybrid kit, bringing in acoustic elements gradually. First I replace all the cymbals (I just never warmed to E-cymbals) and then a snare and bass. Now I'm using a full acoustic core-kit, with some E-elements.

what sort of music will you being playing with it?
there are definitely some techniques that fare better on one type of kit or the other, but I found you can get by just fine on E's if you're comfortable with them.








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analog missionary
M=yspace

The worst part about setting up e-kits is the wiring but even that is a smaller chore
Flexibility both in the selection of sounds as well as being the soundman's favorite drummer of the evening are a huge plus
I guess it would depend on the type of music to gague the anti e-drum guys but most people are pretty much accepting of them now








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You say irritant, I say catalyst

Rockula! wrote:

The worst part about setting up e-kits is the wiring but even that is a smaller chore

I rigged up my rack where I could transport it with the module, hardware and cables all still attached, because I didn't want to have to run the cables every time.
With the folding Roland rack, I just left it all on there, with the cables run to each respective tom-holder or cymbal boom and attached them with a cable tie so I always knew what went where. Remove drums/cymbals, fold rack, load up. Seemed to work pretty well.
I had a LOT of pads so it would not have been fun running cables~








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analog missionary
M=yspace

Unfortunately, I have to re-wire my monstrosity every time
SPDS, mixer, 8 track, vocal processor, triggers
Whata pain in the ass
And I have to do it all by myself!








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You say irritant, I say catalyst

Rockula! wrote:

Unfortunately, I have to re-wire my monstrosity every time
SPDS, mixer, 8 track, vocal processor, triggers
Whata pain in the ass
And I have to do it all by myself!

Yikes~
somebody get that guy a roadie!








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analog missionary
M=yspace

Hi!

Thanks for all the excellent feed-back and advice. I think I should go with acoustic until I have the money to invest in a top of the line electronic set.

What do you guys think about attaching triggers and a drum module to an acoustic set. Does it work well? Are there any special instructions I should follow?

Thanks!

that's a viable alternative too. Many of us here have gone that route.
here's a thread w/ a bunch of info on triggering:

http://www.drumsmylife.com/the-official-triggers-thread-vt8610.html








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analog missionary
M=yspace

m wrote:

Yikes~
somebody get that guy a roadie!

I'd rather collaborate with a second musician and make him take up some of the slack

Oh yea, I have to set up my own PA too








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You say irritant, I say catalyst

I've been using an Ekit for 3 years now. In terms of convenience and the ability to play at any time night or day, I would say that Ekits are great. I love both but at home in a city I would start off with an Ekit.

Davo

I know plenty of guys who use an electronic kit live. I've also played one live before, I sat in with this blues band at this little festival back at home. It's a really nice feeling kit, got some nice sound out of it, and there was no problem being heard or anything like that. And if you are going to be practicing in a place where a lot of loud noise would not be appreciated, then electronic's probably the way to go.

But for my part I find playing the good old acoustics is a lot more fun, and just feels better to me. Plus it definitely looks a lot cooler sitting behind the shells, skins, and cymbals instead of the pads and wires.








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This could only be more awesome if it had tits and was on fire.