DIY Pearl RT vs. new TD9KX vs. used TD10x

[abe]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for a kit with the following features, in descending importance order:

(a) acoustic-like feel (responsiveness of cymbals and heads, setup and location of various components etc)
(b) rather small (although not miniature...) footprint
(c) silent operation
(d) nice sounds

At first, I though about a new TD9KX kit or a used TD10x kit - both should cost roughly the same and have their pluses and minuses.

Then, after a deep dive into the DIY forum, another option has emerged -- buy a cheap, used A-set and convert it using home-made triggers.

Keeping feature (b) in mind, I focused on small / travel sets.
My idea is to get a new/used pearl rhythm traveler, used TD10x module, and new/used CY14, CY15 and VH11. Use the cymbal and hh stands that come with the pearl RT for the HH and ride (+ get another one for the crash).

I intend to use the existing pearl mesh heads and mount some piezo triggers on the snare, toms and kick shells. I have some basic soldering skills and this task seems doable.

It should cost about 30% less than the TD9/10 kits, but money is not the real issue here.

I'd like to hear from you guys which option would YOU choose - a 100% factory-made E-set or a converted A-set? Which setup would be better for my needs? Are there any caveats I should take into consideration when going for an A-to-E conversion?

(and minor one: how well does the positional sensing feature work with converted acoustic snares?)

Thanks in advance,
abe

btw, this is my second post here. This forum is fantastic!

[Gastric]

Just my personal opinion but the only way an electric kit really looks visibly like an acoustic is to use a full uncut acoustic kit to build your electric kit. I don't think the Rhythm Traveler kit look any more like a genuine acoustic kit than a Roland factory kit. And I'd think the Roland kit would be much more durable overall.

[cheapthrill]

A converted A-to-E kit will feel more natural than a TD-9 because of the sizes of the heads. Store-bought Roland kits tend to feel comparatively small with all 10" and 12" triggers, where a converted kit can have, for example, a 13" snare. I mean, really, who plays a 10" acoustic floor tom? Plus, V-11's or a DIY hi-hat on a stand will feel much better than the stationary Roland hi-hat trigger that comes with the TD-9KX.

In my honest opinion, if you have the time and tools to complete a conversion, I would go that route and get an acoustic kit and a used TD-10. Having Roland cymbals either way will be the quietest for sure.

By the way, Pearl mesh heads are COMPLETELY WORTHLESS and I would make my own. Solar Screen or Pet-D-Fence screen both seem to be great options for DIY heads, and much cheaper.

Hope this helps.

[allanjohn]

What do yo mean 10" and 12"? Ib the case of the TD9, try 8" and 10"!!
Personally, I'm fine with 10 and 12" toms and snare - especially if you're after a compact footprint.

[cheapthrill]

What do yo mean 10" and 12"? Ib the case of the TD9, try 8" and 10"!!
Personally, I'm fine with 10 and 12" toms and snare - especially if you're after a compact footprint.

Seriously? 8" and 10"? Now that is what I call miniature. I use 10" and 12" sized triggers myself these days, but I went all out and bought new Gibraltar racks to suspend them all. Something to consider...building an e-kit made of 8", 10" or 12" triggers requires the means to suspend the triggers, where converting an a-kit doesn't necessarily require a rack or whatnot.

If money grows on trees in your backyard, then by all means, just pick some and go buy a Roland kit...but you'll be missing out on all of that DIY fun!