Trying to get my TD-30 to feel right again. Not feeling normal

[Zbigdawg]

I have a TD-30 with pads from a TD-20. I haven't played my kit in months because it started to just not feel right so I've only played my DW acoustic kit lately. I feel like one of the problems may have started when I got the Zildjian Gen-16 acoustic electric cymbals and started running the TD-30 through the cymbal module because if i did it the other way around, i would only get the cymbal sound in one side of my headphones and it drove me nuts. Does anyone know if running it through the cymbal module could possibly make the whole kit feel like its lagging? it just hadnt been the same.

Also would having older pads have any effect on the responsiveness? I went into guitar center and played a TD-30 with the actual 30 pads and it seemed so much more realistic than my kit and it was actually fun to play. I'd like to get my kit to feel like the kit i played at guitar center. Does anyone have any advice that might help me get it there or things i may be missing i should be doing to make it work properly? Any help would be awesome. I hate that they are only taking up space right now.

[jpsquared482]

A couple suggestions:
1) Check the tension of your heads. As they loosen up, you lose triggering performance.
2) If that doesn't solve it, remove a head and inspect the foam. Put a straight edge across the bearing edge and the foam should be above it by about 1/16" (1-2 mm). If it's lower, you can easily replace the foam cones. Call Roland for new ones. Only $12 each. Aftermarket ones are available but I go with Roland.

After that, there's really nothing else that wears out. Sure, the piezos can go bad, but that's very very rare. Start with head tension and foam quality. You could bring your module to the dealer and plug one of their pads into yours to do the comparison.

JP

CUSHION CONE FOAM BLACK Part #: 01909478 Qty: 1

USD$ 12.00

[Zbigdawg]

Awesome man I will check up on all that. i know my kick drum head cone is damaged. i just didnt think thatd be that cheap of a fix so i havent really gotten around to it. thanks for the advice!

[jpsquared482]

Replacing cones IS EASY, but takes some patience. You need to be careful with the piezo it's stuck onto. The best trick is to shave as much of it off the piezo with a razor blade as you can. Don't bear down, and don't pull up on the foam ever. You can damage it the piezo by doing that. Just carefully scrape with a side to side motion of the razor to shave it off. This will probably leave a thin layer of foam and the adhesive on the piezo. Then use mineral spirits (paint thinner) and dab it on the foam and glue residue. Let it sit for about 1 min, then scrape that off with a razor. Repeat the process and finally wipe it clean with a paper towel. Repeat this until all the residue is removed and you'll have a beautifully clean bare surface. It will take you about 5 -10 minutes per foam trigger.

Then, just peel the backer off the new one and carefully center it on the piezo and press gently. i use a slight circular motion as I press it on to make sure it's completely stuck all the way around.

Again, be careful with the piezo and avoid too much force. Use the razor and solvent and some patience, and you'll be fine. I recently replaced a foam cone on a used PD125, and it now plays like new.

Good luck.

[bud7h4]

I was surprised to discover how much the slightest adjustment / correction to the foam cones can affect the sound quality. The drums can sound small and weak without the full dynamic available due to the cones being slightly off in any way.

[Zbigdawg]

Ok thanks for the help guys! I've decided that I am probably going to sell my TD-30 module online and put my old TD-20 with the pads on craigslist. My plan is to get the NFUZD audio inspire electronic heads and put them on my DW i have upstairs in place of my electric. I think I'm going to replace the cones though so who ever ends up with the pads is happy. Are there any tutorials or more in depth readings i could do on how to install them. Not that your explanation is not enough, I'm just not the best at fixing stuff like this so I'm nervous to tamper with them.

Thanks!

[Intruder]

Ok thanks for the help guys! I've decided that I am probably going to sell my TD-30 module online and put my old TD-20 with the pads on craigslist. My plan is to get the NFUZD audio inspire electronic heads and put them on my DW i have upstairs in place of my electric. I think I'm going to replace the cones though so who ever ends up with the pads is happy. Are there any tutorials or more in depth readings i could do on how to install them. Not that your explanation is not enough, I'm just not the best at fixing stuff like this so I'm nervous to tamper with them.

Thanks!

If you are selling, why replace parts especially if you are "not the best at fixing stuff"?
I would just make a good price and disclose that the cones could need replaced.
Just my thoughts but then, I like it simple!

[jpsquared482]

If you are selling, why replace parts especially if you are "not the best at fixing stuff"?
I would just make a good price and disclose that the cones could need replaced.
Just my thoughts but then, I like it simple!

For what it's worth, I like fixing things so the next guy doesn't have to question what else might be wrong. It bumps the value up. Depends on how you like to spend your time.