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I got to check out the prototype for DrumFrame's budget model rack, the VX-1, yesterday, and let me tell you, the only differences between this rack and the custom V-2L rack is the price tag and it's land of origin, Taiwan. This puppy is solid as a rock and is said to hit the stores in late July/early August. It had been announced for April, but increased worldwide demand have forced them to delay shipping until Kaman has decent numbers on stock. No prices yet, but they're aiming at around $750 list.
Some improvements have been made to the overall design, which, as far as I gathered will be introduced to the custom rack as well One, the basic platform where the pedals are mounted has been extended towards the back, giving a bit more foot room (DrumFrame will make custom width ones to accomodate setups with more than 4 pedals even on the VX-1).
Two, due to the triangular shape of the rack pipes the normal and reverse rack clamps weren't interchangeable, now there will be a reversible rack clamp, which will fit on the custom model as well.
Three, the custom KD-120 kick mount will no longer be custom, but a standard accessory. What you do is remove the legs from the pad, and replace them with holders which clamp on to the horizontal rack bar. Simple, and effective.
Four, all parts of the VX-1 are interchangeable with the V-2L, so if you upgrade to a custom rack you don't have to get rid of all your clamps.
For the acoustic guys, DrumFrame claims that your drums will sound bigger on this rack, due to what they call Shared Vibration Energy. It's true. I tried the VX-1 with a Noble & Cooley set with an 18" kick they had, and I swear, I thought I was playing a 22" kick, the drums sang, seemed to vibrate more clearly and resonate longer. Nice. The drums were, too. My next acoustics will be Noble & Cooley, no doubt about it.
Oh yes, Bob Gatzen is so small, he could hide in a HipGig bass drum.
If I didn't already have the custom rack I'd buy the VX-1 in a heartbeat, all the advantages of the DrumFrame design, non-slip (and I mean NON-SLIP!!!!) clamps, reclined seating position, stick impact absorbtion, relief of stress to the back and extremities etc. If they can meet that $750 goal, they'll have the best rack system on the market, with a street price of around $100 more than a full Gibraltar system. And it looks cool, too.
Going back to the Shared Vibration Energy principle, strangely enough I have no crosstalk problems with my V's. None whatsoever. I remember when I upgraded to a Gibraltar rack... no, I don't want to think about it!
Stu
Some improvements have been made to the overall design, which, as far as I gathered will be introduced to the custom rack as well One, the basic platform where the pedals are mounted has been extended towards the back, giving a bit more foot room (DrumFrame will make custom width ones to accomodate setups with more than 4 pedals even on the VX-1).
Two, due to the triangular shape of the rack pipes the normal and reverse rack clamps weren't interchangeable, now there will be a reversible rack clamp, which will fit on the custom model as well.
Three, the custom KD-120 kick mount will no longer be custom, but a standard accessory. What you do is remove the legs from the pad, and replace them with holders which clamp on to the horizontal rack bar. Simple, and effective.
Four, all parts of the VX-1 are interchangeable with the V-2L, so if you upgrade to a custom rack you don't have to get rid of all your clamps.
For the acoustic guys, DrumFrame claims that your drums will sound bigger on this rack, due to what they call Shared Vibration Energy. It's true. I tried the VX-1 with a Noble & Cooley set with an 18" kick they had, and I swear, I thought I was playing a 22" kick, the drums sang, seemed to vibrate more clearly and resonate longer. Nice. The drums were, too. My next acoustics will be Noble & Cooley, no doubt about it.
Oh yes, Bob Gatzen is so small, he could hide in a HipGig bass drum.
If I didn't already have the custom rack I'd buy the VX-1 in a heartbeat, all the advantages of the DrumFrame design, non-slip (and I mean NON-SLIP!!!!) clamps, reclined seating position, stick impact absorbtion, relief of stress to the back and extremities etc. If they can meet that $750 goal, they'll have the best rack system on the market, with a street price of around $100 more than a full Gibraltar system. And it looks cool, too.
Going back to the Shared Vibration Energy principle, strangely enough I have no crosstalk problems with my V's. None whatsoever. I remember when I upgraded to a Gibraltar rack... no, I don't want to think about it!
Stu
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