I'm in need of advice for my first electronic practice kit, and so I appeal to the troves of expertise and experience that have enriched these boards. You guys are among Google's finest results!
Only two things need to be known: I'm a practicing drummer enamored with the post-bop jazz greats, and my ideal budget is $1500-ish. The latter is subject to reasoned change.. >_< That said, I have an idea of what I need: minimal equipment that best replicates the sound and feel of my 4-piece acoustic jazz kit.
So, in the interest of my budget, let the baseline be Roland's TD-3SW kit. Here's my question: in your esteemed opinions, which components should I upgrade on this $1000 kit for a minimal but worthy jazz practice experience?
First concern: the budget. Can anyone confirm that buying the factory packages is the cheapest way to get that first kit? I ask because I would love to pick and choose from the get go, but the overall cost of the same individual components sky rockets over a factory packaged kit with module.
Second concern: the sound. The TD-3 module is getting quite dated, I know, but is its sound and capabilities good enough for a no-frills jazz practice setup? Or are some features and sounds in the TD-6 or -9 worth adjusting my budget for? The number of inputs should not be a concern.
And the last but not least concern, the feel. I've listed below the upgrade candidates (about $300 a piece) in the order of importance to me. Which upgrades do you guys think are the most substantive?
Please, enrich me by approving, criticizing or altogether readjusting my plan! All perspectives are welcomed and desired. Many thanks.

Only two things need to be known: I'm a practicing drummer enamored with the post-bop jazz greats, and my ideal budget is $1500-ish. The latter is subject to reasoned change.. >_< That said, I have an idea of what I need: minimal equipment that best replicates the sound and feel of my 4-piece acoustic jazz kit.
So, in the interest of my budget, let the baseline be Roland's TD-3SW kit. Here's my question: in your esteemed opinions, which components should I upgrade on this $1000 kit for a minimal but worthy jazz practice experience?
First concern: the budget. Can anyone confirm that buying the factory packages is the cheapest way to get that first kit? I ask because I would love to pick and choose from the get go, but the overall cost of the same individual components sky rockets over a factory packaged kit with module.
Second concern: the sound. The TD-3 module is getting quite dated, I know, but is its sound and capabilities good enough for a no-frills jazz practice setup? Or are some features and sounds in the TD-6 or -9 worth adjusting my budget for? The number of inputs should not be a concern.
And the last but not least concern, the feel. I've listed below the upgrade candidates (about $300 a piece) in the order of importance to me. Which upgrades do you guys think are the most substantive?
- Mesh headed PDX-8 for the snare, good enough for awhile? Or is it no comparison versus the PD-105?
- Since the ride is of utmost importance to me, I ought to pick up the CY-15R right? Is it really that much better than the CY-12R?
- For the kick pad, can anyone offer any insight into the merits of mesh over rubber? If it means a much more sensitive acoustic-like response, I might consider annihilating my budget and go with mesh. (the KD-85 perhaps? gulp..
)
- And out of curiosity, how capable is the FD-8 controller in replicating that mid 60's Tony Williams hi-hat splash? Or is that relegated to the VH-12? Ugh I can't think of a more hip sound..
Please, enrich me by approving, criticizing or altogether readjusting my plan! All perspectives are welcomed and desired. Many thanks.
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