"td-3kw

[mollski]

hi guys anybody got a"TD-3KW im thinking of getting this for my first kit,what do you think for a new guy first set?

[saku]

hi guys anybody got a"TD-3KW im thinking of getting this for my first kit,what do you think for a new guy first set?

relatively inexpensive, certainly fine way to test the waters!

Enjoy yourself with it!

[lysis]

I'm in the midst of researching the electronic drums myself, mollski. I've so far found that the TD-3 doesn't play as well as the higher models - it may miss some hits if you're rolling, doesn't do dynamics quite as well and the sounds are definitely very 'electronic' sounding. The TD-9 is a great kit to start on, especially if you're going to be learning drums as well - it has songs you can play along with, a scope to show you what you're hitting when - a lot of cool features. The sounds included are much better, the stand is better and more sturdy and will play much more like a 'real' acoustic drumset than the TD-3KW. When you start looking at the TD-12 and TD-20 will you notice that those can sound identical to real drums, but only once you realize how much money you're spending to play real, fake drums.

Regardless, any purchase made is a step in the right direction and you can always upgrade later on - ALL CURRENT roland products (from what I've gathered) are compatible with each other. If you upgrade from a 3 to a 9, just know the 9 has a proprietary cable (I don't like it) and if you went from the 3 to a 12 you could just plug everything right in like you previously did on the 3.

[Picksorsticks]

I had a TD-3KW for about a year and a half. It worked very well with no muss, fuss or bother. I was very happy but sadly I was infected with G.A.S ( Gear Acquisition Syndrome). It started rather mildly, I wanted to add another trigger to add other sounds, a cowbell or a tambourine. I ordered a Pintech Dingbat to add another trigger. Then I ordered a mesh snare and toms....then a bigger better rack, new cymbals....

It's still not over, I have to get a USB/MIDI interface now so I can get some Vex kits.

Empty inputs on the back of the module scream to my mind to be filled...how much longer will it be until I order new cymbals or something else to fill them all....

Seriously, the TD-3 is a fine kit, it works very well. You'll get countless hours of enjoyment out of sitting behind it. I'm still futzing around with the new kit. The TD-3 is MUCH cheaper, simpler and smaller (more portable) than than the new kit. My ears are still adjusting to the sounds from the TD-12. The TD-3, while having a limited number of sounds, has very good sounds. I stayed on Kit#1 for the most part. You have limited expansion with the TD-3. My TD-3 with all the Pintech pads and crash, was a very nice kit.

All these "what kit" or "is this a good kit" to buy come down to $$. It's cheaper in the long run to just get the best that you can right out of the box.

What features are you looking for? This may determine what module, cymbals, pads you end up getting. You can mix and match components. You can use Yamaha cymbals or Hart or Pintech or Kit toys and some other manufacturers pads or cymbals too. You can find a kit used or piece a kit together also. There area myriad of combinations for a kit.

If you can go somewhere and try a TD-3 or TD-9 etc, you should do that. Try before you buy is good advice.

I hemmed and hawed and almost walked out of the local GC way back when without the TD-3. I'm glad I decided to take the plunge. Luckily for me, my wife has been very kind in indulging my musical delusions.

Welcome to the forum. There are lot of very sharp people here. You'll get good answers to this and future questions.

Please let us know what you go with.

[saku]

Regardless, any purchase made is a step in the right direction and you can always upgrade later on - ALL CURRENT roland products (from what I've gathered) are compatible with each other. If you upgrade from a 3 to a 9, just know the 9 has a proprietary cable (I don't like it) and if you went from the 3 to a 12 you could just plug everything right in like you previously did on the 3.

The cable isnt a problem, I went from teh 6 to the 9, it just means you have the old cables left over...the advantages to the new cable is that it doesnt loosen like the old one do (you need to replug them every now and then - or at least I did) and it's a bit neater.--- the problem arises if you buy a 9 and then want to upgrade to a 12 or 20...then you will not have the proper cables, though they are buyable....we will have to wait and see what sort of cable the upcoming td-30 has.

Btw, do go for a mesh snare....many will say mesh toms as well, but for a first kit, i dont think it is necessary...but a mesh snare will feel better and save your wrists a bit of strain.

Another advantage of the 3, or indeed the 6, which was my first kit, is that they are fairly widely available second hand, depending up which country you live in - this way, you can see how serious you are about drumming before spending too much money.

That said, I agree with lysis that the 9 has a lot of facilities for the new drummer, the scope, the backing tracks, the ability to mute different parts of the backing tracks, which is why i upgraded from the 6 to the 9. I also agree with him that ANY purchase is a great first step, and that you can upgrade later - adding pads, a new brain, and bits and bobs.....

Empty inputs on the back of the module scream to my mind to be filled...how much longer will it be until I order new cymbals or something else to fill them all....

.

it usually takes me a week, then they just HAVE to be filled...they gnaw at me, keeping me awake! my ghod i have GAS!
happy drumming!

[Copper]

Mollski,

The answer to your question is where are you in your drumming, and where do you want to go. I was out of drumming for about 20 years, bought a TD-3kw a few months ago. I don't have any plans to gig or record with it. I bought it mostly as a fun way to relieve stress. For myself, it has been great. I love playing it, and I don't get the feeling it sounds electronic, since I haven't played acoustics for so long. So far, I have avoided GAS, but that TD-9, now that seems to be a nice kit, and then the 12, and then the 20, etc.
My point is that if you have been playing drums to the point that you are pretty good, or you plan on gigging or recording with it, then you should go for the best module you can afford, not forgetting used ones. If you just want to try out drumming, or get back into it after a long absence, the TD-3 will work great.

Hope this helps,

Martin