Upgrade Advice TD-3 + TD-12 Module = ?

[SCVDrummer]

Hello everyone. Ive been reading these forums since i got my v drum kit a while ago(TD-3) and im starting to upgrade already. I recently got a TD-12 module, used in great condition, off Ebay and im looking for some advice on what parts i should upgrade. As for the goal, im looking to keep the kit small in size(due to limited space) and use the TD-3 frame but obtain great sound quality(which is why i decided to go with the TD-12 module). So im wanting to upgrade all the pads and possibly a cymbal or 2....here is where i need advice from those who have used this gear already.

First off ill prob only use 3 main pads so im thinking PD-105s all around or perhaps 1 PD-105 for snare and 2 PD-85s for toms. Im also considering using the current (TD-3) PDX-8 snare perhaps elsewhere, but i dont think i want to use it as one of the 2 main toms. I was considering a PD-125 for snare but i think it will be too large. What would you guys/girls recommend for my snare/toms?

Also im wanting to at least get a real ride cymbal with 3 way triggering. Im thinking the CY12r to save some space. Id really like to go with a CY15 but i think that maybe too large as well. That leaves me with 2 CY8s left over from the TD-3 kit....and was wondering if i should still use them for crashes or just go CY12s all around...how do they compare? I only have room for 2 crashes and 1 ride so recommendations here would be great.

Hats atm are CY5 + FD-8 pedal which i kind of like. It saves space but i may go with a V11 down the road but as of now its not a priority to upgrade. Any input regarding hats would be nice as well.

Last but not least is the KD-8 kick. It seems to do the job well but i noticed it tries to get away from me while playing so i ended up putting against the wall which works....however playing it is louder then i would like + it vibrates the wall which makes it louder in other areas of the house which is no good. So im considering upgrading to a mesh pad. Thinking of the KD-85 perhaps...will these play quieter then the KD-8?

Everything left over from the TD-3 ill eventually be selling if anyone is looking for TD-3 items at a great price. Thank you for taking the time to read this and im looking forward to hearing your recommendations. So far i have found this forum to be of great help. Again thanks!

[SuperPuss]

Congrats on the TD12.

I'd probably go for a PD105 for snare and 2 x PD85's for toms. The CY8's will work as crashes and a CY12 makes a good ride. You might want to do the CY12 bell mod to get more sensitivity and dynamics from the bell if you find it lacking. CY15's can be prone to the same issues but both generally respond well to the fix (type CY12 bell fix into the search for info).
My two main crashes are still my CY8's and my snare is a PD105. My ride is a CY12 with the mod and my first four toms are all 8" with Roland mesh heads. I am also using a CY5 / FD8 for my hihat and a KD8 for my kick and am very happy with that combination.
What surface do you have your KD8 on? Carpet or wood? If it is on carpet, do you have the spikes extended? I don't have any slippage issues with my KD8 on carpet.

[SCVDrummer]

Thanks for the reply. Im really loving the TD-12 so far...its quite a step up from the TD-3 module all around. Im thinking the PD-85s should be good enough for toms as well and the PD-105 will be perfect for snare. I guess ill just go with one CY-12r for now for a ride and go from there. The KD-8 is on carpet(pretty deep and thick) and i have the spikes out as well. It seemed as if it would rock left and right some while playing which would slowly move it some what....that is until i set it next to the wall.

If anyone else has some input id love to hear it.

Wow i just saw pics of your set! That's insane!

[Picksorsticks]

I started with a TD-3, then upgraded it (see "signature")...

I added the Dingbat first, then the mesh snare, toms and kick. The snare tended to rotate so I put it on a snare stand. Maybe a 10" snare wouldn't have ? I used the 14" crash on the TD-3 rack with all the Pintech pads. It was a little tight but it worked. The upgraded kits made it a much nicer kit.

The Gibraltar rack is nice but it IS bigger. It's a full sized kit now. It wouldn't fit in a small space now .

I also now have the TD-12 and am still figuring it out. Will hopefully be getting some Vex kits in the near future. It's a quantum leap forward over the TD-3.

I'm very happy with my Pintech cymbals. The hi-hat is two cymbals, a controller box that mounts on the hi-hat stand. It's MUCH more like an "a" hi-hat. The ride is much nicer too, very responsive and you can just strike the bell, you don't have to do that sort of sideways strike like you have to do on the CY8/TD-3. I was never happy with that combination. Consider them or the mesh heads/kick. I went with the 8" Gig kick as bigger isn't always better. I'm not sure the kick is quieter. walking hasn't been a problem for me with the mesh kick.

I've for some reason been unable to post any photos. If you want to see the "upgraded" TD-3 or the new set up, PM me and I'll e-mail you some photos.

Good luck! You'll find that whatever you upgrade with, with the TD-12 too, it will be a BIG improvement.

[SCVDrummer]

Thanks for the reply and the ideas of Pintech hardware. Ive looked at some of their gear and it seems pretty good. I also *may* have to invest in a more sturdy frame at some point...not sure if this TD-3 frame can support 3 cymbals and the 9 lb TD-12 Module. It already moves some what as is....with the TD-12. Might look at Gibraltar frames and see what i can fit if needs be. ATM im thinking PD-105 for snare and PD-85s for toms....the rest is still undecided.

Also i need to invest in a double pedal. Can anyone recommend a decent one that isnt too expensive? (ie over $200) I was looking at the Cobra Jr...seems decent.

Thanks!

[Eric Pearl]

Thanks for the reply and the ideas of Pintech hardware. Ive looked at some of their gear and it seems pretty good. I also *may* have to invest in a more sturdy frame at some point...not sure if this TD-3 frame can support 3 cymbals and the 9 lb TD-12 Module. It already moves some what as is....with the TD-12. Might look at Gibraltar frames and see what i can fit if needs be. ATM im thinking PD-105 for snare and PD-85s for toms....the rest is still undecided.

Also i need to invest in a double pedal. Can anyone recommend a decent one that isnt too expensive? (ie over $200) I was looking at the Cobra Jr...seems decent.

Thanks!

Hello, Take a look at the Pearl P-122TW. Great pedal at a great price. Happy hunting and take care, Eric G.

[Picksorsticks]

SCV,

You mentioned ("due to limited space") in your post...

To give you an idea of the size difference, my new set up is over 69" wide, measuring from the ends of the cords on the back of the TD-12 on the right side to the edge of the crash cymbal on the left side. I currently am not even using the left "wing" on the Gibraltar rack. Putting something her would make it even wider.

[SCVDrummer]

Thanks again for the advice. Ill def check out that Pearl Pedal and the Gibraltar racks. I pulled the trigger this weekend on 2 PD-85s(from RMC), 1 PD-105(from RMC) and a used KD-85(won auction on ebay for great price). Its slowly being pieced together!

[SuperPuss]

Cool stuff SCV
....and a big paws up for Gibraltar. I just rebuilt my cage with two Gibraltar v racks stacked on top of each other and it is absolutely ROCK SOLID and very easy to reconfigure