New Project, New Module: TD-12 or TD-20X

[bwilburn79]

I'm in the planning stages of my next DIY drum kit build. I'm considering which module I will use. I've owned a stock TD-12 module and I'm satisfied with it's features and functionality. I'm not building a monster, so even the number of inputs is acceptable. I will likely use a VH-12 hi-hat, (2) dual zone crashes, (1) three zone ride, (4) toms, a single kick, and a snare. Here's my issue. I can purchase a good used TD-12 for $700 - $800. I can also purchase a good used TD-20X for $1,100 - $1,200. For those of you with some experience with the TD-20X, is there enough value to warrant the price of upgrading? Take into consideration I will be using stock kits and / or incorporating VEX packs. A major reason I'm considering the upgrade is an assumption that VEX packs for the TD-20X will be significantly better? I appreciate any and all feedback from this community.

[hairmetal-81]

I'll just chime in here:

No experience with either; price-ranges for both look realistic, meaning not overly exaggerated. Personally, I'd go straight with the TD-20X, but that's only IF you can indeed have one at $1100; it seems to be about $200-300 lower than used ebay-prices!


HTH

[bwilburn79]

Thanks for the input sir. At current prices the TD-20X seems the logical choice.

[bwilburn79]

I would buy another TD-12 in a heartbeat if I could find another one for $625. It provides all the features I require. The problem is they aren't going that cheap. A TD-12 and a non expanded TD-20 are going for about the same price. $800-$1,000. So of course that's tempting as well. In the end it seems theTD-20X, for under $1,200, is the best deal at the moment.

[hairmetal-81]

Thanks for the reply HM. I procured another TD-12 over the weekend. $715 shipped.

Good! Slightly more than your budget, $100-150 more than used ebay, but better warranty, that is justified, IMO!

Awesome! Congrats!

I sold it to them at my cost, which was actually less than it can be replaced for, oops.

Big OOPS, indeed!
Well... nevermind! You've come full circle for now! ...and if you sell the second TD-12 with the kit, that means you will have two TD-12 modules sold to good purposes!


Yeah, I do like low-sitting toms too, for setup purposes. Ergonomic, as you've said it!

The next kit I build for myself will have a 12" x 6" snare, (2) 10" x 6" rack toms, (2) 12" x 6 rack toms, and a 16" x 14" jungle style kick.

I'm looking forward to see a dedicated, in-depth build thread! ...with pictures, of course!

[hairmetal-81]

Hooray, this post finally went through!

[fcwedd]

I just finished my new DIY project with a TD-20X. Not happy at all. The sounds do not come close to something simple like a TD-9 V2. The cymbals sound great, but everything else sounds so... 80s - a few steps above the TD-6 (not talking about editing capabilities). I know that it's an older module, but I'm very disappointed in the sound quality. No amount of editing or "vexplacebo" can rid the "80s" effect.

I put my TD-20X module on eBay. It would probably be best for anyone to look into something like the TD-15 or TD-30.