Newbie approach to eDrums - My Kit

[OptimusV6]

I've seen in this forum a lot of information that has been very useful in my introductions to eDrums. I've also seen very big (and very nice) eDrums kits, but not so many small ones. I really wanted an eDrums kit in order to be able to practice at any time I wanted, and due to space issues in my music room (specifically due to my acoustic kit), I needed a small kit. I know that in the future, when I have more space, I will built an E kit to mimic my A kit, but for the time being, I present you the evolution of my "Minimalist eDrums Kit".

The first two parts I received were the Roland TD-3 module (I know, I'll get a TD-20 someday) and a Roland PD-105 to be used as a snare (will be a tom in the future). I also used a Roland APC-33 clamp, a Tama MC62 clamp and a Tama short tom holder (the diameter of the rod is 10.5mm and works great).





This setup is excellent to practice rudiments!

In case you're wondering why I am using Tama hardware (when Gibraltar hardware is very good and cheaper) its because all the hardware in my A kit is Tama and I have O.C.D.

Enjoy!
_____________________

Joe

[OptimusV6]

Yesterday, I received a big shipment of parts (early merry Christmas for me)!!! This is what I got:

Roland FD 8
Roland KD 8
Roland CY5
Yamaha PCY 135

I now have a proper two piece kit without a ride. This setup is small and because I don't have any toms, I am force to rethink ways to make drum fills. I LOVE the Yamaha Crash, just plug and play (and about half the cost of the Roland)!!!! I am tempted to buy another one to be used as a Ride, but I think I'll try to ride out of a Sabian B8 Pro 16" crash that I am not using anymore.

Here are the pics:







I know I have to do something with all the cables, and please don't mind my ghetto A/C installation.

As I said earlier, this is very fun to play! The CY5 is mounted in a regular cymbal stand. I think I'll get more clamps and try to mount everything but the module and the snare (I bought a Pearl snare stand that can handle 10" snares) to the A kit stands (space IS an issue). The whole kit is now mounted in two stand, so I can transport it pretty easily.

My next step is to get another PD 105, or PD 125 if the price is right, and a ride (or build it). After that I'll have a three piece kit which will be enough for now (no more expansions until I get a bigger house, expect for a new module... maybe... in the future.... ).

I appreciate your questions and comments! If someone wants to see bigger pics of the kit, just PM me.
______________________________

Joe

[Soundofmind]

You have the CY-5 mounted on a regular cymbal stand. Were you able to get the pad mounted securely with just the wingnut? It seems to me like the feel would still be very floppy, especially weird for a hi hat. I don't have a CY-5 so I don't know for sure. Are there some mounting options with the CY-5 that make it more stable.

I guess I am comparing the way a CY-8 feels. Even with the wingnut cranked all the way down, it's still flop-city.

[mike529]

Here's a bracket I made for using the CY-8 as a hi hat on a cymbal arm:



It stabilizes the pad, so it feels more like a hi-hat.
Hope this helps!

Mike

[OptimusV6]

You have the CY-5 mounted on a regular cymbal stand. Were you able to get the pad mounted securely with just the wingnut? It seems to me like the feel would still be very floppy, especially weird for a hi hat. I don't have a CY-5 so I don't know for sure. Are there some mounting options with the CY-5 that make it more stable.

I guess I am comparing the way a CY-8 feels. Even with the wingnut cranked all the way down, it's still flop-city.

I used a supplied part to restrict the movement of the pad (you can see the part in the first picture of mike529's post), and used two felt washers on top. It's not as sturdy as an acoustic hi hat, but it does the work.

Here's a bracket I made for using the CY-8 as a hi hat on a cymbal arm:


It stabilizes the pad, so it feels more like a hi-hat.
Hope this helps!

Mike

Mike, that's a very nice and simple idea.... will have to try that. Thanks!

[OptimusV6]

Upgrades!

G.A.S. is good and bad (good for drumming, bad for the wallet).

Anyway, I have some new pics to show everyone. I got a PD 125 and a new, build by me, e-cymbal (check the DIY section for details). I also re-arranged the kit. Enjoy!







Of course you won't believe me, but I just need another PD 105 or PD 125 to use as a floor tom and I am done!

NOT!! Freaking G.A.S.....

[Kaevelson]

Nice progression on the kit!
How does the Yamaha cymbal respond with the TD3 module? I suppose you dont have the capable 3 zones but does it trigger bow and edge sounds with choke correctly??

[OptimusV6]

Thanks!

As a crash, the Yamaha works perfect. The bow, edge and choke trigger correctly, the playing surface is very nice and its cheaper than the Roland 12 crash/ride or the Roland 14 crash. Will definitely get another one when I'm ready to buy my second crash. Now, if you use it as a ride, the edge will trigger the bell sound. Their is a way of fixing this, but I don't remember the name of the thread. I have the Yamaha PCY 135 (13").

[Jessabert]

Now thats a compact kit man... Oh and your A/Kit looks very nice...

[OptimusV6]

I started this thread on December 2008 and this week I have managed to stop my drumming GAS for a while (I will now be saving $$$ for a TD-20). Here are the pics of my four piece kit. And yes, there is a big speaker between the two kits... because there are times that the acoustic kit is too loud, but the headphones won't cut it (I have the TD3 and the speaker connected to an old but powerful Sony audio/video amplifier). I will get a keyboard amp in the future, but right know I'm gassing for some guitar equipment, so this will have to do.





I always have to show off my A kit... as you can see, they are both set the same: