Any DIY guys ever give up?

[deathbyart]

[dsotm]

I was exactly where your at just last week. I converted a Ludwig 6 piece into a DIY e-kit. I went through every video on YouTube and poured over every related forum. I tested every build option and documented every tweak along the way. I was ready to give up on the Alesis I/O and just stick with my vexed Roland TD-11. Then I started re-vamping some of the other approaches. I built the following concepts to the letter at first.
Cake Pan w/ foam cone
Foam Cone in Roland basket
Foam Cone on adjustable bracket cross bar
D-drum red and pro triggers
Pin tech triggers
Pezio on disk with batting and foam top

As for the modules
Alesis I/O
Yamaha Dtxplorer
Simmons SDK-5

Software:
Superior 2.3
Session V2
Drummagogg
Steven Slate

It was an exhausting process with limitless variables not to mention the adjustments made in Win 7 64 bit Ultimate.
I am putting together a video showing my results. Couldn't be happier with the results..

[fulrmr(Daniel)]

I suppose it depends what you mean by "give up". I "gave up" on VSTs and the Megadrum route a long time ago because of the computer hardware/audio interface nightmares(not because of the MD)...but my DIY journey has increasingly continued to manifest over the years. I don't think we DIYers ever really "give up"...we just start new projects.

[allanjohn]

To answer your thread question, yes, plenty of people have given up. But plenty have continued and created fantastic kits.

[deathbyart]

Thanks guys. I think I am going to pick up a DTX502 module to replace the MD, see how that works. I may have to solder pots on the drums but I already have all Yamaha cymbals. Hell, if it doesn't work like I want it to I can return it. Then I will probably just pick up a TD-11 and sell the cymbals to recoup some money.

[triggera]

Real DIYers never give up!

[bwilburn79]

I give up often. I give up on concepts, approaches, materials, prototypes, even entire projects, but I never give up on myself. I think all to often, I get inspired, and excited by something I've seen others do, or read about, and I jump in too quickly. Sometimes, I'm forced to step back, take inventory, make the most informed decision possible about how to proceed, and then carry on. This might mean abandoning a project altogether, or just taking a different approach than first considered. If anything, frustration and even failures help me to choose my DIY battles more efficiently. It never hurts to have a working kit to enjoy while working on a project.

[Tommy_D]

Thanks guys. I think I am going to pick up a DTX502 module to replace the MD, see how that works. I may have to solder pots on the drums but I already have all Yamaha cymbals. Hell, if it doesn't work like I want it to I can return it. Then I will probably just pick up a TD-11 and sell the cymbals to recoup some money.

You wont have to sell the cymbals if you move to a Roland module. The Yamaha cymbals play nice with Roland modules.

As for giving up, well I can see that happening to those who aren't the most DIY kind of people. Some people can get in to a project because they hear and see the success stories of others, but some people just don't know what their tolerance is to fiddling around with trouble shooting, or customizing something to specifically work for their project. If you aren't a mechanically inclined person before you start the project, I can see giving up as an easy option. However, for those who are mechanically inclined, they will look at the problem and try to find solutions to the problem. That is part of the enjoyment and pride in the project that a DIY person receives.

[chain]

I started looking at DIY options because of money saved. Roland and Yamaha are so damn expensive and the pads are soo small! Then I found out about Diamond drums and jobeky (almost half the price of rolands stuff) but still too much for my pocket. DIY was the only option left. If I had the money I would just buy a kit from Diamond drums or jobeky+ 2box module or roland module and never look back :-D

[deathbyart]

You wont have to sell the cymbals if you move to a Roland module. The Yamaha cymbals play nice with Roland modules.

As for giving up, well I can see that happening to those who aren't the most DIY kind of people. Some people can get in to a project because they hear and see the success stories of others, but some people just don't know what their tolerance is to fiddling around with trouble shooting, or customizing something to specifically work for their project. If you aren't a mechanically inclined person before you start the project, I can see giving up as an easy option. However, for those who are mechanically inclined, they will look at the problem and try to find solutions to the problem. That is part of the enjoyment and pride in the project that a DIY person receives.

My main concern is the RHH135 which I know won't work on a Roland and the cost of a VH11, ouch. I don't want to give up but I don't think you understand how long I've been working on this...I mean YEARS. haha.

If it's not the hi hat (RHH135) then a drum (cake pan DIY) is to hot or the 3 zone ride (PCY155) isn't working.. Thanks for the encouragement guys, I will hopefully make some progress this weekend if I can find a DTX502.

[angr77]

There are many challenges if going the DIY way …but if you just want to play I am guessing the path is very easy. Just to buy something that works. Personally, I like to solve problems and overcome challenges. When all mechanical stuff and triggering issues was solved…then I found myself continuing with optimize my VSTs (AD) in the run to find the optimal sound…then fixing the optimal cabling solution...etc.

But i must confess that I am feeling quite proud and satisfied when I was using the DIY gears on stage with my band…but…then you start to look for new challenges…and more gears! I have been giving up …hundreds of times …but like a poison I always …give it one more try. :-)

Best Regards

ANGR77

[hairmetal-81]

Anything can be fixed - that's what pencils with erasers are for!

If in doubt: make good use of your handy friend Mr. Duct Tape!
It is not about whether you use duct tape or not, it's only about the *amount* you use!