How Much Should Beginners Spend On Electronic Drums?

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[@65Drums]

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[@Elkmonger]

I'm 53 and have been playing since I was 12. About 5 weeks ago I bought an expanded TD27 with three extra cymbals(lemon) for $2k used. No throne, HH stand or pedal(s). I haven't been this excited about playing since I was 16. This has been the best thing I bought in decades. It is awesome I can bluetooth my Iphone and watch 65drums, feed it into my module and listen along and play. Loop it over and over again. I know you younger folks are used to this type of technology, but it's like magic to me. Take care.

[@Andrew-wb2zq]

Awesome! Look up drumless songs on youtube, there are TONS you can play along to (originals and actual popular songs with the drums removed).

[@grxygxds]

I own the tD27 and its the greatest investment Ive ever made played it everyday and night for oover 3 years now and it still like brand new holds its re sale value. I pair mine with my Macbook Air and Ez Drummer to get tons of custom kits.

[@hobocharlie67]

I've been looking at your channel a lot recently as I took a break from drums and am looking to get back into them after about a 4 year hiatus. Your videos have been super helpful and I just wanted to say thank your for what you do!

[@kipzimmerman2524]

Hi Justin, As usual, great video! I decided to switch from Lead Guitar to drums as the drummer and the bassist were the ones who killed the bands I was in. Also as my brother is a professional drummer and I actually could play so that puts me in a bit of a different spot than most people as I was not a "Beginner". I purchased a used Costo Kit and it was horrible, I beat it to death in 2 months (literally I beat it to death). Then I got a rental TD-11 KV from Long and Mcquade here. First off the Roland cy-5 hi-hat was a joke so my first upgrade was the vh-11 and that was expensive but I could actually do 16th notes and splashes properly and a second cy-8 for a crash. Next, I hated the plastic inner rim of the pads so I got a Roland PDX-100 for the Snare. I then upgraded again removing the 3 toms and replacing them with 3 PDx-100s (I already had 1 for the snare) the Roland PD-128-BC for the snare and a Larger MDS-V9 stand for Practace and gigs The MDS-4V is still used for my home as it is much smaller. That was expensive and well now my kit actually was a lot more fun playing at practice and I did one gig(Well a party). The next upgrade was the KD-180L-BK as the Kd-9 loved to move also a guitarist said "Your kit looks like a toy." The Td-11 module was the next to go. I decided on the TD-27 instead of the TD-50 because well I could not afford the TD-50 and I wanted the Digital Units. I found a used TD-27 and the digital Ride, which saved me $900.00 CAD from the cost. I then got the Digital snare and then the digital Hi-Hat. Thank god for payments as there's no way I could afford that they cost as much as a used car. I just ordered a PDA140F floor tom. Now no one can say my kit "Looks Like a Toy." Bottom Line I will be using this kit for gigs as I do not need to mic it for the PA and In Ear Monitors. So for me, the cost is worth it instead of an acoustic kit. Now on a greater note. Upgrading from the Td-11KV to my current version which is literally the td-27 KV (Without the Bass Drum) was $7000.00 CAD the cost of a TD-27 KV is $5000.00 CAD so it is much cheaper to sell your older kit and buy the new one. I still use the acoustic kits at Jam rooms and the volume level is an issue. I love the fact I can just turn a nob on my mixer with the electronic. Now on another note. In my travels with electronic drums, I have had mixed responses from band members over the sound. One band said, "Your drums sound like a Nintendo". Another complained the sound was coming from the PA not behind the band (So I got a floor Monitor) and also that the snare was not loud enough in the mix(Easy fix I just turned the rest down). Among other things... So you will get some musicians that only want the old-school acoustic. You can get a laptop and a drum program with MIDI to get a better sound. I just tweaked the Module but I am a computer geek. I hope people find my essay helpful :)

[@JohnnyBGoode9]

What a great video. I just recently went with a $1500 kit as my first one, because I've been a guitarist and bassist for 25 years and always had a blast messing around on my drummers' kits. I always wanted to get into drumming but never made the time. So when I decided to bite the bullet, I didnt want to go cheap. I wanted something I could really enjoy, and that wouldn't hold me back.

[@martinarscott3524]

About the same for me, I got the Yamaha DTX6K3 for the quality of the sound module, loving it so much I actually wish I'd gone further up the range to the DTX8 at £2.2k for the bigger snare and toms, but it's always a risk when you're starting out....

[@Tom-sd2vi]

Good pricerange imho, what model did you get?

[@ZaxDrumsandGolf]

Great video and discussion!! Understand both sides of the conversation!!🥁👍😀

[@globetrottermike3262]

Hey Justin, that was the video i was waiting for thanks

[@Takelow]

Perfect for beginners! Good job 👌🏻

[@TVridis]

When I was a kid, I got my first drum kit. It was e- drums and it was the classic - Millenium MPS - 100. It was 2009 when I got them from Thomann, of course. At that time, I remember they were around 400 euro. That kit was rly enough for me, it was an amazing summer. If you are really want to play drums and learn how to do it, you can do it with sticks on the couch, or a chair, or some books with hard covers (I've done it). But If we need to get technical - All Roland, Alesis and Millenium entry models are a good choice for a first first first drum set.

[@REYNUKA]

Thank you.This vid very useful 😊

[@jakobh6257]

Great info!

[@MannyTheDrummer88]

Nice video. I bought an Alesis Nitro Mesh kit 2 years ago, and since I upgraded the module to the Alesis Crimson 2 and the ride to and 14 inch 3 zone ride some extra toms and symbols in total I have the snare, 5 toms, and 5 symbols and I'm really happy with it 🤗

[@GregPentecost]

Started by trading in a guide for a Roland TD-1DMKX. Great kit and been upgrading it piece by piece as I feel necessary. (Including the TD-17 module - oh that was worth it!)

[@ernstpeterlegrand]

Great video. Much in line with what I was thinking as a beginner. Did take first some lessons so I got some feeling if I would like it. And as I like it, it is time to get a kit. So, getting in the +1500

[@davidpulliam8036]

If you are new to e-drums you are in the right place. I have purchased 2 electric kits. One in the low mid tier and one in the low high tier. For both relied on Justin’s expertise.

[@spbakerchezbakethis]

Great vid! I played for a long time but haven't touched a set in 7 years or so. Missed it a lot! I spent the $ on a Simmons Titan 50 & expansion For Christmas to get back into it and to get my daughter into it. She's in marching band but when she started in middle school there was no room for another percussionist so she got stuck with clarinet. She's always been interested in drumming but we moved and we never got around to getting a kit. If she keeps the interest, Ill probably end up getting a small acoustic set and Frankenstein the Simmons into it.

[@fkncobra]

I am, for most of the time is the first hobbyist. But am also a little bit of the second hobbyist: drumming have always been my interest I just never had chances to attend classes or buying a kit yet..until about 5-6 months ago at 35 years of age. Gave it a lot of thoughts and weeks of self-research online, then eventually landed myself a used Roland Td-17kvx about $1070 as my first kit. Glad I made the purchase instead of buying a new td-07dmk or alesis nitro mesh, which were my second best, and would hv been the cheapest option. So glad I made the purchase, enjoying every minute of my practice

[@ERIC-65]

I bought a SIMMONS SD1200 , 2nd hand for 400 bucks and I'm loving it !

[@steve_troy]

Just picked up a brand new TD27KV2 pretty cheap, there's a lot of places blowing them out right now. I know they're not 'entry level,' but definitely a solid buy for the home studio and silent band rehearsal.

[@reubenk7331]

This is a fantastic video! Thanks a lot for doing this breakdown, and advice 🙂 I am looking at upgrading my "pro" rock band kit so almost everything seems like an upgrade 😅 I still regret selling my acoustic kit years ago, but hobbies, interest, and space changed.

[@Doser_Fu]

Its usefull to know that u can get the Roland TD-07 alone at places like drumtech, i got one, got a kick pedal and a triggera krigg, cheap snare drum with diy triggers and a hihat stand with the millenium cheap hihat, ready to learn. Looking forward to add more drums and cymbals as i learn and save. Thx 4 ur videos they are really usefull!

[@RC-gf8cs]

Been playn since 3rd grade..1965..1st e set got in 07..yam.dtx xtreme 3 wit blk pads .2 sat speakers n bass amp..STILL hav them n use bout everyday..the best spent.$3600 .

[@joshanley5185]

I’m 20 and I started drumming when I was around 15 years old. My first kit was a Roland TD-17L, and it’s lasted me from Christmas the year I started to the time of this comment. I’m currently saving up for a better kit, but as a beginner I found to be a real sweet spot (that module, not so much the L, I can definitely recommend the 17KVX instead) it gives you enough to learn on with more room to add another 2 inputs which was just about right at the time.

[@andrewguitarnoob8440]

I play a little of each: guitar, bass, and drums. Used to have a decent acoustic kit, Mapex M series, but had to sell it when I moved back into neighborhoods/townhome. Invested in a TD-17KVX. Looking at upgrading to one of the TD-27 kits. Anyways, I've been watching your video for a few years now and appreciate all the info you put together. One thing I would add about being jealous about guitar players is they've got to invest in a nice guitar amp on top of the guitar, for electric anyways. They tend to run a bit more than the powered speakers/drum amps that e-kit players look to buy. And then there's the effects on top of that, whether a multi-effects or pedals. I think it all evens out for entry level, intermediate, and the upper intermediate. Pro level can go every which direction in pricing.

[@mdu2112]

I just bought a DTXtreme III Special. I'm set for a while. 😎

[@ari.stoner97]

I'm in love with my Yamaha DTX6K3-X

[@cameronlaird7115]

I just bought a roland td 17kv for a good price mightve taken a couple of weeks of searching but worth it now I'm possibly going to part out my roland td4kp now😁

[@ex0148]

Good video, I bought an Alesis and in a month upgraded to 4k's worth including Demon XR double base. I regretted getting a very cheap kit first It almost stopped my journey.

[@sinister0083]

I grew up playing piano and wanted to get into a new hobby. I purchased an Alesis nitro max for $399 just to see if I would even like drumming or if I'm any good at it. 2 months later I bought the Alesis Strike pro se and I'm having a blast. So much fun. Wish I started sooner.

[@thomasrjanik]

I bought the Alesis Command for 799 with the life long dream of drumming and knowing I will want a better kit in a year... It is perfect and I love it!

[@StoyanStoyanov88]

I play on alesis nitro mesh kit about 5 years.I use ezdrummer 3 software because the sounds of the drums from the module is not so good.But 5 years i am happy with my Alesis Nitro 😊

[@douglasmackenzie5265]

There are some nice Black Friday deals going on now for select Yamaha e-kits. In particular, the DTX6 kits offer one of the best bang for the buck options for those who want a very good module and durable components at a budget price.

[@65Drums]

Very true, I might need to make a quick video on that

[@DrummerGrrrl]

AND, if one applies for a Sweetwater credit card and gets approved... that's a great option! I specifically worked on my credit for two years just so I could eventually apply for a Sweetwater card.

[@douglasmackenzie5265]

That would be very helpful, especially since these discounts will likely be short lived.@@65Drums

[@HarveyVarietyHour]

As a serial hobbiest, knowing yourself is key. There's hobbies I pick up because I'm curious, and ones that have been with me simmering throughout my whole life, just waiting for that moment. There's always that question. Do you go cheap and risk having to spend more later? Or do you go big, and risk falling out of it? It's best when you can cross pollinate hobbies. It either cost more, or is cost effective, depending how far and which rabbit holes you fall down. I love me some electronics, so I'm doing some DIY electric drums. I got myself the Alesis Nitro Max kit though to practice on while I work on the technical aspects of my little project. It's all groovy and worth it to me though. I get to look at 3d printing, electrical, programming. Oh my! Before I fall down holes like that, I usually try and do a cost breakdown and see what it'd cost me vs buying. What I can get out of it doing it by myself, or if the parts and cost of time outweigh just buying the higher end model of whatever it is I'm trying to put together.

[@CapeFed]

Five years ago, I was a beginner drummer who had never owned a drum kit. I bought a Roland TD-25 with an extra tom and a fairly expensive drum amp. Great kit for a beginner, but it was about $3000.00 for everything when I added the hi-hat stand, drum pedal and seat. I guess that setup might be $500.00-$1000.00 more today. I goofed around with it and had fun, but I didn't really learn to play it. I mainly just played along with songs to have fun. I moved 3 years later and it's been sitting boxed up in my garage ever since because I don't have room to unpack it all and resume playing. Nevertheless, it looks and sounds impressive. Good quality. When I move to a bigger house, I'll set it back up and see how motivated I am to actually learn to play it correctly.

[@jezusmylord]

As my first edrum kit ive bought td17kvx and i must say thats an overkill for a first kit but i did that as i played normal drums years ago so i knew what im getting into. Still for a first drum set 500 bucks is good unless more money spend for you isint a big problem then 800 for the td07 is reasonable.

[@ThePowerchimp]

Played/had a few lessons as a kid and bailed as I never really had a band! Then in 40's thought wtf - lets do it - did a ton of research as e-drums have come a long way since the 80's. Best sounds were Yamaha by far. Paid off a DTX6-K2X over four months and upgraded the black rubber toms to larger TCS pads. Loving my custom Yamaha kit and it should last a lifetime.

[@superblindeye1]

I've been looking at that kit for a while, just haven't pulled the trigger.

[@mikov36]

I am right now thinking about buying the first E-Drums. I was always more of an rythm guy when I played guitar for some years. I think spending more money on a set with tier-better sound module and less equipment is the best way to go. I can expand the set later. Something like TD-07KVX vs TD-17KV2. I am leaning towards TD-17 kit even if there is less and slightly worse equip.

[@emmalfal]

The TD17 ended my drum search for good. I started with an Alesis Nitro, graduated to a TD25, which I hated, and then landed a 17, which was the perfect Goldilocks kit for me. It's juuuust right. The module settings are incredibly deep so you can fine tune your sounds all over the place. I loaded some custom kits from eDrumWorkshop onto it and I don't see ever buying another kit.

[@mivani84]

I play guitar. I always liked drums. Last weeks i am looking for a edrum. I checked the 2cnd hand market. They asked alot of money for 5 year used kits. I dont find it worth it. They proberly are great but for a little bit more i can get new with the newest features. I have a room in my house where i almost play daily guitar. So i know when i buy something i will use it. I am doubting between a td07 and a td17kv2. The td07 is proberly good enough for me. But i know myself i will sell it after a year to get a bigger and better set. I did test the td17kv2 in a store. I really liked it. The looks amd the bigger snaredrum. But i had no idea what i was doing because i cant play drums. But for me who plays in my studio to make some music a td07 will be enough. But i still will go for the td17kv2. Because i can add stuff later. The reason for me that i choose the TD serie is because of the Bluetooth. When i can drum a little bit i can try to play songs without using my PC. I looked also in to the TD17KVX2. But the extra cost for the high hat stand and 300 euro higher price holds me back a bit. I can add it on later. I also checked the yamaha dtx6. But the rubber pads hold me off and no Bluetooth.

[@JP-zz9sb]

This video describes the exact situation I'm in. I'd love to hear more of your thoughts on the Simmons drums, specifically the Titan 70 (I know you reviewed the SD1250). The 'other guy' on youtube that extensively reviews Simmons looks like a full-time paid promotion guy, I guess everyone is to some degree but you seem more unbiased and review a wider range of brands, except of course Simmons. I'm concerned they are the Guitar Center brand and are just offering larger sets that may not be great quality as a more dedicated brand like Roland or Yamaha. They do seem to have good bang for the buck but would like to see more reviews from people that review more a larger variety as they seem to be more unbiased. Appreciate your work, I'm going through your videos and really learning a lot!

[@glennsomers8577]

Hey JP. Check out this drum cover using a Titan 70. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6uXk2x9rqyFpas

[@ThePowerchimp]

Tip for buying used - when browsing private sale sites like craigslist/fb etc, what you're looking for is a specific STORY. Ask why they're selling? The best story is some version of "bought these as a hobby (for child etc) but got bored and they've just being sitting in storage unplayed for month/a year." If true, it means they maybe haven't been thrashed to death like a pro musician might have!

[@eDrumsInANutshell]

Hmm.... So I am the stingy guy. Maybe some of you know my comments. But I am still convinced about the pads of my Millenium MPS850. The sounds weren't that bad. I would buy one of the low priced kits and then go for a drum VST. Sure, if you have already a low latency audio interface or planning to get one. The first hits on the Millenium MPS850 with the EZDrummer2.... holy shit. I lately watched a video about this FAME kit. And that sounded already amazing right out of the box.

[@32NinerBravo]

The saying usually goes "buy once, cry once" .

[@exciteyouraudience]

Never played drum before, purchased an Alesis Command from GC for $650 - black Friday deal, put about $100 into upgrades and sold it for $500 after three years and traded way up. So I paid $81.73 a year to see if I wanted to keep drumming. Pretty good deal to me. Certainly go my use out of it.

[@ngaugeblading9690]

It's a difficult one and will be different for everyone. My friend last month asked my advice on an e kit because she's just started drum lessons and wanted something so she could practice at home but she didn't have much money. She ended up spending less than £300. Yeah it's not going to be the best but at least she has something at home now and hopefully this will make her continue with her lessons. Who knows she may even upgrade down the line

[@Unlocked985]

Yeah near the end is true guitarist don’t have to spend a whole lot of money to get good quality sound while deummer you have to worry about which size or module or sound you want and decide on that for the purchase

[@jacksonj3082]

As a beginner I bought a Roland TD-17KVX for about $1300, good deal for the quality, bought a higher end kit for the future. But after about a year, I think I should have bought a Yamaha DTX 452 for about $600. A beginner model, I think, is preferable.

[@danieldougan269]

Buy used, regardless of budget!

[@theabombination1]

I’m not a beginner but I’ve had a 10 year hiatus from playing. Just purchased a td17 Roland kit… the module is great but some of the components aren’t even as good as an old Yamaha dtxpress IV I had which has surprised me given the cost difference and the number of years between them

[@65Drums]

Interesting comparison! I think it's a mixed situation. The Yamaha one actually was a tad more expansive than the TD17. Inflation adjusted, the Yamaha DTXPRESS IV would cost $2,431.99 in today's dollars. About $530 more expensive than the TD-17KVX2. But now you get mesh pads instead of rubber, a better module, and a better kick drum. But the toms on the TD17 really do need to go, i really don't like those. And the drum rack could be better.

[@DjBydLo]

Hi Mate, i am a producer and wish to record some drums for acoustical music, i have great drums samples in my pc and dont need any fancy module... which one would you recommend that has a decent sensibility? I experienced with 88key weighted keyboard that some are terrible even when being supossedly piano weighted, they are unusable for a sensitivy piano playing, they are ok for pop.. THANKS! great channel.

[@justanotherdrummer3603]

My first kit was like 200 300 bucks then after I actually played got better recorded videos I went up to 800 bucks then I went alll out this summer got and 13000 dollar kit a tdkvx2 so it really depends

[@gpaull2]

Spent way too much and don’t regret it at all. The realistic playing experience makes me WANT to play, and I have no nagging urge to upgrade. Most E kits feel and look like toys that don’t give me any urge to play.

[@andrewstradley8365]

I always advise new drummers to buy used stuff that is almost pro level.. that’s the sweet spot until you can use linear fills and play in a couple odd times.

[@RunningInSuits]

Justin I’ve been waiting for your full review of the DWe. When are you going to release it?

[@65Drums]

Bro I dropped my review of that kit 2 weeks ago: DWe Review kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHmlhXt_qtWhjKM

[@ironblast5]

Truthful its tough to afford $300 for many musicians especially beginners. I'm glad the quality is slowly getting better on entry level kits but sadly its still quite a ways off from being a realistic playing experience that will help drummers learn on

[@theguy4361]

Yeah, even after 5 years, my 600€ Millennium drumset was the farthest strerch I could aford. But I'm still amazed by the amount of features I got for the money. Years before, it would have been a completely different story

[@6806goats1]

Yeah, I should have listened to this advice but I'm a spoiled child of 66. Went for the Roland TD-27 KV2 which is in the process of being shipped to my house where I won't be until May 2025. No reason to buy at this point other than a free throne and $300 off. Should have invested that money, bought later on. We'll see if a drum set is a good choice for an old man gym as I do my best to wear it or myself out. Working overseas will end in May, time to retire, get the studio built and make some music...or just some noise. Some old people still make stupid choices. Can't take it with me, WTH.

[@Davidmccombs]

Any thoughts on Roland drums from Japan on eBay?

[@aadisharma4494]

Hey whats the best pick for good drum module and cheap costing ?

[@FabioxARG]

What do you think about the Roland TD-02KV?

[@PhotoTrekr]

This is the predicament I'm in. I'm a beginner and I'm just doing this for fun. Having pursued other hobbies, I realize that I really don't know the difference in kits not having tried them. But, the Titan 50 and Titan 70 both look/sound good to me. Is it just the videos I've seen or does the 70 sound better than the 50? So, my price point would be between $500 and $750.

[@truthseeker5216]

Buy a good used one, not entry level, mid spec, like a TD11KV.

[@Swede-js9jq]

Are there eDrum kits you can customize? What I mean is, you only buy the individual drums and cymbals that you want, you are not "stuck" with a specific kit?

[@Robsi60]

My only drum set was initially 800$ w/o kick pedal. For me size mattered. But I have upgraded it to my likes and ended up spending a fortune. Kind of stupid but it was financially the only possible way. And having no knowledge at all did not help either. And what upsets me that in the US drum sets are much cheaper as here in Switzerland. What I do not know how much tax will be added. The used market over here is also poor. Ebay exists but seldomly used. We have our own platform. But buying used with no knowledge was a too high risk for me. Thomann is in Germany and they would have the Millenium line but in case of a failure too much of a hassle.

[@DidYouReadEULA]

40+ year love affair with drums and music. Drum porn is addictive and fun!! BTW, got a great deal about a year ago from edrumcenter on two used efnote pads, EFD 10" and 12", those pads put my Roland TD-17KVX pads to shame with trigger design, response and playability---much easier on my now older, arthritic hands. Going to replace all pads with efnote eventually.

[@esskaykay3525]

I always like the saying "Buy your second kit first". . .

[@65Drums]

If you know you're going to play drums forever yes that's great advice. But many people pick up an instrument, and bounce off it within 6 months. I knew someone growing up who did that. Thankfully it was an inexpensive beginner kit, if they had spent $2000 on that kit, it would have been a huge waste for them.

[@esskaykay3525]

I totally understand, but I tell you, it sure would have worked for me - just saying . . . @@65Drums

[@ZomPaul]

imo any beginner should get a cheap acoustic set... then if you want to further it then get a 1k+ edrum set... edrum companies tend to require spending bookoo bucks to get the features/ability of the cheapest set as their goal is to capture the ability of natural hardware.

[@justinsnow3979]

I’m in between the titan 70 and the td07kvx? I do t know if it’s worth the extra 400?

[@greenflagracing7067]

have a budget, spend half of it on instruction. muscle memory and coordination are far, far more important than getting the best kit possible.

[@BgirlSakura]

I got myself a Td-17KVX and I really like it, but I feel like most of the kits sound so flat. Like there's no oomph to it. I know people tend to say "play with the settings", but as a somewhat beginner, it's a little overwhelming just jumping into the settings without any idea what to do. Any tips on where to start?

[@WoutScheper]

Thats how most modules are unless you a higher end one (td-30, td-50 or like a pearl mimic) maybe look into vsts if you have a laptop you can use

[@kierenmoore3236]

Depends how people interpreted that question … it was a bit vague

[@65Drums]

And there you have it. I get emails with vague questions like this all the time. “I just need a good drum set That’s not too expensive, but also not too cheap. What should I get?”

[@jeremiahdarnell8675]

I plan to but the Simmons SD1250 this year because I want a full large set. I've heard that the kit is lacking in terms of the module though. I don't know much about modules so I'm curious, are there modules that I can buy on my laptop then plug into my drum set? Or are there other module that are compatible with my pads that I can buy? Or should I just upgrade to a completely new set when the time comes.

[@karmakgb]

I use it with Superior Drummer/EZ Drummer 3 and it works really well for that.

[@joeldwinkelmann]

I have been drumming since 1985. I always had acoustic drums. During the pandemic I bought two KAT KTMP1 pads, a KAT hi-had pedal, and a used Roland bass drum trigger. I played them through Garageband on my Mac and absolutely loved it. I later used Steven Slate Drums as a VST plug-in in Garageband. Fast forward to this summer and I ended up getting the Simmons SD1250 for $1,000. I had taken my drumsticks and favorite headphones in to Guitar Center and plugged in to all the demo sets. I honestly thought that all the modules sounded terrible, even the mid-range Roland modules. I head read so much about so many different sets that I decided the SD1250 would at least be low risk and good for me for a few years at minimum. It has been a few months and I have been absolutely blown away by the SD1250. I even feel like the hi-hat is very expressive, especially considering the total price. I play through Garageband or MainStage on the Mac and use Steven Slate Drums. I really, really love the set. The feel is great. Once in a while the snare rim-shot doesn't trigger, but that's the only issue I can even think of. It's very possible I need to adjust a setting on the module for that. The only other issue is that I can't get cymbal choking to work on the Mac, but that seems to be a common issue with electronic drums and plug-ins. A MIDI polyphony aftertouch signal is sent by the SD1250 when choking the cymbals, but I can't get it to translate to a choke in my software. I suspect that the pads and cymbals won't last as long as a Roland. But, that's a tradeoff that I'm willing to live with. Also, I don't gig with it, so I'm not worried about setup/teardown cycles with the kit.

[@joeldwinkelmann]

@jeremiahdarnell8675 - I see that Musicians Friend has the SD1250 on sale right now for eight hundred dollars. If you want to go to a brick-and-mortar store, I know in the U.S. that Guitar Center (owned by the same company as Musicians Friend) will price-match in person. Note - Simmons is a house brand for both companies. And, no, I don't work for either of those companies or Simmons; I just like these drums a lot!

[@jeremiahdarnell8675]

@@joeldwinkelmann WOW THANKS SO MUCH. All this info is beyond helpful and for someone trying to get into drums I appreciate you taking the time to type this response to help me out!

[@diositojuega]

About 3fiddy

[@deonbekende]

I started with Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit ( very bad sounds, small, very few zone etc ... ). It was a good experience to know if i was into druming ... then i decide to spend 1000$ to buy a cheap "acoustic" e-drum ( Millenium MPS 1000 ) cause i can't stand small unrealistic drum that look like toys. I use superior drummer 3 to compensate how poor the drum sounds. The big drawback is that i can't resell the drum easy cause the module is cheap.

[@jOHNNYDEM]

Try the Nitro Max. It’s a 3X better sounding Module. Recycle the old set to reinforce the new frame and you’re good to go.

[@kyronnewbury]

Rent. Rent. Rent. I don't know why everyone jumps to buying. Now I know not everyone lives near a music store that rents but for $20-$30 a month you can get a feel and usually you'll get money towards a purchase. I know some places offer rent to own as well.

[@65Drums]

Renting for a month or two can be a great idea when testing out a new hobby. But "Rent To Own" is a business model that usually benefits the store more than the customer. It depends on the terms you sign up for, but the math is not kind to the customer.

[@kyronnewbury]

@@65Drums ya absolutely. It also depends on the shop. I've been to some that they balance the benefits well and some places are downright evil lol people can end up paying 30-40% more for the product. I still like the idea of renting in general. But I also lived in a big city for years and it was easy to rent. I now live rural and I'd have to drive almost 2 hours one way to rent

[@ThePowerchimp]

A drummer usually only buys three kits in their lifetime... Firstly, the kit they can afford. Secondly, the kit they need. And finally, the kit they want.

[@BensMusicDojo]

If someone already plays acoustic drums, then they should pay the $ for a good e-kit. If you’re a straight beginner, go for what’s in your budget.

[@jOHNNYDEM]

Can’t go wrong with under $400. For example, the Nitro Max sounds killer and doesn’t need software support. Way better sounds and aesthetics than the big-selling Mesh predecessor. Can easily go live with Nitro Max. Great tech is finally trickling down into bargain ranges.

[@Wavex-Yes-But-No]

I can add that the BS on the used market is going on everywhere in every category. Not sure what is really going on.

[@famisheddendon]

Literally just buy an entry level kit with dual zone pads and cymbals and buy an $150 dollar edrum in and boom you now have a high quality kit for under 500. Pads are so easy to make a kits "size" is completely meaningless.

[@Andrew-wb2zq]

if you're just dabbling in drums, I'd get the cheapest kit that has a real kick pad that you need a real bass pedal for. If you're already a drummer that's thinking of getting into edrums, don't skimp, get a Roland/Yamaha.

[@stevenm4426]

Is the Titan 70 a good entry level kit,,thanks

[@glennsomers8577]

Hi Steven, that is actually the kit that I decided to buy. I plan on placing my order next week. Got to put some money on the credit card first. lol. Best value on the market right now. The internal module sounds are great, as they used recorded drum sounds from classic kits in a studio setting. And it has all the bells and whistles, like USB and Bluetooth as well as midi. And of course, you can use a VST as well. Also has it's own app for your laptop or pad. You also get the 4 toms and both crashes with room for two more. All for $1,113.00 Canadian. Unfortunately, though, there is the duty at the border and so on, so comes to a little more then $1,600.00 with taxes, shipping, and the duty charged on it, because it is coming from the U.S. Won't be able to get it from Long & McQuade here in Canada until Sept of this year. It is really hard to get anything but a Roland right away, as that is what L&M focus on. Not waiting that long, so decided I will buy it from the U.S. and get it shipped. You guys are lucky in the states. You can just walk into a store and buy it. Not so easy here.