How To Build An Acoustic To Electronic Drumset For $990

[@DopamineOverload]

Other options for drum modules: Roland TD-6V ($175 used or less) Roland TD-3 ($140 used) Roland TD-12 ($400 used or less) Roland TD-4 ($175 or less) Roland TD-8 ($300 used or less) TD-9s can be found for a LOT less than $380. I got mine for $160 shipped. $250 is the average price I've seen, recently. Great vid, Justin, as always!

[@65Drums]

Solid options thanks for sharing

[@EvilSewnit]

I’ve also seen used td-10 modules for around $399 shipped.

[@poosch]

The td-9 and td-12 have many flagship features those modules dont have like extra percussion sets so you can link more modules via midi. The td-12 also has the most inputs you can connect out of all of these modules you listed. The td-12 and td-9 also have position sensing on the snare and ride. All the triggers on both modules are stereo. Which means that even the toms can trigger rim shots. Also, if people are just trigger vst and dont care about the sound, a older, used, and cheaper module can be fine because some actually have better flagship featured not on newer modules. ​@@tjhessmon4327

[@65Drums]

I'm not trying to get everyone to build a cheap set, I'm just showing that it's possible. I decided to spend the extra cash and build somthing for the long term with my conversion set.

[@prismproducts8355]

Future proofing yes. You did a good job explaining how hard it is to build a set under 1,000. Keep it up man.

[@prismproducts8355]

Love it! I also believe the module options are what make or break the price ceiling. Make sure you fully think out the following: In what setting will this set be used for? If you are using VST's then a cheaper module is the way to go. Cable Snakes - Not for a "quote" real hybrid setup if you decide to use real cymbals No Cable Snake - Better Live, typically going to cost more We run the Strike Pro V1.4 Drum Module using Extreme Drum Triggers and the mesh :) well.

[@du315h0k]

Another great video Justin. I am the other guy you mention in the beginning who likes the small form factor and portability of e-drums but I enjoy the DIY videos and techy stuff about all e-drums. Nice video for pricing out a neat idea for people who are into the conversion kits.

[@HereIsmarcus]

I’ve really enjoyed building my acoustic conversion over the years and upgrading pieces here and there along the way. In the end it cost around 1700 but it’s been little by little. A mistake I made at the start was to buy worn out cy-8 cymbals as they were nearly 10 years old and I didn’t think to check. However, I replaced the sensors for 5 dollars and brought them back to life so it was all good.

[@jesuswater6931]

Converted to an acoustic electronic drum set I started with a Roland TD17KVX. Drums: Ludwig pocket (10",13",16",12") Heads: Remo silent stroke heads, Roland power ply Triggers: Roland clip trigers (cant be bothered to see what the actual name is), Roland HR triger (snare) Cymbals: CY15(ride), CY13(crash), CY8(hats). Module: TD17KVX This is just tucked in the corner of my room for quiet practice so u was focused more on the size rather than quality

[@AtTheSourceStudios]

Love the premise of this video! Conversion seem to be a building trend these days so great timing!

[@65Drums]

Thanks! People kept saying they wanted a budget build video. I've made other versions where it ended up costing 2-3 thousand too but that's too expensive for many

[@johndef5075]

Im in the process of converting my 66 Ludwig set into an ekit. My 2 main toms I just took the guts out of some damaged pd120s and installed them into my acoustic shells. Plug and play with my td20. No fiddling with dialing in triggers. Also ordered a clear cable set from ebay that with careful routing should be unobtrusive. Just gotta figure what to do on bass drum. Soooo many options.

[@D-Squared]

Great video as usual. Love this guys stuff…I will say however, left out cables, not super expensive but another price to consider, also if you’re diy everything, you will need pass throughs and lots of other random pieces of hardware so if you’re really on a tight budget and don’t have any extra to go over do what Justin said and make a comprehensive list before buying anything. Keep ‘EM coming 65!

[@davidlaughlin5715]

Thank you sir!! I very much appreciate you sharing the wisdom of your endeavors with us. We learn from your dime and time. Hats off to you and your parents!

[@footlongrat2755]

I like how he put a Tama Starclassic in the thumbnail when the starclassic costs way more than $1000

[@kevinbothwell8425]

It’s actually a Star series in the thumbnail. Which is waaaaaaaaaaaay more than 1000 😂😂😂

[@brynstarkiller7419]

Cool.I love your videos .I went to electric drums when I moved to my apartment & your videos have really helped.

[@65Drums]

Thanks for watching! Glad the channel has been helpful :)

[@jerbear7952]

I am tempted by your beautiful conversions but What I'd really love is something the size and convenience of my dm6 but just more robust feeling.

[@lucyferina]

I found a 7 piece for $300, the guy also gave me 3 crash stands, a single direct drive yamaha pedal, a snare bag,2 full sets of heads an extra hi hat stand. I used them acoustically after using a drum dial to tune them and I almost don't want to convert them because they sound just as good as a top of the line DW kit I tested before, and since I have a Roland and another acoustic kit... but I do like the look with 5 toms ... I also found a Gibraltar rack with 14 cymbal arm attachments for $300, I had to drive 2 hrs to get it but if I would've bought all that separate, even used, it would have been over $500. You just need to keep monitoring the sales because there are great deals to be found out there.

[@gregwilliams2764]

I have been thinking about a conversion. At first it was going to be with Roland triggers and a Roland module. After seeing the Drum-Tec versions I’m trying to go in that direction. Clean. Can’t see triggers. Heck, I don’t even see where the cables are! I followed your advice for this about the R-Drum aluminum conversion triggers. That’s a reasonable price for quality. The HR-30 is $99. So for $50 more it’s invisible. Using a newer Roland module I will get dynamics when playing. I found out that I need M5 screws because I have a Mapex Armory kit. You can spread the word about Mapex and the M5. I will use DrumTec Design model heads. All this will be more than the 1000$ max . I check you out almost daily to see what you are doing in the edrum area. I have ezdrummer 2 with The Latin percussion exp. I want the Superior 3.1.1 now. I want to play live with samples.

[@ZaxDrumsGolfandMore]

I like the conversion kits!! Cool video!!😀

[@mrllama6mrllama684]

Justing you have yet to fail me i have so many questions every single time i get a new one either pretty soon one comes out or you have already put one out i wanted to do this for a month now i looked at some v drum tip vids but this video is great perfect for me thanks so much

[@mrllama6mrllama684]

Shoot im sorry for miss spelling your name i didnt see it

[@C00oo0Lbeans]

Goedrum sells a very similar trigger set up to the Jobecky, but can be purchased off amazon (Not Prime) with free shipping. I was looking at both and ended up going goedrum, and have been pleasantly surprised by them so far.

[@johnpietrolaj8917]

Fun video! Its fun to build your own electronic kit!

[@mateohedircortesvega955]

2:23 Those cymbals alone are probably worth more than the seller is asking for.

[@mikepalaciosss._]

7:35 Can you use any TD Model??

[@BillDiMarco]

i like that $150 drumset's layout and the backwards bassdrum. for the sweet tonez...

[@DirtyJobsGuy1]

Great premise for a video! I’m right on the cusp of beginning to do this, but am I correct in hearing that you prefer the TD-15 over the TD-17 module?

[@youngguns996]

Great Info Justin! I've been thinking about converting my TD-30KV but I'm finding it hard to let it go, so I have a TD-50 Digital Pack as well and I'm thinking about converting one of my acoustic kits to go with the TD-50DP.

[@jas_bataille]

That PDP 805 has no right to look this freaking cool at this price

[@darion_2167]

Nice this is going to help me a lot!

[@NewfieXbox66-ju4qb]

I Saw a guy that used a Snare Drum for a Bass drum it sounded pretty good

[@tedalford4384]

Justin, I really enjoy your videos. They're very informative. I know this is 3 years old, but I was wondering if you could recommend an acoustic kit with a smaller form factor that would make a good conversion. I'd like a DIY e kit with shell depths like the alesis strike.

[@haejoon2007]

Is the Alesis Nitro Mesh a good module?

[@frostbitefade424]

In terms of sound, no. in terms of customization, yes.

[@NewfieXbox66-ju4qb]

Mosico Low Volume Cymbal Pack Mute Cymbal Set 14"/16"/18"/20" 5 Pieces Drum Cymbal Set Practice Cymbal and just add the Cymbal Triggers they come with the screw on type no drilling required as the mesh cymbal already has holes in them and for best quality mount the triggers close to the bell $109.50

[@scottdrums2128]

Hi Justin, I recently acquired a budget build acoustic conversion with economy triggers. They do work well with the TD-17 version 2.1 module however not quite right. I was wondering what you would recommend during setup on pad type? Should I just play around with all the types to see what gives me the best response? Also trying to get the best dynamic range from accents to ghost notes to hard hits. Thank you.

[@martenmanna]

The fact that he put a $4k+ Tama STAR kit in the thumbnail is just hilarious

[@lutti7238]

Hey Justin, my plan is to convert an acoustic kit for my little homestudio and I‘d like to hear your opinion about it. First I‘d like to tell: drums are not my main Instrument. I already own a (crappy 😜) Fame DD 6000, I even upgraded it with some alesis 8“ mesh heads, but its still no fun to play. So now to my plan: I bought an old drum kit for 70€ on eBay and I found a TD12 on eBay for 400€. I like the td12 because it has positional sensing (for the future 😉) and it has no cable snake 😊. As snare trigger I want to use the jobeky 4 spoke dual trigger, for the toms I want to use the Triggera side trigger. About the bass drum I‘m not sure: ddrum hot rod bass drum? Triggera Beater? Or Jobeky Bar Trigger? Any Tipps? For the mesh heads I want to go with Thomanns Home Brand Millenium QuiHead 2Ply. Any opinion on that? As cymbals I keep the crappy fame ones till I can afford better ones. My favorites are the jobeky realfeels. Any experience with thatHiHat? Used Rolands would be fine, too. I will always use EZDrummer and maybe Superior Drummer (when I can afford the upgrade 😉). What I like on this project is that I can start right now, keep on playing an upgrade a bit when I have the money. What do you think? Any tips? Greetings from Germany

[@ifount]

Question: aesthetics aside, from a pure triggering, feel, and sound perspective, do you think it make more sense to spend something like $1,700 on a diy conversion kit or just buy something like the Roland td17kvx?

[@gregwilliams2764]

Hi Justin. If I buy the TD-17 , can I set up a chain and use Boss foot buttons to go up and down the chain on demand? I did that years ago with my TD-20. When I played “White Room” by Cream I would start with my 4 toms on tuned tympani then with the foot switch I’d immediately go up one kit # to the Ginger Baker Ludwig kit I’d made for the verse and bridge but back again for a second time for tympani. I hope that I can do that. It’s 10yr old tech that should be available because it’s really helpful. What do you think? I hope to hear from you soon. Thanks Greg.

[@matenorth]

I think toms dont need expensive triggers or mesh heads. 1ply ones are fine. Money has to be spent on the snare and kick gear. Regarding cymbals, HH and ride are most importand for feel as they are our most frequent hit cymbals. The rest could be cheap rubber e-cymbals. I recommend the millenium tom rack which comes with two crash stands integrated for like 100 euro. I love mine. Actually i recommend any hardware from this brand. Best value for money imo and steady as hell too.

[@KitCatStudio]

Hey Justin as always, you make the best and most informative vids around, I always end up here when I try to renovate my gear. What is the best module to go with in building a hybrid set? I have already built a whole hybrid set using the Roland tm6pro module. It works great, but the module alone costs more then a 1000$ so including all the triggers this is expensive. I want to find a cheaper module that can allow using multiple cables, and many triggers and that can allow easy sound design (the tm6pro does a great job doing that). Will appreciate any advice! Tnx

[@PressPlayProductions1]

@65 Drums hopefully you see this, I have a pearl masters kit that I use in church but I want more volume control and an easier thing to mix in the livestream. Is it possible to go for this set up>>> silentstrokes on the kit with the ddrums ret shot triggers into the Alesis strike module usb in to my MacBook Pro running either Logic’ drums or STeven slate drums?? Would this work?

[@martandersen9312]

So glad I found your channel, it´s so informative and educational! I have an Alesis DM10 mesh kit, and I´m thinking about converting a 22" kick drum to electronic. I would like to have a acoustic look to the kit. I have a question (hopefully I can express myself in a way that you can understand): To get a acoustic drum kit look to the DM10 kit - is it possible to take the tom pads and mount them in acoustic tom shells? (This might be the dumbest question ever to have been asked, I don´t know. XD) And - how can you rebuild the rack in order to have three toms, instead of just two, hanging in front of you? Rather than two hanging and two on the side. Thanks!

[@Falasi4]

Has me thinking about building a set out of random stuff with home made piezeo triggers just for grins.

[@adriaanvanpijkeren9770]

In an older video you mentioned that bigger pads will be louder, does the same go for rubber pads. Would an 18inch floortom be louder then a rubber pad?

[@Aldertonartco]

Hey Justin. I really like your videos. I bought an alesis dm10 but now am adding acoustic shells here and there with all jobeky triggers because I'm in the UK so no shipping. I was thinking about upgrading my module but I don't know what to go for. I would like to go with Roland I think but I don't want to spend 500+ on a td17. Any suggestions? Cheers

[@amanwashington5299]

This might be dumb but can you use the module to make the e lit a midi? Or import sounds from a DAW or sample pack or whatever to the module? Maybe you already have a video on this?

[@hexxa9327]

Hey thanks for the video. I have a roland td15 kv. Can i just use the triggers in the roland in an acoustic drums set?

[@nolansmith2087]

Would a td 25 module be decent for a conversion kit?

[@james9269-8n]

I did the math on Roland component's like pads cymbals and hardware. If you dont by the full kit Roland offers then be prepared because 65% more is what you will be paying for components only. There is alot in Roland full kit that I just dont need. Please not another rack system. I asked my sales engineer about this issue and his response was "well I guess your better off buying the packaged kit. Thats not great customer service 😕 I feel like I should be able to build my own Roland kit as needed. Im talking about every music store.$618 for a mini bass drum? All I need is the beaterless pedals.

[@centeringdowels8204]

Hi. Please, I need you to tell me what all the models of cymbals that adapt to the Roland TD 25 module are. Thank you

[@o0o_OutCast_o0o]

The wiring is easy if you just practice soldering if that is the hard part.

[@acvisanu]

Justin, love the video. I’d go with the 1500-1700 upgrade myself because it feels like it would last longer. Got a question, I have td17kvx and spd30. How can I hook up without using mixer and just use my headphones. Thanks

[@pierreg8562]

hey, awesome videos - what is the best size for Kick drums to get that "natural" feel? i have the options between 16", 18" and 20" - which one would you recommend? thx

[@johncallegari2721]

Can someone please answer this… Can you put a Roland PD-125k frame/basket into a 12" acoustic drum shell?

[@itz_vortex7341]

hey Justin i just got ezdrummer2 but my edrum is not connected right. the ride is on the wrong cymbal and the toms are mixed up. how do i fix the pads to the correct order on ezdrummer?? please help

[@TheCodegram]

Mr.Dankley Change the midi note for what you want to change in the module to the midi note of what part of the kit in EZdrummer you want it to trigger

[@itz_vortex7341]

@@TheCodegram thats what i want to do but i dont know how to do it

[@TheCodegram]

Mr.Dankley for whatever module you have, look up how to change midi notes. Then in EZdrummer hit the down arrow on the drum you want, click details, click key, and it shows you the midi note numbers. Then change the midi note in the module to what you want it to be in ezdrummer

[@CarlosMorales-hv9qn]

Hi, I have the silentstroke and the zildjian L80 in my acoustic drum kit and I am thinking, the module and cymbals are the most expensive, what if you buy a complete electronic drum kit and re-sale the pads for refound. What drum kit you recommend for 1 zone triggers like ddrum? if I buy cymbal triggers for the L80 what triggers you recommend?

[@iandevolder9646]

Hey man, love your vids, can you help me out? So I'm thinking about buying the alesis surge mesh kit for €500/580 but I'm kinda upset since all the cymbals are single zone and I really want a bell with my ride cymbal. Would it work if I just buy a three zone cymbal like the Yamaha PCY-135 and use the other one as a second crash or would that not work with the module? Also the Yamaha PCY-155 is 15 inch instead of 13 but is it worth the extra €20?

[@iandevolder9646]

Or what do you think about the Millenium MPS-750 E-Drum Mesh Set, since this one has more sounds, 2 double zone crashes and a three zone ride? It's only €450 so I find it a bit suspicious that is sounds better but it costs €130 less on the exact same site. (If you have any recommendations, that's cool too)

[@MOREtoocozycam]

Hey Justin, great video. I have been wondering about going from acoustic to electronic. 8 have been looking ay the Roland TD-15 but i'm wondering if cy14c and cy15r would work with this module instead of having to use the cy12c and cy13r. Do you know what I should do?

[@johndef5075]

They should. I have a td10 which is way older and they work.

[@andrewnicholson1978]

Hey what do y’all think. Td-17 or a used to-25.

[@TheDoubin]

td-17 without hesitation

[@kathylarkin2571]

I have a gammon 5 picece will that work?

[@65Drums]

Any acoustic set can work

[@gc12n2]

Convertible drum triggers this is a brand on eBay you get s 5 pack for 165 free shipping

[@infojester3318]

I was hoping you would at least include a "buy everything new" option. I considered this when shopping for a new conversion, but just decided to go with a Strike Pro. I would have like to go with a Jobeky kit with metal cymbals, but didn't want to deal with the overseas aspect. Happy with the Alesis so far.

[@65Drums]

I couldn't include a "buy everything new option" and call the video "build a conversion kit for under $1000" so that's why I didn't include it.

[@infojester3318]

@@65Drums Thanks, but I would have still liked to see how much I would need to spend on a new conversion. Great video(s).

[@JBSTUNTZ]

How do I send in a viewer kit submission? I Did a brand new conversion set for about $1600

[@MistakenSound]

awesome information man, subbed for sure

[@victorhugoarq938]

May sound cheap but you can make your own triggers for peanuts, the piezos are as much as $2.50 dlls where I live.

[@MikeLuke]

Great one, Justin. I think few people will start with a converted set but with a common stock set like a TD15 or TD11. That’s what I had (a used TD12 with decent pads and a bunch of cymbals). But I bought that whole kit already with the idea of selling most stuff BUT the module and the cymbals to use that money to buy the shells and trigger systems for a conversion. For me, the by far most important piece is the module. I always recommend going for the best module you can possibly afford and build and upgrade your kit from there. Anyways, nice video - I wouldn’t have thought that a converted kit from scratch for under 1000$ would be possible. 🤔

[@65Drums]

Most will start with a classic set I agree, this was a requested topic though. It's very difficult to find components cheap enough for this price range.

[@MikeLuke]

65 Drums Agreed & understood. Maybe that’s an idea for another video like „How much money you have to spend AT LEAST“ or something?! But I understand that this is difficult as everyone will have different expectations and opinions about what „at least“ means. 😎

[@martymet]

My first dive into electronic sets was building a conversion. Most of my research was done on Justin's channel, your channel Mike, and V-drums tips. I put together what I think is a great drum set and it's very largely thanks to the information these 3 channels provided. So, thank you for helping me out. It is very seriously appreciated.

[@jerrware]

Please help someone, I love what Jobeky has to offer, but I can't get a response out of them. I want to order drums, but who do I talk to?

[@johnchighizola2543]

But would you play one of these "under $1,000" kits live on stage for a gig?

[@65Drums]

Nope, but then again, I wouldn't play a regular electronic drumset under $1000 at a live gig either. The good stuff costs money

[@BadgerDrums]

Hey Justin! I’m incognito today 😉 Wow it’s good to know this is possible, even if you have to cheap out on a few things. As you know I started with a TD25KV as the foundation and then made upgrades from there, but I’ve spent way more than $1,000! My next upgrade is the bass drum. I have a 20” bass drum coming but need some ideas for triggers. Think I might go for an external trigger so I can switch it out easily if I need to but I want something solid like the Roland RT-30K. What’s your opinion on this trigger? Any other ideas? Cheers, Broc

[@AtTheSourceStudios]

You forgot Helensson ITM2 triggers! Dual zone for $60! :(

[@65Drums]

There are dozens of trigger companies, could not mention them all

[@AtTheSourceStudios]

@@65Drums yeah you're right... second thought it's good you only recommended stuff you've had experience with. I just like my little triggers lol

[@65Drums]

That company is supposedly sending me some to review. I hope they actually do, they sound cool.

[@martymet]

I have seen these on sale on reverb right from the person making them. Do you have a review of these? Last time I looked there weren't any available.

[@AtTheSourceStudios]

@@martymet that is my next video :)

[@senthamaraianantha8916]

Greetings from India Justin

[@65Drums]

Hello 👋

[@richarddavis5542]

I'm just floored at the cost of this stuff. I have probably $2k invested in two intermediate acoustic kits, yet a single electronic kit can hardly be built for that money. Also, any drum module that doesn't have discrete direct outputs (Roland) is useless to me for recording.

[@65Drums]

I can't recommend Roland module sounds for recording. Get a drum plugin on your laptop, send the MIDI over and use that. And yeah the pricing in the electronic drum world is insane

[@user-ym6dl8tq6u]

Can’t you just use a midi interface n run it into a VST to trigger drums rather than a module

[@brad_neal]

I just completed a full conversion from my TD-25kv. I purchased a new Yamaha Stage Custom Birch with 18" kick drum and all new triggers from UFO. I also got their 3-ply mesh heads. I came in right at $1000. Keep in mind, I reused Roland cage, cymbals and all of my other hardware and TD-25 controller. I love the way it turned out. Here is a link to some picks if anyone is interested (I am working on a step-by-step video of the entire project) share.icloud.com/photos/0cAnfdQ_kaeOIvmzG5LszA7zg

[@reezlaw]

I half hoped that you actually had an "option A" built

[@Sianpii96]

or you use pintech cymbals.

[@halseyballistic]

Budget would be building the mesh heads and triggers yourself and piecing the set together for well under $300

[@In.Darkness]

Keep Rocking in it, not of it !

[@campar1043]

also, youre much more susceptible to hot spots with centre cone triggers

[@PUBHEAD1]

I wish there was a cheaper but good quality cymbal option. The cymbals are what's holding me back from doing a conversion

[@scottw3780]

Cheap low volume cymbals, rubber trim for the edge, cheap piezo transducer and you have a simple bomb proof single zone cymbal

[@ericsilverman2367]

I love your channel but you're always talking about how to convert an acoustic drum set into an electric but how do you convert an electric drum set into an acoustic drum set? This is a joke obviously.

[@sasigark4985]

And what about your 40,000 dollar drum set (going broke)

[@zmajodjadrana]

Check Shakiras drummer for that

[@maziu27]

i cant afford millenium still cymbals lol

[@zmajodjadrana]

Hey i was bored :)

[@gabecouch3335]

Good content ! I have one question. What module i can buy that is super cheap to put ez drummer on? @65Drums

[@Bluerockerguitarz77]

I'm not a drummer but a musician play Guitar Bass And Keys and Vocals... I'm building a drum set got the hardware and shells used was wanting to know If I can bypass buying the module and go straight into Ezdrummer I have Soundcraft UI24R that hooks up to my computer. The Drum kit is never gonna be played live it will stay in my studio for Jamming and recording purposes... Would like your input... Thanks