Why Electronic Drums Break (And How To Fix Them)

[@jmstransit]

We need timestamps for the sake of convenience: 3:26 Cymbal is being less sensitive 4:43 Loss of sensitivity due to bad soldering 5:48 Internal cable becomes loose 6:11 faulty 1/4in cable 7:03 (Conversion sets only) Trigger has moved 7:43 (Conversion sets only) Trigger has been bent 8:56 (Conversion sets only) Old trigger foam 9:39 Piezo is damaged 10:19 Internal pad is damaged 12:21 Sensitivity knob is turned off 12:56 Bad input jack on module 13:20 Input settings issues 14:21 Cymbal choking itself 15:49 Kick drum head ripped off 16:30 hi-hat pedal issues 18:33 try factory resetting the module

[@GonTar_X]

9:04 Perfect Banana Joke Oportunity denied

[@jmstransit]

aYOOO

[@slowpokeproductions]

Justin, I just wanted to thank you for all your in-depth information. I bought a 2nd hand Roland TD-30K from a studio in Chicago (I posted a few vids) and while there are no problems with it, I learned everything I know about electronic drums from your channel. You're an invaluable resource, and your dedication to making videos for our knowledge is endless! You ROCK! -Poke.

[@the_rustydoornob1164]

as someone that owns a used nitro mesh this will come in handy

[@theblackknight870]

I'm getting one for Christmas as my parents dont want to spend very much money on my first electronic kit, seeing as I have an acoustic kit but want an electric for the easy transportabilty so I can play for church and such. Is the nitro mesh good?

[@vaibhavkaza]

ThePhoenixNate_ i own a nitro, not mesh for the price, the kit is good but preloaded sounds aren’t great(especially the hi hat and controller) and it’s too small(i’m 6’1”). if you play rock, keep in mind that the hi hats have no ‘slosh’ sound- it’s either open or closed closed is too soft and open sounds plain bad now all of this is my opinion, i know a bunch of people who love it- just try and play it before you buy it; that’s something i didn’t do

[@cmdrumming6104]

Just get the td1mk if your trying to save money

[@RapidVidsProductions]

​@@cmdrumming6104 god this fucking roland elitism.. alesis nitro mesh is under 400 dollars. the td1mk is over 700 fucking dollars, with a much worse module and an arguably worse hi-hat pedal and heads. for the price the alesis nitro mesh is easily the best. not everyone has rich parents and a bunch of money on hand. edit: hahahah you definitely have rich parents no wonder you love roland

[@nixneato]

9:10 Hahahahahaha you do realize that mentioning it is worse than the joke itself, right? :D But really, nice touch of humour, I wasn't expecting it :)

[@JourneysByJay]

This is SUPER informative. I have learned a few things. Thanks for the shout out about the cymbals! I found that fix quite by accident. The cymbal was already broke... so tearing it open to see what could be wrong, was a no brainer. (I couldn't possibly make it worse!). But seeing all those chunks of rubber stood out to me... removing them seemed like a good place to go. Holy crap... It WORKED! I still get tons of feedback about that video. Literally hundreds of people saying "You saved me a couple hundred dollars!"... that was amazing. I really hope THIS video turns out to be the same for you. You've given me many ideas on how to solve many of the everyday issues I encounter. You're amazing, Justin! Keep doing what you do and all of us will keep loving you for it! I bow to you, Senpai!

[@65Drums]

Thanks Jay! I literally just typed "how to fix electronic drums" into youtube, watched an ocean of videos, and then tried to tie together all the most common problems and fixes into one comprehensive video (with a little bit of how electronic drums work sprinkled in). You're already an expert on this stuff, I'm glad that I found a couple ideas that you hadn't come across yet! Really glad I ran into that video of yours on the cymbal, it was really helpful for me during the research. Thank you!

[@leeroyjplaisance3921]

Hello should I turn my beater around it's felt facing the sincer bit I see people say that it will destroy the sincer much faster should I turn it thanks

[@barriew6681]

Thanks very much. Bought a second hand Roland PD 105 snare. It had a "bark" when hit in the middle. Undid the head, found that the Piezo cone (sponge) had deformed. Looks like the head had been over tightened and hit very hard. Worked the sponge cone back into shape and problem 90% fixed. Have ordered new cones to replace. Without your video, I'd have had no clue, so many thanks.

[@paulnavara7127]

This is a very thorough video on electronic drum problems and you've done some great research to put this together. Thank you!

[@reubenk7331]

Great video Justin! Glad you mentioned using a bass drum patch, even on a KD-10, because I thought it was unnecessary with this kick pad!

[@stevebarnes9694]

Broken Alesis Strike snare. Honestly I don’t know if I would even still be interested in drums if it were not for this guy. Totally relevant and easy to understand. He also gets right to the point. Very little blah blah blah.

[@darcywilliams9934]

Very helpful! Bought a second hand dtx, the kick drum is really crackly through the headphone on some of the channels, less so on others, and fine on others, going to work through these and see what we can see.. Big ups.

[@drumsNstuff79]

Thanks Justin! My old Roland td-6v Drums were bought used. They're a church kit and looked to be in great shape. But common wear and tear required replacements for a bad cymbal pad and the fd-8 hi hat controller. I tried fixing the rubber in the fd-8, but nothing really lasted. I didn't even think to buy a new one and just replace that part so I bought a whole new fd-8 pedal! I'll replace the part in the old one and sell it to get some money back. My cymbals started losing sensitivity and I'm totally going to open them up and see what is going on and rescue them. I have a newer one on my ir but I can sell off one of the older ones if I can fix it. Also another tip is to upgrade the rack clamps that hold it together. The original ones on mine were unfortunately the crack-able plastic ones and one on the bottom did crack. The later ones are so much more durable. My old kit is practiced on all the time and used for quick song demos, but still sounds and plays great. So happy to know there are quick fixes for many of the common problems on my loved old td-6.

[@leecrow3k1]

My Roland CY12 R/C no longer chokes and the edge does not work. This cymbal pad is about 12 years old. Plan to replace it when the stores open again. I just made the bow a crash zone. For now, it works fine except for the choke.

[@CoryPelizzari]

Now this is a nifty video.

[@65Drums]

Glad you liked it!

[@bplvgp1]

Great info. Thanks. I have a set of TD-20’s that play Ike new, but my 2 yr old TD-17 kvx set is already having loss of volume/sensitivity in the crashes.

[@fobdfobd]

Hi Justin- first of all, thanks for your videos! I have the problem you mention at 6:11- the connector of the cable in the cymbal just pops out a bit making the cymbal not to sound (or sound muuuuch lower). I fix it in again but it just keeps popping out again, so I have no ways to have it properly connected through out a song. Any ideas/tips of how I could fix this?

[@drwhale93]

Zip tie! I use this throughout my kit to HD wires in place. Don't know of you still need a recommendation 6 months later but hope this helps.

[@awcartermedia]

This is amazing. Can't wait to get home and check a few things. A few of my cymbals double (and sometimes quadruple) trigger and it's been driving me nuts.

[@martinkawalec6510]

Hey Justin, your explanation with the circuit of the cymbals was very clear and helpful. Besides all the diagrams in the web, I finally got it!!! Thanks a lot:-)

[@nismozr]

Thank you so much for this video. I fixed this whole kit i bought. I thought i got sold a lemon. Thanks

[@JaelleJaen]

"and i refuse to make a joke about this" i wasnt even thinking about it like that till you said that lmfao

[@danmayo9182]

Thanks for posting this! As for why felt kick drum beaters are so much more destructive to mesh than plastic ones, I’ve heard a couple theories. One is that they generate more heat, which wears away at the mesh. The one I find more credible, you can prove out yourself. Take a double-sided beater and run the felt side across your pant leg - you’ll notice it really wants to grab. Repeat that with the plastic side and it just slides. I believe that's the answer: since the mesh is a fabric, the felt is grabbing onto it and pulling it down with every hit. Over time, the fabric tears. Mind you, I’ve had mesh start to tear even with a plastic beater, but it took a long time. So I use a patch now. Then, you can use whatever kind of beater you want.

[@geoffmarsted1857]

“Soldering metal material” I think you mean just solder my did 😂. Not making fun of you, just thought it was kinda funny, you did disclose you’re not an expert on it. Love ya man and all the things you do. Been a fan for a long time. Keep up the awesome work.

[@vincentsmit8436]

Yo man, could you make a video about stacking metal cymbals on top of rubber E cymbals? DonutDrums did this in his video "ULTIMATE ELECTRIC DRUM SET part 2". It seems like a really cool idea, and i want to try it but im not shure if it will work. I dont have any metal cymbals and I dont know if I should buy them to try this. I cant find anything about it on the internet. It would be awesome if you could make a video about it or just share your expirience about it here. Does it still trigger, do you keep 3 zones on your cymbal?

[@Soverex]

I recently watched your videos so very much as I'm trying to attempt an A2E conversion that I feel like you're a family member now lol

[@lily-888-sv]

Tnx. Justin💮 While I was watching your video I got an idea what can be problem with bass drum pad and I solved. Sensitivity was the problem. I couldn't hear bass drum pedal. I opened bass drum pedal and I realised that trigger is not in the middle of the pad, it's actually on the bottom of pad. I just move beater more down and it was perfect position and sensitivity it was normal like on other components. Millenium MPS-850 is e-drum set what I have. Btw your videos are amazing. So informative. Keep it up and all the best🤟🏻

[@S3lvah]

@Ceca Mix Hi! I have the same drum kit, and I've had every 10" snare/tom pad so far become less sensitive on me (anywhere between "triggers less on one side" to "completely dead"). Got 2 replacements and even they started suffering after just 6 months. Had similar issues and/or found any fixes for that?

[@lily-888-sv]

@@S3lvah no, for now I didn't have that issue

[@chipzo96]

Only found your channel recently but really appreciate your content Justin. Bought a Roland TD-27KV after spending a lot of time watching your videos.

[@dejanmatic393]

Thanks, you just saved me some money, i fixed ride cymbal in 20 mintues, and it works (yamaha dtx)!!!

[@piratboykiebane6421]

Great video man, solve many doubts... I have an alesis dm10 and when i hit the tom head the rim sound is triggered too. ¿What can i do to repair it? Greetings from Chile.

[@ZaxDrumsGolfandMore]

Lots of great tips Justin!! Hope have a great Easter. Stay safe and healthy!!

[@robinradema1]

This was really helpfull thank you. I bought a second hand alesis surge mesh. I got it really sheap but its in really bad shape. Was starting to think i made a big mistake bit this gives me hope. Be broke sucks but atleast i learn to fix things. 😅

[@TheeDrumWorkshop]

Great round up, dude! Video production keeps getting slicker, too!

[@65Drums]

Thanks dude!

[@lorrainelarson9417]

Thanks for the great, informative video! What about some static sound in a snare head? Could you shed any light on that problem? Thanks!

[@TheChnecht]

Geez, this video is absolutely amazing, thank you so much mate.

[@gordonpanther7766]

Fantastic thanks # :) I have some emerging problems with my Roland TD17KVX's hi-hat and snare. I had already been thinking of the 'nuke' option of factory reset because it's used by my children as well. But I think it will be something physical in the pad/cymbals so this video will be useful.

[@simendrakumar7113]

This video is only one of its kind. Thanks for unique useful video. You did a lot of hard work to produce this video

[@jackcamp6149]

This is actually so helpful. Thank you for doing this!

[@decode9228]

Such a great video. Simpel, clear explanation! Tnx man

[@guttertowncartoon1093]

I have Roland mesh heads. Noticed false snare hits right after I hit the snare. Looked inside and the piezo came loose. So look out for that too.

[@matt6662]

My Alesis Pro's snare trigger plate broke 15 months after my purchase date and when I contacted them I was told I had to buy a new one since it only had one year guaranty. I used tapes to fix the plate and it works fine since.

[@richardbuck7207]

Really dig your videos. Have gotten into edrums over the last year (go figure..), and have learned a great deal from you. Thanks!

[@toddharris1191]

Just wanted to say thanks for doing this man! Very much appreciated!

[@sebastianbechtold2417]

Nice video man.? I have used a few of these things usually to great affect . But I have a little bit to add to the fixing of the kd8. After doing the cutting on the back of the rubber I cut two small rcectangular pieces off a rubber eraser and glue them to the where the pedal and the pedal housing make contact this cuts way down on noise then grease all rubber surfaces and it works better than new now

[@prospectnyc]

This is such a cool channel. The absolute best e-drum channel.

[@TravyssDrums]

Thanks for this useful video Justin. The information you have on your channel is a priceless toolbox for every e-drum owner, and this actual video is yet another good example.

[@65Drums]

Thanks glad the video was helpful!

[@boonkiatsoo3189]

I have a KAT KT3 and the module is not producing any sound output on the phones or mono/stereo output. When I hit the set, I can see red signal blinking on the module but no sound output. What are the possibility to check and issues?

[@mixgarage]

Great info, you always do a good job explaining, troubleshooting and reviewing electronic drum products.

[@DouglasLippi]

Great resource! Thanks for sharing your experience. I'm always a little afraid to crack these things open, but sometimes you just don't have a choice.

[@Dmeekification]

Hi Justin! I like your channel. So, I have not even had my Roland that 506 for six months and it’s working pretty good aside from one problem I’m having. the choke sensor on my 14 inch crash. only works on about 20% of the cymbal … not sure if you’ve heard of anybody having an easy fix. I’m sure I can send it back, but I don’t wanna be without one of the pieces of my drum set you know?!

[@Fodolro]

Excelent video, Justin! Thanks for all the info provided! I had a small problem on my hi-hat. Sometimes when I closed it, it was still making the sound like it was opened. I simply dissembled all the cables and when I put them back, the problem stopped. It was probably the cable that was a bit out the right position (I guess). Cheers!

[@EricAshAdam]

great video! I been planning to build my own drum pads using piezos, ply wood and mouse pads so i can add to my alesis nitro

[@johnbarney6861]

Question here Justin. Have not been here due to illness and injury, but I have a quick question, and I am hoping that you can answer this for me, for the internet is not giving me the answer. I have always wanted an Octopad. Big time. Well I finally got one. I really wanted the Roland SPD30 but had to settle for the older SPD8 or Pad-8. But the problem is that I am trying to figure out is, how do I wire this up for sound. I know I need a sound module. And I have an Alesis Command module for the Alesis Command Mesh. I have the Midi out on the Pad 8 and a Midi In on the module. What I was wondering is. Will this work if I hook the Pad 8 to this. I do NOT want to fry this module, but I do need a module. And right now due to this trouble in the world, money is a little tight. I will get a module, but I do not have to cash to spend on this at the moment. SO please if you can answer this. Please let me know. Thank you so much. And keep the videos coming. And please keep you and your family safe. And Prayers to you and all. For at this time, the are well needed. Thank you John

[@Kai-qr7ho]

Great all-in-one video, Justin!

[@mee887]

Just fixed my drums! Thanks!

[@astronaut2005drummer]

Hi Justin! I never had any problem with my small kit since 2012, the Roland HD-3 V-Drums Lite. Thanks for sharing your video! Happy Easter season!

[@65Drums]

happy Easter!

[@Flura00]

Hey Justin, thanks for the info on the video. The problem with one particular pad going wrong that I encountered is the Yamaha XP 100 tooms. The low rim sensing the upper rim, vice versa...or,at one pad, the rim disappeared completely. I searched and searched on the web, but nothing. These pads are piezo for head and two switches for two zone rim. I don't use three XP100's for that reason. So, if anyone has little help for me, I'd much appreciate it. Thanks, keep up the good work.

[@liamtheory]

Help needed! I have an Alesis Nitro Mesh electric kit and recently the floor tom pad stopped working, I did a bit of digging online and ordered some new Piezos, soldered it, checked with a multimeter for continuity and everything was working fine, double sided the rod back onto the piezo and put back together, plugged it in and got nothing (played around with the sensitivity etc) took it apart again and the piezo trigged the tom when the rod was off and I was tapping my finger directly on the piezo but not when the foam rod was attached! Can anyone help?? Before it makes me even more bald.

[@timolonnberg3205]

My rack Tom (Roland PD105) is screwed up. When I hit the pad, the module (TD9) shows that I hit rim almost every time unless I hit really hard in the middle (where the foam is), then it shows that I hit the head....annoying as hell! Any idea?

[@a.j.liedtke4645]

I have a cy14c from Roland and the choke sensor isn't working but can't figure out why. When I try to choke the cymbal it just makes crash noises. Do you know a fix for that?

[@martinschackjensen1385]

Nice! Really nice! Thanks for all that info Justin! 💪👍 A couple of months ago I set up my old td10 to find that 2 pd9 had bad soldering on the piezos and the actuator in the fd7 we’re old and stiff. So I’ve tried to do exactly some of those fixes that you mention, with somewhat great success. Nice video!

[@neilsnow7973]

What is the difference between piezo pickups/sensors? Are they all the same? Do they all sound the same? I see prices differences....so is that just manufacturing or is there really a difference in quality and sensitivity and sound?

[@joeristubbe]

hi, i have a small question , so i just got this cheaper, used, almost vintage E-drum from drum-tech , the ED03 model, but the cymbals don't give sound, the cymbal-pads work, but the module does apparently not give the sound...do you think i should try to get the (cheaper) module repaired somehow or should i look for another (maybe better) module that works with the same pads...and which one would you advice me than ?? (knowing I'm a very poor guy) ...

[@RonBailey-h9o]

I recently bought a used set of Alesis drums. It is in very good shape except for the frame clamps which all seem to have a crack in them. I cannot find anyone that sells replacement parts. Do you know of someone that may carry these parts or perhaps have a solution to repair these clamps somehow? I appreciate any help you could offer.

[@jameshepworth9392]

Hey Justin has the TD-50 k gone down in price? Ive found it new for £4000 (around $5000) just curious.

[@lucasalvesthedrummer]

Hi I have a alesis strike pro , today ride started playing really fast notes by it self . I changed caules and everything seems that my triggers are broken. Do you know what else could.be ? Thanks

[@christianalander9487]

Not sure if this was covered, since I can't see the comments, but here goes: I recently bought a Pyle 8-piece set from Amazon - the one that costs $269. Just yesterday, after having it for just 2 weeks, one of the rack toms came loose and it now just dangles. I tried to tighten it back up with the tightening screw, but it won't tighten anymore. I'm guessing that the screw somehow got stripped, but I can't tell by looking at it or see what's really going on up inside where the drum is supposed to tighten to the rack. Is there an easy fix to this, so I don't have to ship the whole thing back? I was thinking of stuffing something in between the drum and rack like a piece of fabric or something. Help!

[@taylorsnyder3329]

What if my kickdrum pad registers only hard strikes. The piezo needs to be replaced?

[@richardsandford1607]

I have a PD-120 using as a snare, sometimes rim shots don’t work. I checked the connections inside and they all seem good... doesn’t seem which kit I pick. I’m using a TD-6V module. Any suggestions?

[@Chosen1Drums]

My CY-13R cymbal is triggering both the edge and bow when I strike the edge. Any idea what that could be? I saw the whole video but you didn't talk about double triggering.

[@scottharris7222]

Replacement Cones? Do any of you know a source in North America for replacement trigger cones for Roland drums? I have a few that are losing sensitivity. I can source them out of Europe but shipping is too expensive.

[@brianmendelsohn2789]

You're the best bro! Thanks for all your hard work! Love your channel.

[@65Drums]

Thanks Brian!

[@randalscandal1588]

Any idea on the best Roland replacement foam cones? I have a TD 20sx kit with a Mimic pro module and the cones are starting to go

[@willard398]

What makes the center dial on the module to stop working? I’ve seen a lot of people have this issue and claim Alesis says it not their issue

[@AngelosAntonopoulos]

You just saved me a lot of money, my friend.

[@65Drums]

that's great to hear!

[@richardalsip537]

Justin, pardon me if you already covered this, but, I have a Carlsbro CSD500 kit, works great except the snare makes a crackling sound , sometimes even if I’m not hitting it. I’ve had the head off and I couldn’t see any loose wires from the sensor, what do you think it could be? Rich

[@Grit489]

Learned a lot, excellent video.

[@robnykulaik7337]

My TD -17 kick pad is not working!! How can I take it apart to fix it?? I can't get into it!!??

[@D.rinenji]

I have some problemas. Headphone is not working on both Aires, the pedal is not registering all the inputs and it feels its the cables. But Im afraid to buy a all cable set. Its a td9. I vê bought need headset and is not that lol

[@sbk1398]

Hi Justin, my CY-15R tirggers a bell sound sometimes when I crash hard on the edge. Is there a way to fix this?

[@maziu27]

ive repaired today my triggera d11 cymbal, the black wire was badly soldered and the piezo was detached

[@francoistraversy4604]

Hi! my name is François l’ve got the Alesis command mesh kit.My first problem was the kickdrum he was going On and Off,so l’ve send for the warranty but l’ve been waiting for 2months and nothing yet ,so I ‘ve decided to buy a new one ,l ‘ve tried and l have the same problem.My brand new kick drum goes On and Off again. somebody has a solution for me please? Sorry for my English. Thanks very much😎

[@tomyg2766]

Excellent video, one of your best.

[@JoshCameron]

Great video Justin!

[@65Drums]

Thanks Josh!

[@rodrigobeltrame3212]

This is gold, thank you so much.

[@Toofastfourluv]

The identifying words on the cord to perspective pad have worn off on my Simmons CPS 5

[@WDMcClusky]

is there any way to use an iPad or iPhone as a drum module?

[@neodrumz]

Very informative video! I have an old Yamaha DTxpress drumkit... it was working fine until lately there seems to be a buzzing sound when I hit each pad and sometimes the sound just cuts off... I'm guessing that it is a grounding issue within the module. Can you recommend any solutions or fixes for it?

[@najeebs9444]

I have carlsbro CSD600 Mesh, i have a little issue with the hihat is that when I'm playing some hihat hits can't be heard, this is only when performing and mostly in open position, but when I play hihat alone it goes smoothly, dose any one knows the solution

[@DAPwny]

Hey Justin my bass drum is sometimes missing a beat cable is good , always happens when i hit the crash cymbal and bass at the same time bass will cut out WHY it driving me crazy

[@65Drums]

Your cross talk setting is probably set too high. This setting is there to avoid the problem of you hitting one drum, and the vibration tricking the module into thinking another one on the same rack triggered too. So I would try to experiment with that setting to see if it might be the cause.

[@wendelllima768]

Hi Justin i am going crazy. My ride cymbal has stopped to its bell sound I think there's a problem with cables. I haven't dissembled it yet. What should i do? 😢😢😢😢😢😢😢

[@wendelllima768]

Its a Cy -13( Roland)

[@jakemontroy4079]

what do you recommend doing if the input jack on the module has gone bad?

[@MrJOSEPHMAMA]

Has Alesis solved the problem of broken sensor wires in their pads?

[@fuckthefuture69]

Real snare with roland trigger (remo silentstroke) or roland pd 125 snare pad? What is better o Feel more Real?

[@ShetlandTec]

Hi! I have an issue with my remote CY5 hi hat, it emmits a second softer sound like and echo of the original triggering, it happends mostly when im playing shuffle-like patterns between the edge and the bow...any ideas?

[@VideoSurferGuy]

Great job on your videos, you helped me decide on a budget set and to know that wear is important.

[@13lake]

Anybody got ideas for turning an acoustic trap set into an ekit, just for temporary? As in a couple e cymbals and hi hat, and a bass, snare, tom mesh with some triggers and software. I have a pearl kit, a tama kit, and one of those shell-less "Traps Drums" kits to work with.

[@alexfriedrich542]

HI Justin. I just bought a Strike Pro SE. I'm coming from previous Roland kits (TD-8 and TD-25), these edge switches on the stock Alesis cymbals are not firing consistently at all. I've talked to a couple other guys with same issues. Turns out the edge rubber is too thick over the switch. Any ideas besides replacing them all with Roland or ATV? Thanks!

[@MebanshanborMarbaniang]

Hi Justin, would it be still worth it to buy a 1 year old used TD-11 KV for about 700 dollars? In India, a new one (out of stock now) was retailing at around 1650 dollars. And a new TD-17KV currently retails at 1735 dollars. I need it mainly for practice and to trigger VST for recording.

[@Xavii1986]

I just bought an Iron Cobra double bass version power glide with the small round beaters. Can anyone confirm if it's safe to use this on my TD27kv drum? The KD-10 roland kick to be precise. I'm scared that these small beaters are going to dmg my kick drum?

[@jakemontroy4079]

what do you recommend doing if the input jack on the module has gone bad

[@mikestein1024]

Usually needs to be re soldiered the cables moving have broken a soilder joint on my td-10

[@lukevanginkel7380]

I want to upgrade my friends hi hat for his alesis dm7x for his birthday. He wants a more real feel to it. Any suggestions