Yamaha DD75 Drum Kit + KP65 Kick Tower: Worth it?

[@MrKenan1967]

After being away from the drum kit for about 30 years, the pandemic happened and I found myself with time to get back to them. I decided on the dd-75 cause I couldn’t beat the bang-for-the-buck value, even over other electronic kits; the portability; and the self-contained amp and speakers (even if they are pretty lame). I don’t regret. Yeah, the “button” pedals aren’t the best, but they’re usable. I got around the pedals’ triggering issues by putting a layer of styrofoam under them, which took care of double triggering, and taped them to the floor to keep them from walking away. My biggest challenge has been with how small the pads are and how insensitive they are if not hit dead center. But it’s guess it’s good accuracy training for when you move to a bigger/real kit.

[@michaelwomackmusic]

Very cool! Glad to hear you're playing again.

[@SuperheroJunior]

​@@michaelwomackmusic I have a question. Do you still have the Yamaha DD75 drumset??

[@groov2581]

i noticed also a problem when play flams on snare.. have you experienced that too?

[@MrKenan1967]

I haven't had any problems with that @@groov2581

[@GoddessInTraining444]

I just turned 40 and decided I want to learn. However, I neighbors and no space. I think this will be a great starter kit.

[@Mackie-t9y]

I just turned 60 and I want to learn too.

[@kennyritchiebarus6974]

Thanks for the video. I just bought this and will be using it to start learning drums. Can't wait to see your new video using this drum kit. Thank you very much!

[@michaelwomackmusic]

@@kennyritchiebarus6974 thanks for watching and have fun!

[@sabadrum]

Nicely done! Thank you for posting and letting us hear your groove!

[@VostoxVI]

This is such a cool video. I have been looking at the Yamaha DD-75 for a while now and after seeing this, I think I have decided to get it soon. I will also be picking up the kick pad, a hi-hat pedal and the rest of the accessories I need. I am primarily a bass player but lately, I have started to move onto guitar and keys for recording purposes. After having seen the DD-75 while looking up electronic drums and drum machines, I began to look more and more into it and I feel that for the money and features, the DD-75 is just what I'm looking for. My room is pretty much my studio and low on space. The DD-75 is a great solution for me as I can hook it up to my PC and play via MIDI using EZDrummer 3 (which I am currently triggering with my Yamaha DX7S). Thanks for making this video! You have really help me make up my mind on this unit. I can't wait to get it...

[@christianphilipmosley2727]

literally exact same situation bro best of luck , drop your thoughts of it in this thread if you have time

[@HKCanary]

Thanks Michael, very useful - am looking for confirmation that this DD75 is what I need to scratch my drum itch.

[@michaelwomackmusic]

It should do the trick!

[@HKCanary]

@@michaelwomackmusic got to start somewhere! 🤣

[@JJAnselmi]

Thanks dude! I'm looking for a quiet way to practice at home after my kids are asleep, and I need the setup and breakdown to be easy. Going to try this combo!

[@alboletonoify]

Great video that decides me to purchase DD75 drum kit! And you were right about the kick pedal that is really not usable. I owned a DD50 before and the two pedals were not accurate but still playable. In fact, the kick pedal on the DD75 is not a simple switch (like with the DD50), it "tries" to have some sensitivity. In order to fix this, I bought a yamaha HU100 kick pedal and that's perfect for me.

[@valley_robot]

In one of my very first bands in the 80s we had the old version of this ,we liked it ,we put through a guitar amp and effects ,we sounded like joy division ,or so we thought

[@mbardos]

Bought one, with HH65 and KU100 pedals, total beginner. It is still loud, when hitting it and you'll need a midi to usb adapter cable to connect it to a pc.

[@nEo7ization]

I've found the video very useful as I've just bought the DD-75. I'll now buy the kick as well as I want to develop my skills to play on an acoustic drum set

[@partypao]

You are a drum artist my friend. Very inspiring beats!

[@michaelwomackmusic]

@@partypao 🙏I appreciate it. Thanks for watching!

[@matthewkitchens5796]

Well done . I have the older model pads. And I happened to order the tower for my nitro . Now I am double excited to get my new pedal . Have a good one

[@toddshook1765]

Thanks for your input. I started learning drums Aug 2022 and have a Gretsch kit and practice pad. I drive truck and am home most daily but I do travel to train new drivers and would like have something while in hotels. Reviews seem to be consistent. Thanks

[@adriancalumnag4899]

Thank you for the information. Really helped me a lot to understand the product. God bless.

[@deathstrike]

As a Yamaha Keyboard User (PSS 660) I can attest to the sound quality as Yamaha produces some of the best equipment out there, bar none. However, one caveat on the drum set as well. The MIDI interface is the "old school" circular patch cables and circular I/O (input output). With that being said, Yamaha MIDI can be a biiit wonky sometimes. So if you are a MIDI user, make sure you get good quality cables to interface with your computer and drum set. I wished Yamaha had started using USB when PC's became more popular instead of the old "circles on the back". Also, if you want to add timber richness and more emphasis, you WILL need an interface box and suitable software. This is due to the limitations of the drums, not personal skill. Also, you need to have an even stroke when striking the pads. A softer strike will not resonate as fully and sounds flat on "digital drums". Once you become proficient, if you want an outstanding electronic drum set ,I suggest the new Roland line. The KX series, or something like that. I have an old Roland Analog Synthesizer and Roland is equal in legend to Yamaha. Great video on the Yamaha kit!!!

[@dd007x]

I discovered the DD75 when looking at a dtxm12 it's a cheaper option and one I will probably go for. I recently sold my 6 pce 2 toms 2 floors dtxpress III kit. I wished I kept it now!

[@224chingon]

Question do you have it hooked up to a separate speaker because it sounds awesome nice bass. Thanks in advance. If so what speaker or speakers

[@NETONE247]

Thank you brother. Excellent review.

[@davidlow7217]

I have one those, it's ok , great for backyard jams, Drum on brother

[@atoshdovvo7035]

Hi Mike, I have this DD75 and have been feeling the same about the difficulties to get real feeling about the kick with the stock pedal eventhough I am using KU100 kick pedal. I indeed, have a plan to get this KP65 and found this video that convinced me this is the right thing to do, thanks! However, I also have a thought that we can use separate electric hi hat to make it even better while keeping this drum in a compact form. I think we just need to make a parallel connection of the red & black wires underneath the DD75 hihat pad to a female 3.5" phone jack so it serves as a input for external hihat like Yamaha RHH135. Since the RHH135 has two ports, ie., hihat and hihat controller, I think hihat would go that new female jack, and the controller goes to the original hihat controller on the back of DD75. Do you think we can do this? or have you ever known someone who made modifications in this direction?

[@michaelwomackmusic]

@@atoshdovvo7035 I haven’t done this, but I expect it should be possible.

[@atoshdovvo7035]

I'll let u know after I give it a try

[@berkayrahmikayaoglu3655]

Hello, i have beginner knowledge about drums, and i wanted to know that if I start to learn drum in apartment studio with headphone connected to dd75, will sound be a problem for neighbours ?

[@michaelwomackmusic]

It shouldn't be a problem for neighbors.

[@radima263]

How do you do sidestick, or if you want to cover let's say Phil Collins in the Air tonight or something from Dream Theater without sacrificing some pads to edit the sound? Would you blend it with another external drumpad, from different source.. Or maybe even some acoustic expansions?

[@eonstar]

As someone who doesn't have space for a full sized kit but is a higher level drummer, what would you recommend?

[@michaelwomackmusic]

I'm personally fine with this type of kit. I feel like most full sized electronic kits won't be worth the space (if you dont have much space) or price (unless you have money to pay for a high end one). But I prefer acoustic kits anyway. If you go for this type of table top kit I would definitely get the kick tower.

[@janettehill8544]

I'm wondering whether the power switch is durable enough. I had a DD50 for a number of years and I lent it out to a friend . When I got it back, it was in storage for a while. When I recently got it out, I found there was an apparent problem with slide type power switch. I have no reason to believe that my friend abused it, though I'm am surprised that he didn't say anything about the power switch. Is the power switch on the DD75 a push on and off type switch? It looks like it might be and I think that type of switch would be more durable.

[@michaelwomackmusic]

The DD75 has a rubber button for power on/off. It seems durable and I haven't had any issues so far.

[@janettehill8544]

Is it push on, push off, or a slide?@@michaelwomackmusic

[@PBromide]

@@janettehill8544it is a rubber button you push in on. No slide.

[@97warlock]

Pedal Hihat? is that what was plugged into the dd75?

[@michaelwomackmusic]

In this video I'm using the included button pedal for the hit hat.

[@97warlock]

oh ok. @@michaelwomackmusic

[@a.philip3923]

Thanks for the video. Is it worth buying a used one?

[@michaelwomackmusic]

If it's in good condition for a reasonable price, then sure!

[@meryluranga3341]

Great, informative video!

[@Fruzzio1]

Do you think i could use Alesis Dm6 Hi-hat and drum kick pedals?

[@michaelwomackmusic]

@@Fruzzio1 if it connects via 1/4 inch input, I’d expect it to work, but I can’t say for sure.

[@viivaass]

Would the kick tower work as a double pedal?

[@michaelwomackmusic]

It should work with a double kick pedal.

[@RocketmanRockyMatrix]

As for the pedals, what do you recommend to use and easy for novices?

[@michaelwomackmusic]

I think it's fine to use the button pedals it comes with, especially if you're just starting out. If you plan to get serious with your playing but can't get a real drum set, I'd get the separate kick tower so that you can you use an actual kick drum pedal. You can get a kick drum pedal at any music retailer starting around $60.

[@RocketmanRockyMatrix]

@@michaelwomackmusic and for the snare stand, do you recommend this?

[@michaelwomackmusic]

Yes, I would definitely get a snare stand.

[@jeremiahciudaj801]

So.... are there 1 or 2 input jacks?.. the quarter inch plug ins for connecting to a recording device...?

[@michaelwomackmusic]

There's 1 quarter inch jack that can capture the output for recording. There's also a MIDI port that can be used to capture the output for recording.

[@jeremiahciudaj801]

Perfect. Thanks.

[@hiendoanIT]

May I ask if anyone here has experienced audio quality issues when connecting to external speakers with the Yamaha DD75? When I use high-power speakers, the sound becomes distorted, but with medium or low-power speakers, the sound is full and clear.

[@zhenazharie1582]

Hello, thanks for the great video! I have curious question coming in my mind. Is it possible to add external Hi-Hat Yamaha into the DD75? Thanks

[@michaelwomackmusic]

Yes, you can definitely use an external hi hat with the DD75!

[@rudygomez6996]

What would you say is a step up from this? I need something portable to practice at someone else’s house every week without having to lug a whole drum set around?? Thank you

[@charruaporelmundo]

It does come with Pedals?

[@michaelwomackmusic]

Yes, it includes the basic button pedals. The real kick drum pedal and the kick tower are sold separately.

[@acutemadness]

i found this very useful since the buttons were suspicious to me but i wonder if using a y cable and a kick tower to trigger the primary bass drum sound would be good for double pedal players

[@rjp1088]

Hi. Nice vid. I have a Roland kick pedal tower from my TK kit. I’m looking to go a bit more portable due to limited space so I was looking at these pads. Would my Roland kick tower be compatible considering the pads are Yamaha? Thanks.

[@michaelwomackmusic]

I haven't tried, but I would expect it to be compatible since the pedal connects via a quarter inch input cable.

[@mattreilley6957]

Proubly stupid question could you use a double bass pedal with this?

[@michaelwomackmusic]

@@mattreilley6957 I havent tried, but I'm pretty sure it will fit on this kick tower!

[@nikkaestabaya4189]

Is the kp65 tower compatible with alesis drum pad as well?

[@johndef5075]

I have a dd65. The only thing I dont like is the position of the ride and crash cymbals on the right side. I wish they were switched. I prefer having both crashes in the upper corners. Ive done that on my custom kits but all the preset kits are the other way. I even tried opening and switching the wiring but the wire was too short to switch pads.

[@jjptech]

Hello, I was hoping you could help me with a doubt I have with this kit. I had the DD65 and for some reason the Hihat pedal was not transmitting midi cc, do you know if the hihat pedal the DD75 transmits midi signal when pressed/depressed?

[@cornlourd]

Looking to get my Drum Kit soon. Can you map this with some of the Native Instruments Drum Kits?

[@sandradosscomedy]

Hi! Thanks for reviewing this product! I have a question. Does it have the capability for playing along with music and then posting it on instagram or TikTok? (I am a total beginner and not tech savvy at all) TIA!!!

[@michaelwomackmusic]

Hi Sandra, it really depends on how high quality you want it to be. This kit has an aux input where you could play along with music from an external source (phone, ipod, whatever). You could then directly record from your phone and upload to whatever platform you want. If you want higher quality audio, you'll typically record audio separately using an audio interface into software like Logic, Garageband, or ProTools and use that audio in your video. I do this for all of my videos.

[@roby_drum]

Of course you can. You can also check on my KZbin channel. I posted my entire gigs there.

[@federicotarquinimusica]

Great video. Thanks. I own a Yamaha Dd50. I want to use that separate kick drum but the Jack is stereo (Trs) no mono like the "button" pedal included. Any recommendation? Thanks!

[@yxp101]

Hello. Can u individually change the volume of each pad? Thanks in advance

[@michaelwomackmusic]

I don't believe so, but you can adjust the sensitivity of each pad to respond better to the dynamics of your playing.

[@yxp101]

@@michaelwomackmusic thank you thank you! Keep rockin'!

[@chenggwapo8]

Hi. Able to share what application you used to record? Thanks

[@michaelwomackmusic]

Hey Cheng, I'm using Logic Pro X.

[@chenggwapo8]

@@michaelwomackmusic I see.. Ok. I will try it. Thank you very much.😊

[@OmarMimo]

is the kick tower silent? i've found the one with the alesis nitro max pretty noisy and i want one more quiet

[@michaelwomackmusic]

The kick tower is not silent. It will be easy for others to hear.

[@victormatamalapetruzzi7855]

Hello I need help replacing the kick and hihat pads on my DD65. I bought some alternative pedals from aliexpress, but the kick drum pedal doesn't work. I also tried some ALESIS pedals from a friend's electronic drums and I couldn't get my dd65's bass drum to sound either. I've been looking at the yamaha ku100 pedal as a replacement, but it looks the same as the alesis and i would have to import it. and it occurs to me that perhaps the cable I need needs to be reversed polarity, use a different plug or something like that. Could someone give me some help.

[@moggpiano8043]

Thanks. That's really helpful. I am waiting for my DD75 to arrive. I intend to get a Yamaha KU100 pedal. Does the kick function on the DD75 have touch sensitivity? Thanks in advance.

[@michaelwomackmusic]

Based on the manual, you should be able to modify kick sensitivity!

[@moggpiano8043]

@@michaelwomackmusic 👍

[@sticks2478]

Been playing my whole life. I'm thinking of getting one to just leave in the car. So many times I'm at something and someone pulls out a guitar. I imagine this would be more fun than playing on chairs or tables 😂

[@michaelwomackmusic]

This would be great for that!

[@TheIrfanxz44]

I want this but I don’t know how to play

[@michaelwomackmusic]

You get the instrument and then learn!

[@karlthomas8031]

So, unless I've missed it, or haven't gotten there yet, can this be connected by USB to a laptop? Like, for example, my M-Audio or AKAI? And then used through Ableton?

[@joaoluis654]

It seems to need an audio interface - 01:16

[@irviacolon9126]

Hi.. my grandson doesn’t know nothing about drums but he will like to learn, you think is a good investment for beginners?

[@michaelwomackmusic]

Yeah, I think this will be a good starting point for beginners!

[@pjdm5642]

Do double pedals work on that kick tower?

[@michaelwomackmusic]

Hey Ronald, yes a double pedal should work on that kick tower.

[@pjdm5642]

@@michaelwomackmusic thanks!

[@hi_rebecca]

Super helpful, thanks! 🥁

[@marloumadrio8305]

What drum stand are you using?

[@michaelwomackmusic]

I am using an inexpensive Gabraltar snare stand.

[@marloumadrio8305]

@@michaelwomackmusic any link you can share or perhaps the model number? I’m very much interested

[@michaelwomackmusic]

@@marloumadrio8305 sure! www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/4706--gibraltar-4706-4000-lightweight-snare-drum-stand

[@isaaministries3099]

My friend, I have a Dd75 and bought a KP65, because your great idea, but how you connected it. It's not working for me. Thanks.

[@jerbear9651]

Nice demo and great vid for Me, Myself, and I. Few questions for you. Do you find that contact hitting to be load? The few demos I have seen it sounds like the sticks are hitting solid plastic. If so, have you tried putting a thin layer of rubber over the drum pads to quite it down and does it work?

[@saschaschwarztv]

Can you play drum rolls on this device or will it deliver a "machine gun effect"?

[@michaelwomackmusic]

Buzz rolls don't really work on these pads.

[@demenace1407]

Where can I buy kp65 kick?

[@michaelwomackmusic]

I got mine from Sweetwater, but I'd check online!

[@akocbibbo]

Did you fix the issue with the hi hat choking when playing really fast? I really don't want to open up the kit and adjust the foam inside as I don't want to risk wrecking my edrum

[@michaelwomackmusic]

I don't know if I've experienced that issue before.

[@YouHeavyTube]

Será compatible con doble pedal?

[@michaelwomackmusic]

Hi, I havent tried with a double pedal, but I expect that the KP65 would work with a double pedal.

[@wynebungubung667]

so useful! thanks for the vjdeo.. please do song cover

[@_Silent_killeR.]

Will u be able to teach about this machine for beginners....it will be helpful....

[@inggilcj688]

will it be read when we do ghostnote?

[@michaelwomackmusic]

If you increase the pad sensitivity, it will pick up some ghost notes.

[@AlwinPaul18]

Many thanks. Useful.

[@ryanbrown7929]

Does it have a USB port? I would like to look into buying one of these and using it with addictive drums 2 so I can get better sounding kits

[@michaelwomackmusic]

It does not have USB, only MIDI in and out.

[@ryanbrown7929]

@@michaelwomackmusic thanks. I'm not very good with electonics. I have some old band mates that want me to do drum tracks for them. I want to use Addictive Drums 2 software and record the tracks with my computer. Is there a way to do this?

[@totalmatematik]

​@@ryanbrown7929 There must be cables with one end midi and the other USB.

[@JoseSantana-pg2xu]

How you connected the pk65 to the dd75? Thanks.

[@michaelwomackmusic]

There's a 1/4 inch jack on the back of the drum unit. Very simple!

[@FireTheFaith95]

Can I hook my Alesis nitro kick and hi hat pedals into a dd75?

[@CarlNathanII]

Hi. nice video. did you use a snare stand as the DD75 stand?

[@michaelwomackmusic]

Yes, that's what I used in this video.

[@mherod51]

Can you adjust the pitch of the voices?

[@ninjabuck2576]

BAHAHAH! I know Deftones when I heard Deftones!!! Also, great review. Thank you.

[@patrickross5006]

Hi is this touch sensitive?

[@eardamagedsoundtrack2472]

Thanks 🤘

[@lbparsworld6237]

Any tutorial for beginners

[@bennipriolisijr.5653]

There is a setting for lefthanded ?’ Thanks 😊

[@michaelwomackmusic]

I don't think there's an explicit setting to go left handed, but you can reconfigure each pad manually for a left handed setup.

[@Drummer_aneh]

can this snare hit a ghost note?

[@michaelwomackmusic]

Yes, it can if you turn the sensitivity up on the pad, though it won't pick up every ghost note.

[@Drummer_aneh]

@@michaelwomackmusic thanks for the answer i want to buy this kit to see

[@kenthderekcastillo5272]

Kit assign?

[@tejaswinigeddam94]

Hi,would you recommend this for a beginner who has no background training with playing any other instrument before? Edit: also is it helpful for someone who's trying to self learn?

[@michaelwomackmusic]

Yes, I would reccomend this! I started on something similar myself.

[@WD.909]

Got this for Christmas, had no idea you could set it up with an actual bass pedals

[@michaelwomackmusic]

Yes, separate kick tower is highly recommended!

[@WD.909]

@@michaelwomackmusic Oh good because the little pedal things are garbage!!

[@WD.909]

@@michaelwomackmusic Do you know if there are additional cymbals or sounds that can be added to the kit? I have made a few custom kits on it, by going through all the available toms and cymbals and what not, but I haven’t found a ride with lots of wash. 😩

[@demetrieriley8040]

Thanks for your information appreciate it have a blessed day.. KZbin( Signs in the Sky) by Demitre Riley

[@magicsauce]

I hear around the fur

[@michaelwomackmusic]

Yep! Definitely Deftones inspired beat.

[@magicsauce]

@@michaelwomackmusic quick question, how do you address the sound muting/glitch of hi-hats when the volume is in 1-4 and not in "F"?

[@magicsauce]

@@michaelwomackmusic love deftones and tool, btw. I like your contents!

[@777kerokeropi4]

Bruh the fact that i still can't afford this😭😭 Things like 12k in my countries currency💀

[@Kevinschart]

Go easy in the shallow depth of field. Makes it hard to see ehats going on

[@trustworthydan]

Seems pretty cool, but way out of my budget.

[@michaelwomackmusic]

Yep! Drumming is not a cheap hobby. Good luck in your search.

[@mariloumagtibay7896]

Hm

[@tanyafox6277]

А

[@PhoTo-so3tw]

Would this make a good start kit for my 6 y/o son?

[@michaelwomackmusic]

@@PhoTo-so3tw Most definitely! My 2 year old likes to play on it from time to time!

[@Mo_Ketchups]

I’m 2 yrs late here, but what port does the kick tower work with? The original button kick port or Aux In? ✌️

[@michaelwomackmusic]

@@Mo_Ketchups It works with the original "kick" quarter inch input.

[@justicejericho97]

Can you program the sounds within a DAW?