Well... here's what I have read.

There are a myriad of things that impact the sound of the bass drum... that said... most agree the beater should strike somewhere near the middle of the drum but rarely does it work out that the drum is struck right in the center.

Storing the drum really depends on how long you are going to store it... long term storage loosen everything... wires will stretch over time.

Putting stick to cymbal is all about how you want it to sound... there is no right or wrong on that one. Hit it so it sounds like what you want (or need) it to.

The angle of the bottow hat is adjusted with that little screw... that's about much of a little "chaaaaaaa" you want before the closing whack. The more level the more crisp the close and vise-versa. Again... no right or wrong, just what sound you like or need.

:2Cents:

Thanks Jim!

moonweasel - Get ye to a drum coach for a few lessons. A good drum coach will teach you proper technique and basic drumming patterns (Rudiments). After that, you can pretty much progress on your own. You're already an experienced musician and you know what sounds good and where. Just a matter of steady, determined practice. Because of your musical experience you'll progress at a much faster rate (get good, fast,) than someone walking in the door for the first time. Lean on us and your drummer buddies to help you along the way.

Drums are addicting. Those calluses on the tips of your fingers may start to soften up and heal from lack of playing guitar after you get the drum-bug.

Welcome aboard!

Here are some helpful links:

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ga8Q12mKYxI[/ame]

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qxm3QunDjUs[/ame]

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QcSnXWBTtU[/ame]

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LN8UWHvoELs[/ame]

Practice, practice, practice!

John

John,

Thanks for tips and the links!

Hehe, I'm not so sure my fingers are going to go soft just yet. :) Actually, I have been playing guitar through an amp which you can record loops on, and then running back to the kit to play along. :)

I actually have a fair amount of experience with basic beats. I think where I could use a lot of improvement is transitioning in and out of fills to return to a beat.

Another thing throwing just a little curve, the two drummers I spent the most time playing guitar with (and thus playing their drums when I could)... well, one was a left, and one a righty. haha. Lately I have been playing drums in my car (you know , steering well , free foot) and it is easier to do that left "handed" so you use your non-gas pedal foot for "bass". Just having to unlearn a few bad habits.

LOVING this kit though. Does not take up an entire room.

> I actually have a fair amount of experience with basic beats. I think where I could use a lot of improvement is transitioning in and out of fills to return to a beat.

Which is why I recommend learning the fundamental drumming rudiments. You'd be surprised how many fills and licks are based on simple rudiments. Practicing the rudiments will give you good stick control which is what you need to transition out of fills back to the basic groove.

Start with these: (Especially starting out; practice with a metronome!)

1. single-stroke rolls - RLRLRLRL

2. double-stroke rolls - RRLLRRLL

3. paradiddles - RLRR LRLL RLRR LRLL - accent the first beat of each set

4. triplets - RLR LRL RLR LRL - count in 3's (Waltz timing) and accent all 1's

5. 6 stroke roll - RLLRRL RLLRRL - accent the first and last beat of each group and string them together.

Here's just one example of how the rudiments can be used. The example is the 6 stroke roll:

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcnN3XJRDqI[/ame]

Learn these five basic rudiments and you'll have plenty to draw on for fills and for grooves. Master paradiddles! You can practically build a drumming career on them! lol

From the paradiddle Master himself:

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wl4DKmbfDyk[/ame]

Learn to work the sticks. It's -all- about controlling the lumber in your hands.

You'll have big fun learning on a great kit like that one. Enjoy...

John