Julia,

If all you're going to use the E-drums for is practicing, you don't need to buy an expensive, high-performance quality set. I have an inexpensive Alesis set ($500) that I use just for practicing with headphones. Most important, it has tensionable heads that can be tightened to replicate the feel of a real head (as opposed to those rubber pads available on really cheap E-drums). Don't trade one of your vintage sets for a high-end set of E-drums; they're no substitute for vintage, acoustic drums.

My :2Cents:

Mike

Julia,

I've had the same kit Mike is talking about in the For Sale section for awhile now. PM me if you're interested.

http://www.vintagedrumforum.com/showthread.php?t=45122&highlight=apartment+dweller

John

John,

Yes, that's basically the same set I use except I have the old DM5 drum module...

[Attachment: 73483]

The DM5 has about ten pre-set kits with the ability to pre-program your own customized kits (I tuned in a Bonham-sounding set!).

Of course it has its limitations (response, sensitivity, dynamics, tonality), but it's really all you need if you're just practicing. I would never think of performing with it.

Mike

Check CL in your area. Usually someone has a "barely used" setup for sale. Mesh heads quieter as mentioned. Rubber pads can work, I've had both. Some of the sets have softer pads than the hard rubber style. It will still make some noise, mostly plastic cymbal pads and bd. If she sleeps in the room below, you will transmit through the floor with pedals.

I used a Simmons SD5 in a vacation condo for a year and enjoyed being able to practice without issues.

Roland TD3, TD 6 or Simmons SD7or 5 can work in a pinch if budget is tight. Should be able to find something for $500 or so. Don't trade anything more than low price set. CL most bang for the buck over a dealer.

I agree with him..

Got myself a Roland TD11k kit...

However only one mesh head and 3 pads... Awhhhh.

Today I'm picking up 2 mesh heads to upgrade my kit..

I use an app called songza ....and hook my ipad to the kit and play all my fav songs..

Also link to utube to play all the new set lists were gonna play that nite and practice..

I picked this up for $550 ...

It came with the lookalike Hihat..2chokable Cyms...

It is a great kit that can be expanded for yrs to come...

Without spending the $1000+ range..

I agreed...CL ...not music store...(half price)..

All the best with this great idea...

*it really does take while to adjust to an ekit...

But it's great for easy outdoor gigs...light to carry and no time is needed to mic all the drums and do a complete sound check..!

People always ask me how they compare to acoustic drums. I usually answer that I try not to compare them as they are 2 different beasts.. Mesh snare is kind of a must for me. I hook mine up to third-party software drum emulators like Addictive Drums via MIDI and have a blast laying down tracks at home. Once you master this the sound/kit choices are endless and you can do this with an affordable e-kit. I sold off my Roland TD9-KX 2 years ago and I was itching to have another kit so this time I picked up a used Yamaha DTX 500 for $275 and added a $100 Pintech snare w/ mesh head. I already had a small MIDI interface to hook it up to a computer but you can pick that up pretty cheaply. I'm quite happy with this set-up for late night practicing. After seeing the scores you have proudly brought home you are already very good at scouring Craigslist :D and this wouldn't break the bank

I picked up a Roland TD3 on Clist a few years ago for $400....I use it all the time to practice new tunes for the band, cant beat it, I can play at night and no one hears me.....only way to go

Well, right after I posted, I had an accident sliding into a base in softball and sprained my left ankle. I can't go up and down stairs (where my drums are) for a couple of weeks :(

The good news is that I took everyone's advice and looked on Craigslist and found a Alesis DM6 set that was in really nice shape. I got it for $200 and I can set it up in my room! Now, I just need my ankle to get better by marching band season, which starts in a couple of weeks.

Thanks, everyone!

Julia - even after the ankle starts to feel good, wear support/compression socks for a couple of weeks even if the ankle feels real good. It's so easy to reinjure the joint after a bad sprain. You'll be in good shape for marching band in two weeks. Rest it until it's better!

Congrats on the new e-kit!

John