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56BelAir
01-19-2009, 12:47 AM
Hello everyone. I am hoping to get some direction from this group in my persuit for electronic drumming. Currently I have a Ludwig Rockers, Yamaha Maple Absolute and a DP Series. I also have an Alesis DM5 with some PD-7 pads and and SPD-S.

I used a DDrum trigger for my first time live on Thursday with my DM5 and my band was impressed. I didn't need a mic on the kick for the venue. For a PA I am using a Peavy keyboard combo amp, I think the woofer might be a 12" or 15". The amp is mid-size guitar amp, too big to lug around. I am considering using triggers more frequently and possiby electric drums.

As I persue this avenue I'm searching for a lighter amp that can handle full range drum sounds, perhaps a Roland KC-150. I might even upgrade my drum module to get a better library. I'd like to take advantage of my dual zone PD-7pads but the DM-5 won't accomodate that.

All in all, I have read several articles on DIY electronic drums using wood shells, roto-tom's with Piezo's mesh heads. Looking at my DDrum trigger, it doesn't look like there is much to the trigger except for the fancy red mount.

I am not looking for direction too much on what brain module to go with. I'm interested in the DIY info on building wood or roto-type drum's with mesh heads. I don't want to get into cutting shell's in half either.

I would appreciate any links, or direction anyone might have

Paul
Parker, CO

OverLord
01-19-2009, 09:08 AM
Welcome. The other crazy guys around here are more into DIY than I am, so I will let them chime in.

Let me recommend, however, a good powered PS speaker with a 15" and a horn usually works better and is lighter than keyboard amps. If you search here and over at vdrums.com you will find tons of discussions about that.

fignewton
01-19-2009, 10:29 AM
Not much into DIY either. I had a bad incident with a soldering iron and as a result i cannot have kids!!

I am with Overlord, the DIYers will chime in.
I just wanted to welcome you aboard!!

TAKnipe
01-19-2009, 10:59 AM
Welcome Paul, I am really into building drums and any help you need just ask, I can help on almost anything from cutting shells to drum finishes.

I like the idea of combining acoustics with triggers and blending sounds. I am sure we will learn alot from you in that direction. Again welcome to EDF. Tom

56BelAir
01-19-2009, 10:19 PM
WTF fignewton??? That is a little more than I need to know;)

56BelAir
01-19-2009, 10:23 PM
TAKnipe thanks for the response. I have to start with roto's because I havn't found any e-shells locally. Good way to experiment too. What Piezo would you recommend? What type of wire (gauge, rating etc) should I use? I know i need to terminate a 1/4" jack at one end to plug into my Alesis.

OverLord
01-20-2009, 09:47 AM
I use 27" and 35" piezos and 22 gauge wire. You are only dealing with a couple of volts of impulse (not audio) so small, unshielded wiring is perfectly fine.

dschrammie
01-20-2009, 11:18 AM
Render...27" or 35"?! what size drums are you making?!?! :D :D
I'm guessing he probably meant 27mm or 35mm ;)

BelAir, where do you typically play out? What type of music? Maybe I'll come check it out if my wife ever let me go see a band again.

The DIY stuff doesn't seem too hard actually. Tom (TAKnipe) and Ron (Axe_Grinder) are a wealth of information. Browse through the DIY section, you'll find TONS of information in there.

56BelAir
01-20-2009, 11:41 AM
We play at small venue's. Bender's, Paramount Cafe, De-railler bar,

ghostman
01-20-2009, 02:04 PM
I saw Joe Satriani at the Paramount years ago.. I don't even want to say how long ago.. That was a great venue. I grew up in Boulder, so I know the area pretty well. My mom lives in Parker, too.. I don't get back to Colorado too often anymore.. Good to have you on the board..

And, yeah, TMI from Fig!

Racer52
01-20-2009, 11:51 PM
Render...27" or 35"?! what size drums are you making?!?! :D :D
I'm guessing he probably meant 27mm or 35mm .....

Ahwww Don't pick on Render (Overlord)- he said he was not much into DIY....now you know why. Actually I took a look at Renders videos.. I think he does use 35 inch Piezos.. Wow! what a set up Michael! I called my wife in to watch you play.

Oh.. the thread... Welcome aboard 56 BelAir. can't wait to see what you come up with. in the mean time, check out my albums and see if this gives you any ideas... or questions. I have made a photo trail of some of the DIY I have worked on. mesh heads, jack wiring, a mini drum set conversion etc..

http://edrumforum.com/album.php?u=425

OverLord
01-21-2009, 10:30 AM
Render...27" or 35"?! what size drums are you making?!?! :D :D
I'm guessing he probably meant 27mm or 35mm ;)
No, I meant inches. I like them really big to eliminate hotspots. And the big ones produces a massive 100 volt spike. My TD-20 does smoke after awhile, but it is worth it!
(OK, I meant mm)

ghostman
01-21-2009, 01:40 PM
I use 8" piezos in my pads. I used epoxy to attach my piezo to an 8" piece of aluminum in my pads.. so.. 8" piezo. super piezo!