Need some advice

[UPSdriver]

I am really torn on what to do here. I can get a Roland TD6SXT kit for 1650.00$, ready to fo out of the box. Or, I can convert my Gretsch maple kit. I am pretty good with my hands building things. Does the DIY avenue give the same kind of quality as the manafactured kits? The only thing that concerns me is my ability to convert my cymbals so they would have choke capabilty and have a dual zone ride, and be quiet to boot(looking for stealth here). I feel it would be more rewarding to do the DIY conversion. It DOES seem like there are some knowledgable people on here that could guide me. My goal is if I do a DIY, I want it to be as good as the Retail sets in funtionality. Thanks for the input.

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[cmedrejle]

If you really want to go quiet, go for edrums with mesh heads.
I have an assortment of electronic drum gear: Roland TD-12 module, Hart Dynamics Acupads, Hart Pro Toms, Hart Pro Snare, Hart Pro Kick, a couple of Hart Hammers (one I use for my hi-hat), a couple of the Hart Multi pads, Roland FD 8 hi-hat controller, Roland KD 8 Kick (which oddly enough, I prefer over the Hart Pro Kick), a couple of the older Roland PD 9’s, Roland CY 5 that I use for a crash.
I started my collection with ebay purchases: the Hart Acupads and the Roland PD 9’s.
I converted a couple of old toms using Hart conversion packs: a drop in foam insert w/ sensor. But I don’t use them…
I highly recommend the TD-12 module. For the rest of your gear, be patient, and search ebay for what you want. You can find the Hart Acupads selling between $40 to $80, PD-9’s around $35. I haven’t been too impressed with the e-cymbal sounds, although I do use the hi-hat and a couple of crash cymbals through the module.
I am a weekend musician and the past 2 ½ years we (a trio) play in restaurants and other “quiet” settings. The mesh heads are almost silent and the tonal range and volume is controllable with the TD-12. For cymbals, it depends on the situation. I use a very dry dark K-Zildjian or a flat ride, a 12-inch very thin crash, and play most the time with Pro-Mark Lightning Rods.
I know this doesn’t really answer your question, but for “stealth playing… I’d go with the Hart Acupads with mesh heads. The Hart Pro Toms are great, but you get nearly the same sound from the Acupads.
http://www.rmcaudio.com/menu/drum-frame.htm
These guys have been really great to deal with.

cmedrejle
WinXP-Home, P4, 3.4 GHz, 3.0 GB RAM, Cubase4, Sibeleius4, Roland TD-12, various drums

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