When I first started lessons, I didn't immediately want to buy a set. It's only through my progress with the lessons, that I felt that I really wanted to give drumming a shot and it would be good to get a set to play and practice on at home.
Some people make do with practice pads, then get the real kit mileage when they jam in the studios with their bands. But what if you don't have a band yet? If you are really keen and dead set to take on drumming, getting a kit would be good. But then again, you are bound to ask yourself some questions. Like:
1) Will it be too loud for my house? Will it affect the neighbors? If it's too loud and my neighbors complain, I wouldn't be able to play my kit too!
2) Should I consider getting a electronic set so as to not disturb the peace in the neighborhood? But with an electronic set, will I lose the touch of playing on a real acoustic set? And the cost of an electronic set is so much higher!
3) Or should I go to a drum practice studio to do my practice? But with the hourly rates, I could save up the cost of 50 trips to the studio could jolly well afford my own kit?
So yeah, those were the questions I asked myself. In the end, like many fellow drummers here, I bought a Pearl Rhythm Traveler. I live in a 5-room HDB flat, corner unit in Jurong. I have the set for around 4 years and have been playing on it mostly in the afternoon during weekends. So far, no complains from neighbors yet. But my family members hate it when I start drumming. I also have a couple of Pro-mark practice pads for some sticking practice at night.
But my friend who has a Tama Stagestar didn't have it so well. His neighbors complained about the noise and the police had to come and intervene a couple of times. So now, he's stuck with a kit that he can't play and is currently looking to get an electronic kit.
And another friend, she also took the drum course at Yamaha with me and bought a Pearl Forum set. Unfortunately, her interest for drums was shortlived and her set is currently sitting in her room collecting dust.
Back to some stories with my kit, because I was very conscious of the noise level, I tended to drum softly, albeit, in a "timid" way. It was as if I didn't dare to make a big din. This little mentality actually has an adverse effect whereby I don't drum loud enough during jamming and gigging situations. It's only through more studio jamming and gigging that I discovered that a drummer, particularly for rock music, is the force of the band. A good drummer must be able to control his/her volume. i.e.: to be able play loud and soft when the situation requires it.
And this goes back to how important having a good teacher is. When you first start to learn about drumming, you know little about control and proper techniques to control your volume. Which is why, having a good teacher to start you on a solid foundation is very important. As it is, there are so many things to know and learn about drumming. Must really take time and proper training if you really want to be a good player.
By the way, both the Pearl Rhythm Traveler and Tama Stagestar come with mesh heads. Which means you can still play on the kit but not making a lot of noise. You can check them out at:
http://www.pearldrum.com/rt.asp
http://www.tamadrum.co.jp/world/products/drum_kit/stagestar
Both models are available at Swee Lee.
rainedrop said:
i dun have a drumset at home either. also, are individual lessons cheaper? where can i find them?
