Recommend Electronic Drum Kit (Yamaha, Alesis,Medli)? for Entry Level

[SingHifi]

Hi
can someone recommend (for practice purpose):-
Yamaha DTX450K (Newest I think, SGD$ 980 at Luthermusic)
Alesis DM6USB (SGD$ 995 retail at Sinamex)
Medeli DD512 (Newest, SGD$ 1,099 retail at cristofori)

No need to sound super, as the real final aim is to interface to USB and MIDI. But hope to get at least a basic 5pcs set. Must have at least a basedrum pad to knock on. Roland kind of expensive cheapest TD4KP already SGD$ 1.4K at SweeLee

Thanks!

 

[vizard]

I am in the exact same spot. Just starting out, want to get a e-drum - was actually considering the DTX430 - a bit cheaper than the 450 - but missing out on the multi zone snare. Would love to get the Roland’s - but they are way over my budget.

 

[SingHifi]

Just saw Yamaha Sales Promotion DTX450K at SGD$ 959 (snarl is 3 zone) that was the difference against the DTX430K (at SGD$ 719). Looks like I will go for the DTX450K. But sadly throne not included. I think so far I find Yamaha itself sells the cheapest DTX450K or the DTX430K due to their June promotion.

 

[vizard]

Thanks bro...that's the lowest price I have come across for the 430. You might want to check with music gear as well for the 450. I think when I checked with them a few days back the quoted around 899... I might be wrong don't remember well.

 

[SingHifi]

Hi Viz
You are right! Thankful for the info. Indeed MusicGear is the cheapest,will go to buy there DrumThrone if buy at the same time =SGD$ 99, I use my own Randall Guitar Amp (anyway cannot play loud) or my Altec Computer Spkr, so wont spend the unnecessary money.

 

[SingHifi]

As it turns out, Medeli DD512 is the cheapest Electronic Drum Kit (includes Drum Monitor + drum Throne) . Lots of drum kit. Self Collect at Cristofori Bedok Ind'k Park E at SGD$ 959 (or pay SGD$ 1,099 for delivery + assembly). It has 2 Zone Snarl, support Audio In, and MIDI interface, onboard song and training. So it has everything a beginner looks for. I dont think there is anything else cheaper than this in Singapore. Good enough for me, so bought it.
http://www.medeli.com.hk/products/dd/dd-512.html

 

[vwkng]

I would like to suggest a second hand Roland TD if you can find one.
The feel is just so much better than yamaha, Marcelo or alesis.
I think you can find one between $1-1.2.

 

[SingHifi]

Hi VwKng

You are right about the sound wise. The Medeli Built in Sound is not good, sounds like it is MIDI and not sampled from real drum (to me) whereas Roland and Yamaha sample its sound from real drum. But since my aim is MIDI (and practice plus workout) anway and using Headphone so I did not really care about the sound quality. SGD$ 959 for a new kit with throne and Drum Monitor really is the cheapest it can go.

 

[SingHifi]

The cheap sound was due to the bundle drum monitor that came with the kit. Despite its size, the sound is hollow and does not pack any punch at all, nor do the snarl sound right, in fact nothing sounds right from that drum monitor. Put in a headphone then the drum sound is reasonably good. . Works fine for me since I have to practice on headphone anyway.
The DD512 drumpads are all dual zone (that is support RIMShot) so it is a plus point and a bassdrum kickpad. I wonder why there are entry model out there with only a footswitch for bassdrum, how to practice the bass kick?

 

[vizard]

I ended up getting a Roland TD 4 KP... cost a lot more that i set out to spend.. but fell for the sound and compatablitly. Perfect for a bedroom set. Comes with throne and headphones ...(well headphones currently out of stock, will get it when they get stock. The feel and the sound is def better than the yamahas... but ended up with a big hole in the pocket. Now all i need to do is learn some drums..
Phase II - i need an amp.. Any suggestions ? Was told not to hook it up to my regular music palyer/ speaker ?

 

[SingHifi]

Found out why the Drum Does not sound right with the bundle Drum monitor. The drum monitor requires XLR cable stereo input from the DrumKit, but the salesgirl give me wrong cable (XLR Mono only).

 

[vizard]

I have temporarily hooked up mine to a pair of cheap computer speakers. Have my eyes set on the roland PM 10 amp [out of stock in singapore at the moment]. Will pick it up if my skills justify it by the year end.