wrench42 Says Re: Electronic or acoustic set for a beginner?

Submitted On: Sunday, Sep 27, 2009 - 1:08 PM

I have to agree with rocksteady, acoustic is the way to go if noise isn't a problem, with electronic you may seem to get a better bang for the buck at first but you'd quickly find out that the feel is very different from an acoustic set, the dynamics are MIA, very little difference in volume no matter where or how you hit the pad, and the actual sound is usually identical. I started with a Simmons SD7K which is a low end elec kit while it's great for starting to get some coordination going I found myself shopping for an acoustic kit with in a few months. have to say the best part was the fact that the brain had an aux input so I was able to plug in my iphone and play along with anything that I had ripped. . .that was very nice !! in case you haven't made up your mind at this point, hope this helps.

rocksteady Says Re: Electronic or acoustic set for a beginner?

Submitted On: Thursday, Sep 17, 2009 - 8:39 AM

I have to say Acoustic for many reasons...especially for a beginner because you need to hear what a drum should sound like with all the different tones (not electric creation)...plus as a new drummer you need to build your strength in your wrist / arms / legs...and if you start with a Electronic Set you don't have to play with any power...all you do is turn it up or change the setting...I have played both sets and the Electric is cool for effects and to expand your set later but Acustic is what you need for now...let us know what happens....RockSteady

don p Says Re: Electronic or acoustic set for a beginner?

Submitted On: Wednesday, Sep 16, 2009 - 11:18 PM

Hi, I would agree with remy_starwing, with electronic you get what you pay for. Although I'm sure there are deals out there. An acoustic kit used in your price range is more ready available. The only challenge with acoustic is as drumbob117 said, is tuning. Tuning is well worth the time to get it right. You can have inexpensive shells and with the right heads tuned properly you can have a great sounding drum. The one place you are less likley to get away with skimping is cymbals. Here again you get what you pay for. I haven't been able to make a bad sounding cymbal sound good. The one thing I like about electronic drums is that you put on the headphones and your drums sound awesome, and lots of different kinds of drum sounds to play with but again, unless you spend upwards of $3,000.00 on up you will have the rubber pads that don't respond the same as an acoustic drumhead. I say go acoustic. Visit a drum shop and fool with both. Take lessons from a good teacher in your area. Good luck, post pics with what you end up with. Don

remy_starwing Says Re: Electronic or acoustic set for a beginner?

Submitted On: Wednesday, Sep 16, 2009 - 3:45 AM

Well, in consideration of low budget, then stay away from electronic sets completely.
A decent electro-kit will cost somewhere in the $1000-$3000 ranges and above, (considering amps and replacement fuses, etc. etc. etc.)

The most an acoustic drum-kit is going to cost you if you put it together piece by piece are the cymbals.
Musiciansfriend.com always has great deals for either Acoustic or Electronic gear so for sure check it out and compare prices and check GuitarCenter.com as well, they are always trying to get rid of used drum-kits!
I think they got a deal at MusiciansFriend.com right now for an 8 piece for like... $699 (all hardware, no cymbals though)
Also hit up your local pawn shops too, they always have good stuff for musicians, (you might find something super cheap!)

My personal consideration of disadvantages of an Electronic-Kit:
A lot... You don't have the spring back effect of acoustic drums/skins... I can go on forever on this...

My personal consideration of disadvantages of an Acoustic-Kit:
None

To develop your skills, just play and practice! Get a hold of any instructional dvd's you can and just practice!

Hope it helps bro!

drumbob117 Says Re: Electronic or acoustic set for a beginner?

Submitted On: Tuesday, Sep 15, 2009 - 11:06 PM

hey man its cool your starting out i had the same problem on my kit...
i got my self an acoustic(a cheap sunlite, now i have myself a gretsch) the two main things are the tuning and its going to be kinda hard at first and the second thing is when you buy a SHELL PACK its just the drums no hardware no nothing (which is kinda expensive) so if your low on dough and just want to practice by yourself an electric is the way to go.