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cheap drum kit fixes?

MRMiller96 - Sun, 07/18/2010 - 07:04 | 1,255 views

I just got my first acoustic drum set, a used First Act 5-peice, which I know is probably the worst possible kit to have, but at $60 I couldn't pass it up, esp. since it was actually complete. (I've seen other used sets offered at this price, but they were missing hihats or the snare was busted.)

So, with that said, I've managed to tune it so that it actually has a pretty decent sound, but I've run into two problems that I'm trying to figure out how to solve.

One is the lock on the hihat slips and doesn't stay tight, so if I lock it open, the bolt eventually slips and the top slips down. when I have it closed (to get a clean 'chick' sound) the bolt looses it's grip and the hihats loosen again. plus, even with the hihats locked down solidly, I still have to hold the pedal down to stop them ringing when I hit (again, to get a nice clean 'chick' sound)

Second, The kickdrum pedal is incredibly sensetive, and doesn't have nearly enough resistance to allow me the kind of control I would like. plus, even with my leg in the correct position for the pedal, it swings back so far that the beater hits my leg when I let up on the pedal.

So my question I guess is Is there a way to increase the resistance of the kickdrum pedal, and is there a way to juryrig the hihat to keep it from slipping and coming loose?

Drummer Comments (3)

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Electrified01 Says Re: cheap drum kit fixes?

Submitted On: Thursday, Jul 29, 2010 - 9:29 PM

Invest in a used hi-hat stand and kick pedal. Those are best solutions. Hi-Hat stands vary, but you can try and look for a PDP 2-leg hi Hat stand, those usually work very well. And a Pearl P900 or P120 Single pedal.

Jason_ Says Re: cheap drum kit fixes?

Submitted On: Monday, Jul 19, 2010 - 1:14 PM

Welcome to the world of acoustic drum sets! I have students with this setup. The bass drum pedal and hi-hat clutch/stand had to be replaced on all of them. The hi-hat stand itself will have a hard time with the weight of any decent cymbals. The springs can't seem to handle it and the action becomes sluggish. Adjust the kick pedal spring as stated above to give it some more tension, but in the end you'll need a new kick pedal and hi-hat stand.

pdpdrummerify94 Says Re: Re: cheap drum kit fixes?

Submitted On: Monday, Jul 19, 2010 - 1:28 PM

prob a whole new set. a set for $60 is kinda a bargain but then you lose so much quality.

pdpdrummerify94 Says Re: cheap drum kit fixes?

Submitted On: Monday, Jul 19, 2010 - 11:45 AM

well. i woulda just pitched in to get a nicer set. i love my pdp z5. there is one for just 249. i love this set. it does well for me. pdp is an offshoot of dw so your getting good drums at a decent price. you could even go with a sound percussion i guess. but to help with your issues. on the side of the pedal there is a spring. i would try to tighten the nut underneath or replace the spring/pedal. for the hit hat. i have a friend with the exact problem. we havent been able to fix it. i wish you good luck