Question:
I live in an apartment on the 4th floor. Our place is all concrete
(floors, ceiling and walls) and has lots of space. I was considering
getting a drumset.
I had a look at the electronic drums and discounted the cheaper sets
right away. They don't look comfortable to play, and i read someplace
that people can actually hurt their wrists playing on them. The new V
Drums with mesh heads look workable, but the costs are rediculous. To
get the number of drums i want, plus the brain and stand is $5000+
Canadian.. ouch.
I thought maybe i could save some money and build my own kit, then buy
just the brain to plug into it, but this will likely look cheesy. The
brain i want (Roland TD-10) is expensive on its own ($1000+).
I noticed Pearl has a set of practice drums, which include mesh heads
and all their normal hardware, and i could get some practice cymbals.
That would be the equivalent of an acoustic set without all the noise.
It would be fun to play silent drums to music, but that seems kinda
silly.. why have drums that make no sound?
Another option would be for me to buy a set of drums, and put towels
on them to keep the noise down. I could add some practice cymbals too.
That way i would have the flexibility to practice, make some noise,
and also have the ability to take my kit someplace else to practice at
full volume.
I could buy a full kit, locate a practice spot, move everything there
and just play when i could find the time, but this might be expensive,
and its not very convenient for practicing in the middle of the night.
Maybe i can work out a deal with my neighbors and the police and just
make noise.. heh
What do to?
Are there any other options i am missing?
Answer:
-If you can't find or afford a practice space away from your apartment, I'd
go for the Pearl Rhythm Traveller or Pacific's Chameleon kit, or put mesh
heads on your kit. I tried using a normal kit with SoundOffs on the heads
and foam inside the toms, and the whole thing on top of a platform with
lots of carpetting underneath. It was quieter than a live kit, but there
was still a lot of force shaking the apartment below.
Another option: move! I now live above a garage and have no problems.
-IMO, the only option that really works and is fun is to buy a regular kit
and rent a space somewhere to practice.
I've spent plenty of money on sound reduction etc, but it just never works
enough to play whenever you want and most neighbors will keep complaining.
I rent a studio for $355 a month but share the rent with two other people,
thus paying only a third. This works out very well. The space is large and I
can play anytime day or night, plus have group rehearsals/jams there.
Drums and apartments just don't go together. Take my advice and save
yourself some headaches.
Also, you can get good kits for a lot less money that the V Drum top of the
line. (although those are nice electronic kits)
