Advice please before ordering: which drum set to get?

[invisible]

I've been wanting to get a drum set to get back into drumming. I have it narrowed down to two, but I really can't decide.

This one is on sale. It's an Alesis set, for $433 from Amazon. Amazon.com: Alesis DM8 USB Kit DM8 high-definition drum module with over 750 Dynamic Articulation(TM) sounds: Musical Instruments
And there's this one. A Roland set for $799, which is currently out of stock. Amazon.com: Roland HD-3 Electronic Drum Set: Musical Instruments

Of course I'd like to save money if I can. I don't need a professional set, but some reviews I've read about the Alesis models say they some times have issues with breakage, or hits not registering. Some times firmware upgrades have fixed the no hit register problems. This will just be in my little apartment. The Roland is more professional and durable, I haven't seen any reports of them breaking, or not registering hits, but it's almost twice the price.

Seriously, which do you think would be best? I'd like something that will last, and the Roland is much more compact than the Alesis. I'd hate to have anything break, and end up spending more money down the road, but it does not appear to be an all too common problem with them. I do keep hearing though that Alesis customer service is TERRIBLE and unresponsive. I may not have any problems with it, but that's not a sure thing. I'd feel much more confident with the Roland set I admit.

I could really use some advice please because I want to order tomorrow. I would have to wait a little longer to get the Roland though, I wont have $799, but I don't mind waiting a while longer.

Roland:


Alesis:

[Tree_Burner]

To be honest, real drums are always much better than electrics. you will spend a little more, and they do take up up more room, but they are ultimately way more worth it. If at all possible go with acoustic. out of those two, I'd vote for Roland, because I've actually heard of that brand, and you don't want hits not registering.

[invisible]

Acoustic is impossible. I live in an apartment. I'm leaning towards the Roland as well. Thanks for the feedback. (atleast somebody replied, haha)

[Tree_Burner]

I know a little something about drumming. I took percussion in high school and my brother is a drummer. they do have dampening pads that cancel the sound, unless space is a major issue. Again, i'd go with the roland, strictly for reliability and quality. if you can afford it.

he just got himself an $800 Custom stave snare drum:
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(No particular reason to share except for the pure beauty)

[invisible]

Again, i'd go with the roland, strictly for reliability and quality. if you can afford it.

Yeah, I'll just have to wait a little longer. Those are beautiful drums by the way.

[killkenny1]

Spoiler :

he just got himself an $800 Custom stave snare drum:
219852_4465979056171_1837252304_o.jpg
616782_4465969255926_1437297903_o.jpg
386960_4465976056096_101139064_n.jpg

(No particular reason to share except for the pure beauty)

Such beauty. Wish I could have a drum kit... Hope I will in the future though .

[niffcreature]

If you do buy a set, I believe this is what I have, and its really a great little set:

Tama Stagestar Custom 5 Piece Drum Set with Hardware | Sam Ash Music 1-800-4-SAMASH

You still need cymbals, Paiste makes some decent and affordable cymbals so I hear.

You can definitely get a combination of things to make it not too loud, and hey, people shouldn't complain if you play loud during the day.
There are 3 things I can think of that will help:
1. dampening pads like tree burner said
2. hot rods
3. acoustic insulation for you actual walls and whatnot

Not that I strongly discourage electric sets - its just the fact that I would want one for a different reason than you, since I'm so into electronic music. Most good drummers I have heard live are jazz drummers which naturally sounds better on a real kit.

[invisible]

In my search for reviews on the Roland HD-3, I came across this set. The Yamaha DTX 500k. It's not quite as elegant looking, but it gets good reviews. At a couple of forums I was reading, it seems to be highly recommended. It's also a couple of hundred dollars cheaper than the Roland.
So it's between these two now. One thing that stands out to me is the Yamaha's cymbals and toms/snare drums can be upgraded. It's expensive, but you can do a little at a time.

[invisible]

I have about 3 weeks to decide, but I found this video on the Roland HD-3, and the pads/cymbals sound really noisy. :\ He's using an amp, but you can totally hear it.



I'm not entirely sure that would be great for an apartment. I can't find anything definitive on the yamaha set yet though. Will keep you guys updated if interested. This is a big purchase for me, so I want to make sure I get it right the first time.

Hmm, just found this. A comparison of the Yamaha DTX pad vs. rubber. It's MUCH quieter. Starts at 1:35.

[invisible]

UGH. I'm sorry to keep spamming this thread, but I found another video of the Roland. I mean, do you really think this would be ok in an apartment? It doesn't sound as noisy as the other video.



Edit: AHA! I found it! Here's the Yamaha set. Only the first 16 seconds is relevant.



Which do you think is the noisiest? I could really use some opinions, please. Pretty please. I'm thinking the Yamaha is quieter myself.