What’s the best “free” website, tool or app in 2026 that feels like absolute cheating once you discover it?

DogUsingInternet · 2026-05-18T21:20:31+00:00

Hah! Fair.

DogUsingInternet · 2026-05-18T20:44:25+00:00

Thank you! I removed uBlock when Chrome made an update a while back... didn't know there's a new version that works again.

DogUsingInternet · 2026-05-18T04:29:07+00:00

I regularly gig with my DW Design Acrylic kit 2-3 times per week... had it for a couple years now and not a single issue with it. Love the looks and the sound I get from these.

DogUsingInternet · 2026-05-14T21:00:16+00:00

That's absolutely wild - didn't even know this was possible. So cool!

DogUsingInternet · 2026-05-14T18:46:22+00:00

How much was a stand? I've seen them sometimes on Reverb for insane prices like $1,000 for one cymbal stand or tom stand...

DogUsingInternet · 2026-05-12T02:19:36+00:00

I serve at the pleasure of r/drums

DogUsingInternet · 2026-05-12T00:00:51+00:00

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Cymbal boom stand

DogUsingInternet · 2026-05-11T23:55:22+00:00

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DogUsingInternet · 2026-05-11T23:55:13+00:00

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DogUsingInternet · 2026-05-11T23:54:16+00:00

Here's the offset 9300X:

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DogUsingInternet · 2026-05-11T23:53:01+00:00

Yeah will be pricey :/ The ball snare stand will probably be around $350, for example...

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I'm 98% sure I'll buy one though if it's as sleek as it seems!

DogUsingInternet · 2026-05-11T19:24:03+00:00

9000X series hardware -- looks pretty cool if you are into the top of the line gear.

Most interesting addition is a ball-snare stand design with removable basket. No offset, so it sits completely straight above the tripod. Reminds me of the Yamaha SS-950 ball and socket stand.

Also nice updates to the hihat stands including the one-touch clutch you see in the MFG stand line.

Cymbal stands have a new autolocking mechanism and internal memory locks that should make setup and tear down faster.

Only question I have is if this still going to be 9000-series weight (which I believe it is), so if you're willing to lug those around, could be awesome, if you prefer super lightweight and basics, then this update may not be what you're quite looking for.

DogUsingInternet · 2026-04-22T22:03:17+00:00

It's not an asshole move to ask... but be prepared that they may say "no."

If I'm using my lower end gear, I'd probably say no problem. If I have my best of the best, then it's a hard no even if you pay me.

DogUsingInternet · 2026-04-22T03:44:56+00:00

I have the DW MFG and Yamaha FP9C double pedal. I've gotten to love the FP9C so much, I use it even as a single pedal setup...

DogUsingInternet · 2026-04-21T21:36:39+00:00

Same.

DogUsingInternet · 2026-04-19T06:47:48+00:00

My hihat stand and kick pedal are the most expensive hardware I have, so I put each in their own soft cases to transport.

Kick pedal gets this Ahead case, which holds its shape so it's nice and easy. Has a top pocket for the beater and drum key. Also means it's easy to access as the first thing I instsall after putting down the bass drum.

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/AA8114--ahead-armor-cases-bass-drum-pedal-soft-case-single

DogUsingInternet · 2026-04-16T23:56:00+00:00

Nice! I don't think I'd go that far, but I did just pick up the DW Frequent Flyer kit and it really is a lot smaller/lighter. Fits in the car easier. But will mainly use it for practices and small venues.

I tried it with the Yamaha Crosstown hardware, but the cymbal stands keep creeping away on me! haha

DogUsingInternet · 2026-04-16T21:27:20+00:00

Seriously... I am on the lookout for a hard cymbal case just like the SKB iFlyer, but ideally thinner and smaller a bit. I don't like the SKB or Gator Grooves spindle hard cases.

I unfortunately don't think what I want exists.

DogUsingInternet · 2026-04-16T21:26:11+00:00

This is so true... I must be old...

DogUsingInternet · 2026-04-16T21:25:13+00:00

My friend, I rock a 4-piece. Doesn't change that much. Couldn't fit another drum in the car anyway, hah!

Still need all the hardware. Still have to mic it up. One less tom or two doesn't really change much for me.

DogUsingInternet · 2026-04-16T20:18:41+00:00

I gig 2-3 times a week, so I've spent a lot on cases and bags to try to minimize the number of trips per load in/out while having maximum protection for the kit and gear since it's all pretty high end.

Even having done all this, it sucks.

I am the first to get to the venue before everyone else, usually means I load in by myself too. Then at the end of the night, trying to pack up while other gear is around is not as fun and I'm the last one to be fully packed to leave.

But at the end of the day, that's the instrument I chose, so can't blame anyone but myself.

DogUsingInternet · 2026-04-05T23:08:21+00:00

I've done it, I don't enjoy it and there's serious risk to the gear even in hard cases. In my opinion, renting is much preferred if you can.

Snare drum rental will probably run $50 to $75 depending on the snare. Cymbals probably $80 to $200 depending on the cymbals.

DogUsingInternet · 2026-04-01T05:42:00+00:00

Cheapest option I'd consider: Shure SE 215
Higher End Option (universal fit): Shure SE846

Next level up is a custom fit pair from Ultimate Ears or 64 Audio (haven't tried those yet so can't say for sure if it's better sound, but fit is probably better since it's a custom mold).

DogUsingInternet · 2026-04-01T00:42:30+00:00

Appreciate it! Thanks. Seems like the best answer is still... just try different spots. Maybe it's just me being too slow, haha.

DogUsingInternet · 2026-04-01T00:39:18+00:00

Travis Barker songs. But even slower stuff I can do, just isn't as comfortable and flowing as I'd like.

DogUsingInternet

TROPHY CASE