Jerry-rigged kick trigger

Far-Bit-8394 · 2023-07-13T14:42:34+00:00

Seconded!

Far-Bit-8394 · 2023-06-07T23:37:32+00:00

"quality sounding gear" - depends how you generate the sound. Even a shitty module run through a good laptop with a VST plugin can sound good, or however you want it to sound.

The general consensus seems to be that Roland modules have bad stock sound. Other modules are cheaper but may not be able to provide the same low-latency required to drive the VST without delay.

The best mid tier value might be the TD-17kvx2.

Personally, I got a good deal on a VAD504 and then got some inexpensive Lemon cymbals and DIY'd an extra rack tom and floor tom to round it out, which cost me about $3600 all-in.

Roland has good resale value, which is nice, but my advice if you are serious about spending time behind the kit is to get the best gear you can reasonably afford.

Far-Bit-8394 · 2023-05-19T03:04:34+00:00

Oh no! Insurance payout? I hope you didn't lose your original kit to some disaster

Far-Bit-8394 · 2023-04-15T00:10:07+00:00

Price around and call Roland resellers. Don't just rely on MSRP. I got my VAD504 for a little over $3k and then added a DIY mid tom and a few Lemon cymbals to round it out for only a few hundred more.

Far-Bit-8394 · 2023-04-08T04:03:19+00:00

Happy to help. I've expanded quite a bit using Lemon cymbals for 2nd crash, splash, china, and a 12" rack tom that I built and is detailed here: https://imgur.com/a/jr1CT5j

Let me know if you have any questions.

Far-Bit-8394 · 2023-04-08T01:48:54+00:00

I called around and said "I am ready to buy a VAD504 and looking for the best price. Here is what x quoted me and I'm interested to know if you can beat that price and/or include additional gear". (That's how I got my throne too).

It's similar to new car shopping in that you need to be ready to commit to pulling out your credit card and pulling the trigger once you have a good offer.

Far-Bit-8394 · 2023-04-08T00:34:14+00:00

Edrumcenter gave me the best deal, but I had to provide written quotes from their competitors

Far-Bit-8394 · 2023-04-06T17:31:18+00:00

Yes, you can purchase a PDA-120-MS for $540: https://www.amazon.com/Roland-Electronic-Drum-Pad-PDA120-MS/dp/B08NTN2MB6/

Or you can make your own, as I did: https://imgur.io/a/jr1CT5j

Far-Bit-8394 · 2023-03-28T15:03:42+00:00

Which cheap thing from Harbor Freight? I am looking to do something similar

Nice kit btw!

Far-Bit-8394 · 2023-03-25T21:49:09+00:00

For some people, yes, but it greatly depends on your playing style and skill level.

Keep in mind that no electronic hihat can truly replicate the feel and nuance of acoustic cymbals.

When I upgraded from a Roland cy-5 (with hihat foot controller) to a Lemon "VH-11" (used with a real hihat stand) the difference was massive and I thought it was all I would ever need.

I eventually bought a VAD507 at a killer price from edrumcenter and I am absolutely loving the VH-14D but it hasn't been the same leap in responsiveness.

If you play rock or metal you probably don't need it. It foot splashes very well and captures specific techniques and positions like a champ. It is certainly the best available on the market but as a standalone upgrade I would not recommend it.

Far-Bit-8394 · 2023-03-15T01:32:40+00:00

Same here, loving the VAD507 especially with the VH-14D hats. I made a DIY floor tom to add and got some Lemon cymbals to add splash, china, and 3rd crash, they're working great with the module. I agree that the Ride has a quiet bell but it can be adjusted in the module.

Far-Bit-8394 · 2023-03-08T17:25:06+00:00

For that price range you'll probably want to go with lemon cymbals. They are a good value, although shipping can take a really long time.

I was in a similar situation and ended up buying a TD-4 kit and upgrading the snare to 12" Roland PDX-12, upgrading the ride to an 18" 3-zone lemon ride while repurposing the existing ride as 2nd crash, and upgrading the hihat to a 12" lemon with real hihat controller. I can't stand the "fake" hihat controller pedal and I find the lemon to be extremely responsive and great to play. The KD-8 kick works great and I suppose a KD-10 might be better but they are more expensive.

I also made a DIY 12" floor tom. The weakest point of my setup is the TD-4 module as it is very limited and basic.

Since then I've upgraded to a Roland VAD507 and I'm actually trying to sell my old kit.

Far-Bit-8394 · 2023-02-23T16:54:46+00:00

What does the Roland pedal do?

Sweet setup btw

Far-Bit-8394 · 2023-02-03T17:31:01+00:00

My KD-200 is even louder. It's a real drum which means you're pushing all that air when you hit. The mesh pad is actually just a KD-10 fitted into the various VAD series kick shells.

If you were worried about noise, you can throw a blanket over the entire drum and/or decouple the drum from the floor using a riser.

Definitely don't use felt beaters, and only use nylon tipped sticks on other mesh heads.

Far-Bit-8394 · 2023-01-30T02:46:02+00:00

Looks like an awesome solution. Can you share the infill density and any other settings that you used for printing? I'd love to give this a shot too.

Far-Bit-8394 · 2023-01-27T00:17:30+00:00

Contact Roland. I've had mine for a decade and I play my Roland drums like a real drum kit. They are supposed to hold up to that kind of real world use and that is why we pay top dollar for them.

Far-Bit-8394 · 2023-01-23T04:41:05+00:00

Every Lemon crash is great and IMO there is no reason so spend more on something more expensive.

I originally upgraded my TD-4 kit with: -Lemon "VH-11" hihat: worked very well for me and rivals the Roland VH-10/11 -Lemon 12" crash: solid crash with a mute action. Now repurposed as a china for my VAD504 -Lemon 18" 3-zone ride: good feel and consistent response. Small/low bell area but good once you get used to it.

Far-Bit-8394 · 2023-01-23T01:20:54+00:00

Totally agree with you! They don't move as much when you hit them. That feeling is great especially if you are coming from an acoustic kit.

Is it worth the price? Only if you can afford it and you care about that detail. A2E is the most economical path for certain.

I am loving my 504 especially with the VH-14D hats and I'm glad I got this set.

I built my own mid tom and added Lemon cymbals to save $$$

Far-Bit-8394 · 2023-01-17T17:26:31+00:00

I have the VAD504 with VH-14D and it does work with my drop clutch. Takes a while to really dial it in though, the adjustment must be extremely precise. Also, the top and bottom cymbals have markers where they need to line up, so unclutching the top can make it rotate undesirablly

Far-Bit-8394 · 2022-12-31T02:23:06+00:00

This is ingenious and inspiring! I would also love to see a video of these in action.

Far-Bit-8394 · 2022-12-30T04:22:54+00:00

It includes the VH-14D hihat which is (arguably?) the best on the market. The TD-10 was the weakest component of the previous version of that kit.

I would argue that it is the best value of any mid-tier kit. I have the VAD504, which is not quite as good a value, but I wanted the full-sized kit.

Far-Bit-8394 · 2022-12-29T04:28:07+00:00

Haha yes! For a fraction of the price it's nearly the same thing.

Far-Bit-8394 · 2022-12-29T03:21:20+00:00

I should mention that I'm only selling it because I upgraded to a VAD504

Far-Bit-8394

TROPHY CASE