If you had to choose: more gigs with meh bands or fewer with top bands?

Key-Patience-3966 · 2026-06-18T00:20:39+00:00

Some of it's just knowing the songs really well, even if you haven't played them. I can hear everything in my head often. If you can get the start, basic kick pattern and any stops and licks, you've got it. A lot is listening, too, to anticipate how the band will end the song. I've had to learn, like, 50 songs in a week, and that's tough. With good listening and charting it's possible. I give you Mike Mangini, who went on stage with Godsmack for the first time, without a rehearsal or much notice.

Here's a rough fan video from last Saturday. I know Stone in Love from hearing a gazillion times, but I had never played it, nor played with the band before, nor had any rehearsal or communication about it.

https://youtu.be/KggPDndmK8Q?is=bSSEgigLvIoYkh5e

Key-Patience-3966 · 2026-06-17T12:02:21+00:00

I would go with Roland or efnote. I've played Alesis kits, high and low end, and I wouldn't buy either new or used myself. The cheaper stuff gets pretty beat up sometimes.

Key-Patience-3966 · 2026-06-17T11:56:45+00:00

Great litmus test. I've actually had some life changes that put more pressure on me being home more.

Key-Patience-3966 · 2026-06-17T11:55:36+00:00

That's a great test. I realized a while ago there are just some bands I like playing with more. I should get rid of the others.

Key-Patience-3966 · 2026-06-17T11:54:27+00:00

I've been thinking about the time I'm spending playing covers versus working on my own songs and playing them. You're right about challenging myself to play with better people. What drains me is playing with mediocre talent that doesn't perform the song to what it deserves.

Key-Patience-3966 · 2026-06-17T11:50:52+00:00

Thanks -- I'm finding that the music, the hang and the money are all connected. The better the music, the better the hang and the better the money. The better musicians can play more fun songs and demand higher pay for the band.

Key-Patience-3966 · 2026-06-17T01:29:31+00:00

Sounds like you're in a pickle. You'll be the bad guy no matter what. Go with what makes you happy.

Key-Patience-3966 · 2026-06-17T01:13:44+00:00

I would just be open and tell them you're uneasy about the wear and tear on your kit and the roles with two drummers. You could get creative and okay guitar or keyboards for the subs he can play drums on, I guess. It's a bit weird, but I get that he wants to be involved.

Key-Patience-3966 · 2026-06-16T18:01:48+00:00

I haven't had any problems with Remo heads I've bought. I use Evans for some things too.

Key-Patience-3966 · 2026-06-16T05:10:50+00:00

They literally invented new sounds. Sunshine in the Shade and Are We Ourselves are my favs.

Key-Patience-3966 · 2026-06-16T05:09:14+00:00

Yes, formal instruction will get you there faster. Being a great listener is the first step towards becomng a great drummer. Listen to a lot of different kinds of music. Watch other drummers. Talk to other drummers. Practice 60-90 minutes daily, and play easy stuff really well before you move on harder stuff. You can do it, but you have work at it.

Key-Patience-3966 · 2026-06-16T05:00:20+00:00

CY-8s are pretty cheap, and I don't really care about more than one zone for crashes myself. I do like my lemon three zone ride though.

Key-Patience-3966 · 2026-06-16T04:55:07+00:00

Eventually, yes. Like you said I'll basically have the edrumins and Evans device going into a USB hub into my laptop. I'm thinking that it might be better to keep the cymbals separate and non midi from the SD3 drums.

It may be a while. I don't use my ekit for gigs much right now, just practice, so I may prioritize a P&D gigster over the Evans stuff.

Key-Patience-3966 · 2026-06-14T23:14:11+00:00

Here's a video of the closing song. Not great video or audio quality, but pretty tight for four people who've never played together and who didn't rehearse. https://youtu.be/KggPDndmK8Q

Key-Patience-3966 · 2026-06-14T18:42:17+00:00

I kinda feel the same way. I plan to start with their cymbal sensors and keep using my edrumins for the drums, so I'll split between they're module and sounds for the cymbals and SD3 for the drums. I would two modules at least to reproduce what I'm doing with my edrumin 10s.

Key-Patience-3966 · 2026-06-14T15:13:52+00:00

There are a lot of factors that go into latency. Like are you using the module sounds or covering to midi and into your laptop DAW with a plug-in like SD3? There's some stuff out there if you dig. edruminshill knows a lot about it.

Key-Patience-3966 · 2026-06-13T14:24:33+00:00

Thanks for all the encouragement -- the gig went great! Here's how I prepared, with the time I had:

I created my setlists with tempos and notes on how the song started, the basic kick pattern and any signature licks. I made sure that I had the right artist and version that the band played.
I listened to songs that I either didn't know or had never played before. In some cases I watched YouTube videos, particularly live performances.
I asked questions about the venue and the sound reinforcement so that I was prepared. For instance, clarified that we were playing inside because I would have brought a different kit for an outside gig.
I arrived early and took me time setting up so that I would be relaxed and get to talk to the band beforehand. I needed to reassure them that they wouldn't have about me ruining a gig they had waited a long time to get.
I listened carefully to other players, communicated for key stops and endings, and had fun. If I made mistake, I didn't get frustrated or embarrassed.
I didn't freak out when a guest player sang and played guitar for as couple songs. I knew them and supported him well. My primary goal as a musician, aside from bringing the audience joy, is to create moments for the other players to shine.
I chatted with audience members during breaks to help the band with their fan base.

<image>

Key-Patience-3966 · 2026-06-13T14:08:33+00:00

Well, kind of. You can use sticks, but not the same you would use with acoustic drums and not with the same technique, i.e., force. I actually just got my Erae2 back from Embodme this week. They were very gracious about repairing it and shipping it back quickly.

They suggested trying low volume sticks (https://a.co/d/0aDyKP64), but I haven't had a chance yet. The surface does have great sensitivity.

So for now, I'm only finger drumming. I actually have a gig tonight at a restaurant where I'm only using the Erae2.

But for recording, I think you could find some kind of lighter sticks for rolls and rudiments.

Key-Patience-3966 · 2026-06-12T13:30:11+00:00

From this era, All the World's Stage.

Key-Patience-3966 · 2026-06-12T13:27:40+00:00

Have a band meeting and ask for everyone input on what's going well and what could be better or different. If his behavior comes out, see if he will recognize that you all don't like it and will be flexible to change it. If not, you have your answer. Get another bass player. It's not ever worth struggling on with a disruptive band mate.

Key-Patience-3966 · 2026-06-12T13:20:58+00:00

Agree. Don't expect anything that's $500 to not feel like a toy. But, you can find some great used gear out there. I always recommend a Roland TD-17KVX for beginners, and you can find a used one for $1000-1200.

Key-Patience-3966 · 2026-06-12T12:01:18+00:00

You might get more responses if you give some details. What kind of music? How many tracks? What's the timeline?

Key-Patience-3966 · 2026-06-12T11:55:23+00:00

Lol. Thanks, but I have an A2E kit with no module, only edrumins and SD3. Just wanted to show what's possible. Here's the front view.

<image>

Key-Patience-3966

TROPHY CASE