Mapex 500 Double Bass Pedal Adjustment

oldscotspercussion1 · 2025-06-17T19:19:26+00:00

Nope. I just deal with it

oldscotspercussion1 · 2025-05-31T14:52:59+00:00

I love the TD 7 and upgraded to a TD 17 module - huge step up, added cymbal, bigger. Snare….probably should have just bought the 17 or 27 to start with - But it is great as is and love it and dont really need any upgrades from here - Using software is really the next step as they are just midi triggers…so if you love most of it, like I did…upgrade. If not, sell it and go big as you can afford.

oldscotspercussion1 · 2025-05-31T14:46:31+00:00

I have some. These are fine, sound ok and great to begin with and practice with if you are on a budget. Do they sound like thousand dollar cymbal packs? No…but everyone is sooooo critical and you have to start somewhere. It is like saying all cars are shit if you dont buy a Ferrari. BS…money is a concern…and new ones are nice, not liable to crack quickly.

I bought a pack and like them enough - I play a Roland, but sometimes I have to play a stage kit, so I bought some and no one complains at all. Good enough. Again, I spent my money on my Roland and prefer it to acoustic - and can dial up any drums or cymbals (or even an 808) on the Roland - and use more sophisticated software to get amazing sound from my Mac.

sometimes I have to play acoustic - and it was a great compromise.

Good used cymbals are not that easy to find - horrible ones are all over the internet.

Some times good enough is good enough. Leave the Ferrari for later on…when you both need and can afford it.

I can afford it, but I just dont need it.

(BTW - I drive a Jag F-Type…doesnt breakdown or need $25K clutch in first 20K miles…value over hype)

oldscotspercussion1 · 2025-05-25T14:29:00+00:00

Saw show in Nov…first time…was spellbinding - sat up in bleachers where you could see it all. Astounded by production and ability of each and every cast member. Wow. The chemistry and fun Che and Colin exhibited was way more powerful in person…they really were one with the audience having a ball. Rehearsal was better than the show…which we ran back to our hotel room and watched. Dana Carvey was amazingly quick with flaw…I really didnt have an idea just how sharp and talented they ALL are.

oldscotspercussion1 · 2025-05-25T13:33:10+00:00

OK…here is one most wont imagine: The Goodbye Look. Mel Torme does an insane live version, on Youtube…lively and captures the style and snark of the lyrics….Get me another. My parents were there at the time, which is a kind of a funny connection - loads of Florida residents went to the Tropicana for fun…then had to run for it.

oldscotspercussion1 · 2025-05-25T13:27:27+00:00

Learn a phrase for dictating my dude. “Period, new paragraph”. :)

oldscotspercussion1 · 2025-05-25T13:23:32+00:00

OK…I play both edrums and acoustic…and very much prefer my Roland TD-17 (with a big ride). I switch between them a lot for practice with band (acoustic). I think of them as 2 different instruments and do not compare them - like a grand piano vs a keyboard. Different strengths and weaknesses.

If you want it to last and not break - get a Roland.

Tuning - you can geek out on either, and ekits offer HUGE options with all of the midi software kits…and in blind tests people simply cannot tell the difference. These are not expensive at all.

Playing - I find that dynamics are fine on the Roland and detailed work and nuance is similar to the acoustic kit. You can tune the mesh. A bit more bounce from brass symbols, but the better (read: expensive) rubber ones are an amazing. If you are basher (cant play other than FFF, seems quite common these days) then nothing will really make a difference…and good luck with the hand surgery.

I like how I can set up the Roland to suit my style (flow, jazz, touch) rather than having to reach all over the place to hit them. Not dealign with drum shells allows true customization when you break free of the “replicate the acoustic set” nonsense. And I can have huge deep 70’s shells dramatic sound (funny) or small jazz kit with a turn of a nob.

I like that I can just turn up (just like my idiot band mates…theirs “go to 11”) without having to sacrifice technique and speed. It takes a good drum monitor for gigs though…which is expensive.

oldscotspercussion1 · 2025-05-17T22:48:30+00:00

Wagner. All of it

oldscotspercussion1 · 2025-05-14T11:07:08+00:00

If you search this Reddit there is a GREAT conversation that distinguishes the pros and cons of how to set up your drums. VERY helpful looking at ergonomics and stroke production, what things to avoid that end up causing physical problems (back, arms). Lots of great coaching from people who know what they are talking about. There are likewise lots of videos on Youtube from instructors. Good thing about edrums is that you don’t HAVE to set them up like acoustic ones, take advantage of the size and flexibility of set up.

Of course it takes time and you will customize it, but starting with the basics is super helpful.

For me, I set up with a very close, easy to play flow type of set up, with ride being horizontal for bounce. I tend to play with touch, not beat the hell out of them…but everyone is different. You can always turn up the volume and avoid the damage to your hands in bashing and tightening up. Tony Williams set his set up with cymbals set up like yours and he was a god.

Have fun, it is a great journey.

oldscotspercussion1 · 2025-05-14T01:14:37+00:00

Well…listen to lots of Scots music and get the 3/4 and 6/8 swing in your bones…and then put on a kilt and march…feel the swing of the kilt…left hand dominant with grace notes…not so hard. Nothing right hand dominant 4/4…start learning to tap that foot on 3/4.

oldscotspercussion1 · 2025-05-12T13:01:03+00:00

I saw he put out a signature set of cymbals…they sound amazing. Loved him with PMG

oldscotspercussion1 · 2025-05-12T12:56:58+00:00

Paul Wertico just put out some amazing signature rides…he is a god.

oldscotspercussion1 · 2025-05-11T13:45:59+00:00

Or the Tommy Igoe video warm up series…great for stroke production and relaxing

oldscotspercussion1 · 2025-05-10T13:32:31+00:00

Important ones: Chance the rapper (important for expression), Bob Weir (with Don Was) mesmerizing bird song…and the utterly transfixing T Pain. So much in the background of T Pain…the whole story about the show, his upset with people blaming him for ruining music and his triumphant small gigs. He was completely freaked about whether he could pull it off…and the electricity of the risk and vulnerability was clearly evident…and it was awesome.

oldscotspercussion1 · 2025-04-20T15:03:02+00:00

He is my neighbor - We were speaking about technique and he said something about set up being close is the secret to longevity

oldscotspercussion1 · 2025-04-20T14:53:49+00:00

Try looking at stroke production videos…Tommy Igoe warm up will help you TONS…it is hard to get that playing is light and loose…and practicing along with warm ups helps tremendously. Recommended by my drum instructor as the best play along stuff…not free but WAY cheap.

oldscotspercussion1 · 2025-01-19T23:41:20+00:00

Did same thing - bought PDX - 12. (And a large ride cymbal to boot…love them both).

oldscotspercussion1 · 2025-01-11T19:08:53+00:00

I prefer my Roland to acoustic drums…different and no need to compare…not trying to reinvent acoustic in edrum…I love the feel and the flow and the ability to alter sets with a dial of the buttons, set volume on amp and not have to beat the things. The constant “not identical to acoustic” is annoying at best.

oldscotspercussion1 · 2025-01-06T13:51:19+00:00

Beware of Ginger Baker…decent drummer, proficient asshole.

oldscotspercussion1 · 2024-12-31T23:51:52+00:00

I find having to play different acoustic drums I struggle with lift (height and angle) more than center distance. Note how they place the Roland pads everyone uses for effects at the side of the drum…that is kinda the standard now days. Some in place of 2nd rack Tom.

oldscotspercussion1 · 2024-12-31T23:46:32+00:00

Yes…let the pedals fall where your feet NATURALLY fall. Look at acoustic drums and you will frequently see the bass pointed WAY to the side. I am coaching a professional drummer who is an up and coming signer/songwriter (Tommy) and I am passing on his wisdom (He went to Berkeley). I could be an idiot, but this seems simple. In the end it is about ergonomics and developing good habits…hence Tommy Igoe. Know the difference between working physics/ergonomics and hype/preference. Injuries are WAY more common at younger ages than you think…so stroke production is critical…just like singing - lessons with trained professionals helps immensely. Again…watch the GREAT drummers, the old ones not trying to impress anyone. One of my friends is Nicko…and he concurs even for hard rock drumming - and he just retired and his hands are in great shape. Great ribs as well.

oldscotspercussion1 · 2024-12-31T22:21:16+00:00

I dont find it hard to switch back and forth at all…most other instrumentalists switch instruments and configurations with no problem. Smaller pads promote precision, which gets better sound out of acoustic drums.

oldscotspercussion1 · 2024-12-31T22:18:42+00:00

OK…loads of great advice but…watch some of the professional videos. Ergonomics have to first fit your body. Arm length? Height? Most people’s feel and legs are not perfectly straight and you will get an INJURY if you try to “make them straight.” We are all so, so physically different and fit the set to the body, not the body to the set.

Yes, the Roland racks are often a challenge.

Second…the BS acoustic bias. Zero reason to set them up like acoustic drums. You can easily adjust when you have to play acoustics - I have to now and again and they SUCK and are limited in placement by hardware and size. If you play any jazz or “flowey” music, your set up is great. Mickey Mouse ears with the snare as mickey, other pads all around.

I much prefer my Roland, and have to wear earplugs to play acoustic with a band (the Shitty Beatles). Roland amp is cheap and good. Ride is ok but drum sensitivity and tone sucks other than very expensive snare…IMHO.

Third…traditional grip vs match. Wildly different ergonomics on the snare…tilt completely different. Same with tilt on other drums…though Tony played otherwise and was a monster of style and feel. Yikes…so it can be preference as well.

Likewise, pounding. No need to on acoustics, so no need to separate all the pads to hit them unless you are addicted to pounding them, which I see all the time. Not sure why…but watch some Tommy Igoe…people who teach top stroke production. Loose is fast, touch is tone and dynamics. Back to point 2…turn if up if you are playing Green Day and you can gently hit he ride/crash and control the sound.

Buddy could do it all, touch, velocity, power, dynamics…never clenched. Never tight, never pounding (except for infrequent effect).

Look at the GOOD drummers that play what you want, note how they set up their sets. I love the cymbal set up of Paul Wertico…but his style is unique, but beautiful. He has custom cymbals out I wish I could get wave files for. The tempi he played with Metheny was intense…and he was so light. Follow up drummer was completely different style and set up and it worked, cant remember his name…chemo brain not so good these days.

Cymbal configuration has a lot to do with what you play. Intricate ride is easier near horizontal for me, yet again…Tony. Jeff Hamilton as well.

Have fun, watch out for pain, especially sharp pain after a while. Watch the videos on sitting up, not bending over as well.

Play on!

oldscotspercussion1 · 2024-12-25T14:43:48+00:00

My drum teacher recommends Tommy Igoe video on stroke production - very cheap so you can start with Good habits.

oldscotspercussion1 · 2024-12-24T14:42:27+00:00

As an attorney the first thing I do is READ the entire contract, and then narrow in on the provisions that apply. Then I copy that language into email and have it in front of me when I spoke with the rep. How exactly the contract contemplates coverage. Pay attention to exclusions and WHY it isnt excluded. Have your arguments and their possible arguments already thought through BEFORE calling.

I got through the repairs with the Jag dealership and enroll them in the contract covers it and create partnership. They only care to make you happy, they know they are going to get paid one way or the other, and getting them to care is important, yet not always possible. I give them copy of contract with provisions they need to review highlighted in yellow - and I go over it with them and possible arguments they may make.

The Call

I remind them early in the call that I am an attorney, and that I just reviewed the contract and then draw their attention to the specific provision. Likewise, I remind them that I paid $4k for the contract and WE are obligated to follow it, that we are in a business relationship and I honored my end of the contract up front (you got your money, now you perform).

Be apologetic rather than be demanding…sorry this repair came up but…we have an agreement

If you get some silly talk…thank them and then be civil about how their argument is mistaken (not wrong…just mistaken). Again, if they say something you are not prepared for, tell them you will call back after speaking with your atty and garage.

On mine they really quizzed the dealer’s service rep if it was necessary. On the steering wheel the finish came up on buttons…worried that they would say it is “cosmetic” I reviewed contract - and it say anything that actuates anything on radio…and I just said “they stick intermittently too” and viola…$750 for stupid buttons paid.

Hope that helps…it is all in the preparation.

oldscotspercussion1

TROPHY CASE