FOR THOSE OF YOU INTERESTED IN ELECTRONIC DRUMS

Since our percussionists have tried some of my old and very primitive electronic drum pads, Interest in electronic percussion has arisen. Justin is no exception. Electronic drums require a drum module and drum pads. You can play with headphones alone. To perform on them you would also need some sort of amplifier. New electronic drum kits are priced somewhere in the $1000 to $3000 range and usually include 5 or 6 drum pads, electronic high hat and cymbal. The drum module may be extra.

There are other options if you are a do-it-yourself-er. You can buy a used drum module at a second hand music store or on eBay. Currently Alesis DM5 drum modules sell for about $200 on eBay. New they retail for $499.

The Alesis DM5 specs can be foundhere.

Drum Triggers

You can make your own drum triggers with ordinary Remo practice pads and electronic parts from Radio Shack or other suppliers. There is a web site that offers free plans at ElectronicDrums.com.

They claim that a pad can be made for about $25. The lion’s share of that price is in the pad itself. I’ve checked news groups and most people who have tried making these were pleased with the results. Bear in mind, however that you may also find older used drum pads for only a little more. If you can find a remo practice pad cheaply and you don’t mind a project, that might be the way to go. Some say that the 6' and 8' pads work best.

Drum Rack or Support

You will need some way to mount your drum pads. Remo pads have a screw mount. If you are lucky, you might be able to find a used Remo Practice Drumset. These can be purchased on eBay and it looks like a set can go for the neighborhood of $60.00 plus shipping. Add any standard drum pedal to play the bass drum pad.

Here are a few picture links:

Old Style Set that has been converted:

Here is the front view.

New Remo Set.


Cymbals and HiHats

You can mount any kind of pad to trigger a cymbal sound. If you want a cymbal that is like an acoustic instrument you will have to pay more. HiHat pedals can be configured for most drum modules.