Which is better Rowland TD-8 V-Drums or Yahama DTXTREME IIS

Joe T

I am an acoustic drummer but need a kit that I can use to practice with other musicians in a family room. I need to turn down the volume and vibration. I am evaluating both the Rowland TD-8 V-Drums or Yahama DTXTREME IIS and would welcome advice to help me make the decision.

I like the Rowland mesh pads, but they are small. Also I do not know if the Yahama rubber pads are equal in quality of sound and playability to the Rowland mesh pads. On the other hand I like the Yahama cymbals better (especially the ride and high hat).

Can anyone assist me? Thanks - Joe
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Joe T

CB_in_Tokyo · Newbie Alert Joined: 22 Nov 2004 Posts: 1

Hi Joe,

I just picked up the Yamaha DTXtreme IIS, and I am very happy with it. Granted I am new to drumming, but I researched it quite a bit before picking it up. I live in an aparment in Tokyo, and can't go with an accoustic set. I think the only Roland Model that compares with the IIs is the Roland Td-20k and it is almost twice the price.

I didn't get the chance to try out the Roland, but i did try to DTXpress III Special and the DTXtreme IIs. After trying the IIs, I bought it immediately. It was so good, I couldn't justify the extra expense of going with the TD-20k

DTXtreme Plusses.

Drums sounds are sampled from real accoustics.
Hi-hat works from a real Hi-hat stand.
Rubber pads are a BIG step up from the DTxpress III Special. (softer, with relatively real feel.)
Snare is 3 zone and triggered for Rim shots.
Crashes are triggered to mute when grabbed.
The Module is something else, and I am just beginning to scratch the surface of what it can do.
Built in 2 track sequencer.

Roland TD-20k Plusses.
Mesh Heads.
Very realistic Hi-hat (better than the Yamaha but about 1/5th of the whole Yamaha Kit)
Accoustic Drum look.
(Not as many plusses, as I didn't get the chance to play them)

Personally, I don't think you can go wrong with either of these kits. I looked a bit at the td8's, but they didn't seem to me to be in the same league as the DTXtreme, so I didn't research them much.

Check out http://dtxperience.com/ for more info.

Here is a comparison between the DTXtreme and Roland http://dtxperience.com/specs/dtx_vdrum_comp.php

Mind you it is a yamaha site so it is a bit biased.

Here are reviews of both kits at edrummer.com

http://www.edrumming.com/reviewpost/showcat.php?cat=11&page=

At
http://www.yamaha-europe.com/yamaha_europe/download/movies/01_product_demos/DTX_III/DTX_III_English_v1_0_300k.wmv
there is a video demostration of the DTXpress III Special, and the DTXtreme IIS is a huge step up in terms of feel and playability. (Warning 20 MB Movie file)

I hope some of this information is helpful. If you can, try them both out. I would be interested in hearing a more experienced drummers views on the kits.

Cheers,

CB

drummergirl13 · Posted: Sun Dec 05, 2004 3:45 pm Post subject:

Are you looking for a kit you would ever consider playing at a gig or are you just looking for a practice unit?
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Gretchen

RET Percussion: Experience the Best of Both Worlds in Electronic Drumming!

Joe T · Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2004 1:54 am Post subject: What I would use it for

To Drummergirl 13;

I want to use it for practice with other musicians in a small space to control the volume level.
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Joe T

drummergirl13 · Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2004 10:52 am Post subject:

If the kit is going to be used solely for practice, then stick with a lower end kit with a TD-3 or even a TD-6v. The TD-20 would be overkill for basic practice sessions. As for kit choices, use your best judgement and decide up front what you are willing to accept in an e-kit. If rubber pads not your thing, then there's mesh. We use real heads on our kits with Smartrigger cymbals, so our kits are pretty high-end and most folks who buy them use them regularly for performances. Test a few kits out at your local store and get a feel for what you want and then you can narrow down your choices.
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Gretchen

RET Percussion: Experience the Best of Both Worlds in Electronic Drumming!