Looking for e-drums for a noob

November 13, 2024 8:19 AM

In advance of Black Friday, looking for e-drums that fit particular criteria...

I'm looking for a set of e-drums that I can basically learn to play on. My criteria:

- mesh heads
- Can connect to a computer for recording (I want to accompany myself on guitar and bass, eventually)
- Inexpensive (<$1000)
- Most importantly, has some kind of learning mode! My favorite kind of drumming-but-not-really in the past was playing Rock Band. So any kind of mode where I can play along with patterns or more would be great. Not expecting anything that will make me amazing, just something to make practice more interesting, really.

Any suggestions?

posted by miltthetank to Shopping (4 answers total)

I like Roland V Drums. This one has everything you need:

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/TD07DMK--roland-v-drums-td-07dmk-electronic-drum-set

The learning modes will probably not inspire you much. But that's ok because just playing along to music is the best kind of self directed learning mode. And this model makes that very easy.
posted by grog at 8:54 AM on November 13, 2024 [3 favorites]

Seconding grog's recommendation. V Drums are great, even the entry-level models provide all of the essential features for digital drumming, and you can use the money you save over a higher-end kit to experiment with DSTs!
posted by jmfitch at 10:43 AM on November 13, 2024 [1 favorite]

I bought a used Roland to get back into drums after a looong hiatus. It's really great even if it's probably 7-10 years old, but for the way I use it (plugged via USB in a computer running Superior Drummer) I think I'd be happier with a slightly cheaper brand but a bigger "physical" kit (like a couple more cymbals and a double kick). Donner seems to have some great all-mesh kits. Triple-zone rides are also a must. Everything else sound-wise I can do on the computer and I'm not limited to the drum sound bank (Superior Drummer and Steven Slate are miles ahead of what I have on the TD-11).
posted by ddaavviidd at 10:52 AM on November 13, 2024

Also, for learning, I think you'll find better resources on a computer (via apps or online) than be limited to the learning functions of a specific kit/hardware. I have all the classic books in PDF, I can find drumless tracks on youtube or create them in Moises, we're so far from having to buy expensive and cheap-sounding tapes of drumless tracks!
posted by ddaavviidd at 10:55 AM on November 13, 2024