Drum Practice Pad

Review: Yamaha DTX-950 Digital Drums

It may be difficult to get over being skeptical about digital drum kits — and it was — until a friend, and well-known performer, recommended (and, in fact, insisted) investigating the Yamaha DTX-950 . His point was simply that they are not like anything else on the market and that playing them would remove any skepticism. As a drummer, audio engineer, and a technology writer, the mission was to be impressed. Up to this point, most drummers grade electronic drums on a curve where the quality was only relative to other digital kits — particularly by comparison to earlier models as technologies improve. Yamaha was able to do something that no other similar product (to this point) was able to do. The DTX-950 digital drums combine a more natural playing “feel” with great sound and a ton of features so the sensation is that it is not a digital drum set at all. When you look at the models from some of Yamaha’s competitors, the DTX-950 is larger in its footprint, but not nearly as large as other brands’ “faux-acoustic” drums. The DTX-950 has an incredibly durable feel, tactile appeal and outstanding build quality that holds up to the most aggressive playing allowing finesse and sensitivity down to a proper buzz roll, or for any style of drumming in between.

The DTX-950 will make any drummer want to spend more time playing. It is responsive to each stroke without feeling too bouncy and feels more intuitive physically. For the first time with this type of product, this kit does not feel like an advanced toy or a tech gadget. Without question, this is a professional quality product for any drummer who wants or needs electronic drums. There is so much capability, both built-in and with expansion, that adds to the value of this product.

The test configuration included Yamaha’s DTX-M12 percussion pads as a sidecar, plus (highly recommended) the outstanding Ocean Way Drums sound modules. What you get is nearly limitless possibilities, capabilities, and usability that is a lot of fun to play. With that said, all of this quality comes with a price that is on par with Yamaha’s best acoustic drums; however, when you consider its applications and functionality, the DTX-950 is a great value.

What’s In The Box(es)

Unpacking involves many large boxes and at least an hour of time, but the setup is intuitive. Once you realize the standard Yamaha method of assembly, it all easily comes together. Be sure that you have a lot of space in your setup area to accommodate both the kit and the packaging once they are unpacked. Yamaha’s HEXRACK system is easy to assemble and allows for tension lock placement in nearly limitless positions, but it is important to try inverting the mounts and adjusting the heights — as you would with an acoustic drum kit. After the assembly and initial adjustment of the HEXRACK, mounts slide on with a locking pressure cuff-type system. Of course, some adjustments will be necessary as you get comfortable, but a little fine-tuning of the placement feels like any great drum kit when it is time to play.

Choosing the Right Drum Practice Pad to Learn How to Play Drums ...

If you are in a high school band, drum corps international (e.g. Blue Devils, Phantom, Santa Clara Vanguard, Cavaliers, Madison Scouts), or just a guy who works in a drum shop, this article is for you! We want you do know how to pick the right drum accessory, or better yet, the right practice pad.

With so many practice pads out there, how do you buy drum pads? To answer this, you need to know the type of drum music you will be playing, the environment you will be playing in, the precise drum equipment you will be playing, and your budget for buying drum a percussion pad.

So what type of practice pads are out there? Well, what do you want the percussion pad to feel like? Do you want it to feel like a bass drum practice pad, snare drum head, tenor practice pad, or just a plain drum practice pad. Is there specific brand that appeals to you like a Remo practice pad (Remo drum pad).

Would you play with a Vic Firth drum stick? Danmark? Don’t just look for the average drum for sale. Choose best for your situation. If you can’t be serious about that, then join the woodwind and brasswind section. Most people know of Reel Feel by HQ. Other styles are single sided, double sided where one side has a soft rubber and the other is a hard rubber made of neoprene. Drum pads are made different sizes too such 6″ and 12.” Other types of drum pads are mutes, which are made for drum kits (drum sets) for the drum heads and cymbals. Mutes are made in many different sizes and they make quiet practicing on option on the drum set.

What type of drum music do you play? Do you play Jazz? Are you a Drum Corp guy? Or, are you just learning how to play drum music? You need to know this so that your choice in a drum shop will be intelligent. Don’t get a used drum pad. Buy drum pads that are best for your condition of playing.

How about your environment? Where are you practicing? Are you in a garage? Do you play in bedroom? How about at school? That is a funny one, if you are in a high school band, are you learning how to play drums in class? Sometimes drummers tap on their legs while in class. That’s detention time my friend. Either way, anywhere, depending on your surroundings, you need to choose a drum pad that best suits your ears, feeling and the one that does not annoy other other drum bum. As most drummers know, there are many types of musical instrument accessory. When it comes to drum pads, there are also many types of drum practice pads.

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