I already know about the constraints of recording with electric drums that do not have separate outs for each pad. But, due to the expense, close proximity to neighbors who would complain if I had acoustic drums, and space in my studio, I am using electric drums now.

But, my Hart kit is having a lot of technical problems and will have to be replaced to finish my current CD.

Here are the two I am considering buying:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Roland-TD3SW-VCompact-Electronic-Drum-Set?sku=449934

Or

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Yamaha-DTXpress-IV-Electronic-Drum-Set?sku=444815

What are your thoughts on these two kits?

Seeing as I have never been a drummer, I have some great advice.. lol... I would recommend the Roland ones though. My Drummer (he's like a pet) has the TD10's and loves them. I think TD3's are kind of like a lite version of them. I've seen them used around here for 750 or so. If ya wanna come visit me, I'm sure you can save a few hundred bucks.

Actually the TD10's haven't been made in a few years now the TD3sw are improved in sound and function. Check out the demo vid with Johnny Rabb from the Roland website. Now the kit you have a link for is upgraded from this video. It comes with a mesh snare trigger and a new Hi-hat trigger.

http://www.rolandus.com/products/productdetails.aspx?ObjectId=803&ParentId=60

I don't know much about the Yamaha's but this kit is cool for the price.

Chiming back in. I went to the Yamaha website and listen to the video clips from there kits. They seem to really be pushing the techno/dance/ambiant sounds. There was only one clip that sounded like a rock kit and it didn't sound as real as the Roland one.

That's cool to know, Jon. Besides, the Rolands are less expensive!

Jon, I ordered the new Rolands this morning. Should be here in a couple of days!

Very cool! Let me know when you get them and give us your opinion on them compared to your old kit.

Well did you compare the kits yet Alldat?

They came today, and I don't have them put together yet. I'll know more this afternoon/tonight.

OK, here's my take on the new Roland drum kit.

1. All the pads are made of heavy duty plastic, and are steel reinforced. My old Harts were of very think plastic, and they are all busting on the bottom.

2. The kit was extremely easy to put together. The rack just unfolded from the box. My old kit had to be completely assembled. The new pads have steel clamps to mount onto the steel rods on the rack. The old kit they just screwed onto cheap plastic mounts. Also, the new kit has easy to turn hand screws so that you can move the mounts around to make the kit feel more comfortable. The old kit, you couldn't move anything without a set of Allen wrenches.

3. The new kit has 36 different predetermined drum kits. The old one had 26. The brain on the Rolands is so simple that I did not even have to look at the manual. Good luck with an Alesis unit! I still haven't figured that one out after 4 years of owning it!

4. The Rolans have some great kits already programmed. Very natural sounding! I think I can easily find a kit I like without having to change out sounds. Well, except for the ride cymbal. I just didn't like the sound of it on any kit. I might change it to a 2nd crash.

Overall, I think that the Roland kit will suit my home recording needs for years to come! Thanks for recommending them, Jon! Now, maybe I can get this Mission Of One project out of the way and work on some "other tunes".

Good to hear bro! I'm glad to hear the new kit Rocks.

Make the investment in another cymbal with mounting hardware. Then you can have a ride and 2 crashes. Its worth it.

Sweet. I really dig the V-drums. I much prefer the feel of acoustics but for practice and recording they rock.

and when you record, makse sure you can compress the kick and snare! The other sounds will come and go as they please. I found this out the hard way, for my drummer friend cannot compress, and his levels were all over the place. Luckily, our master tech fixed it, God Bless Dharok

Aldat, if you don't mind, what did you pay for the Roland set? Our church is about to jump off the end and buy some electric drums. (we all love acoustic, but its a small church and we don't want to be scaring people to heaven)

Our drummer and I went and looked at a set we liked (a Roland) they had it for around $1000. Sorry I don't have the model number.

My set also cost a grand.

I didn't have the dough, Ian. But, to record, they were a necessity. So, I borrowed the money from my 401K and have the payments taken out of my check each week. To top that off, the interest on the loan is split between me and the holder of the 401K. It might not be the best way to buy gear, but it was an easy solution.

Yeah, I could probably find a way. I can't believe how expensive they are! I think I'll probably try to find a used brain... my pads and everything are fine, it's just that my crappy brain keeps locking up.