Small Drum Kit with Sweet Tone Recommendations

[delta]

I'm starting to mull over the possibility of a small jazz/cocktail type kit for my apartment. Yes I know it will still make loud noise, but it won't be as thunderous as a kit say with 22x16 bass and 16x16 floor. I could get away with playing it at certain times.

I don't like the feel of e-kits, even the Roland ones. It's the "cymbal" feel that gets me. I honestly don't think I'm good enough at this point where this feel should matter, but I don't feel the same joy playing an e-kit and thus, won't play as much. So I was thinking with a small acoustic kit, I could get the same kind of "feel" as a traditional acoustic kit, but the smaller dimensions will limit the amount of noise I could make. Bass drums are usually raised off the floor so low frequency transfer of the kick drum will be minimized I would think. I still want it to sound good though. Good as in a decent tone, but miniaturized! Am willing to replace stock heads for better ones. Will give me an excuse to get some 13 in hi-hats as well.

Hope all of this makes sense. So far I've seen posts on the Yamaha HipGig and Sonor Jungle. They look good. Was wondering about any others or if people could elaborate if these actually "sound good", not just pack a punch.

[Gyrefalcon]

I turned a cheap kit into an e-kit a la http://edrums.info/acoustic_1.htm


It still feels like an acoustic kit and is very quiet (not quite silent).


I did the cymbals like http://www.toontrack.com/forum/tm.aspx?m=46574 and they feel plenty real. There is a slight "thunk" but that is it.

[Odranaz]

Over the summer I'm in the process of forming a acoustic type band and looking for the same type of drum kit. i really like the HipGig, but not the price. Is there any out there around the same feild but a lot easier on the wallet? (around $1000)

[Shedboyxx]

I've seen the Yamaha Manu Katche (I think they call that one of the HipGigs but I could be wrong) used for under $400. It's not a nesting kit like the Marotta HipGig but it's very small and I'd love to have one.

The Gretsch Catalina Jazz sets are incredible bang for the buck. All traditional sizes, 12", 14" toms, 18 kick (love it!), and a 5 x14 snare. The snares the only piece I feel is replaceable but usually we have our fav snares anyway. I see shell packs for $500-600, new on Ebay. Less for used. I speak from experience when I say these drums sound very good. Not USA Custom good - but still a good pro gigging kit.

I like the Sonor Jungle too but like the Katche model, There would be some gigs that I'd feel funny taking such undersized drums too. If it's mainly for practice, this is a moot point.

I am a bit concerned in the OP's confidence that he will make less noise - in an apartment. I think that maybe overly optimistic. Even an electronic kit will have pedals that create noticeable sound via vibrations on the floor. You can possibly be in a better position if you are on the bottom floor but if you have wood floors - not good. I'd give that issue a bit of thought. Even small size drums create sound (yes even with silencers and other practice products) that can be disturbing to your apartment neighbors.

I'd purchase with caution and maybe survey your neighbors to see what happens when you play a drum set in your apartment.

HTH

Jim

[somedrummer]

Try making your own! It's a fun project, requires some basic tools and a little time, but can be really fun and rewarding. I built myself a set in the same dimensions as the hipgig, sans the separating bass shell, and I love it. It has a great tone, and I got to make it totally custom. Let me know if you want more info.

[pasta]

Love that kit! Champagne sparkle is gorgeous.

[harryconway]

... thunderous as a kit say with 22x16 bass and 16x16 floor....

I don't like the feel of e-kits, .... It's the "cymbal" feel that gets me. ...

Hope all of this makes sense. So far I've seen posts on the Yamaha HipGig and Sonor Jungle.

Both the Yamaha and the Sonor are great little kits, though I don't think for a minute your "neighbors" are gonna dig them. They are still drums, and they are still loud. I'd opt for an e-kit, and use real cymbals, if it's the "cymbal" feel that you miss.