Talk me out of / in to a DTX750K / TD-15KV

mR.dnA

Junior Member
Hey everyone - long time lurker; long enough that my original account didn't exist anymore. Hopefully my low post count doesn't cause you to skip this, should you have input!

I currently have a DTXpress II, but I'm in the "analysis paralysis" portion of an upgrade to something newer, quieter, and closer in feel to an acoustic kit.

It will essentially replace my acoustic in day-to-day respects, due to my living situation. I don't plan on gigging with it (that's what my Rogers are waiting patiently for), but I will rehearse and record with it, as well as create music with other remote musicians. I'm not massively experienced; I've been playing for about twelve years total, with the last three being... not so much - but now I'm at a place where I can and have been getting serious again. I'm not worried about skill transfer problems between the electronic and acoustic set, as I didn't have any using the old DTX (or perhaps my skill level wasn't high enough to be affected, more likely...)

My budget is about 3k - I'm able to go a little above that, if there's good reason - but not too much more. Bulk of the funding a gift card that can be used only at certain merchants, Guitar Center being one of them, so that's where I'm looking - otherwise I'd absolutely be looking for an "I bought these and they gathered dust now I'm selling them cheap" used setup.

I've so far narrowed it down to either the Yamaha DTX750K or Roland TD-15KV. I definitely want the realistic hi-hat setup, and while I'd prefer the fuller size kick (ex: the DTX750 comes with the smaller pad, same as my DTXpress(!)) it isn't a dealbreaker. I'll certainly try before I buy with respect to pad feel, but closer to acoustic feel is important. I had a Roland Rhythm Coach a few years ago and it felt too bouncy, so I am absolutely interested in the latest Yamaha pads - and have heard they're also quieter (a huge plus).

Thanks for reading this far! Any and all input is appreciated.
 
Hey everyone - long time lurker; long enough that my original account didn't exist anymore. Hopefully my low post count doesn't cause you to skip this, should you have input!

I currently have a DTXpress II, but I'm in the "analysis paralysis" portion of an upgrade to something newer, quieter, and closer in feel to an acoustic kit.

It will essentially replace my acoustic in day-to-day respects, due to my living situation. I don't plan on gigging with it (that's what my Rogers are waiting patiently for), but I will rehearse and record with it, as well as create music with other remote musicians. I'm not massively experienced; I've been playing for about twelve years total, with the last three being... not so much - but now I'm at a place where I can and have been getting serious again. I'm not worried about skill transfer problems between the electronic and acoustic set, as I didn't have any using the old DTX (or perhaps my skill level wasn't high enough to be affected, more likely...)

My budget is about 3k - I'm able to go a little above that, if there's good reason - but not too much more. Bulk of the funding a gift card that can be used only at certain merchants, Guitar Center being one of them, so that's where I'm looking - otherwise I'd absolutely be looking for an "I bought these and they gathered dust now I'm selling them cheap" used setup.

I've so far narrowed it down to either the Yamaha DTX750K or Roland TD-15KV. I definitely want the realistic hi-hat setup, and while I'd prefer the fuller size kick (ex: the DTX750 comes with the smaller pad, same as my DTXpress(!)) it isn't a dealbreaker. I'll certainly try before I buy with respect to pad feel, but closer to acoustic feel is important. I had a Roland Rhythm Coach a few years ago and it felt too bouncy, so I am absolutely interested in the latest Yamaha pads - and have heard they're also quieter (a huge plus).

Thanks for reading this far! Any and all input is appreciated.

The DTX750K is a great choice because all the toms, cymbals and snare pad have 3-zones. The 2-zoned vertical motion hi-hat comes with a Yamaha hi-hat stand. The snare and toms are DTX-Pads with realistic stick response and they are very quiet. The rack is all steel and it comes with Yamaha drum hardware. (Toms and Cymbal booms). But best of all is the DTX700 module's ability to load in your own custom sounds or kits, layer different sounds together, cymbals choke and pre-choke, the snare wires can be turned on or off, with pads the have the pad controller knob you can re-tune your toms on the fly and much more. If you need a larger kick tower there is the KP125W from the DTX900 series kits. Also there is the DTX790K configuration with the same pad/rack set up as the DTX900K. Below are two video links, one for the DTX-Pad demo and one for the preset kits.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHziJju_i_M

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6EKLmJuFeA

Hope this helps and if you have more questions on the DTX kits please let me know,

DTX Product Specialist
 
I personally much prefer Yamaha to Roland. I think their sounds are better and their silicone is nicer to play on then Roland's mesh. But Roland are more popular. You absolutely must go to a store and try both out for yourself. You might find you are a Roland guy, or a Yamaha guy.
 
I personally much prefer Yamaha to Roland. I think their sounds are better and their silicone is nicer to play on then Roland's mesh. But Roland are more popular. You absolutely must go to a store and try both out for yourself. You might find you are a Roland guy, or a Yamaha guy.

Definitely going to try both, especially given the cost. I think most of my concern lies in any hidden "gotchas" that either may have. I'm pretty sure I'd be happy, functionality-wise, with either.

That, and I really don't like trying stuff out at music stores. I don't mind playing out, but sitting down at a kit in a store? *shudder*
 
....... I really don't like trying stuff out at music stores. I don't mind playing out, but sitting down at a kit in a store? *shudder*

Just ask for some headphones or take your own. It could be worth trying a 2box Drumit 5 also if you can find a demo kit - I'm waiting for my local supplier to get one in.
 
Hope this helps and if you have more questions on the DTX kits please let me know,

DTX Product Specialist

Thanks for that info and the video links.

What would be "lost" in choosing the DTX562 instead of the 750K, mainly pad and cymbal wise (other than one less crash cymbal)? I see there's lighter hardware and looks like smaller snare/tom pads. Rack hardware's lighter. Brain is simpler (but newer). Would certainly free up funds to upgrade the kick...

I didn't see a way to directly compare the specs between the two using the site; was hoping you might have something to look at.
 
Just ask for some headphones or take your own. It could be worth trying a 2box Drumit 5 also if you can find a demo kit - I'm waiting for my local supplier to get one in.

Hmm, excellent idea - I've seen 2box mentioned a lot recently but didn't figure that in because I thought they wouldn't be available through GC. I'll have to drop by a couple places and ask if there's any 2box demo kits around. I should be able to find something, living in Southern California and all... heh.
 
I prefer the yamaha's over Rolands in every way. The three zone pads that DTX product specialist brought up are a very big deal to me that doesn't get played up very much. And I wouldn't get hung up on the Yamaha KP65 kick pad. It doesn't look like much, but what exactly do you want out of it? It's dirt cheap to replace, and works.

You have to try them for yourself and just choose what you like better. Both are excellent, and you're not making a wrong choice. Generally stepping up in brains gives you better sounds, and more expandability. Some modules give you more output options as well for recording.
 
And I wouldn't get hung up on the Yamaha KP65 kick pad.

My gut agrees, actually - although I don't/didn't use the doubles much on the older KP65 that came with my DTXpress, I never had problems when I did use it in that configuration.

Plus I guess that means I'd have a spare!
 
yup. The foam in the kick pad does eventually break down. And I've used quite a few different double pedals with mine, and never any issues.
 
Thanks for that info and the video links.

What would be "lost" in choosing the DTX562 instead of the 750K, mainly pad and cymbal wise (other than one less crash cymbal)? I see there's lighter hardware and looks like smaller snare/tom pads. Rack hardware's lighter. Brain is simpler (but newer). Would certainly free up funds to upgrade the kick...

I didn't see a way to directly compare the specs between the two using the site; was hoping you might have something to look at.

Hi,

Sorry for the delay, the main difference between the two modules is the DTX700 has 64MB of flash memory, the DTX502 has 12 seconds. The tom inputs on the DTX700 are 3 -Zone versus the single zone on the DTX502. The DTX700 module's hi-hat input can accept a message to alter the pitch of the hi-hat depending on foot pressure similar to a real hi-hat when you push down to raise the pitch. The DTX700 can have 4 layers of sounds per zone versus 2 on the DTX502.

Either way both kits are a blast to play and you'll be happy.

Hope this helps,

DTX Product Specialist
 
DTX Product Specialist: Thanks for the additional info - I appreciate it. Looks like the 700 is still a significant step up (especially the hi-hat modulation). I assumed as much but wanted to know specifics; this helps.

Hansolo: Thanks! Totally bookmarked and gonna check on the 12th.
 
I actually use my DTX 750 every week in performance. My personal opinion is I like the feel of the DTX pad. Seems close to an acoustic head to me. Also I prefer the sounds on the Yamaha. After all they sample their own drums for their DTX line. 3 zone triggering on everything but the hi-hat is wonderful. Hit-Hat on both are pressure sensitive. Just personal preference really. I do feel you get more bang for your buck with Yamaha. Oh and the band loves them. I did upgrade the kick to a Kp125.
 
The Roland sounds/kits have been very disappointing to me. I have a TD-11, and the only time the drums sound "natural" is when I use them in recordings with other electric instruments and spend way too much time on my mixing board, making everything fit together.

It's been less than 6 months, but I'm already looking into Yamaha modules so my e-drums can sound more like my DW Collectors to me while I'm actually playing.
 
The Roland sounds/kits have been very disappointing to me. I have a TD-11, and the only time the drums sound "natural" is when I use them in recordings with other electric instruments and spend way too much time on my mixing board, making everything fit together.

It's been less than 6 months, but I'm already looking into Yamaha modules so my e-drums can sound more like my DW Collectors to me while I'm actually playing.

I agree with you. The closest to "natural" drum sounds is the studio kit; however, the studio kit is still very far off of Yamaha. Definatly go for yamaha, and the dtx pads are the cherry on top!
 
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