eric_B
Senior Member
First of all I would like to compliment you with the trouble and time you are taking planning how to play the drums. Your new neighbors should be happy with you!Hello all,
My post has 2 parts that I need help with. I would love to hear some opinions...
On the A en E-kit topic, my $.02: I live in a detached house and own both an E-kit (Roland TD-9) and A-kit (Gretsch Renown). I started with the E-kit 10 years ago and wanted to develop further and play in a band (which all seemed to dislike E drums) so I got an A-kit as well.
About the difference: yes, acoustic is different than electronic. I also prefer acoustic. That being said, it is 2018 and electronics drums have there place and are a better choice for some. Choose whatever you like best and play those. Or both!
I have both kits set up in a not too big bedroom on the 1st floor. It has some acoustic foam but more for sound treatment than isolation.
The closest house is about 8 mtr apart. I know they and other people nearby can hear me play the A-kit because of some remarks but nobody ever complained. That being said, I don't play after 8 PM and usually not before 1 PM. The downside is it gets pretty hot in that small room as I do close the door and windows to lower the sound travelling outward. There is no A/C, it would be possible but at considerable costs.
So that has been a reason for me to try out Sound Off, Silent Stroke, RTOM and SuperPad and low volume cymbals. The SuperPad for the kick is great and they are also nice on toms. I have an RTOM on the snare, I like that it is tunable. I can play with windows and door open at low volume and it still feels near acoustics. If I want to go normal volume, I take off the pads and switch the cymbals, just a matter of minutes.
BTW: the remarks about people working and thereby defining a time frame where you can play without bothering anyone is somewhat shortsighted in my opinion, it depends very much where you live. People over here also work in hospitals and catering at night, doing nightshifts, etc, so not 9 to 5. My girlfriend does.
The advice about being open with it to your new neighbors is excellent.
The worse you make them believe it to be, the better it (probably) will be - especially when you have taken precautions.
Good luck.
Eric