Almost totally clueless newbie

Twiggy said:
As far as lessons go, of course if it were realistic for me, I would take lessons. However it just isn't. I'll just say that I am in my 20s, but due to disability reasons, I have a limited income at the moment (until I hopefully find another job soon, and who knows how long that will last?).

My only hope for lessons is if I could find a local teacher, willing to work for cheap.
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I would do that research...at some point....
 
No Way Jose said:
You might just get a pair of drum sticks and start practicing.
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For sure, of course sticks will be obviously needed. I'll need to do some basic research on sticks, because I don't know if all sticks are the same, or if there's different sizes for different size hands, or what not.
 
I see that stick wise, the general consensus online seem to be to get 5A sticks first, and then later get different ones if needed.
 
5A is a fine place to start. Arguably the most 'well-rounded' size for modern music. Get those and a pair of 5B to compare. 5B feel thicker and hit harder. They can be more useful than 5A if you find yourself playing along to amplified/distorted instruments.

Some people feel like the heavier stick gives back more bounce with less effort. But also the 5B weigh more so it requires more effort lifting and throwing, in the wrist, etc.

Someone here recommended a practice pad and an exercise book. This may be the best fist step for you, if you are on a budget and just trying to get something started. A practice pad is not a drum, but if having one gets you to put in many hours of practice at different times of day, then it's totally worth the investment.

Practice pads come in different sizes and densities, and can be mounted on stands with a 6mm or 8mm thread. Some pads even have fat rims and simulated amplification (Remo). Many cool choices..
Get a dual sided Real Feel pad, that thing will make you work.

Basic sticking exercises are easy to learn to read. Reading rhythm notation for just one drum is pretty chill.
 
Twiggy said:
I see that stick wise, the general consensus online seem to be to get 5A sticks first, and then later get different ones if needed.
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Go to a music store and handle sticks. Hold them. Tap some cymbals. Hit some drums. You need not be a drummer yet to be able to tell how different sticks feel in your hands.

Buy 2 pairs, the ones that feel good and the 5As. Next time buy the ones you like better of the two, and something else. You will figure out what you do and do not like pretty quickly.
 
Twiggy sorry to hear your dealing with a disability but we have had a number of drummers who have navigated their issues with great results. I’d check out some of their videos for inspiration. I’d try a 5A and 7A to cover your bases. Wishing you luck in finding employment and I hope you enjoy your drumming journey.
 
Ok, so for a slight update:

I should be able to get out to a "local" music store tomorrow, so hopefully I'll be able to pick up a pair of sticks or 2, and a practice pad.

I am continuing to do a research for possible lessons if do-able in my area.

For right now, I am still looking to take the used steel shell route.

I think eventually I'd want to put together a small 3 piece kit, so kick, snare, and maybe high-hat, or cymbal of some sort.
 
Yeah, welcome Twiggy! I'm sure you'll enjoy DW, and get a lot of good guidance. Lots of great people here!

My best piece of advice is: when you get that cymbal (or better yet, hihats), also clear a little bit larger space in your room, spend a little more money, and add a kick drum. With those three pieces you can conquer the world and play ANYTHING!!
 
Hey Twiggy, welcome aboard! Here's a video I just stumbled over explaining some of the differences between cheaper and more expensive drums with sound clips:


Have a great time on Drummerworld!
 
You can always go to Home Depot and buy 4 of their large orange buckets with lids. Sit on one, use one for snare, one floor Tom, flip one on side for kick and find a cheap used pedal. Use lids for cymbals. Like a street drummer. You can set it up like a kit and get similar motor skill experience. Use brushes for silent playing.
 
GetAgrippa said:
You can always go to Home Depot and buy 4 of their large orange buckets with lids. Sit on one, use one for snare, one floor Tom, flip one on side for kick and find a cheap used pedal. Use lids for cymbals. Like a street drummer. You can set it up like a kit and get similar motor skill experience. Use brushes for silent playing.
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You don't have to limit yourself to buckets, either ......;)

 
There's a local guy on Facebook Market place, selling a Remo practice pad for $20CAD, which may be a good idea for me considering a new one from a popular music retailer in my province costs $43.

Only issue is, it is rather dirty and grimey looking. I contacted the guy asking if that dirt and grime can easily be removed via washing and scrubbing, if so then I'll go that way, save me $23 and that's before tax lol.
 
Is it the 10" tunable coated Remo? (See pic)

I have a few of these and they get real muddy looking if you don't regularly clean them. It's normal for used ones to look kind of bleh. Mine look way dirtier than the one in this photo.

I should mention another reason to get a brand new one, besides the fact it will look really great compared to a dirty one. As far as I know the Remo pads are still coated for brushwork. The rough coating works real nicely for jazz brushes. Sounds nice and musical, like the top of a coated snare drum. If you buy a used pad it's likely to have a lot of that coating worn off.

That said, even an old dirty Remo pad is still a great practice tool. It's very durable otherwise. They 'pop' nice and loud and they feel more interesting under your stick than a solid rubber pad.
Also the big plastic rims are perfect for practicing rimshots.

And for $40 *used*, you should be able to get the pad and a stand to put it on.

RemoStand.jpg

Remo Pad Head.jpg.png You could also buy that used pad and get a new clean head for it later if you like.
 
So,

I went to the local store today as planned. The practice pad's they had were only a large expensive $77 dollar pad (too much for me) or a crappy $20 pad of rubber that I just didn't want. I will probably end up just buying the used Remo Pad, and eventually replacing the head down the line. The seller is available on Tuesday, so a couple days wait, but will save a lot too.

I did manage to get a pair of sticks though, Vic Firth "The Perfect Pair", they are 5B sticks, however I did test them on the practice pads there, they are according to the packaging are Pitch-Matched/Weight-Matched/and Guaranteed Straight. They do pass the roll test on my desk, as they roll totally flat and straight.282569097_10222141319466149_3465017241196266038_n.jpg
 
Twiggy said:
So,

I went to the local store today as planned. The practice pad's they had were only a large expensive $77 dollar pad (too much for me) or a crappy $20 pad of rubber that I just didn't want. I will probably end up just buying the used Remo Pad, and eventually replacing the head down the line. The seller is available on Tuesday, so a couple days wait, but will save a lot too.

I did manage to get a pair of sticks though, Vic Firth "The Perfect Pair", they are 5B sticks, however I did test them on the practice pads there, they are according to the packaging are Pitch-Matched/Weight-Matched/and Guaranteed Straight. They do pass the roll test on my desk, as they roll totally flat and straight.View attachment 119589
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Forget all the mussing and fussing with equipment, lessons, whatever. Keep it simple.

If you like drums and think you might have an aptitude, pick up a pair of sticks - any sticks - and let your inner self take you where it wants. You don't find your talent. Your talent finds you.
 
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