Drums (Learning To Play) on a Alesis DM5 Pro electronic drum kit.

[gsmart13]

is this mesh head? :-)

[Akrynsky1]

@aamo215 yes you can put double bass pedal:).

[blastcampairsofter]

hey iwas wondering if wether or not i should get these because i need a decent electric set that sounds good and it seems like these do. Would you recomend these, because im buying a new set in a week. please reply and thanks for the video ps nice job:)

[Gamerfreak741]

HOLY SICK!!!

[redoubt9000]

Mmmm have you delved into the software drum programs yet such as BFD or Toontrack? Would like to get your read on this kit's velocity hits, or does it just do every sample as if you're giving alot of stick to every hit?

[ClanMcReynolds]

I just now stumbled on his vid. I am getting a dm5 pro as well. I think that you did pretty well, especially nailing those 16ths on the HH. Your natural timing is good when you let it flow.

[sk8rzone]

your good u shud do some lesons online coz your very good and i just got drums and cant play yet!!!!!!!!!!! :)

[Punkutatvidz]

This drum absolutely Owns that one that Connaltheshithead69 made, actually i think any one would, you're awesome, he's shit.

[memoochoawannabe]

okay, ill be starting how to play drums in a few months and im planning on getting this kit, can it tkae a beating? cuz ill be playing some deathcore on it and i dont want my blast beats easily breaking the pads. how durable are they?

[peroweiscool1]

@memoochoawannabe hi these pads are gonna break more easy but they have alot more bounce then rubber pads

[jman213456789]

hey im looking at this kit on guitar center...can you tell me does this kit come with a base pedal?

[castoraction]

In general kits like this don't tend to come with a bass pedal as standard or sometimes even the stool.

I got mine a while ago at gear4music as they had a deal on for the kit, stool and bass pedal.

Maybe it's worth checking them out!

[aamo215]

@castoraction could you put a double bass pedal on it? like to play metal

[TheRhodes76]

I'm looking at buying the dm5 pro for my first drum kit,How are you getting on with the dm5? Are they a good first kit?

Cheers

Paul

[castoraction]

I would recommend it yes.

I've been learning for a while now and it is still going strong. There are a few little 'niggles' here and there, like a lack of rim shot and no metronome but for the price I think it's excellent.

[LittleEmoBoy001]

how much did you pay for this?

[MrChubbles123]

@LittleEmoBoy001 about six hundred

[xyanide1986]

@TheRhodes76

I gotta say this snare pad looks awfully small there, I haven't played on electronic kits but played real ones for 10 years+

[fahmister9999]

with regards to your explanation on how to plug in the kit to a computer, how did you record it ? thanks

castoraction

[castoraction]

I used Nero 8 - Nero Vision which seemed to work a treat.

[Base242]

there is nothing wrong with the way hes holding the sticks what are you on about

i reckon you need to watch some good drummers mate

this guy is doing well

[caioakiras]

another thing..

buy the DVD secret weapons from jojo mayer

he does a great job explaning the basics such as the grip(wich you're holding wrong but it's something that corrects itself within time) and teach a lot of great techniques and tips

he's an awesome teacher..he explains everything in the most details possible, he's funny and his technique with the fingers is one of the best i've ever seen

[Qwanoes]

@caioakiras that's like saying that the way you hold your fork at the dinner table is wrong. well there's actually no wrong way. dumbass

[caioakiras]

ok,youre right

but im just saying that there are other ways,better ways,to holding the stick in wich he can get more movement than what he gets holding that way

if you held the fork pointing down you would have to do some really crazy malabarisms to get the food into your mouth

instead you hold the fork pointing up because its quite easier,but either way are correct,there is just the easier and the harder way

wrong is an expression

get some commom sense

think before you say something dumbass

[zanderzoot]

dumbass, why?

it seems to me you are the one posting rubbish.

i have played for twenty years and see no problem

maybe it is you doing it wrong

[Qwanoes]

hey, i just said sorry to him...

[Qwanoes]

okay, you're right too

PS sorry bout that

[AceOfSpades1997]

I see no problem with hes grip.

People use diffrent grips cause some aren't working out well for them. I understand you just want to help this guy, but saying that hes grip is wrong....is not right!

Well, good luck drumming (:

[caioakiras]

one thing..you're holding you're sticks way too tight

try using more your fingers and less the forearms

if you don't this probably will fuck you up later on when you start using more technique then muscle..really..friend's advice..

this happened to me and i'm having some really hard time recovering thing that if i had done from the beggining i wouldn't need to have such a hard time now

other than that it's great..keep it up and you'll get there in no time

[MrBarnane]

awesome druming i get drums yester day but i have played with my friend can maybe make a tuorital plzzz

[castoraction]

With all due respect, I don't consider myself even remotely good enough to enter the tuition business.

But there are plenty of tutorials on YouTube though if you have a good dig about.

If it helps though, I was told by Manu Katche (met him once) to practice, practice, practice and when your hands fall off, tape the sticks to the stumps and carry on practicing.

[E1emntSk8er2]

How did you get the audio?

[castoraction]

Nothing technical at all actually.

I just plugged a cable into the 'output' port on the back of the Alesis box and then plugged the other end into my laptop microphone socket using a large to small jack-plug converter which I bought at the supermarket for 50 pence.

Honestly, it was simple.

Hope that helps.

[E1emntSk8er2]

Yep, thanks

[FrancescoCasta]

It is similar to Larry Mullen jr. (U2) style.

[castoraction]

A complement indeed!

Thank you.

I've always been a massive fan of Larry's style, along with Peter De Frietas from Echo and the Bunnymen and Stephen Morris of Joy Division/New Order.

But mostly Larry's

I haven't deliberately tried to copy him though.

Thank you for that comment it makes me want to go and play right now, which I will.

[zanderzoot]

nice playing man. keep it up.

[freaksimpa]

how can i get the sound??:D i have same drum set ;)

[JeremyjsmSWVA]

@freaksimpa he probably has the audi plugged into the camera

[heinzie5]

you will probably find it easier if you raise the physical height of all the drums, especially the snare and hihat. i noticed your practicly having to play down between your knees on the snare drum. also try to play less with your arms and more with your wrist especially on the hihat. you play more with your wrist when your riding on the high up cymbal pads so you can probably work from that. pretty good effort though :-)

[castoraction]

Thank you for the advice.

Another drummer told me this and it certainly helps as my arms ache less.

As for the kit needing raising , I'm afraid there's not much I can do about that as I am tall and wide (not fat! - not much anyway) Thank you again though, very useful.

[superjames08]

how load is this drum kit when hit cos i heard its really loud, if anyone has this and guitar hero drum kit, wich one is loader cos at the moment i got guitar hero drum kit and its quite loud and im not using the dm5 pro for guitar hero im just wandering.

[Lentrave]

i dont know for guitar hero but i have this kit but with surge cymbal and its less loud than rock band 1 drum

[superjames08]

ok thanks :D

[MetallicBeta]

what amp do you use with this set and would you recomend it for the price, sound quality etc?

[castoraction]

I've never actually put this kit through an amp yet but you certainly have the ability to do so.

As for sound quality? I really would recommendit for the price.

[MetallicBeta]

Alright thanks, im trying to decide between this, simmons sd7pk, and Roland Td3. Ive heard good things about all of them but for the price the Alesis seems best even though it doesnt come with a bass pedal =/

[Vartex]

Roland TD 3 Probably has the best sounds and features in my opinion.

[xxslashxguitarxx]

well i have a $100 fender bass guitar amp and it works mint bujt i really couldnt tell you wat to buy for an amp but u dont need to spend anymore than $100 for an amp

[xxslashxguitarxx]

its has really good sound quality too

[10westwood]

Can u plug the set into an amp or is it loud enough as it is

[castoraction]

No you have to put it through an amp or wear headphones.

Get some good headphones though as the cheap ones make the kit sound awful.

[xxslashxguitarxx]

did u try making hi hat pedal louder or changing diff hi hat sound?

[castoraction]

No. To be honest, I just used a pre-set kit (Rock I think).

[henry3856]

how do u get ur hi hat to get thet good opened and close sound

[castoraction]

The Hi-hat comes with a pedal that enables the open and close sound.

[MrBkoolaid]

nice just need to practice a little bit a day and you will see alot of difference. and for your stick dropping problem lokk for a product called guerilla snot sounds nasty but it works

[turquoiseguy]

can you add drum pads or cymbals to it? cause i am thinking of getting it, but i want to be able to add another cymbal or too so i have a china and maybe another crash, and sometime later i might feel the need to add a pad or something.

[iibrett]

yeahh you can add other pads to them, just google dm5 pro cymbal pads or somthing

[axacingdude]

hey turqoiseguy i am 1 of ur subs and why do you want an electronic drum set when you have an acoustic 1

[turquoiseguy]

hey man! whats up? lol well the reason i need an electric kit is cause i got a band and we are recording some songs and if i just record with a mic to my kit it sounds like shit and the double bass you can never hear, so i need it for recording. also so i can play late at night or in the early morning without disturbing my family or neighbors.

[henry3856]

yes u can also a double bass drum pedal

[rob11rod]

1 advantage of the dm5 module compared to other modules, is that it is expandable. so yes, u can add drum/cymbal pads

[mrpoltergeist]

do not hold them tight. that will create tension on your wrists, that creates tension on your arms, you can even get injured! how do you grab them, can you describe it?

a question about you kit: can you connect it to a pc, and record it in a multitrack program like cubase etc? how do you define the quality of the sounds? can you choose cymbal sounds to the pads?

im asking all that because im thinking in adquiring a dm5 pro kit with the surge cymbals...

[castoraction]

I see what you mean about describing holding the sticks. Thinking about it I seem to hold them too lightly yet more firmly on a mates accoustic kit.

I have no idea about Cubase but the box of tricks that comes with the DM5 Pro seems capable of just about anything but I would check the specs online for anything detailed.

Yes you can create a custom kit of sounds if you like.

[killakid443]

is this a good set??? how much u get it 4??

[BlkOpsSniper]

i have a question, the cymbal above the hi hat, do you have that set as a china? thats what it sounds like..

[castoraction]

I couldn't say to be honest!

This was recorded not long after I purchased it so the kit sound is one of the standard selections.

I have viewed this footage on different computers and obviously the sound is better when played through a machine with a decent set of speakers or better still, a Hi-Fi set up.

[mrpoltergeist]

your kit doesnt seem ergonomic for you at the moment. the snare is too low (try not have it below the knees), and the rest is too far away of your range, specially tje right cymbal. remember that the fast you play the closest you'll have to have the drums...

[castoraction]

Thank you mrpoltergeist.

This has been mentioned to me before and I have since drawn it all closer which definitely helps.

I keep dropping the sticks though, do you have any advice on combating that other than holding them tightly.

[madman20111]

yes, get sum drumsticks with a cover round the bottem, i think theres a pair from zidjani (dont know how its spelt) with sum sort of rubber so that it doesnt slip out of ur hands, even if ur hands are sweaty, check the dolphin music store site, theres sum there

[albundie3]

how long did it take you to put this together

[castoraction]

The kit or the video?

The kit took me a couple of hours at three in the morning, couldn't wait.

The video took ages as I kept screwing up and the crystal eye webcam thing on the Acer laptop I'm using is hopeless.

[albundie3]

wow three in the morning, did it take a couple hours cause you where tired or somthing

[castoraction]

It arrived in the morning and I had to go to work.

Got home and had to dash to airport to pick someone up.

Arrived home at two..............

It took two hours due to the fact I was seeing double and I'm a halfwit!

[albundie3]

i doubt that you are a halfwit, you are just a little too generous so with o distractions at all how long should it take me?

[castoraction]

One maybe two, it's difficult to say really as it comes as individual components both large and small in a large box.

The instructions were next to useless so I kept looking at the image of it assembled online.

I also chose to set it up in my warm living room as opposed to setting it up in my garage which is freezing come winter.

I then had the hassle of moving it through four rooms and doorways - a real pain in the arse but better that then hypothermia and numb hands for two hours.

[albundie3]

thank you, and that must have sucked

[immortal140]

Keep up the good work! Pretty solid stuff just for a few months. I would definitely raise that snare up a bit if it was me though.

[castoraction]

Thank you for the positive comments Immortal40 and I will set to my kit with a spanner right now!

[mjrupps]

Would this set be quiet if it was off, or would the heads still produce noise?

[castoraction]

I think it is fairly quiet.

Just a dull thud really.

[mjrupps]

"Dull" as in quiet? Like are they mesh heads? (<--- Great band name).

[castoraction]

Not quite as quiet as mesh heads.

[mjrupps]

But quiet nonetheless?

[castoraction]

Try hitting your pillow with a drum stick as it is about as loud as that.

I have had a go of an electronic Yamaha kit which was much quieter but then it did cost eight times as much.

[mjrupps]

What I'm trying to get at is whether or not a set like that would be good for a dorm room without a noise complaint.

[castoraction]

I wouldn't say they are quiet enough for that.

You can hear them in the next room in my house.

[mjrupps]

Even if they're off?

[castoraction]

I don't put mine through an amp but just the headphones so the 'being off' and using the headphones has the same results sound wise.

[mjrupps]

Oh ok so they're too loud for a dorm lets say "acoustically"?

[BlkOpsSniper]

you can buy pearl muffle mesh heads to quiet them down a good bit.

[mjrupps]

See that helps. You'd still hear it, right?  With or without sound? Good for a dorm? (Haha I had to).

[ddoukopou]

You had you set for a while now, do you still like it? We're shopping for a set, can't decide between Acoustic or elec.

[castoraction]

Still love it!

I would love an acoustic set too but I don't think it fair on the neighbours.

Also the choice of different sounding kits on mine is interesting to use.

If it broke tomorrow I would go out and get another straight away.

[ddoukopou]

Thanks, we're going out today to pick one up. I like the one with the surge cymbals, it's $300.00 more, so I have to see the difference and if it's worth it.

Going with elec for recording purposes.

[DaStylar]

do a tutorial :)

[castoraction]

Are you being sarcastic?

I wouldn't dare do a tutorial due to the fact I haven't a clue on how to play.

I have redecorated and re floored my garage though as it looks a bit scruffy in this video.

[Eriink]

who do you think cares about your age?

[immortal140]

I'm gonna buy one, now that I know an 11 year old can buy one

[be93lolzy]

hey nice playing. you got real feel. just try and vary on the beats. like different ones. but all round good playing.

i am getting one of these kits soon what would your personal opinion on them? good and bad points lol.

[castoraction]

Thank you for the positive reply.

I am trying to vary things a bit but you know how it is, you like to repeat what you can do rather than struggle with that you need to practice.

But I love drumming and it feels like 'my instrument'.

I wish I had discovered it earlier but then electronic kits were far too expensive then and it wouldn't have been practical for my situation or fair on the neighbours to have got an acoustic kit.

[castoraction]

The kit itself? I love it!

But then I know very little else.

It has no rim shot facility and could do with a built in metronome. That aside I really rate it. However it is not me spending your money and you sound like an experienced drummer so you may find it below you as I may find it with more experience but for me, now, at my level of drumming I wouldn't be without it.

[babs2002ukus]

really nice sound on the kit, and considering your just learning this is very good matey :)

-Clint

[112Vinnyv112]

Not bad. Youve got the basics down and now all you need is to learn some different fills and start making your own. Find a famous drummer or two and watch them play, get influenced by them!

[castoraction]

Thanks 112Vinny112.

I have been watching lots of Peter De Frietas (Echo & The Bunnymen), Many Katche & Mel Gaynor.

I'll keep practising.

[daredbran]

also, awesome playing

[daredbran]

is that a good drum set.

i saw an add for it on guitar center and it was 600 bucks!

so is dat worth all da money for it

plz write back

[castoraction]

I spent about the same and love it.

If you are an experienced drummer then maybe you will find faults but I rate it.

[D4athPanda]

Hey I'm thinking of buying this kit, how would you rate the overall responsiveness? Cheers and nice playing.

[castoraction]

To be honest my experience with drum kits acoustic or otherwise is very little but for me at my level it does seem a great kit and kind to the neighbours too!

It is still in once piece too even with my two daughters bashing away at it.

I would recommend it, especially at the price you pay but ensure you get the bass pedal in the deal as I don't think it comes as standard from all retailers.

[D4athPanda]

Thanks for the reply! And I'll be using my acoustic kit's pedal for it, so it should be fine. Here's my only concern; I've played an electric drum kit at the music shop near me, and there was a tiny bit of lag with each beat, and sometimes beats wouldn't even register... is this kit anything like that?

[castoraction]

I haven't experienced any lag and I am pleased with it.

I wouldn't spend your money on my say so though as I don't have a lot of knowledge or experience with drum kits

[DeathMetalAngel123]

Have you had any problems with this kit falling apart?

[castoraction]

I have to tighten the nuts up with the supplied alan key every couple of months but they are never really loose.

I think it is durable which is handy in view of me not being the most delicate of wannabe drummers, plus my seven year old daughter gives it some stick and it appears to be holding up.

I just can't get the bloody sticks to stay in my hands.

[leeroy25024941]

sweeettt just ordered one of these the pro kits..cant wait....lol

[ausername2008]

Now try to fill in with a TOM man, Just start by hitting the tom once instead of a symbol.

[ausername2008]

Not bad man, just be glad you didnt buy an OSP, I invite you to listen to one of those and hear how cheap the sound sounds. Not accurately reproduced at all.

[JustInPlug]

a few tips on your set up: Put your cymbals lower. it will make it easier to play faster later and if you get used to low cymbals now it's easier for you later. Also tilt your toms more upwards. This will prevent hand injuries(own experience)

Nice playing for just half a year!

God Bless

[castoraction]

Easy when you know how hey?

I'm off now with spanner in hand to do as you suggest.

Cheers for the tip!

[buddhadonut]

does the snare drum have a rim shot feature?

[castoraction]

Sorry for the late reply!

No it doesn't I'm afraid.

[Torontokoshiki]

you've onlybeen playing for a few months? amaizing!! Ive also been playing for a few months..but I dont sound anything like that..rock on

[zeravlaj]

sounds sweet, I was thinking of buying this drum kit, is it sturdy?

[castoraction]

Yes I think it is sturdy.

You will have to tighten the screws every so often as they eventually loosen up but it is not a major problem.

[brunster64]

I play guitar have done so for many years but due to a recent finger injury I can't play anymore.

I'm thinking about buying this kit and I must admit your an inspiration for me if you've only been playing a few months!!

Keep up the good work.

Regards, Mark

[mastertung7]

keep at it bro,i play a yamaha dd55 pad kit, i loooove it, and my approach is to always have fun,i run it thru a auto compressor,and bbe processor and folks say they love it,.just continue to have fun,and play what you feel, remember you are speaking,expressing things with and through your hands and feet,and we know music is the universal language.enjoy

[Troytre]

hey i have the same drum kit that u have but when ever i hit the hit hat like u do in this video it cuts me off in some beats. if you know what i can do to fix that can u tell me please.

and you are a pretty good drum player keep up the good work.

[castoraction]

I can't help I'm afraid.

You may have to open the instructions manual. Which to be honest is not something I've ever done. But it does mention things like 'attack' so maybe you have to set it.

Every now and again the audio goes off on mine like it has lost power which can be sorted by turning it on and off again. But that is just bloody computers for you.

Good luck.

[tbcslayer]

i have my dm5 pro yesterday but when i hit the hihat fast like u do it doesnt trigger very well .dunno why tho

[castoraction]

¿Usted ha intentado cambiar un cojín del platillo para su encopetado? Apologías si he indicado el obvio.

[tbcslayer]

hola no entiendo lo del cojin del encopetado, el encopetado es el charles (hihat)?, voy a cambiarlo , otra cosa ke te keria prguntar eske he echo un custom drum usando voices pero y he cambiado el nivel de curva en algunos triggers el problema eske estoy tocando y el modulo se conjela y me toca apagarlo y volverlo a prender es esto normal?

[GottSegneDich]

I love my DM5 Pro Kit. I love the versatility.

[BDJ1965]

Great job! You sound like a pro! How do you like your Alesis kit? Do you recommend it?

[castoraction]

Thank You!

I love the kit but then I have always wanted a drumkit but always thought it unfair on the neighbours to get a 'real' one.

I've spent years playing the 'air drums' along to music and think it has carried over to a degree.

In short, I love it.