Traps A400 drumset review

[Darthblevins]

Have you tried using triggers with this kit? I'm thinking of getting this kit for ease of portability. Tired of gigging with monster drumkits.

[iggynjos]

do you like this kit?

[jubozs]

what can you tell me about these drums in terms of volume when hit with the same strength as a shelled kit?

[d111]

Nice drumming ..dude !!

i m planning to buy this drum set but i m living in an apartment. Do u think it s still too lund for an apartment ?

[ghostkrashers]

@d111 From what I heard, with brushes, its apartment friendly.

[cheeks1616]

hey dat was real useful. but how abt the feel of the kit being shellless? im a beginner but need sth that is soft in volume

[A1DEATH]

Wanna sell any of those kits in your garage? Haha nice review! I wish I could just have an hour with that kit to put in my work(;

[neurocosm]

They remind me of the PuerCussion sets that were around about 20 years ago.

[porkythepig007]

Yeah, sure, but my only question is WHAT ABOUT THE NUANCE or the SUBTLETY...? Every single person I have seen play these on YT has played them fast fast fast. I can totally GET that they are just itching to be speedily rocked up. I wouldn't want to play them fast fast fast at all... I like the idea, but obviously they don't satisfy a player who would desire be be creative or soft on a kit? You know?

[09ChickenLittle]

Awesome drumming. Can these drum fold away into a small space. So adjust the size cause I have a really bad size problem in my room and these drums look cool

[NinjaMafia999]

i love your style of playing! i feel like you listen to SOAD and Slipknot...and..Gorillaz perhaps?

[TheDisplayTeam]

Do you have any idea how these compare to the Arbiter Flats (or Flats Lite - I don't know what the difference is)?

Thanks.

[JayyRodd]

I just purchased this kit, somewhat based on your review. Nice review, and nice chops. While unpacking the kit, the snare strainer came pre-broken. Of course, I am getting it resolved, as it is new, but have you had any luck resolving your snare strainer issues? This is obviously a very poor design. Thank you in advance.

[ibonyun]

Do they come with mesh heads too for silent playing? That's really what I want.

They do sound pretty nice though. Your tuning works well with the style you're doing here. How would they handle a heavier style of music where one might normally go the JAW route?

[ibonyun]

toms sound like roto toms

[davss5]

I respect Walter's take on tuning and (the sound of) Traps drums...still - after having used everything from bedsheets, scotch tape with tissue, black electrical tape, and foam - my opinion is that tuning can be subjective...secondly, again with respect for Walter's opinion - and considering any expected limitations/differences in sound with shell-less drums - I have personally felt fairly comfortable with the Traps drums sound in other online demos (e.g., see YT video by 11111phil11111)...

[nbruc3392]

p.s. you should upload a video on tuning. that would be a big help to many I"m sure

[nbruc3392]

Walter Diamond. You sir are one real dude. Thanks for the awesome review. Been looking for portable kit for some time and i think I've just made my as to which one I'm going to get. Thanks a ton

[ParsoProductions]

are these drums like triggered or something?

[castorel]

@ParsoProductions no, just mics!

[Dobolt]

Really the best most accurate review I've seen for a traps kit! I think I'm off to buy one...

[ToweringFilth]

awesome.  I just wish they sold just a tom pack. I'd by that in a heartbeat.

[guitarpikz]

best review ever of these drum kit

[TheMoldinator]

I'm considering getting one of these, means selling my pearl though (mid range kit.) as im moving to a smaller house, would you reccomend. (Ill be making drum covers in the new year with them and gigging.)

[OrbitPrime]

I know the next kit i'm getting :)

[Cheapchumps2]

How do You tune themmmmm?????????????

[mp3remix171]

are they as noisy as a real kit or can u play inside whitout desturbing anybody?

[Kokush]

Beware of this brand and this kit.. My snare basket has broken during a gig.I emailed them and sent the pictures of the snare basket.They never replied and never taken care of my situation.It's impossible to reach the customer service.I have the warranty for the product but cannot replace the snare basket.It's a nice kit but the company doesn't care what customers say.Try something else instead of buying this kit..

[SokkotsuOtoshi]

You are right you sold me on them and I bought one... It is my first set and I have tried to tune them like so many have suggested [hand tighten all lugs then tighten one lug 1/4 turn and go to the opposite one and so forth] but I can't get them right still. Could you let us know what you did, or is it just experimenting? Thank you.

[SokkotsuOtoshi]

@SokkotsuOtoshi yeah sorry it is just experimenting I guess, spent a free day and figured out that I was just putting them on to tight. good now.

[ThomasTEvans]

Walter, thanks for the detailed review. I bought my Traps set based, in part, on this review. I'm curious if you managed to solve the squeaks and rattles yet? The noise from the 14" tom seems the worst, but I get some from the 12" tom as well. The bouncing up and down of the 14" tom is also disconcerting. It gets to be like a little trampoline. The clamping mechanism allows a little bit of rotation, no matter how tightly you screw in the wingnut. I'd love to hear if you came up with fixes

[vazana1979]

u r the man tnx 

[turkeysandwich11]

I just got my Traps today as my first drumset. But what exactly were you saying about tuning the drums? I don't quite understand, and I don't want to ruin them early on. Plus, if I can get them to sound like yours, that's a win.

[SmoogleChoocher]

Can I have your Pearl Set??? I need a new set and I'm pretty damn poor and cant afford even a 200 dollar crappy set. lol

[drummerg2]

kit sounds good,but you have high end mics, that helps

[987654321adam]

what mics did you use for the cymbals i got this kit and i have a mixer and drum mics but no cymbal mics

nice vid btw

[ThaBlunt420]

Do u hav ur china upside down on purpose?

[v114743]

@ThaBlunt420 actually that is the reall original way to have your china. "metal/rock" drummers made flipping it popular.

[GDGillis25]

@ThaBlunt420 That is the proper way.

[ThaBlunt420]

@ThaBlunt420 I was wonderin cuz it sounded awesome

[SgtCrazy128]

is there anyway to convert it to left hand?

[thereturningcow]

can you use a double pedal on these drums?

[djdifference]

Hey Walter, where did you get these drums for $400?

[526ify]

Man you sold me! When I think about how easy it would be to load these drums into a night club to earn 100 bucks for 4 hours sounds great! Even if I don't have your chops I love to work clubs but I hate setting up every night! Thanks man!

[djdifference]

Hey Walter, thanks for the video. You said, "Not bad for a $400 kit." My question is, where did you find the A400 for $400? Guitar Center and Sam Ash both have them listed at $599. Thanks for your time.

[drumsforhands]

sold i was looking for a fun practice kit for my living room found it

[hoowahdruma]

Hearing a good drummer that knows good equipment and has good "real" drums play and talk about these makes me want them. The only reason I'm still hesitating, is because of the mics and system you're running through. Do they sound good in person to the naked ear, or do I just like the sound of them gated, equalized, etc.?

[SiameseDream4321]

how much???

[KitWriter]

@SiameseDream4321 He said about 400 bucks or so.

[DESTINEAK]

Good point on tuning, thanks for the review, holy crap you got them sounding good!

[cougarkid54]

Nice vid! But what would you reccomend if I'm a complete beginner?

[JamesTheWench]

@cougarkid54 Get then professionally tuned first.

[AshleyAlvares]

Good review and well tuned.. appreciate it mate!!

[TheDeniedhopedrummer]

you are very arrogant... and btw that drum sound is shit to my ears drumming is what you like

[Wolverine51324]

You're such a dick. but your the coolest dick in the world by far. you rock!

[djsweetthing]

My god just play the drums and stop the talking!!!!

[bhifamous87]

Walter if you wouldn't mind please do a video on drum tuning. Im a beginner and am finding it hard to not get so much overtone. When i purchased my snare the guitarcenter guy didn't get it as good as I did. I purchased a drum tuner dial thingy and it hasn't helped really at all! Please do a how to video!

[YouHaveMetYourMaker]

Definatly considering buying these.  The only thing is that the standard ride sounds like poop on the 600 dollar kit. I will get these with a new ride.

[RikJamezBich]

never understood acoustic cymbals with electronic drums, but thank you for the review. I'm shopping around. You like this one? hahaha duck tape, panty liners.

[1324dr]

can i get ur pearl set plz

[1eary]

im thinkin of gettin a new kit to bring to college for reggae and jazz, would this be good?

[ghost666HAZE]

dude are they any good for metal like lamb of god/devildriver

[shutthehellup6666]

hell no they are kinda flappy if you really slam them

[ghost666HAZE]

Wat if you put some better skins on????

[shutthehellup6666]

@ghost666HAZE it depends i like my pdp kit better. this is really easy to play and it is great in the sound department . idk wat exactly ur asking so leave another comment. if u like to play that blasting or wat ever they are great but they arent very loud at all. but mine had evans g2heads but i sold them but they sounded bad ass

[shutthehellup6666]

@ghost666HAZE it depends i like my pdp kit better. this is really easy to play and it is great in the sound department . idk wat exactly ur asking so leave another comment. if u like to play that blasting or wat ever they are great but they arent very loud at all. but mine had evans g2heads but i sold them but they sounded bad ass

[ghost666HAZE]

@shutthehellup6666 yh i want to play metal like devildriver or lamb of god and i obv would need to get some different skins know any good uns that sound deep but dont ring out at all????

[shutthehellup6666]

@ghost666HAZE it depends i like my pdp kit better. this is really easy to play and it is great in the sound department . idk wat exactly ur asking so leave another comment. if u like to play that blasting or wat ever they are great but they arent very loud at all. but mine had evans g2heads but i sold them but they sounded bad ass

[drumdigger]

I discoverd Traps only today and I am THRILLED with the concept! Perfect for clubs and hauling around. I am researching into their electronic set. I would think when triggered to VST or a good drum module one would get a very cost-effective alternative. And Walter - your playing is great. I think you are a Dennis Chambers fan. Cheers!

[Thedavebib]

they sound like butt just kidding they sound great good job 5/5

[Blackcandlez]

Wow...THE SOUND IS GOOD! ESP THE SNARE! :O

[niupus]

The truth is just as you said in the beggining - drummers don't know how to tune.

I have Traps A400 kit, with remo ambassador heads and it sounds like a dream. No duct tape no stuffing, just good tuning :)

Traps A400 is a really good kit :)

[bgggbb]

They sounds pretty good once mic'd and mixed. I have played this kit on it's own and it sounds horrible in my opinion. You make them sound pretty damn good here though. Again, just an opinion, Nothing beats a solid quality drum kit!

[ChrisW12208]

Normal drums are too loud and too much of a hassle to haul around.

[derbi75]

I purchased a set if these drums with the 8 inch add on tom. I have not touched my Yamaha kit since. I did however go and replace the kick head with a Superkick II. What a big difference in the sound of the kick now. I get a real nice click and thud from the BD now. I am playing out live tomorrow night at one Rochester's biggest clubs and we will be recording live from the board and HD video. I'll post some video soon. I am also taking the kit with me for a segment on a local music show Monday.

[Sherkriek]

Um, whenever i hit the left tom, the snare (if snared ofc) will rattle pretty annoyingly, I can't hear that in this though? But on mine it practically is muted out from the snare :S?

Did you get this?

[cdlabelsideilive]

your really good

[TerroristsFilm]

are you like a pro at tuning?! this sounds great!

[dartthewarrior]

just saw another vid and this same kit sounded horrible!! all i can say is DAMN!!! nice vid!!

[paddioche]

sounds sweet mate, nice playing, are ur hats istanbul?

[WalterDiamond]

Old Zildjian new beats, nothing special.

Paddioche nails it below; of course they don't sound "just" like real drums, they're not "real" drums per se. But tuned properly and with good mics and signal processing you can make a hell of a good kit with these; further, you CANNOT pick up and carry a comparable 5 piece maple or birch (or any wood) drum kit by yourself in it's entirety and fit it in the back of your Four Runner undisassembled.(Minus cymbal booms and cymbals.)

[WalterDiamond]

The above is in response to many comments below, BTW.

[HauntedShores06]

how much are the mics and the mixer ?

[1eary]

so what if you dont have mics or signal processing?

[Cheapchumps2]

HEY GREAT VIDEO....... UMMMMM is the crash, ride and Hi-hat all come with the traps that you bought, or did you switch them????

[timtimtwotwenty]

@WalterDiamond

you sold me...i have a 4runner and it is a bitch to get my kit in my car

they sound great nice playing

[ca4014]

I think Mr Diamond has gone into hiding! Come along Sir, lots of questions awaiting your reply!

[paddioche]

he dosent have to reply silly questions, every drumset has its good and bad points, go ahead get a dw but ur still goin to be shit man, any giging drummer will appricitate the set up shown in this video, most drummers will have their own mike's & wil know how to mike properly, this is ideal for quick set up and take down, its a good kit for the price and real acoustics and not no drum hero gaming kit which i think most spastics on youtube play nowadays?would i be right?

[ca4014]

Yeh thanks for your input. I ask two 'silly' questions about heads and about hardware and you launch into a rant whereby I could buy a DW kit but I'll still be shit, and about spastics playing computer games. Next time, just save it.

[HauntedShores06]

can we not hear what it naturally sounds like for people who dont have that kind of gear?

[ca4014]

Unless you're physically in the room with them, you'll only hear them mic'd up and recorded, so the sound is always going to be tainted slightly by EQ'ing, effects, differences in quality depending on the type of mics used, even just the minor differences between one recording device and the next.

Just something to be aware of, although I get your point, no compression etc.

[pnutskater96]

does it come with cymbal mutes and mesh heads

[888riddim888]

Have you just repositioned the snare to get it between the toms or did you reposition the toms? Thanks.

[Greaseball01]

It's true, I'm crap at tuning my kit :(

[aassyr1111]

how much ?

[Sherkriek]

Aah, realistically though, your mics prolly cost whattt, an extra grand on top of the set, and you have to replace all the cymbals, as well as you've added your own, the mixer is another 400-500, Can't possibly consider this good value for how much effort you have to put in to make a percussion set sound good.

[Herbaver]

i still think maple and birch sound better.

because it seems like those toms will always have kind of an annoying fat yet high pitched tone

[quakekaya]

My bass sound like shit too. I dont know its suppose to sound like that but in the video it sound good.I did everything i could to inprove the sound but they still sound weird. If you have any tips plz reply

[lesliefrancs]

The toms sound just like rotos...

I'm going to have a tough decision buying a kit now...

[ca4014]

Great video, great sound from this kit, and great playing!

Just wondering if anyone else has this kit, what heads do you all use? I'm thinking of buying this kit but won't be in a position to mic it up, so wondering how to get the best out of it.

Also, if anyone has hung this kit from a Pearl rack (square section) I'd be interested to know what additional clamps/ hardware may be necessary.

[rudiiwii]

they sound awesome! to a chea kit

wow

[jakamake]

how musch does a set of these run?

[TunaCaserole]

Well done review. Honest to goodness. I'm actually planning on saving up for a portable kit and your review just convinced me how much worth an investment this kit can be.

Thanks! =]

[jonmwalton1]

Hi,

I have just bought one of these and have managed to get a pretty good sound out of the snare and toms, but the bass drum still sounds rubbish. Have you got any tips on getting a good sound out of the bass drum without running through a processor??

Thanks

Jon

[equinator4u]

From the videos on this kit, I thought they were crap.. until now. :) Just FYI though, if you start putting electric pad triggers on the stand, be prepaired for a crosstalk and false triggering nightmare. Just a tap on the stand of my TD-12 kit will trigger several pads.

[samjam42]

Hi great video some insane drumming skills there... I've had a go on an a400 and like you I'm very impressed. However the kick drum lacks the punch I want. You mentioned below that you would use an acoustic kick in an unmic'd situation. Is this easy to do without ruining the structure? It looks as though the traps kick adds some support to the frame.

Thanks

[krombee]

dude would u be able to put the 12" set up as a floor tom??? also i play metal and rock are these good kits for that? thanks

[xyxyu2]

Damn Walter, you are one smokin drummer... I love the tuning on your kit... The easy fix for the floor tom is use the snare holder on it but make sure when you tighten the holder on the drum that the holder is tightened on the bottom drum rim and not the upper tuning rim. i might order a second snare holder and use two of them...

[metalicjudasmaidenhe]

Did you change the heads or are these the ones the kit came with?

[2030grand]

Hey, thank you so much for this video. I had my A400 for about 3 months now and I love them. But, I'm having a bit of a problem tuning the 3rd tom.  It goes flat on me when i try to tune it low. Any tips on tuning the 3rd tom? Thanks. Tom

[tubs33]

Hay man, seriously great video, thanks so much.

Just a quick question..

I have been playing in a large band for many years with my yamaha stage custom kit but have recently begun a small twopiece blues band and want a smaller kit. I have experience tuning but would not be using the microphones or mixer like you.. would you still reccommened the traps a400?

Cheers - Toby

[WalterDiamond]

For jamming, I think an un-mic'd Traps kit would fit the bill fine. In live settings, most venues have at least 2 (hopefully more) drum mics, so you could get away with it. Or, like I commented above, use the Traps kit with a real acoustic kick.

In any event, buy a kit. Damn cheap and well worth having around. Tell Traps Walter Diamond sent you. (I'm selling more of these kits than Guitar Center, I swear.)

[BluesGuitarist99]

outstanding, im going to get a drumset over the summer and you just sold these to me. my friend (you can checkout his channel drummachine1313) has been pushing me to get these and im glad he did cause i was gonna get the pearl rhythm traveller but this is farrr superior. thankfully hes an amazing drummer for only sixteen and he knows how to tune lol. youre an outstanding drummer. just one question tho, ive heard mixed reviews about the bass drum, any insight for me on it?

[WalterDiamond]

The kick is the trickiest, for sure: it is missing the most shell to resonate compared to the other drums. However proper mic'ing and eq'ing helps bring out the low end that is lacking. Compression is also a big help. (on all the drums; see vid above). In an un-mic'd situation I would likely use an 18 inch real kickdrums instead of the Traps kickdrum.

Thanks for the kind words.

[BluesGuitarist99]

alrighty my good man, i'll take your word for it. thanx a bunch and keep rocking!

[TrapsDrums]

We are Traps drums, thank you for choosing our product and for taking the time to make this video

[WalterDiamond]

Ha! I had intended to email you about this but hadn't yet. Anywy feel free to link this video on your website; the jazz drummer link you have is a good start, but the audio is far from exemplary.

I'd love to hear any plans you have for future kits. Upgrades, additional sizes, etc. And I'm not against shamless attempts to score free "test" equipment to provide you with valuable user feedback... :D

[KitWriter]

@TrapsDrums Get Walter his Snare Strainer! xD ...DO IT!

[Glen694u]

@TrapsDrums - Yes indeed you should thank this guy because he has actually made a decent demo of your drums which you guys at Trapsdrums seem incapable of . How about you put him on the payroll - LOL ??

[doctorrodders]

Good reveiw, helped me decide that these are up to scratch on the sound quality, will probably be investing in one myself. Out of interest, Im assuming that the cymbols you have are not the ones that it came with

[WalterDiamond]

Thanks for the question, I forgot to mention the cymbals. The original owner purchsed the "upgrade" Paiste 101s or something. Like the hi-hat stand and kick pedal, fine for beginners but I don't use them.

When I first jammed on the kit with a bassist, we both noted that my cymbals were now noticeable louder than the drums. In an un-mic'ed setting, cymbal dampening is a good option.