Quote:
Originally Posted by Shnabdabber
Jawbone Hill's advice on the electronic drums is excellent. If this is your first kit, you may also want to check out kijiji or whatever for used acoustic kits... and use the drum pads to mute them. If you use earplugs and a set of headphones I guarantee that you will "feel and hear" every stroke you play. Plus you will always have an acoustic set.
Depends what your price range is, but if you are after an electronic kit, for sure check out Roland.
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I'm with Shnabdabber that you should definitely check out Kijiji for decent drum deals... I'm constantly checking it out, but I just don't have the space to upgrade my electronic kit right now! If you're looking new (and the HD-1 doesn't appeal to you... it definitely isn't the right fit for everyone), I'd suggest either the TD4 or TD9 sets. Both come with a mesh snare and either rubber or mesh toms (depending on the package you buy). I think these sets start over $1k new, though. I believe the HD-1 goes for $800. If you go used (and budget is an issue), the best kit you could probably find is either the TD3 or the entry level Yamaha. I've seen both of these sell for $500 or under on Kijiji, depending on how much the original owner has put into upgrading the various pads and cymbals. I'd avoid any 'no-name' electronic drums, as I've heard nothing but negative things about them. I'd stick with either Roland, Yamaha, or Alesis if I were you.
One thing I would suggest is trying the new sets out at either Axe Music or Long & McQuade. See if you can get used to playing on an electronic kit before you take the plunge. It might be a good idea to rent one for a couple of months. I know that Long & McQuade used to credit a portion of your rental cost towards purchase if you decide to buy the kit you're renting (I think it was 60% of the rental cost when I bought my first acoustic kit, but that was over 10 years ago so it may have changed).
As for noise, my personal opinion would be that an electronic kit would be quieter than an acoustic with mufflers every time, but I'll admit that I've never tried to muffle my acoustic kit. I'd just be too concerned with buying the acoustic kit only to find out that I can't dampen the sound enough to satisfy my neighbours / noise bylaws.
Once again, good luck with your decision!