Learning drums to improve rhythm ability

Freddy-Bl00D

So im a bassist and during the past two years i've been learning abit of keyboard and singing (i played guitar before i started bass).. I immediately found that it helped me improve my position in the band, i could explain to the other members what i wanted or i understood how to adapt my lines or grooves to compliment the keyboard/vocals/guitar better.

So bass being part of the rhythm section i think its time for me to learn the drum language and improve my rhythm ability.
Where do i start? I live in a commune with 3friends so i cant really bang a drumkit in the house and my space is limited.. Electric drums are nice but im already struggling to afford bass gear.. Lets say i have about R3k to spend on this adventure..
I plan on letting a few of my drummer friends give me a december crash course and then teaching myself afterwards

AlanRatcliffe

You're stuck between a rock and a hard place there I'm afraid.

You might be able to find an old Roland SPD-11 (octapad kind of thing) or the Yamaha equivalent in that price range, but it's not the same thing as a kit, even if you add a kick trigger, pedal and stand.

Otherwise get a djembe and let the whole household play on it. ?

shaundtsl

I picked up a very good condition second hand alesis dm6 kit for 3K on junkmail recently, the guy wanted something like 4.5K and I said I have 3K cash.

Turns out he was battling to sell it for quite a while and was happy with my offer.

So scout gumtree, junkmail etc. You have the obvious risks of buying electronic equipment second hand, but its also worth a shot.

Good luck, electric drums are really good fun! 8)

Freddy-Bl00D

I just spent some time on the roland and yamaha sites... Yamaha has a few intresting electronic percussive toys... Whats your opinions on this: http://usa.yamaha.com/products/musical-instruments/drums/drums_digital_percussion/portable_digital_drums/dd_series/dd-65/?mode=model#tab=product_lineup

I think it could do the trick for what i want, it has two pedals and the price is about $200

Freddy-Bl00D

Online price on local sites (soundz.co.za) is R4.5K... A big leap from the $200 - $250 USA price

Medeli has a similar product for R1500.. Never heard of them so it could be a cheap toy at that price

AlanRatcliffe

Yeah the Yamaha DD's were pretty good last I looked at them. Yamaha's equivalents to the Roland SPDs.

Medeli do cheap electronic percussion. I've never tried their kits or pads, so can't really comment. You do see their stuff in the music stores though, so it's probably not a total waste of money.