Should You Choose an Electronic Drum Set or Acoustic Drum Set
- By James Hill
- Published 08/25/2009
- Music
For years the debate has raged between drummers whether to
use acoustic drums or an electronic drum set. There is no
clear cut answer for everyone. Ultimately it comes down to
personal taste and preference. Although there are some
characteristics that the two share, there are some definite
differences that can help you make a decision when it comes
time to buy your next drum set.
An electronic drum set is much more versatile than an
acoustic drum set. Very accurate samples of acoustic drums
sounds can be programmed into each drum pad including
cymbals. They can also be programmed with many other
sounds as well. You can trigger literally any sound from a
drum pad that you can imagine. You can realistically have
multiple drum kits in one. Anything from a heavy metal,
salsa, techno or reggae kit all in one set. This is
especially helpful when it comes to recording.
Practicing noise free is another major benefit of an
electronic drum set. Practicing without disturbing others
is one of the largest obstacles that drummers must
overcome. With elecronic drums, you can mute the kit
entirely by using headphones. In many band practice
situations, acoustic drums completely overpower the rest of
the instruments. With electronic drums, you can control
the volume, allowing the other band members to also turn
down their instruments, making it less likely to disturb
anyone else.
Many of the new electronic drum kits have a feature that
allows you to play a song minus the drum tracks. This is a
great tool for learning that new song you are intersted in.
Transporting electronic drums is much easier as well. They
are much more compact and lightweight. Most elecronic drum
kits can fit into an average car when broken down, unlike
most acoustic drums. An amplifier is the most cumbersone
part of an electronic drum kit, but may or may not be
needed depending entirely on the practice or performance
venue. In many cases you will be able to plug directly
into a P.A. rig or a mixing console, instead of using the
amplifier.
The price of electronic drums has decreased dramatically
over the years. Even low priced starter kits have the
features and quality that most drummers would be satisfied
with. High end models are generally around the same price
as comparable acoustic models.
So, don't dismiss the possibility that an electronic drum
set might be a better option.
use acoustic drums or an electronic drum set. There is no
clear cut answer for everyone. Ultimately it comes down to
personal taste and preference. Although there are some
characteristics that the two share, there are some definite
differences that can help you make a decision when it comes
time to buy your next drum set.
An electronic drum set is much more versatile than an
acoustic drum set. Very accurate samples of acoustic drums
sounds can be programmed into each drum pad including
cymbals. They can also be programmed with many other
sounds as well. You can trigger literally any sound from a
drum pad that you can imagine. You can realistically have
multiple drum kits in one. Anything from a heavy metal,
salsa, techno or reggae kit all in one set. This is
especially helpful when it comes to recording.
Practicing noise free is another major benefit of an
electronic drum set. Practicing without disturbing others
is one of the largest obstacles that drummers must
overcome. With elecronic drums, you can mute the kit
entirely by using headphones. In many band practice
situations, acoustic drums completely overpower the rest of
the instruments. With electronic drums, you can control
the volume, allowing the other band members to also turn
down their instruments, making it less likely to disturb
anyone else.
Many of the new electronic drum kits have a feature that
allows you to play a song minus the drum tracks. This is a
great tool for learning that new song you are intersted in.
Transporting electronic drums is much easier as well. They
are much more compact and lightweight. Most elecronic drum
kits can fit into an average car when broken down, unlike
most acoustic drums. An amplifier is the most cumbersone
part of an electronic drum kit, but may or may not be
needed depending entirely on the practice or performance
venue. In many cases you will be able to plug directly
into a P.A. rig or a mixing console, instead of using the
amplifier.
The price of electronic drums has decreased dramatically
over the years. Even low priced starter kits have the
features and quality that most drummers would be satisfied
with. High end models are generally around the same price
as comparable acoustic models.
So, don't dismiss the possibility that an electronic drum
set might be a better option.