| Electronic or Acoustic?
Many issues need to be addressed when purchasing
an acoustic or electronic drum set. There’s an
ambience and texture to acoustic drums that simply
cannot be completely duplicated in any other way.
But electronic kits provide a range of sound and ease
of maintenance that acoustics can’t touch. Correctly
assessing your music program’s facilities, needs,
and level of skill are vital to choosing the correct
system.
- How large is your sanctuary?
- Is volume an issue?
- Will the praise music be played in a variety of
styles?
- What is the level of percussion musicianship?
- How isolated is the band from the choir?
- What are the capabilities of your sound system?
- Will the drums be moved for practice and other events?
How To Choose Drums
Electronic Drums
One of the biggest challenges facing churches is
how to control drum volume and ensure a favorable
mix with amplified instruments and voices through the
PA. For precise control, electronic drums are the
perfect answer.
Sound Control. Electronic drums can be blended
with vocals and other instruments in the PA.
Versatility. Drummers can quickly switch to
different kit sounds to cover many different musical
styles. Electronic drum, acoustic drum, and percussion
sounds are all available in an electronic kit.
Low Maintenance. Electronics consistently
guarantee high quality drum sounds without tuning
or replacing worn and abused drum heads.
Other Issues. Electronic drums are dependent
on a versatile, quality sound system. Good monitors
are also a must. If the band performs in various locations
at the church (such as the fellowship hall, outdoors,
or in youth rooms), both drum kit and sound system
need to be easily portable.
DTXPRESS II Electronic Drums
For most church needs, the DTXPRESS II Electronic
Drum set is the ideal solution. Featuring 8"
rubber surfaced pads on a tubular rack, the DTXPRESS
II includes 80 different drum sets (32 user sets)
and 928 drum sounds which includes 100 percussion
voices and 128 General MIDI keyboard voices. The snare
pad has three separate strike zones for snare, rim
shot, and cross-stick sounds. The crash cymbal includes
two zones, so it can be muted like a real cymbal.
The DTXPRESS II offers the greatest value per dollar
spent. And when not in use, it can be stored in a
very small area.
Acoustic Drums
Some styles of music simply work better with acoustic
drum sets. Music that requires a lot of sensitive
brush and cymbal work or very subtle playing will
benefit greatly from acoustics. Certainly, electronics
can be sensitive, but acoustics possess nuances and
warmth that can’t be easily duplicated. Even
certain types of aggressive music require a true acoustic
sound to come across naturally.
Sound Control. Acoustic drums need baffles
and/or microphones in order to mix correctly with
the rest of the instruments and vocals. Different
types of sticks and brushes can help manage volume
and create many different feels, moods, sounds, and
colors. Drum head choices are important, as some produce
a very contained sound, while others can be too bright
and loud.
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