Questions for drummers

[soundman8199]

What is your choice of drums, acoustic or electronic & why??

Our Church worship band is thinking about purchasing a new set, since our current set is a 15 year old off brand set & was only $500. They've seen their day. If you were in a worship band would you prefer one over the other, if so why?

I realize there are pros & cons to each set. We're debating on what is best for our Church? So we are looking for advice from the drummers in the area & looking at all options from every angle. I want your honest opinions. All feedback is welcome & will be discussed with the band.

Thanks to all drummers in advance for your input.

[4_the_pocket]

Im not a fan of e-drums. In my opinion, they just havent got it right yet, and I doubt they ever truly will. But the high end Rolands are not too shabby and can be tweaked pretty well. The others....blahhhhh....suck.

For a church though, it may be a good solution. Volume control, easier mixing abilities with the other instruments and a somewhat consistent sound. I doubt your congregation is going to care about the sound differences between real verses electronic drums, but their ears might. Heck, maybe more blue hairs will attend because youre not playing that LOUD music. They are there to pray and sing, right.

[Jared Michaels]

I would definitely go with acoustic Rick. You just can't beat the sound of real drums.

[Jones]

For this situation I'd vote e drums. Even the Roland TD series has decent sounds.

[banderson]

Im definitely and acoustic drum set player for several reasons. But an electronic drumset seems like it could be ideal for a worship band.

Pretty much exactly what 4_the_Pocket is what I tend think too.

But on the other hand....If you have a drummer that is patient and has a knack for tuning (willing to get the right sound you are looking for) it may be worth getting an acoustic set....Because they do sound better and they ROCK!

Electronic sets=Less maintenance and are easier to haul around though I believe.

[witchhunt]

Do like Neil Peart. One set of each on a revolving platform. There's a simple answer to everything.

[Hawk]

I get in to a lot of Churches. Mostly I see acoustic drum kits. Sometimes behind a (volume controlling) acrylic screen.

IMO, in your situation, it depends on the drummer. If he can control his dynamics and can tune well, I would suggest acoustic. However if his volume and tuning abilities are in question, then electronic is the way to go.

[timemoney0]

If you get a drum machine, you'll only be one arm short of a Def Lepard tribute band

[floodcitybrass]

I generally hate electronic drums but in this case there would be 1 primary reason to get edrums: To control the volume.

If your music is such that you need to control volume the drums, get edrums otherwise dont.

[Skate Toad]

I owned a Roland td-20 so i can speak from experience. I'm a full blown real drum guy again but for a church setting go with the electronics. So many options or very simple. As long as you go a little higher end most drummers should be able to adapt. The only issue i had was monitoring so make sure you have good monitors or in ears for the drums. It was a fun (yet expensive) experiment and i learned alot about the electronics and they have a place for use and i think your situation is the perfect place. Also you will have an endless amount of percussion at the turn of a knob or a brushes kit etc. etc. Also say the drummer can't make it, there are prerecorded drum tracks that can be played so now you have a drummer with a push of a button. Any of the roland kits with mesh heads should be good for your situation.
Todd

[soundman8199]

Tood, i remember your Roland set, but i didn't remember your reason for getting rid of it.

Bill, you've been in my church different times to tune the piano, you know the size of the sanctuary, it's not big.

You guys are making some very good points, i really appreciate it.