How I convert an acoustic kit to electric

[2slow]

I am going to convert my pro m set to electric info and pics to follow !

Here's the 14" tom notice how mapex uses single bolt lugs




first i take the tom mount off because this is where i will mount the trigger bracket next remove the vent this is done how ever it takes i used a flat screw driver and a hammer rolled the inside edge then pushed it out...If you don't have a sure grip and steady hand this can be tricky and you could damage the drum shell !!!

[2slow]

this is the trigger made to fit the tom lug bolt i use felt on the inside of the bracket where it touches the shell to prevent any damage. I put electrical tape on the bearing edges because the mesh heads are rough. Mount the 1/4" jack in the vent hole.



This step is very important the trigger cone needs to stick above the bearing edge 1/8" or so

[2slow]

i use this clear tubing to go around the rim to help deaden the rim hits



Here's the tom finished . On the bass drum i put the trigger off center so the beater is not hitting the trigger head on.

[2slow]

a couple shots of the set

[drum_chick]

This always amazes me John, I wish I had your skills..... It's the best of both worlds, you have the beauty of an acoustic kit but the quietness of an electric. Would be perfect for me Did you ever think about doing this professionally?

[crazymanwithaplunger]

A few questions:

Where are your sourcing the trigger?
Are the brackets always custom made?
What about the wiring - as far as wiring it up to the rc plug - again is this a custom thing?
Are the triggers velocity sensitive? If so, how does that work? If not, can you get them for these purposes?
What about dual triggering? Triggering the rims etc? Is all that possible through these ways?


EDIT: - Another thing I'm wondering is why your using a cone? can you just use a big square of foam or does the cone serve a purpose?

[2slow]

Thanks alot Sue !! Never thought about doing it professionally

[MadGary]

Looks like you are fabricating your own mounts for the trigger as opposed to getting one of the conversion kits. Are you making your own triggers too, or buying something from one of the e-drum companies? Do you do a dual trigger set up for the snare (head/rim)?

I've had the roland v-drums before and also frequent the vdrum forums and I've always wanted to do a conversion. Those kits look great, and I really think more drummers would give the electronics a try if they had an e-drum set that looked like an A-set.

Your conversion kit looks outstanding btw!

[drum_chick]

Thanks alot Sue !! Never thought about doing it professionally

I would absolutely pay to have someone to do this for me. I would love an acoustic kit, they are beautiful, but I can never have one because of where I live. Let's be real for a second, electric kits are fun but they are not that nice to look at. Yeah, they are cool but acoustic=art. The intricate details of what an acoustic drum is made of is what interests me. The knowledge that some people have with regards to acoustic kits (like my teacher, you, PB, Frank, Bish and many others here) facinates me. Electric is just wires and crap LOL No fun there (well maybe for some people LOL). Anyway, all I'm saying is that I know I would buy a converted acoustic kit, and so would other people, I'm sure of that.... It's something to think about John

[Lesizmor]

Nice work John. Something like that would be right up my alley for quiet play here in my crummy apartment !


-Les

[2slow]

A few questions:

Where are your sourcing the trigger?
Are the brackets always custom made?
What about the wiring - as far as wiring it up to the rc plug - again is this a custom thing?
Are the triggers velocity sensitive? If so, how does that work? If not, can you get them for these purposes?
What about dual triggering? Triggering the rims etc? Is all that possible through these ways?


EDIT: - Another thing I'm wondering is why your using a cone? can you just use a big square of foam or does the cone serve a purpose?

Triggers are just piezos with foam to connect the head and piezo 2 wires solder to the input plug it in to a module and go

Yes I think it's more the module that is pressure and positional sensitive and yes you can install multible triggers/piezos. Jmann sells a whole trigger set and they are all multible the snare has 5 i think !

yes the brackets are custom made not really hard to do just time consuming till you get one made then just copy it larger .

Let me say this to everyone thinking about triggering this way I don't know if this is better than store bought rim mount triggers like rolands or ddrums i have never tried them ( if someone wants to donate a set I will be glad to review them ) they do seem to be quality Johnny Rabb raves about the rolands....much easier just make a phone call

piezos are cheap maybe $5 each and the rolands and ddrum will cost $200 and up

[2slow]

Looks like you are fabricating your own mounts for the trigger as opposed to getting one of the conversion kits. Are you making your own triggers too, or buying something from one of the e-drum companies? Do you do a dual trigger set up for the snare (head/rim)?

I've had the roland v-drums before and also frequent the vdrum forums and I've always wanted to do a conversion. Those kits look great, and I really think more drummers would give the electronics a try if they had an e-drum set that looked like an A-set.

Your conversion kit looks outstanding btw!

Thanks and yes you can use multiple triggers jmann from vdrum is da man on conversions I think he uses 5 triggers on a snare drum and 2 on toms

[2slow]

Nice work John. Something like that would be right up my alley for quiet play here in my crummy apartment !


-Les

It needs to be on your list it will increase your practice time by as many hours as you can stand !!

[Lesizmor]

It needs to be on your list it will increase your practice time by as many hours as you can stand !!

Well, yeah..once I get up enough nerve to start robbin liquor stores! lol (joke)


-Les

[MadGary]

I've seen Jman's conversions on the vdrums forums. He really does some slick stuff. Those Space Muffin drum kits are pretty sweet too, but are basically just what you are doing on your own.

I know pintech makes a drop in conversion kit that includes triggers, mesh heads, and mounting brackets, but it is around $800 or so to convert a 5 piece kit.

[2slow]

I've seen Jman's conversions on the vdrums forums. He really does some slick stuff. Those Space Muffin drum kits are pretty sweet too, but are basically just what you are doing on your own.

I know pintech makes a drop in conversion kit that includes triggers, mesh heads, and mounting brackets, but it is around $800 or so to convert a 5 piece kit.

jmann does one for less i think

[G-MANN]

Very Nice 2slow. I had wondered how this system works and your pictures helped a lot. I can see this as being a great way to play accoustic drums in a non-accoustic friendly enviornment.

Cheers,
John

[rsshortstack22]

looks great!, post a video?

[Russ]

dang man, that looks excellent. you did a really good job!

[Olly]

thsi is sooo cool!!!! i wish i could do that!!!

[2slow]

dang man, that looks excellent. you did a really good job!

thanks

[oaktree137]

awesome! Looks sweet, and must be very convenient!

[PHROGGE]

Great Job

[Russ]

i was thinking of doing the same thing, would you recommend using remo muffl discs under your drumheads instead of buying mesh heads?

[Tin Toad]

resurface the thread ..

just a couple of clarification questions 2Slow ...
did you buy the cones somewhere?
did you put the plastic tubing on the outside of the rim? or what.
cymbals? did you just piezo practice cymbals .. ?
reso heads ?? did you just leave them on or put mesh's on both sides ?
and the real question .. what would you do different next time.