Let’s say you’re exploring drum lessons Orlando but are nervous about what you’ll have to purchase in order to make this dream of learning drums a reality. From not wanting to disturb the neighbors to the cost of putting together a drum kit to the dedicated space that drums take up, purchasing a kit can be prohibitive in many ways. While they’ve often been discouraged by drum purists, we think that electronic drum pads make for a great alternative to buying a kit for someone taking drum lessons in Orlando. Today we’ll explore the basics of buying and using electronic drum pads and what you should know before buying them.
What Exactly Is an Electronic Drum Pad?
Great question! It’s completely possible that, before drum lessons in Orlando, you had never heard of an electronic drum pad. Simply put, electronic drum pads are small electronic drum kits. Electronic drum pads have speakers, and you can use them in place of a drum kit. Electronic drum pads are made up of speakers and pads, giving you the option to record or to play preset settings and combinations. You can also hook electronic drum pads up to an amplifier. Drum pads are essential to any drum lessons.
When deciding if going for an electronic drum pad is the right decision or not for you, you should know what you’d like to use it for. For example, it can be limiting in a creative sense to stick to only using an acoustic drum pad. Only using an acoustic drum pad will restrict the type of music and sound you can make. You may want to have a fuller, more comprehensive, or simply more electronic sound when you play the drums.
But, for beginners, you should know that if you’re looking for a full kit to use so that you can participate in lessons with a drum teacher in Orlando, an electronic drum pad set is a realistic answer to that. In addition to supplementing acoustic drum kit sounds, electronic drum pads can act as standalone sets. If you’re just starting out, we’d recommend going fully electric or acoustic and not mixing until you’re a more seasoned drummer.
What Makes for a Good Electronic Drum Pad?
Whether you’re just starting out or you’re looking to add an electronic drum pad to your existing kit, there are simple things that set the good quality pads apart from the bad. There are also pads that are more geared toward entry-level use and those geared for veterans. One of the biggest factors driving decision-making is price. So, keep these things in mind as you shop around for the right electronic drum pad for you.
Here’s what we’d keep an eye out for.
The drum pad head
The biggest indicator of quality for a drum pad will be in the drum head. You’ll be able to gauge whether or not the drum pad has the sound you want by playing the head.
Type of drum pad
The type of drum pad mostly comes down to how many different features the drum pad offers. Beginners will need fewer features as they’re just starting to learn. Professionals might be looking for a particular function when choosing an electronic drum pad. For beginners, the basics are better. Don’t get bogged down in all the cool features if you’ve never actually played on an electronic drum pad before.
Mobility
Think of drum pads like camping gear. They’re all going to have some of the same functions, but what you plan to do with it and where you plan to go will dictate whether or not you’ll need a lighter or heavier model of electronic drum pads. Some lightweight models will be fine on a mount while heavier ones will need something like a desk or table to support them. Lightweight drum pads are great if you’re traveling.
Sound
Look, you’re purchasing a musical instrument. Sound is the most important thing. Because you don’t have to think about how the sound carries, you are not evaluating electronic drum pads the same way you’d evaluate an acoustic set. Each electronic drum pad you look at will have different sound outputs, so make sure you’re getting the best one that you can afford.
Number of pads in the sample pad
You’ll find that electronic drum pads really run the gamut in terms of how many pads come in any given set. Drum pads can range from one to twelve. Look for a sample pad tailored toward beginners. These will give you enough pads to learn on, but also leave you some room to grow.
Size
One key advantage of going the electronic drum pad route is the size and compactness of the drum pads. But really good drum pads have space in between the pads. A well-laid-out drum pad will offer you a compact size but a functional design, allowing you to reach all the pads with ease.
Storage and compatibility
Part of the advantage of having an electronic drum pad is to be able to record and play custom sounds. If this is important for you, look for an electronic drum pad that makes this easier by having SD card transfers and imports.
Editing capabilities
If you’re just starting out, this may not be a function you care about. But if you’re looking to record (which can be helpful in practicing!), then you should consider whether or not your drum pad comes with editing software. This software gives you the functionality to edit sounds on the pad.
Exploring Drum Lessons with Lessons in Your Home
Electronic drum pads are a great way for beginners and professionals to expand their musical capabilities. Sample pads are a great way for those looking to sign up for drum lessons in Orlando to get their feet wet without investing in a more expensive, bulkier acoustic drum kit. Electronic drum pads give you the flexibility to move around and to play your drums at your leisure without disturbing your neighbors or housemates. We recommend these for both beginners looking to learn drums and for seasoned drummers looking to create specific sounds.
Our goal is to help your child get started on a musical journey that will last a lifetime. Lessons in Your Home also offers virtual music lessons making it extremely convenient for those who prefer this option. Our online music lessons are taught by local music teachers who are well experienced, focus on each student’s individual needs, and plan their lessons accordingly.
