Replacement piezos for drums

[depthdefy]

Has anyone tried replacing the stock seonsors in the drums with improved sensors? I have seen people making their own kits and using radio shack sensors, but would they be a good replacement for the stock set? My drum set is still structurally sound but I have a feeling that the sensors are starting to crap out. Anybody tried this?

[davidshek]

Has anyone tried replacing the stock seonsors in the drums with improved sensors? I have seen people making their own kits and using radio shack sensors, but would they be a good replacement for the stock set? My drum set is still structurally sound but I have a feeling that the sensors are starting to crap out. Anybody tried this?

It really depends what problem you're trying to resolve.

If you have a QM set and think that replacing the sensors will fix their "roll" issue, it won't.

If you have an EL set and think that replacing the sensors will fix their dropped notes issue, it might, but it might not. I've heard stories that go both ways.

[A-Rock]

The diameter of the piezos from Radio Shack are too big to fit in the stock drums. I'm not too sure the actual size those. The ones that are in the stock set are roughly about the size of a nickel and the Radio Shack versions are about the size of a quarter.

If you take the heads off your drums, you will see that the piezos sit in a rim to hold them in place. I guess if you cut the rim off, you could use the bigger piezos. I don't think I would try that though.

There is a company that makes replacments for the stock kit. I'm not sure of their name though. Maybe someone else can help you with a link?

[DaverJ]

I have used the sensors from drumsensor.com (http://drumsensor.com/default.aspx) in the past. If you are having problems, your kit isn't under warranty anymore, and you are up to the task, they are a good option.

Be advised taking apart the drumkit to replace the sensor isn't hard, but I feel it isn't as simple as some would have you believe. Sometimes the connectors are glued in and cause problems removing them, and the connector board for Yellow and probably Blue pads are in a tricky place for removal.

[cleee]

The replacements that are sold on these forums are ridiculously overpriced. I think it's around $42 for a set of four. At that price, I'll wait for the MadCatz peripherals to hit the market. One of the offerings is a "portable drum kit" for $49.99. I'd like to get a look at that kit and the premium one for $150.

Using the Radio Shack piezo-- which is enclosed in a plastic casing-- requires you to not only cut out the rim that the current piezo sits in, but also cut off the two stalks that hold the screwed in orange piece. Be mindful of that before you commit to anything.

[dagware]

but i bought some from drumsensor.com and the red one came apart. so now I play drums

Did anyone else understand this, or is it just me?

Dan