Rock Band with Electronic Drums (HOWTO)

[Blanko]

Excellent work all around. There isn't a short way to describe the success of this thread - so I wont try. But, about 20 odd pages ago, someone said that this is a great example of how an online community can band together to make something happen. And of all 1000 posts, I don't think there was a single negative comment.

I'm happy to contribute. And I owe all of the skills acquired to this thread. Thanks to everyone who posted.

David

PS: The light mod is still coming. I just needed some stronger lights (help me stop!)

[Swiftflow]

Just played my first few hours on the new Roc-n-Soc Nitro with backrest...OMG never thought I could be so comforatable in a seat while playing! If you have not bought a throne yet I would recomend not wasting money on a cheapo only to find out that you will be needing something more comfortable. I played for a little while without the backrest and that is still 10 times better than the generic circle throne xyz brand. If your a young skinny person (opposite of me) you might be ok with the generic throne, but if you have any back issues or soreness after long sessions look into the roc-n-soc nitro. The Nitro in addition to the comfy seat has the built-in nitrogen gas shock absorber that really helps.

On another topic--sticks and grip. Instead of getting the anti vibe sticks as my local store was out, I bought the Vater grip tape and it seems to have the same effect of taking out the feedback to the hands when playing for a long time. I had read some forum that suggested grip was too tight if you get too sore in the hands and have been working for a much looser grip only to find myself feeling better yet dropping sticks pretty often when sweaty etc. This seems to be the happy medium for me with this grip tape I can sweat and still not have to squeeze the fingers to keep a grip. Its kinda funny how it feels lighter to play with them when they technically add weight to the sticks. Anyway, just thought I would share for the new Rock band drummers out there who may either have the sore hands or the dropping sticks when sweating issues.

[DeepThought]

I just want to say thanks to all the people who have posted so much information. I'll be getting my PS3 next week, and I already have a Roland TD-3 (drumming for 10 years or so), so getting to use it instead of the included kit is an awesome plus.

Looking forward to it, and I'll post pics when it's done.

[Fort]

hi guys!


I'm about to come into a set of HD-1 Roland drums


I'd like to know if it's possible to pull of this mod with them. The module or "brain" or whatever it is called is so simple, it just has buttons to change between kits and volume/tempo dials. It doesn't look like I'll be able to change midi signals or anything like that, which is a huge bummer... but no big loss.


So is it possible to do this mod with this basic v-drums kit?

[Zen]

i'm sure you're able to use the HD-1's. I read that a couple of people have tried them and they work just fine.

though, i, as will probably most others, would recommend to at least go up to maybe a Roland TD-3 instead of the HD-1.

[Fort]

I'l really like to get the TD-3 but it's an extra 1000AUD or so that I don't have

[Swiftflow]

If it has MIDI out then any module will work. As long as it sends a MIDI signal the MSA-P can translate that into the on/off switch to activate the button. Finding what those midi notes are and creating a sysex to work is the easy part of the mod and all the info is here.

[mikejl46]

I have the ps2 version of Rock Band. I built some electronic drums and spliced into the piezo wires on the controller. The drums trigger perfectly.

I was wondering if any one else has had success with this method. If you have. How well did it work with Xbox 360 and ps3 versions of Rock Band?



http://www.edrums.info/bucket_drum/rock_band/test7.jpg

http://www.edrums.info/bucket_drum/rock_band/test5.jpg

http://www.edrums.info/bucket_drum/module.jpg

[Flash]

I have the ps2 version of Rock Band. I built some electronic drums and spliced into the piezo wires on the controller. The drums trigger perfectly.

I was wondering if any one else has had success with this method. If you have. How well did it work with Xbox 360 and ps3 versions of Rock Band?

A few people here are doing acoustic-to-electronic conversions, similar to your project, but I think just about everyone is running their triggers through an e-drum MIDI brain and going through the MSA-P to RB.

Advantages are flexibility of being able to add and remove triggers easily; making use of pre-fab high quality triggers (unless you're converting); ability to manipulate sensitivity settings, etc. (i.e. dealing w/crosstalk, etc.); among others.

Disadvantages are that its expensive (if you don't already own an e-kit) and requires some intermediate soldering skills.

Very nice job on your DIY triggers, btw. Any plans to add cymbals? Also, what are you using for a bass trigger?

[mikejl46]

Very nice job on your DIY triggers, btw. Any plans to add cymbals? Also, what are you using for a bass trigger?

I added extra jacks for the cymbals I will be making using the bottoms of the buckets. At the moment I'm still using the Rock Band Pedal. I will be using a reed switch on a bass drum pedal. I will also be adding a bass drum trigger a little smaller than the other drums. I will be able to plug this drum kit into a real drum module also.