Drums have only just started to click. Now I have questions.

[bengino]

my solution for the drum running away has been bungie cords, cheap and effective by all accounts, no problems at all with this. Initially i had pain as well, i sucked at drumming, now i still more or less suck, but i can keep the kick with no pain for my leg... comfort maybe.

[tnevaker]

i'm assuming you're using the stock RB pedal? if so, the easiest way to get rid of leg pains is to replace it with a real drum pedal. i think there is a kit specifically for using a real kick pedal with a stock RB kit. the RB pedal is just way to stiff, plus you don't get the rebound of the beater like you get with a real pedal.

also, i'd warn you against holding the pedal down between beats. with the stock pedal, it's kind of easier that way because of the pedal's stiffness, but with a real pedal it can be less stressful on the leg muscles to allow the beater to rebound and rest your heel on the ground after each strike (heel-down method). i used to use the heel-up method, "burying the beater" as it's called (though the stock pedal has no beater), til i started developing knee pain in my right knee. switching to heel-down got rid of the pain, but there was an adjustment period that was awkward while i readjusted my technique. it's easier if you start off that way, then having to relearn later on. i can still switch back to "heel-up" style if i need to, but i rarely do. everyone's different though, and some people have drummed heel-up forever with no pain, so there's some trial-and-error involved in finding what works for you.

[Meat-Popsicle]

I have two small hand weights that I wrap with leg weights (soft velcro attachment). It keeps my drums nice and sturdy, there's minimal sway now (and no skidding).

I have no long-term pedal solutions, I too get pretty sore sooner or later. I'll try that "keep the pedal most of the way down" suggestion, that might help me hit those bass notes in quick succession — but will probably be even more of a strain on my calves. I initially had mine set up at the wrong height, correcting that made a huge difference.

[Doc_SoCal]

I have a few friends that could not use the kick pedal without pain. Generally older and less active folks. They had no interest in "real" drumming, they just wanted to drum in the game.

I started making kick pedals out of these:

http://www.amazon.com/Tattoo-Supply-...too+footswitch

I just put a 3.5mm jack on it and shazzam, a pedal that takes very little effort to press. A real toe-tapper in every sense.

One friend uses his heel instead of toes to tap it and does quite well.

I say if stock cant get you by, modify.

[FujiSkunk]

I have a few friends that could not use the kick pedal without pain. Generally older and less active folks. They had no interest in "real" drumming, they just wanted to drum in the game.

I started making kick pedals out of these:

http://www.amazon.com/Tattoo-Supply-...too+footswitch

I just put a 3.5mm jack on it and shazzam, a pedal that takes very little effort to press. A real toe-tapper in every sense.

You know, for that matter, couldn't you get away with using a sustain pedal? They're just on-off switches, right?

If so, that could at least get Skyp1e started, though I wouldn't want to subject the typical sustain pedal to an expert drum chart!

[Doc_SoCal]

You know, for that matter, couldn't you get away with using a sustain pedal? They're just on-off switches, right?

If so, that could at least get Skyp1e started, though I wouldn't want to subject the typical sustain pedal to an expert drum chart!

Yep, any normally open momentary switch will work and a sustain pedal certainly qualifies.

[skyp1e]

Yeah, that looks like a standard "el cheapo" sustain pedal that you get when you buy a keyboard. If that will work I suppose I could easily lop off the 1/4" phono jack and replace it with a 3.5mm.

Gotta say, Doc you're always the guy with the answers when it comes to stuffs like this.

I think I'll make one of these. I'm just wondering if they're fast enough to get the job done when I start playing expert.

[Doc_SoCal]

Yeah, that looks like a standard "el cheapo" sustain pedal that you get when you buy a keyboard. It that will work I suppose I could easily lop off the 1/4" phono jack and replace it with a 3.5mm.

Gotta say, Doc you're always the guy with the answers when it comes to stuffs like this.

I think I'll make one of these. I'm just wondering if they're fast enough to get the job done when I start playing expert.

Give it a go, see how you like it. If you get hooked on drums, then worry about upgrading.

You can use an adapter, you don't have to perm mod it.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=2103707

Glad to help where I can.

[BachiG]

Doc is the Mod_God among men.

[skyp1e]

I am getting tired of this website logging me out when I posted something like ten minutes ago.

Anyway, I think it's time I construct a line cord adapter for going from 1/4" phono to 3.5mm. It seems there are just way too many times I find myself wishing I had one, and honestly the hard case version that Doc linked tends to bend under the weight of the cord before long. That's why I avoid them.

So, making a nice line version should be a treat.

Thanks again for all the help, everyone.