YAMAHA Electronic Drums Australia

Yamaha Electronic Drums FAQ

What are Yamaha Electronic Drums?

At Coleman's Music Melbourne CBD and online, we love Yamaha electronic drums!

Yamaha electronic drums are a line of electronic percussion instruments manufactured by Yamaha Corporation, a well-known Japanese musical instrument company. These electronic drum kits are designed to provide drummers and percussionists with a versatile and portable alternative to traditional acoustic drum sets.

Here are some key features of Yamaha electronic drums:

1. Drum Pads: Yamaha electronic drum kits come with drum pads that are used to trigger sound samples when struck. These pads are designed to mimic the feel and response of acoustic drum heads. The number and types of pads can vary, but common configurations include snare pads, tom pads, and cymbal pads.

2. Sound Module: The sound module, also known as the drum module or brain, is the central processing unit of the electronic drum kit. It stores and generates a wide range of drum and percussion sounds, including drum kits, individual instruments, and effects. Yamaha's sound modules often feature high-quality, realistic drum samples, from the basic Yamaha modules to the famous DTX-PRO module, a smart device that produces high resolution drum sounds and samples for professional drummers, with all of the functions you would expect from a real time professional drum brain.

3. Cymbal Pads: Yamaha electronic drum kits typically include cymbal pads for simulating the sound and response of traditional cymbals. These pads can be used for hi-hats, crashes, rides, and other cymbal effects with incredible sounds and features like 3-zone pad triggering.

4. Kick Drum Trigger: To replicate the feel of a bass drum, electronic drum kits have a kick drum trigger. Drummers can use a pedal with this trigger to simulate the experience of playing a bass drum.

5. Pedals and Hardware: These kits often include necessary hardware, such as a hi-hat controller pedal and a kick drum pedal. The quality of these components can affect the overall playing experience.

6. MIDI Connectivity: Yamaha electronic drums are MIDI-compatible, allowing drummers to connect the kit to a computer or other MIDI-capable devices for recording, triggering virtual instruments, or integrating with electronic music production setups.

7. Sound Customisation: Yamaha electronic drum kits typically provide options for sound customisation, including the ability to edit and create your own drum kits, adjust sensitivity, and add effects to the sounds.

8. Practice Features: Many Yamaha electronic drum kits offer built-in practice tools, such as metronomes, play-along tracks, and recording capabilities, which can be useful for honing your drumming skills.

Yamaha offers a range of electronic drum kits suitable for various skill levels and musical styles, from entry-level models for beginners to more advanced and professional options for experienced drummers. These kits have gained popularity for their quality, reliability, and the ability to deliver a wide range of drum sounds in a compact and customisable package.

What is the history of Yamaha Electronic Drums?

Yamaha's history in electronic drums dates back to the late 1970s and early 1980s when the company began producing electronic percussion products. Here is an overview of the history and evolution of Yamaha electronic drums:

1. Early Electronic Percussion Instruments (1970s): Yamaha's early forays into electronic drums included products like the Yamaha Electone Organ Drum System, released in 1976, which offered electronic percussion sounds as part of their electronic organ systems.

2. Yamaha DTX Series (1980s-1990s): In the 1980s, Yamaha introduced the DTX Series, which were some of the earliest dedicated electronic drum kits. These early electronic drum kits used analog technology and were a significant step forward in the development of electronic percussion instruments.

3. DTXtreme Series (2000s): In the early 2000s, Yamaha introduced the DTXtreme series, which featured digital technology and a range of pre-loaded drum kits and sounds. These drum kits were known for their realistic feel and sound quality, and they gained popularity among drummers and electronic musicians and were renowned studio kits.

4. DTX502 and DTX700 Series (2010s): In the 2010s, Yamaha introduced the DTX502 and DTX700 series, which represented a significant advancement in electronic drum technology. These kits featured improved sound quality, greater sensitivity and expressiveness in the drum pads, and enhanced module functionality. They also included features for sound customisation and integration with computer-based music production.

5. DTX900 Series (2012): The DTX900 series represented a more advanced and professional-level line of electronic drum kits, offering even more sound options, expressive features, and higher-quality pads and triggers.

6. DTX402 Series (2018): Yamaha also continued to cater to entry-level and beginner drummers with the DTX402 series, which provided a more affordable and simplified option for those looking to start with electronic drums.

7. EAD10 (2017): Yamaha introduced the EAD10, a unique electronic acoustic drum module that could be mounted on an acoustic drum kit. It allowed acoustic drummers to add electronic sounds to their setup without the need for a full electronic drum kit.

Yamaha's commitment to innovation and technology has kept them at the forefront of electronic drum development. They have consistently improved the quality of their drum pads, sound modules, and related hardware.

Yamaha electronic drums are known for their reliable performance, high-quality sounds, and versatility, making them popular among drummers of all skill levels and musical genres. Their history in electronic drums reflects the ongoing advancement of electronic percussion technology in the music industry.

What famous artists play Yamaha Electronic Drums?

Several famous and accomplished artists have used Yamaha electronic drum kits in their performances and recordings. Here are a few notable artists who were known to use Yamaha electronic drum kits:

1. Steve Gadd: Steve Gadd, a highly acclaimed session and studio drummer, has been associated with Yamaha electronic drums and acoustic drums. He is known for his versatility and has used Yamaha electronic drums in various musical settings.

2. Carter Beauford: Carter Beauford, the drummer for the Dave Matthews Band, is a prominent user of Yamaha electronic drum kits, often incorporating them into the band's live performances and recordings.

3. Anika Nilles: Anika Nilles is a German drummer known for her incredible drumming skills and unique compositions. She has been a Yamaha artist and frequently uses their electronic drum kits in her work.

4. Billy Cobham: Jazz and fusion drumming legend Billy Cobham has been associated with Yamaha drums, including electronic kits. His use of electronic percussion alongside acoustic drums has been influential in the world of jazz fusion.

5. Ash Soan: Ash Soan is a well-known session and touring drummer who has played with a wide range of artists and bands. He has been a Yamaha artist and is known for his use of Yamaha electronic drum kits in the studio and live performances.

6. Randy Black: Canadian drummer Randy Black, known for his work with heavy metal and rock bands, has used Yamaha electronic drums in his performances.

7. Abe Laboriel Jr.: Abe Laboriel Jr. is a highly respected session drummer who has worked with artists like Paul McCartney and Sting. He has used Yamaha electronic drums as part of his extensive drum kit setup.

8. Taku Hirano: Taku Hirano, a percussionist and drummer who has worked with artists like Fleetwood Mac and Whitney Houston, has been associated with Yamaha electronic percussion instruments.

Yamaha has a history of collaborating with various drummers to develop and promote their electronic drum products, and their instruments are used by a wide range of drummers and percussionists across different genres.

What models of Yamaha Electronic Drums are there?

Yamaha offer a range of electronic drum kits under the "DTX" series, catering to different drummer skill levels and musical preferences. Keep in mind that Yamaha are always introducing new models or changing their product lineup. So just be sure to get in touch with Coleman's Music Melbourne CBD and online. Here are some of the Yamaha electronic drum kit models from the DTX series that are available:

1. DTX400 Series: This series was designed for beginners and included models like the DTX430K and DTX450K. These kits were known for their affordability and ease of use, making them a good choice for those new to electronic drums wit reliable drum hardware for the costs.

2. DTX502 Series: The DTX502 series, including kits like the DTX522K and DTX532K, offered more advanced features and better sound quality than the DTX400 series. They were suitable for intermediate drummers and included more responsive drum pads and a wider range of realistc drum sounds and training functions.

3. DTX700 Series: The DTX700 series was designed for more experienced drummers and included models like the DTX720K and DTX760K. These kits featured improved sound modules, more realistic drum pads, intuitive control and a broader selection of drum and percussion sounds and professional practice functions.

4. DTX900 Series: The DTX900 series was a high-end offering from Yamaha, targeting professional and advanced drummers. Models like the DTX920K and DTX940K featured top-quality drum pads, a powerful sound module, and extensive sound editing capabilities.

5. DTX Hybrid Packs: Another flagship model, Yamaha also offered DTX Hybrid Packs, which were designed to complement acoustic drum kits with electronic drum components like real drum shells. These packs, like the DTXHP580, allowed drummers to add electronic sounds to their acoustic setups, combining realistic drum sounds with electronic.

6. EAD10: While not a full electronic drum kit, the EAD10 was a unique Yamaha product. It was an acoustic drum trigger and sound module system that could be added to an acoustic drum set to capture and enhance the acoustic drum sound with electronic effects.

Yamaha's electronic drum kits are known for their high-quality sound modules, responsive drum pads, and a wide range of drum and percussion sounds. The various DTX series kits offered options for drummers of different skill levels and musical styles, from beginners to professionals.

If you'd like to know more about Yamaha electronic drums, even on a tight budget, simply get in touch with the friendly Coleman's Music team and our stores in Melbourne CBD, or give us a call on (03) 9799 5400 with any questions, we’re always happy to help!

Where are Yamaha Electronic Drums made?

Yamaha electronic drums, like many of Yamaha's musical instruments, are primarily manufactured in several facilities located in Japan, China, and other countries.

Yamaha, being a global company, has production facilities in various regions to meet the demand for its products worldwide. It's important to note that manufacturing locations and practices can change over time due to various factors, including cost considerations and supply chain management. Either way, like all Yamaha products, Yamaha manufacture some of the finest instruments at the highest of quality.

What materials are Yamaha Electronic Drums made from?

Of course, the materials used in Yamaha electronic drums can vary depending on the specific components of the drum kit, but are rather different to acoustic drums. Here's a general overview of the materials commonly found in Yamaha electronic drum kits:

1. Drum Pads: Yamaha electronic drum pads are typically made with rubber or TCS (Textured Cellular Silicone) playing surfaces. These surfaces are designed to provide a drumhead-like feel when struck. The pads' shells or frames may be constructed from durable plastic materials and drum pads can be simple or complex, like a 3-zone Silicone snare.

2. Cymbal Pads: Cymbal pads in Yamaha electronic drum kits often feature rubber or silicone playing surfaces to mimic the feel of traditional cymbals. The cymbal pad shells may also be made of sturdy plastic.

3. Kick Drum Trigger: The kick drum trigger, which is used with a pedal to replicate the feel of a bass drum, is typically made with durable materials like metal or heavy-duty plastic.

4. Hardware: The hardware components of Yamaha electronic drum kits, such as rack systems and stand parts, are commonly made from metal, including steel or aluminum. These materials provide stability and durability for the drum kit's structure.

5. Sound Module (Drum Brain): The main sound module or drum brain of Yamaha electronic drum kits is housed in a sturdy plastic or metal casing. The internal components may include circuit boards, processors, and memory chips.

6. Cables and Connectors: Yamaha electronic drum kits use various cables and connectors to link the drum pads, cymbals, and other components to the sound module. These cables typically consist of copper conductors and connectors made from plastic and metal materials.

7. Mounting Hardware: The mounting hardware used to attach drum pads, cymbal pads, and other components to the rack system is often made of metal or strong plastic materials.

Yamaha places a strong emphasis on the quality and durability of the materials used in their electronic drum kits to ensure that they can withstand the rigours of drumming during not only practice, but also the rigours of hard core drumming on the road.

Keep in mind that the specific materials and designs may vary between different Yamaha electronic drum models, so it's a good idea to check the product specifications for the kit you are interested in for more detailed information on materials, or just get in touch with the Coleman's Music Melbourne CBD team or online today!

Are Yamaha Electronic Drums good for live and recording?

Yamaha electronic drums are well-regarded for their versatility and are suitable for both live performances and studio recording. Yamaha's electronic drum kits offer several advantages that make them a popular choice for drummers and musicians across Australia and indeed the world:

1. Sound Quality: Yamaha's electronic drum kits are known for their high-quality sound modules that produce realistic and expressive drum and percussion sounds. This makes them a great choice for recording sessions, as they can deliver professional-grade drum tracks.

2. Durability: Yamaha places a strong emphasis on the durability of their electronic drum components, including the drum pads, cymbal pads, and hardware. This durability is important for live performances where the gear may be subjected to heavy use and transportation.

3. Realistic Feel: Yamaha's drum pads are designed to provide a realistic feel, simulating the response and rebound of acoustic drum heads. This is beneficial for drummers who want a natural playing experience in both live and recording situations.

4. Versatility: Yamaha electronic drum kits offer a wide range of drum and percussion sounds, allowing drummers to create and customize kits that suit various musical genres. This versatility is valuable for both live performances and studio work.

5. Integration: Many Yamaha electronic drum kits feature MIDI connectivity, allowing them to be easily integrated into recording setups and used with digital audio workstations (DAWs). This makes them a valuable tool for music production.

6. Silent Practice: Electronic drum kits can be used for quiet practice sessions with headphones, making them ideal for situations where noise is a concern, such as in shared living spaces or when recording in home studios.

7. Effects and Features: Yamaha electronic drum kits often include built-in effects and features, such as metronomes, play-along tracks, and recording capabilities, which are useful for practice, recording, and live performances.

It's worth noting that the suitability of a Yamaha electronic drum kit for live and recording purposes may also depend on the specific model and series. Higher-end models within the DTX series, for example, often offer more advanced features and sound quality, which can be particularly beneficial for professional recording and live situations.

Ultimately, the choice of an electronic drum kit for live performances and recording will also depend on your individual preferences, musical style, and specific requirements. Many drummers and musicians find Yamaha electronic drums to be a reliable and effective solution for both live and studio applications.

What kind of sounds can you get from Yamaha Electronic Drums?

Yamaha electronic drums offer a wide range of drum and percussion sounds that can be customised and configured to suit various musical genres and styles. Yamaha kits typically come with an extensive library of built-in sounds and often allow for user customisation.

Here are some of the sounds you can get from Yamaha electronic drums:

1. Acoustic Drum Kits Sounds: Yamaha electronic drum kits typically include a variety of acoustic drum kit sounds, replicating the classic sound of drum sets, such as rock, jazz, funk, and more. You can choose from different drum kit configurations and drum sounds.

2. Electronic Drum Kits Sounds: In addition to acoustic kits, Yamaha electronic drum modules come with electronic drum kit presets that offer a wide array of modern and experimental electronic drum sounds, including various electronic dance, hip-hop, and experimental soundscapes.

3. Cymbals: You can trigger a range of cymbal sounds, including various crashes, rides, hi-hats, splashes, and chinas. These sounds can be adjusted for different playing dynamics and articulations.

4. Percussion Instruments: Yamaha electronic drums often include a diverse collection of percussion sounds, such as congas, bongos, djembes, tambourines, and more. These can be useful for adding texture and rhythm to your music.

5. Sound Effects: Many Yamaha electronic drum kits offer sound effects like handclaps, cowbells, woodblocks, and more. These can be incorporated into your drumming for added creativity.

6. User-Customisable Kits: Yamaha's electronic drum modules typically allow you to create custom drum kits. This means you can select individual drum and percussion sounds, adjust their pitch and parameters, and create entirely unique kits to suit your preferences and musical needs.

7. Special Effects: Some Yamaha electronic drum modules also feature special effects and processing options like reverb, delay, and compression. These effects can be applied to individual drums or the entire kit, adding depth and dimension to your sound.

8. MIDI Sounds: Yamaha electronic drum kits can also be used to trigger external MIDI sound modules or software instruments. This expands your sound palette to include virtually any sound you can access via MIDI, making them versatile tools for various music production applications. Trigger cymbal samples, sound effects and more, which is even more in-depth with the flagship DTX-PROX module with extensive control for studio use.

The ability to edit, customise, and layer these sounds provides drummers with the flexibility to create a wide range of musical textures and styles. Whether you're looking for traditional acoustic drum sounds, electronic and experimental textures, or a combination of both, Yamaha electronic drums are capable of delivering a diverse set of sounds to enhance your drumming and music production.

Where do I buy Yamaha Electric Guitars in Melbourne CBD or online from Sydney, Brisbane, Hobart, Canberra, Adelaide or anywhere else in Australia!

At Coleman’s Music of course! If you're looking to buy Yamaha electronic drums, even on a tight budget, simply buy online today or get in touch with the friendly Coleman's Music team and our stores in Melbourne CBD, with fast online shipping all over Australia, or give us a call on (03) 9799 5400 with any questions, we’re always happy to help!