I took the first step (drums)!

Anyone who has used the Amazon "Chinesium" low-volume cymbals has come to realize they're not so "quiet." Yes, they are quieter than regular cymbals. BUT they are definitely not quiet. They are lowER volume, and they do the job... for a very reasonable price. However, If you're in a closed room on one side of the house, you can be sure the others in the house can still hear your Amazon "Chinesium" cymbals very clearly. Ask me how I know! šŸ˜…

I've been playing with my ULUOBO Amazon low-volume cymbals for about 3 months. And they've worked as advertised. But they're LOUD, and I want something better. Something quieter.

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I tried adding cymbal mutes to my low-volume cymbals. I didn't like the way they felt. I didn't like the way they sounded. THUD/DING! I didn't like them at all and removed them immediately after just a few cymbal strikes. NOPE! It sounds and feels like crap! Not going to work for me.

So, I just splurged and ordered the Zildjian L80 low-volume cymbal kit with the 14" hi-hats, 16" crash, and 18" ride-crash. They're NOT cheap! But from what I've read and seen on videos, they are well-worth the price.

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By way of comparison, the same set and sizes of low-volume cymbals from ULUOBO on Amazon cost me $127. The Zildjian L80s were $415. So, more than THREE TIMES as much money. Will it have been worth the higher price? They arrive tomorrow (from Amazon), and I'm looking forward to finding out! Of course, I'll post my "review" here after I've played with them a bit.

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Got'em today! There's a HUGE difference in volume. They are MUCH quieter than the ULUOBO Chinesium cymbals. But I will also say the Zildjian L80s have what I could call a "buzzy" sound to them. I don't think it will matter. What matters is reasonably realistic practice at a lower volume level. Without a doubt, the L80s fit the bill! And as my daughter noted... "They are pretty!" That's important, too!

Here they are in their new home with my "Super Practice Pad Kit!" I'll be giving them a workout tonight.

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Did a practice with the new Zildjian L80 low-volume cymbals. The difference is tremendous. Not only are they much lower volume... They have a better sound quality... AND... they FEEL better. Better rebound. Less vibration transmitted back to my hand. It doesn't feel like I'm hitting a trash can lid.
 
No. They are practice pads, not electronic drum pads.
I'm trying to auditorally picture the sound you are creating. So is it like "tappity-tap tappity-tap TISH! TISH!" or something like that? Are you drumming along to music on headphones or something? šŸ¤”
 
I'm trying to auditorally picture the sound you are creating. So is it like "tappity-tap tappity-tap TISH! TISH!" or something like that? Are you drumming along to music on headphones or something? šŸ¤”

Yes... it's tappity-tap. The purpose of practice pads is to practice quietly, simulate the rebound of real drums, and develop skills accordingly. It's not to make music. It's purely for practicing the mechanics, timing, rhythm, limb independence, etc.

I'm wearing headphones and drumming along to the online lessons. I haven't made any serious attempt at a song, yet. Well, other than the proprietary "songs" they use in the Drumeo lessons. I've made some limited weak attempts at some AC / DC songs. But 99.99% of my time for the last 3-1/2 months has been in lessons. Learning fundamentals. And it's not easy!

The real kit I want is big $$$$, so due to other "priorities," it has to wait a bit. In the meantime, I've cobbled together a full "practice pad kit." And it's working quite well! And even after I get the real kit, I'll still use the practice pad kit plenty.
 
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This is what I've been up to....

OK... baring my beginner drummer soul here! Only 4 months into it.

Drumeo (online lesson website) has a thing they do called "Member Collaboration." They pick a song and all the students / members submit their cover of the song (video) Then the team at Drumeo does a montage video of everyone playing to the song. Pretty cool.

So I've submitted my first one. I wasn't going to do it, since I don't even have a real kit, yet. I just have my "Super Practice Pad Kit." They told me it's fine... they get submissions with people playing on practice pads and even pillows.

So, I worked hard at it. Getting it all in a "single take" is HARD.

I made a lot of mistakes. Many many runs at it. This "performance" has many mistakes, but it's my best one at this point. I did have ONE "fairly clean run," but it was a "practice run," and I didn't have the cameras on! Of course! I've submitted it to the Drumeo "collab." Learning a lot!


View: https://youtu.be/9S5KJ1uaal0
 
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