If you’re in the market for an electronic drum kit, then you’re probably wondering whether they’re a good long-term investment. Electronic drums last for many years, it is not uncommon for drummers to get 20, 30, or even more out of an electronic drum kit, even with regular use. Read on to find out how to get the most out of your eDrums for as long as possible!
Buy from a reputable brand
As the saying goes, buy cheap, buy twice. The same can be true for electronic drums and is the reason why premium brands like Roland and Yamaha are so sought after.
Cheaper brands like Alesis may have an attractive price point, however, be warned – you may find the product itself doesn’t last as long. There’s a reason why Roland and Yamaha’s electronic drums are used by professional musicians both in the studio and on tour – they are dependable, durable, and professional quality instruments.
Consider also how Roland cymbal pads remain almost unchanged since their introduction in 2001. When looking for durable and long-lasting products, the latest isn’t always the greatest. Instead, Roland drum pads can be seen as examples of tried and tested pieces of equipment.
So if when purchasing a new electronic kit that you want to last for many years, be sure to look for a brand that has a reputation for quality! You can check out our guide on how much to spend on eDrums for more information.
How long does an electronic drum module last?
The drum module is the central processor and sound generator of an electronic drum kit, and as a result, the most important component. As with the entire electronic drum kit, drum modules can often be found in working order for 20 or more years. It is not uncommon to find old drum modules such as the Roland TD-10 in working order on eBay. This should provide reassurance that gear from the top brands can last many years.
One thing to consider though is whether all the features will still be supported in years to come. This is most relevant to the ‘connected’ parts of your drum module, such as the USB interface. This is because you’re reliant on drivers being available for your Mac or PC to be able to connect your drums to the computer.
Again, it pays to choose a reputable brand. Take the Roland TD-11 module, for example, introduced in 2012. Mac and PC drivers are still available on the Roland website, meaning owners of this old module can still connect it to their PC.
However, if the worst should happen and you can no longer connect your module to your computer, there are workarounds. Most drum modules use a MIDI connector, which while much older than USB, is still widely used on most electronic instruments. Using a MIDI interface, you can still connect your drums to your computer, for example, to trigger a VST instrument.
How long do mesh drum heads last?
Mesh drum heads can wear down over time and might need to be replaced between 5 and 10 years, depending on how often you use your eDrums. To put it in perspective, I have replaced one mesh drum head after about 5 years of use as part of the mesh began to fray, though it didn’t break completely.
You can look after your mesh heads and reduce the number of times you need to replace them by using a pair of drumsticks exclusively on your eDrums. Be sure not to use sticks that you’ve also used on acoustic drums, as they may have chips on the heads that could cause the mesh to fray. If you use brushes, use nylon ones, not metal.
How long do electronic cymbal pads last?
Cymbal pads last for many years and don’t get worn down over time, however, they can get discoloured. A good way to protect them is to use a rubber cleaning solution such as 303 Aerospace Protectant. This spray was originally designed for aviation uses but has become a favourite for protecting and keeping rubber and other materials clean, and is a favourite among eDrummers!
Top tips to make your electronic drums last longer
Here are some other top tips to ensure you get many years of use out of your electronic drums:
- Use a plastic bass drum beater – Felt beaters can wear down mesh drum heads
- If you have a square bass drum beater, ensure it’s straight, so it can’t tear through the kick drum head
- Use cases when moving your drums
- If your drums have removable rubber rims, keep them on! These ensure your sticks don’t get chewed up, which can damage the mesh heads.
FAQs
Remember that electronic drums are modular
Of course, it is still possible that things might break or stop working over time. It’s worth remembering that electronic drum kits are modular, which means if one pad or cable breaks, it can usually be swapped out for a replacement part with ease.
Take Roland’s electronic drums for example. Each drum module comes with presets for almost every drum or cymbal pad from Roland – not just the types of pads the kit comes with. Not only does that offer an easy way to replace anything that might break, but it also offers a potential upgrade path for the future.
How do you clean electronic drums?
Do electronic drums need tuning?
How to Soundproof your Drum Room
