Playing Rock Band is a lot of fun. I've been into music, playing various instruments, all my life, but with Rock Band it's never been this easy to sound this good. While the game can be challenging, it's not playing a real instrument or learning the actual music. I told myself if I was able to finish the game on hard and continue to have fun, that I would consider getting real drums and learn to play.
As I worked through the game I begin looking for a used set of electronic drums. Since my wife gets migraines, I didn't think a real drum set would be an option. So I checked out a few stores and did some research. Of course my wife saw the signs. Why would I want a real drum set? I'm not sure I have an adequate answer even now for that question. As I worked through the game learning new songs and playing a little each night I found I really enjoyed playing the game.
I found a used set of drums that were local and I went to see them. They were nice but several years old and a little dated when it came to the types of drums, pedals and cymbals used. I realized that I didn't need the best or newest equipment. But I had tried several models at various music stores and even with my very limited knowledge I could tell the difference between the different equipment.
While I was considering whether this older set was the one for me I came across a new ad. It was one of those ads that seemed to good to be true. The ad was for a top-of-the-line Roland kit at a very reasonable price. I e-mailed the seller for more information. I mostly discounted the ad because there have been several scams going around on Roland drums. People trying to sell drums they don't actually have or bait and switch.
I was surprised when I got an e-mail response with a phone number. I called the seller and we talked for some time. I had him verify the equipment models numbers to make sure we were talking about the same equipment, and it seemed legit. It turned out that a new member to their band had a change of heart and wasn't interested in playing and wanted to sell his new drums. The drums were reported to be in excellent shape and used just a few times.
The drums sounded incredible. It was the set I wanted but knew I couldn't afford. I asked him what his bottom line was and he came down a couple hundred dollars. It seemed too good of a deal to pass up. I told him I'd get back to him in an hour and let him know.
"Hey hunny, remember those drums..." My poor wife. We talked a little about it and it was a done deal. I called the seller up and made sure he would be home. My wife and I hit the road and drove two hours to a rural place in Illinois to see the drums.
Unbelievable. They were just as he described--an incredible beautiful like new Roland TD-20 black kit. And not just that, dual DW9000 bass drum pedals and behemoth DW Hi-Hat and snare stands. You have to feel these pedals and the stands to appreciate them. The pedals are smooth as butter and the stands are incredibly strong and massive looing. It was a dream set. One that I certainly wasn't qualified to have or deserved.
I plugged it in, verified the pads and cymbals worked, handed the guy the envelope, and began packing it up. I couldn't believe my luck. I felt genuinely humbled. It sounds funny, but with not even knowing how to play I appreciated the quality and craftsmanship that went into that kit. I hoped that someday I would be able to due it justice, to be able to play it with some authority.
It was a good day and I beamed the whole way home. My poor wife.
As I worked through the game I begin looking for a used set of electronic drums. Since my wife gets migraines, I didn't think a real drum set would be an option. So I checked out a few stores and did some research. Of course my wife saw the signs. Why would I want a real drum set? I'm not sure I have an adequate answer even now for that question. As I worked through the game learning new songs and playing a little each night I found I really enjoyed playing the game.
I found a used set of drums that were local and I went to see them. They were nice but several years old and a little dated when it came to the types of drums, pedals and cymbals used. I realized that I didn't need the best or newest equipment. But I had tried several models at various music stores and even with my very limited knowledge I could tell the difference between the different equipment.
While I was considering whether this older set was the one for me I came across a new ad. It was one of those ads that seemed to good to be true. The ad was for a top-of-the-line Roland kit at a very reasonable price. I e-mailed the seller for more information. I mostly discounted the ad because there have been several scams going around on Roland drums. People trying to sell drums they don't actually have or bait and switch.
I was surprised when I got an e-mail response with a phone number. I called the seller and we talked for some time. I had him verify the equipment models numbers to make sure we were talking about the same equipment, and it seemed legit. It turned out that a new member to their band had a change of heart and wasn't interested in playing and wanted to sell his new drums. The drums were reported to be in excellent shape and used just a few times.
The drums sounded incredible. It was the set I wanted but knew I couldn't afford. I asked him what his bottom line was and he came down a couple hundred dollars. It seemed too good of a deal to pass up. I told him I'd get back to him in an hour and let him know.
"Hey hunny, remember those drums..." My poor wife. We talked a little about it and it was a done deal. I called the seller up and made sure he would be home. My wife and I hit the road and drove two hours to a rural place in Illinois to see the drums.
Unbelievable. They were just as he described--an incredible beautiful like new Roland TD-20 black kit. And not just that, dual DW9000 bass drum pedals and behemoth DW Hi-Hat and snare stands. You have to feel these pedals and the stands to appreciate them. The pedals are smooth as butter and the stands are incredibly strong and massive looing. It was a dream set. One that I certainly wasn't qualified to have or deserved.
I plugged it in, verified the pads and cymbals worked, handed the guy the envelope, and began packing it up. I couldn't believe my luck. I felt genuinely humbled. It sounds funny, but with not even knowing how to play I appreciated the quality and craftsmanship that went into that kit. I hoped that someday I would be able to due it justice, to be able to play it with some authority.
It was a good day and I beamed the whole way home. My poor wife.
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