In the not-so-distant past, aspiring drummers had limited options when it came to electronic drum kits for beginners. Electronic drums were a rare sight, but the landscape swiftly changed with the advent of synthesizers in the late 1970s. The emergence of electronic drums and percussion, epitomized by the iconic Simmons kit developed by Dave Simmons and Richard James Burgess, marked a pivotal moment in the history of electronic music. For those who experienced it, the love-hate relationship with these instruments is a testament to the transformative impact they had.
Fast forward to the present, and electronic drum kits, or eDrums, have undergone significant advancements. No longer quirky contraptions, they offer an excellent entry point into the world of drumming. Let’s delve into a few notable options for beginners.
Millenium NonaPad: A Compact Powerhouse
The Millenium NonaPad, despite its amusing name, is a serious contender for beginners. With nine pads, 592 sounds, 30 kits, and 17 loops, it packs a punch. Boasting half a gigabyte of storage, half of which is user-accessible for personal sound uploads, it provides ample creative freedom.
Equipped with basic effects, a limiter, and a metronome for precise time-keeping, the NonaPad offers a comprehensive practice experience. Its recording capabilities, mute group feature for nuanced hi-hat control, stereo audio outs, headphone jack, trigger inputs, footswitch control inputs, MIDI compatibility, and a USB port for storage enhance its versatility.
Priced just over a couple of hundred dollars, the NonaPad is a cost-effective entry into electronic drums. It not only respects your budget but can seamlessly integrate into a full-size kit for expanded percussion possibilities.
Millenium MPS-150X: Traditional Feel with Modern Features
For those seeking a kit that mimics a traditional drum setup, the Millenium MPS-150X is a noteworthy choice. With mesh heads providing a realistic feel and playability, this kit facilitates an easier learning curve compared to solid rubber varieties.
Featuring a 10″ snare, three 8″ toms, and an 8″ kick drum – all with mesh heads – the MPS-150X delivers an authentic drumming experience. Mesh-headed crash and ride cymbals with chokes, a hi-hat pad, hi-hat pedal controller, and a kick drum pedal complete the ensemble. The drum module offers 108 sounds, 10 preset kits, 40 songs, and even includes reverb for that stadium sound. Connectivity options include 5-pin MIDI, USB, audio outs, and a headphone jack, allowing you to jam along with your favorite tunes.
This kit, priced slightly higher, provides everything a beginner needs in a compact, foldable package. The inclusion of mesh heads enhances the overall playing experience.
Alesis Debut Kit: Space-Saving Simplicity
Alesis, a stalwart in the eDrum industry, presents the Debut Kit, catering to those with space constraints. Featuring 6″ diameter pads and 10″ cymbals mounted on a sturdy, foldable frame, this kit is an epitome of space efficiency. The absence of a kick drum pad and a full-size hi-hat pedal is compensated by small foot pedals.
The drum module offers 120 sounds, 10 kits, and 30 patterns, with an auxiliary audio input for playing along with your favorite tracks. MIDI connectivity is handled through USB. The Debut Kit includes a seat, a pair of sticks, headphones, and all necessary cables.
Perfect for those mindful of space, the Alesis Debut Kit is the quintessential beginner’s eDrum kit, striking a balance between affordability and functionality. It’s a solution for budding drummers without compromising space or breaking the bank.
