Short cuts were not taken when the Yamaha electronic drum sets were designed. They make it possible for everyone to enjoy their products with three feature-packed models. So let's start of with their lowest priced kit...

DTXPRESS III

One thing you'll notice about all of the Yamaha electronic drums is that they only use rubber pads for the drums. No mesh drum heads. Some companies will use gum rubber heads on certain models and mesh heads on others. You'll also find companies that stick to only one type of head for all their kits, like Yamaha.

The DTXPRESS III has a very sleek look with its multi-colored rack and and clean lines on the cymbals and drum pads. Gum rubber is used on all pads and cymbals for this kit.

Unlike several other electronic drum companies, Yamaha uses their own drum module (sold with the kit as a package deal).

This allows desginers to create triggers, pads, and a module that are specifically mated to one another. You can buy with confidence that the drums can perform all the options available on the module, and vise versa. See the latest pricing

DTXPRESS III Special

For Yamaha's mid-level kit, the DTXPRESS kit was given three upgrades. The first is a new set of cymbals. Notice that they look more like acoustic cymbals in shape and are designed to swing in a similar fashion. The second upgrade is a third crash/ride cymbal for more options in the selection of cymbal types.

The final uprade is a notable hi hat upgrade. Yamaha adds their RRH130 Real Hi Hat pad and stand to mimic an acoustic setup.

If you'lve played for any time at all, you'll know that that the hi hat is core to the drum set and playing in general. This hi hat certainly aims to please.

This model is about 50% more expensive with the given upgrades, so whether the price increas is worth it or not it up for debate. Personally, I would wait and let my piggy bank get little fatter and go for the "Special". You can get a current price HERE

DTXTREME IIS

The top model of Yamaha's electronic drum sets (DTXTREME IIS) keeps the kick pad and RRH130 hi hat but gets a boost in almost every other way.

Starting with the most obvious uprade of the drum pads, Yamaha four new tom pads and a snare pad. The snare pad has three triggers to give an acoustic-like response when playing in different areas of the drum. The snare rests on its own stand for positioning similar to an acoustic snare.

Yamaha then upgrades the rack with a more curved approach. There is certainly enough room to expand the kit if you are ever feeling ambitious.

Finally, a beefed up module is added due to more complex pads found on this set. All the bells and whistles are included with the ability to fine tune pads and cymbals. Without a doubt, the DTXTREME is a great "package" deal for those who want to step into serious gear. Check out the latest price.