An Idea

[forpetessake]

Ok so one of my last posts was titled, Decision Made. And it was, except my pocket book thought better of it. So now I am stuck with my Roland HD'1's for the forseeable future.

But I may have found a way to expand the kit, well sort of.

You know those cheapo kinda crappy ION kits. Well someone on craigslist is selling a used one for $65 bucks.

If I can find a way to connect both the ION brain and the Roland brain into my stereo system, or a y-cable for headphones, I could add that ION in for extra sounds and triggers.

IS the thing even worth $65 bucks.

What are the sounds like on this thing anyway? :D

[forpetessake]

Wow, 12 views and no replies. Guess it was a stupid idea! lol

[dschrammie]

Well, I think people probably aren't really sure how to respond. The HD-1 is, as you know, pretty much the bottom line from Roland. Why would you want to add on to that with something that is no better, if not worse? Just to have more drums? I don't think you're really going to get anyone saying "Yeah, sounds like a great idea!" For the most part you'll probably get reactions more like "Well....okay...sure, if that's what you want to do."
It's all a matter of what you are happy with. If you are happy with the HD-1 kit, and you'd be happy with adding these Ion things (I've personally never heard of 'em), cool, then go with it. But it sounds more like settling for something just to have some more pieces. Some may say "Well, it's only $65, it's not like he'd be out a lot of money." But it sounds like $65 is still an okay amount to come up with. Why spend even $1 of hard-earned money on something that you don't really want?
If it were me (as it has been in the past!), I'd start setting aside a little bit of money each month that is only meant to go toward getting what you will truly be happy with. Search for what some kits are going for used and determine from there what your goal savings should be...then maybe 8-10 months from now, assuming you're close to your goal savings, start watching the used market (ebay, craigslist, edf and vdrum classifieds, etc) and look for a good deal. Also don't forget that if you own the HD-1 kit by then you can sell it and use those proceeds toward the next kit.
That's my take on it.

[forpetessake]

GOod idea. I was just wondering if my idea was valid. And...if anyone had any real feedback on those Ions.

[WildWes]

Probably the biggest stmbling block to anyone answering you is most have probably never played an HD-1, much less an ION kit. We have nothing to base an answer on. Like D said, if your happy with the HD-1 and just want to add more pads to it, have at it. I've spent more than $65 on a single pad before, so it's not a huge amount of $$$ your putting out for the ION kit. You could probably purchase it, save what you want and sell the extra parts to recoup some (if not all) money back. WW

[ghostman]

GOod idea. I was just wondering if my idea was valid. And...if anyone had any real feedback on those Ions.

Well, I know that ION was marketed as the 'pro' model for Rock Band drums. So, they've got to be better than the plastic toy drums that come with those games. But, I've never used one. CostCo sells 'em, and that usually tells me enough (to stay away!). trying to merge the two kits may be futile, but the ION brain is probably more configurable than the HD-1. overall, I would say to save up for a TD-4 or look for a better Roland module - used or new. The HD-1 pads will work on those, too. And, you really don't have to stay with Roland, but it might be best until you figure out what you want to do with your edrum setup.

[ghostman]

As far as adding on or a 'Y' cable - my suggestion is to get a cheap mini-mixer. I got a behringer 4 channel for like $35 and that would do the job. you need at least 2 stereo channels to mix in with.

[forpetessake]

I had G.A.S. big time...but I am just going to stick it out the HD-1's for now. Thanks guys!

[WildWes]

I had G.A.S. big time...but I am just going to stick it out the HD-1's for now. Thanks guys!

Don't worry FPS. It will happen when it happens and you won't know until it's too late to do anything about it - hahaha.

[CaTaPulT]

I had GAS once, took a medication for it, I'm all better now! LOL :D
Take care

Regards: >>>> Jack <<<<