Yamaha DTXtreme IIIS Limited Edition

This little gem is loaded with features: Yamaha's new Hexrack (with memory locks), USB capable, headphone jack, onboard EQ, bigger bass drum head with spurs, three triggers in each drum and cymbal, special "tuning key" knob that allows you to change the size of the drum instantly, etc etc The list goes on and on. The heads are rubber, but not the cheap "plastic type" head. I actually prefer them over Roland's mesh heads. They have a great response and feel. The cymbals are just like using acoustic cymbals and eachis "locked" into place so you don't have to chase them. Many features that I haven't listed.

Let me just start here by emphasizing that Yamaha is the ONLY company out there making both electronic and acoustic drumsets. In other words, Yamaha has the ability to find something on their acoustic sets that they like and recreate the sound in the module. This thing sounds amazing and I have only put it through our small practice PA. As stated above each drum has a "tuning key" knob. On the snare it will go all the way from strainer off position to a "firecracker" snare. On the toms, you can make each drum go from say a 14 inch floor tom to an 18 inch with a boomy end. You can also contol master volume, kick, snare, toms, cymbals, and accessories individually (priceless option)

I have only had mine for two days now, but I will say this everything seems sturdy. The rack is better at locking itself in than my Gibraltar V-rack. This rack even has a bubble level on the front cross-bar to make sure it's flat. I do a lot of travelling with music and I will not stand for something that won't hold up. That is why I did not go buy a cheap set! The hi-hat stand and snare stand are not Yamaha's best equipment, so that will probably be replaced, but everything else seems top-notch thus far

Yamaha includes a one-year manufacturer's warranty and I bought an extended three year warranty through Guitar Center. Well worth the price to me. I have heard that Yamaha's customer support sucks, but cannot speak personally as I have not had to rely on them yet

I have been playing drums for going on 13 years now and I have a Gretsch Catalina Elite kit that was my pride and joy. I have about $3500 in it, but that was over several years. I had a big problem justifying $4000 in one hit, but at the same time I now have almost every drum kit at my disposal. Like I said, the Special Edition comes with the name, bigger bass drum that's sturdier, and an upgraded module. Not real sure yet if that's worth another $1000 yet, but Special Edition does sound good rolling off the tongue to all your buddies...