Tried a set of Traps Live this weekend.

Hey guys:

On this past Friday and Saturday, I decided to rent out a set of Traps, the foldable drumkit that fits into a carry bag? We were playing in some places where the ' stage' was pretty well non existent, so my regular set of drums wouldn't do. There are advantages and disadvantages to them, some of which are:

Advantages:

Easy Setup/Teardown : this was probably the fastest loadin/loadout weekend I've had. There's literally nothing to setting this kit up. the Rack has 2 cymbal stands built in, eliminating two stands. The ' drums' themselves all stack into each other, and fit in a carry bag. All told, Two carry bags ( second one for my extra stands, percussion stuff) . Easily adjustable , and can really reduce your footprint on stage.

Reducing Stage Volume: Of course, having no shells to resonate, what you got was an instant attack on the toms and then a die off. However, it was noticeably quieter on stage, so the rest of the band kept the volume down, and it was a good night with no complaints.

Great Snare Attack: The Snare on this is a killer. 12" piccolo type, bulletproof in terms of getting what you want from it, and according to some folks I had out in the crowd, it cracked like a bastard, as well as exposing some of my lousy technique:eek:

DISADVANTAGES:

Bass Drum Whacka Blues: Obviously I would have to have more time to properly tune them, but the bass drum ( if you can call it that ) was questionable. Got this insanely bad FLAPWHACK sound from it, and on the second gig where it was miked, got my drumdial out and did my best. It got to passable, but I ran out of time.

MIC this kit: The Friday Night gig we played where I didn't need to mic, so I thought. Apparently , the drum sound disappeared off the stage, and just became a background buzz punctuated by pop pop fills. Saturday Gig was better, in a place where we fully mic'd .

Shell Construction: the ' shells' on this beauty are made of PVC Plastic, and are very sturdy, however, I'm thinking that all it would take would be one mis timed hit and if you crack that shell.....

Conclusions: I was very impressed with the kit, in terms of construction, portability, playability. Under the proper conditions, and with enough time to experiment with it I'm sure this would sound as good as it does on their website. It'll definitely help you out on the Postage sized stages, and you'll be packed before the rest of your band for once:eek: If you can find someone in your area who would rent them, check'em out, I think you'll be suprised.

:thu:PEACE:thu:

I played a set last fall up at George's Drum Shop. Interesting little kit. Obviously didn't get to test drive like you kv, but that's good information. I wouldn't mind a kit for the house maybe. I give you a lot of cred for having the balls to rent them and use them at gigs. I'm not sure I'd have had that much confidence in them. Not being critical, just sayin'.

I hear quite a bit about them, so they must hold their own for what they're designed to do.

m

Nice review.

One of my old students as been working on building a suitcase drums set , I'll get pictures and post a thread when it gets finished.

I guess he's done a few prototypes and is getting closer to something presentable.

I can't afford anything new , but I'd love a tiny but good kit that was easily loaded and such for practices and small stages , I hate the packing and moving of drums , at this stage in my life I take a roadie over a groupie w/o a second thought , even a feeble arthritic smelly roadie over a hot disease free groupie , I'm just sick of moving gear.....maybe I'm ready to join the geezer guild.

yep small transportable drums would be nice to have.

Where do you rent drums from?

Never seen that before , seen a guy rent a euphonium , but never drums....and just for the weekend? what'd it set you back?

just saw your review on renting the Traps kit. If you rent again ask the store to put a REMO Powersonic batter head on the bass drum. I use it like that with a hole in the front head and when played with a bass mic it sounds killer. Punchy and very low bottom. My Ludwigs stay in the basement now.