I’m picky. Very. Ask anyone who has ever tried to buy me a gift - it’s almost impossible unless you have a direct recommendation from me, with a specific part number, etc.
So when I try something out and like it - it usually means it’s pretty decent. Below are items I’ve tried or own (and bought with my own money) and found useful. You can buy them from anywhere you like, but if you use my links, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thanks for your support and interest!
Nike Indoor Shoes
While not the Nike React model (soooo hard to find) this Lunar Gato shoe is basically the same thing, with a leather toe box - nice enough to wear out, but great for playing drums in! I’ve included a link to the Street Gato as well - another great shoe with similar characteristics.
Amazon link: https://amzn.to/3H864lc
https://amzn.to/3NKW9p5
Alesis Sample Pad 4
A great way to add sampled sounds or midi to an acoustic set, a way to add more pads to an existing electronic set, or in a pinch, with some add-on pads, a way to a have a 1 stand “cocktail” kit in a super small area!
Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/44wqZZ4
Hosa YPP-117 1/4" TRS to Dual 1/4" TSF Stereo Breakout Cable
Careful - this is the opposite “gender” orientation of the splitter I use on the Alesis kit - this one is great on the Alesis Sample Pad 4 to split the external pad input so you can attach two separate additional pads to the unit.
Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/3Y58oB0
Zoom LiveTrak L-8 Podcast Recorder
Holy moly - This thing is amazing - ultra lightweight, records separate channels, has recall on fader/channel settings (scenes), built-in effects, tons of inputs/outputs, can be used as a computer interface, and in a pinch, can be powered by 4 AA batteries!!!!
Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/46ZEaU0
Hosa YPP-136 1/4" TRSF to Dual 1/4" TS Stereo Breakout Cable
This is the splitter I use to take the “stereo” feed going to the tom triggers and splitting out into the rim and pad inputs.
Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/3Gy5tqy
KAT Percussion KT-TBB Silent Strike Bass Drum Beater
I’m using these beaters and I really like them - they are fast, light, and do cut down the native volume of the beater smacking into the bass drum pad.
They are basically a tennis ball-like sphere attached to a beater shaft, but it seems well made and really works well. They also reduce the shock transmitted back into your foot from pounding the beater into a mostly unmoving bass pad as well.
A few other of my drummer friends have bought these on my recommendation and have been similarly satisfied - give them a try!
Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/3J5FZmq
1/4 Inch Mono Extension Cable, 6 feet 1/4" Male to 1/4" Female Plug
This is the cable I use to extend the trigger input from the splitter. Usually, I can plug one of the splitter cables directly into the pad, but need one of these extensions to reach the second pad (usually a cymbal pad in my case).
Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/33lPmOl
Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit
Here’s the base of it all - the starter kit. It might be one of the best values for money out there! This is the “standard” one - the “Special Edition” just has red pads, but everything else is the same.
It even comes with a bass drum pedal!
Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/3dPP6JC
Monoprice Stage Right 8” Studio Monitors
I have a pair of these mounted in front of the kit for those times where I want to feel like I’m playing real drums, making real noise that the neighbors can complain about.
Reasonably priced and really reproduce the drum sounds surprisingly well, and fairly loud too - I’d say you could even use these for playing out in a small venue or jamming with friends without any issues.
Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/3tk72Fh
Starument Studio Monitor Speaker Stands
Decent, reasonably prices monitor stands.
I really like the design because the tripod is really a standard speaker pole mount, but they include the shelf that bolts on the top to hold monitors/speakers. If ever you needed speaker mounts for PA type speakers, just a few turns of an allen wrench and they convert right back into standard speaker stands.
They even have the safety pins common on PA speaker stands, so if you are afraid the clamp won’t hold the pipe up, the safety pins provide a mechanical stop to keep the extension pole from sliding down.
Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/3nhtN8O
Promark Neil Peart 747 Oak Drumsticks
I’ve played these sticks for 30+ years and not just because Neil used them. A slightly thicker 5A, but not as big as a 5B, and a different taper have made these my favorite drum set sticks for as long as I can remember.
Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/3tQz9vO
PDP PDAC991 10.5mm Tom Accessory Clamp
A handy clamp to use to mount a tom pad on your Alesis rack (or cymbal stand or other stand on a kit).
Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/33ScJQp
Evans Realfeel 12” Double Sided Practice Pad
An updated version of the classic I own, fits on a drum or snare drum stand, has a softer gum rubber side and a harder firm rubber side for a different feel.
Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/3SJ4rPi
Evans Realfeel 6” Single Sided Practice Pad
A smaller version, single sided with gum rubber surface.
Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/3PdwJi5