This is one of the most full-featured e-drum kits for under $600

Hampback ACE-360 Electronic Drum Kit – Pro-Level Features at a Mid-Range Price

The Hampback ACE-360 is one of the most practical and well-equipped electronic drum kits available for around $550. It’s not just about affordability—it’s about getting a kit that actually delivers where it counts.

🔄 Dual-Zone Pads and Cymbals

Every pad on the ACE-360 is dual-zone, including the cymbals. That means rim shots, edge triggers, and expanded playability across the entire kit. No shortcuts here—this setup gives you the control and nuance you’d expect from higher-end gear. The snare and tom 3 are both 10" and the two high toms are 8". This is good sizes for drums at this price

🥁 Two-Piece Hi-Hat on a Real Stand

This is where the ACE-360 stands out. Most kits in this price range use a pedal-based hi-hat. This one doesn’t. You get a two-piece hi-hat mounted on a real hi-hat stand, which means better open/closed control, and a more realistic feel. It’s a serious upgrade that changes how the kit responds under your hands and feet.

🎛️ Drum Module with USB MIDI, 5-Pin MIDI, and Bluetooth Audio

The module is solid. It includes:

• USB MIDI for direct DAW connection
• Standard MIDI for external gear
• Bluetooth Audio so you can stream tracks and play along wirelessly

Whether you're recording, practicing, or syncing with other gear, the module gives you the flexibility to build your setup your way.

🎥 Video Demo

Check out my performance of "Star" by Loona on this kit using EZDrummer 3 ACE-360 in action:

🧩 Final Notes

The Hampback ACE-360 isn’t trying to be flashy—it’s built to work. Dual-zone pads, a real hi-hat stand, and a versatile module make it one of the most complete kits in its price range. If you’re looking for something that feels like a real instrument and integrates easily into your setup, this kit is worth a serious look.

Get a ridiculous amount of cymbals for under $600

Meinl HCS Ultimate Cymbal Box Set: More Cymbals, Less Money

If you're looking to expand your drum kit without draining your wallet, the Meinl HCS Ultimate Cymbal Box Set is hands-down one of the best deals on the market. This pack includes more cymbals than any other box set available, giving you a full arsenal of sounds to explore without breaking the bank.

What's Included?

The Meinl HCS Ultimate set is stacked with cymbals: multiple crashes, a ride, hi-hats, splash, china, and even a trash crash. It’s a complete setup that covers all the essentials and then some. Whether you're a beginner building your first kit or a seasoned player looking for a budget-friendly expansion, this set delivers.

Check it out here: Meinl HCS Ultimate Cymbal Box Set

Brass Alloy Sound Profile

These cymbals are made from brass alloy, which naturally has a bit less sustain and complexity than bronze. That said, the ride and hi-hats in this set sound surprisingly good for the price. They offer a crisp attack and musical tone that offers a lot for such a low price-point.

The crashes and FX cymbals are also better than average for brass. You’ll get usable, expressive sounds that work well in practice, recording, or live settings. If you’re not chasing boutique-level shimmer and just want a wide palette of cymbals to play with, this set is a smart choice.

Grab yours here: Meinl HCS Ultimate Cymbal Box Set

Video Demo

Final Thoughts

If you want a lot of cymbals for not much money, the Meinl HCS Ultimate Box Set is a no-brainer. It’s the most comprehensive cymbal pack out there, and while it’s made from brass, the sound quality—especially on the ride, hats, and FX cymbals—is impressive for the price.

Ready to upgrade your kit? Click here to check out the Meinl HCS Ultimate Cymbal Box Set.

What are Stencil drum kits? And, why you should buy one!

Vintage Japanese Drums

There’s a growing cult following around vintage Japanese drums, and for good reason. These kits from the '60s, '70s, and even into the early '80s offer killer tone, stunning finishes, and unbeatable value — especially compared to their American counterparts.

🔍 What Are "Stencil" Kits?

The term "stencil kit" refers to drum sets that were made by Japanese manufacturers but branded under a variety of names for export. Think Apollo, Revere, CB-700, and dozens of others. These were often built in the same factories as Pearl, Tama, or Yamaha, using similar materials and designs.

Stencil kits are the hidden gems of the drum world — affordable, great-sounding, and totally unique. You can find some amazing deals on these if you know where to look. Explore vintage drum listings here.

🥁 Shell Types and Tone

Most vintage Japanese drums feature luan mahogany shells — a softer wood than American maple but incredibly warm and resonant. Some higher-end models used birch or maple, but luan is the sweet spot for that vintage thud that works perfectly in lo-fi, jazz, or garage rock settings.

The edges can be a little rough on early models, but that only adds character to the sound. Tune them up with coated heads and you’ll be stunned at how musical they can be. Check out affordable options here.

🎨 Finishes That Pop

From moody Blue Onyx to psychedelic Tiger Stripes, vintage Japanese drums come with finishes that rival or even exceed American kits of the same era. You’ll find sparkle wraps, pearl laminates, and swirled plastics that make modern kits look dull by comparison.

Some finishes were even exclusive to Japanese manufacturers — so owning one means you’re holding a piece of history. Browse vintage wrap styles here.

💰 Price vs. American Vintage Kits

While vintage American kits (like Ludwig, Rogers, or Gretsch) can easily run into the thousands, most Japanese stencil kits are still under $400–600 for a full setup. That makes them ideal for players who want vibe and tone without draining their bank account.

You’re getting high character Luan shells, classic styling, and serious mojo — at a fraction of the price. Find your vintage steal here.

🚀 Final Thoughts

If you're a drummer, collector, or gearhead looking for sonic character and visual punch, vintage Japanese drums are absolutely worth the hunt. Their affordability, unique finishes, and underrated tone make them one of the best values on the used market today.

Start your search for vintage gems here — and don’t be surprised if your next favorite kit isn’t American at all.

You really shouldn't spend a lot of money on overhead condensers

Behringer C2 Condenser Microphones – Why I’ve Never Needed Anything Else

If you've been browsing for overhead drum mics and considering dropping hundreds on a boutique set, let me save you some time and money: The Behringer C2 condenser microphone pair is all you need. I've been using these for years, never experienced a single problem with them, and in my experience, paying more for overheads is just plain silly.

These mics might not have flashy branding, but they consistently deliver recordings that sound exactly like what I hear behind the kit. Check them out here. They’ve become my reliable studio companions, and I’ve never felt the need to upgrade.

Clean Cymbals, Full Kit

It’s not just the highs—they capture cymbal shimmer with crisp definition—but also the overall character of the drum kit. The stereo image is wide and natural, and the low-mids come through with depth and realism. Seriously, have a listen.

Hear Them in Action

In the video below, I’m using the Behringer C2 pair as overheads. You won't see them on camera, but they’re absolutely the mics in play. Listen to the clarity and balance in the mix—it’s all from those C2s.

Why Spend More?

I know there are premium matched pairs out there—some costing ten or twenty times more than the Behringer C2s. But frankly, I don’t see the point. These mics sound smooth, honest, and accurate. When I play, what I hear is what gets captured. That’s what matters.

If you’re assembling a mic setup for your kit and want gear that performs without draining your budget, grab a pair of C2s. They’ve served me well for years, and I wouldn’t hesitate to use them again and again.

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Six SenZe: A free, ICE COLD, Digital VST Synth!

Six SenZe is an additive digital synthesizer with subtractive controls designed for Windows. It offers 7 waveforms that can be combined in six slots, along with a multi-mode filter, LFO, and several presets. I recently featured it in the first episode of my new YouTube series, "One Free Synth Plus Drums."

This synth delivers an impressive icy sound while covering diverse sonic territory despite its limited presets. The controls are intuitive and easy to use. As a 32-bit VST, it requires a VST Bridge like jBridge if your DAW doesn't support 32-bit plugins. However, Reaper handles 32-bit plugins without any trouble.

Be sure to add this fantastic free plugin to your collection!

Rhythm Master: A drum learning game that is better the rest!

The Best Drum Learning App You’ve Never Heard Of!

Every drummer’s journey has turning points—those key tools and techniques that push skills to the next level. For me, one of those game-changers is Rhythm Master, a powerful drum learning app designed especially for electronic kits. I introduced it in a recent video on my channel, Demonic Sweaters, and it’s time to highlight why this underrated gem deserves your attention.

Why Rhythm Master Stands Out

• Electronic Kit Focus: This app isn’t just compatible with electronic drums—it thrives on them. It’s perfect for modern setups and studio-friendly practice environments.
• Rhythm Precision: Rhythm Master sharpens timing and groove feel, helping you lock in better with metronomic accuracy and musical nuance.
• Interactive Practice: Dynamic lessons adapt to your playing, offering a jam-like experience rather than static drills.

My Experience With It

I’ve been using Rhythm Master in my own practice and truly believe it’s a worthy companion for any drummer focused on rhythmic development. If you're interested in trying it out, just message me on Instagram or shoot me an email (address shared in the video).

Extra Tools for Your Setup

I’ve also curated an Amazon store featuring drum packages and accessories that pair well with the app. Need help beyond what the video covers? You’re welcome to ask me directly via AsqMe.

Final Thoughts

If you’re working on intermediate grooves or want to polish your fills, Rhythm Master could be exactly what you need. I’ve found it to be intuitive, responsive, and a refreshing addition to my practice routine. Hit play above and see if it resonates with your drumming goals.

Curated Drum Sale Picks from Reverb

🥁 Vintage Vibes & Sonic Power: 4 Unique Drum Gear Picks You Shouldn't Miss

Whether you're building a retro-inspired kit or hunting for character-rich additions to your studio setup, these four pieces of gear offer a compelling mix of history, tone, and utility. Let’s dive into what makes each one stand out.

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🔩 Slingerland 804 Direct Pull Hi-Hat Stand (1950s Chrome)

A relic from the golden age of American drum manufacturing, the Slingerland 804 Direct Pull hi-hat stand is a flush-base, tripod-style piece that embodies mid-century design. Unlike the more common side-pull models, this direct-pull mechanism offers a smoother, more responsive feel underfoot. The chrome finish still shines, and the Chicago-stamped footboard hints at its pre-Niles lineage — a detail collectors will appreciate.

• Ideal for vintage kits or jazz setups
• Lightweight and gig-friendly
• Adds authentic character to your hardware lineup

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🌑 Dream Cymbals 20" Dark Matter Energy Ride (2011–Present)

This cymbal is not just a ride — it’s a sonic statement. The Dark Matter Energy Ride is double-tempered and aged for months, resulting in a dry, earthy tone with a short sustain and a raw, unlathed finish. It records beautifully and evolves with play, becoming part of your unique musical voice.

• Hand-forged and fire-treated for molecular-level tonal changes
• Crisp stick definition with a gritty undertone
• Perfect for metal, fusion, or experimental genres

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🪑 Ludwig Vintage Atlas Snare Stand

The Ludwig Atlas Snare Stand from the early '70s is a single-braced, chrome-plated classic. Stamped with the iconic Ludwig logo, it’s built like a tank but still light enough for gigging. The rubber grips and basket arms are in excellent condition, making it a reliable choice for both vintage and modern snares.

• Durable and road-tested
• Great for collectors or Ludwig loyalists
• Adds mojo to any snare setup

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🔔 Sabian AA 20" Ride Cymbal (1990s)

Bright, versatile, and full of punch, the Sabian AA 20" Ride from the '90s delivers classic stick definition with a clean bell and shimmering wash. It’s a workhorse cymbal that fits seamlessly into rock, funk, or blues settings. The AA series is known for its vintage-bright sound — and this one’s got it in spades.

• Balanced tone for live and studio use
• Great bell articulation
• Proven durability over decades

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🎯 Final Thoughts

Each of these pieces brings something special to the table — whether it’s the historical charm of Slingerland and Ludwig hardware or the sonic depth of Dream and Sabian cymbals. If you're curating a kit that tells a story, these are the kinds of gear that speak volumes.

Want more vintage reviews, tutorials, and gear breakdowns? Follow the blog and subscribe for updates!

Sabian B8X Ballistic Crash: This cheap cymbal is one of my favorites! Honestly!

Sabian B8X Ballistic Crash Cymbal Review

I've been playing the Sabian B8X Ballistic Crash for about seven years now, particularly the 18" model, and it's become one of those go-to cymbals that punches way above its weight class. I’ve used it on dozens of recordings—experimental electronic sessions, rock tracks—and it continues to surprise me with how much character it delivers at such an affordable price.

To describe the sound in a word: explosive. But that doesn't quite do it justice. The B8X Ballistic Crash delivers a dry, trashy tone that’s remarkably similar to the Zildjian S Dark line. It’s not your average shimmering crash—it has grit, punch, and a certain chaos that brings energy into a groove without overwhelming the mix. That dryness is key. It doesn’t hang in the air or wash out like traditional crashes. Instead, it decays quickly and cleanly, making it perfect for recording situations where cymbal bleed can be a real issue.

Tonally, it sits somewhere between an Ozone cymbal and a standard crash—aggressive but not obnoxious, with some controlled sizzle and just enough trashiness to give it edge. The ballistic design gives it a fragmented, almost broken glass shimmer without going full-on China cymbal territory.

In this video above, you can hear it clearly. Notice how it cuts through without being harsh. It’s responsive under stick and mallet alike, and its tone adapts well whether you’re playing fast hi-hat work or big, open choruses.

And honestly, for the price, it’s kind of unbelievable. Sabian’s B8 series has always been considered entry-level, but the B8X Ballistic Crash breaks that mold. It doesn’t sound like a beginner cymbal. It sounds like a boutique model you’d find on someone’s custom stack or hybrid setup. I’ve thrown it into configurations with high-end rides and effects cymbals, and it holds its own beautifully.

If you're looking for a crash with character—a cymbal that brings rawness and musicality without draining your wallet—I wholeheartedly recommend checking out the Sabian B8X Ballistic Crash. It’s been part of my sound for years, and chances are, once you try it, it’ll be part of yours too.