Yamaha is finally replacing the aged DD-55 model. The new unit is the DD65. I see an extra pad (now a total of 8 compared to 7 on the 55 model), USB, and the bass pedal is even touch sensitive now. I wonder if they upgraded the sounds (the 55's were kind of cheesy in the sound area).

Not an arranger, but I know I've read comments here before that some members own the 55 models and enjoy them.
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/DD65/

Squeak: I have a DD-55 with stand. Want to buy it? At first it was fun but then I found the limitations of the quality of the sounds/pads to be too much. Many times the noise from hitting the pads was as loud as the sound from the unit and amping it did not make it a lot better. Not to be too down on it I did use it on some small cocktail gigs where I brought along a drummer who only played the DD-55. It worked OK. Given the price point I don't expect the DD-65 to be radically different.

However, I have since bought the Roland Handsonic 10 with stand. I really enjoy this unit much more. The main reason for me is I like playing hand percussion more than with sticks. The Roland has responsive pads and can do cool things like muted hits and accents. With the latin and asian kits you get some really cool sounds. I have gotten lots of compliments on jobs where I complement the sound with the Handsonic 10.

Robert,
I spent some time on the DD55 a while back. Wasn't impressed at all. I also didn't expect much considering the price of the unit as well. I actually disliked the same things you mentioned .

I too felt that the noise from the pads themselve often got in the way of the onboard speakers. I didn't care for the drum sounds either. The bass and hi-hat triggers really took away from the playability IMO as well.

I know it's a basic beginner unit, and wouldn't replace a kit too. That's why I didn't expect much when I took it for a spin.

Squeak

[This message has been edited by squeak_D (edited 04-05-2007).]

I've seen a band that use the Yamaha DD55 very very effectively, a latin trio-guitar, female vocalist and drummer (looked like he was using the DD55 Exclusively). I thought they sounded very good and the drummer had really made his DD55 work for him. Got me thinking that these portable DD's have a lot of potential. I'm considering the DD65 but feel the pads could be bigger, as they stand at present a lot of precision is required to ensure you hit the play area. Yamaha would do well to drop the internal speakers and just make the pads bigger.

They got MIDI? Trigger the T2 drums, then...

the DD65 is a big improvment over the DD55. First, they pads are configured better for playing open and closed hi hats and the sounds have been improved upon as well. The price is still the same.


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George Kaye
Kaye's Music Scene
Reseda, California
818-881-5566
www.kayesmusicscene.com

I will go for this one instead. http://www.alesis.com/product.php?id=115



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