ISSUE #52 \__\__\___THE____/__/__/ Apr 5, 2001 _______________TEMPO DISPATCH ___________ Newsletter For Drummers and Drumming Enthusiasts Copyright Bill Powelson 2001 all rights reserved. ____________'IT'S ALL ABOUT DRUMS'_______ Tips * Tricks * Hints * Ads * Freebies * Lessons * _________NOW OVER 6,OOO SUBSCRIBERS!__________ TABLE OF CONTENTS: What is in this issue? Feature Article: QUIETER PRACTICE SOLUTIONS FOR APARTMENT DWELLERS   2. Drum Instructors Wanted! 3. What's a BEATBUG? 4. Humor? *** Observations *** 5. Play the new DRUMMERS TRIVIA GAME ______________________________________ |__________FEATURE ARTICLE___________| QUIETER PRACTICE DRUMS: SOLUTIONS FOR APARTMENT DWELLERS     Muffling drums may or may not be enough to keep the landlord at bay . . . depending both on the PADS and the ACOUSTICS of your apartment.     Also . . . be aware that the more the drums are muffled, the LESS FUN you will have.  If you aren't having fun . . . you won't practice.  That's a bad spiral we would rather avoid . . . OTHER OPTIONS . . .     Pearl has a set they call the 'Rhythm Traveler'. It comes with real heads AND practice heads at about $428 when discounted.      I've seen and heard those drums . . . and KNOW first hand that they won't cause probs with the neighbors. You can barely hear them when the practice heads are in use.     (They aren't much fun either . . . but they DO offer a viable option for the apartment situation.) ALSO:  HERE'S A CHEAP, 'TEMPORARY' FIX . . .     For the moment . . . as an easy temporary solution, be sure to see this lesson: http://207.240.40.16:82/drummers/hsdrum/makedrms.html     If you aren't a paid member yet, you can see that same lesson here: http://www.studydrums.com/drummers/makedrms.html     My first year as a drummer was on a cardboard set like the one at the bottom of the above page.  They're quiet and cheap.  They can be had for the cost of a used pedal.  (No laughing allowed, haha.)  They DO look ridiculous but may sound as good (or BETTER) than 'over-muffled drums' or even the 'Rhythm Travler'!     Scroll all the way to the bottom of that page ABOVE to SEE what I'm talking about . . . ANOTHER OPTION:      The BEST idea, but MUCH more expensive . . .     I've long been a big fan of Roland electronic drums. For the past 6 years . . . I've owned a set of TD7s.     They're absolutely the BEST solution for an apartment dweller . . . but hold on to your wallet.  They can be expensive!     The 512 percussion sounds are great . . . and the DYNAMICS are 92% ok . . .  They aren't exactly like acoustic drums, but they aren't bad.     Check them out at your local Roland dealer.     They're EXPENSIVE when purchased new . . . and because they are 'hi-tech' (like computers) they DO NOT hold their value well.  My $3000 investment in TD7s back in 95 has now de-valued to about $500/$700 . . .  (Grrrr.)     If I had dropped $3000 on an acoustic kit back then . . . the acoustic set would STILL be worth $1500 to $2000 at least.     So, I've lost a considerable amount there. I'm VERY upset about that . . .     BUT . . . this de-valuation 'COULD' have a PLUS-SIDE for someone in YOUR situation.     If you'll look around enough . . . you may find a USED set of TD5s or TD7s down in the acceptable price ranges of $400 to $800.  They've probably de-valued as much as they ever will. WHEN BUYING USED . . .     *  BE SURE THE MANUAL IS INCLUDED . . . or you will have to 'hack' the system to program it.     Electronic kits are IDEAL for people in close quarters, where excessive volume is a problem.      Yes . . . you can channel both the drums and recorded music through headphones and the noise problem will be solved completely.      Even if you want to practice at 3:00 am, you might pull it off . . . without disturbing anyone.     I now use my Roland kit for teaching private students in an environment where I CAN'T be allowed to drown-out the teacher in the next room.  Electronic drums are perfect for that. Without the Roland kit . . . I probably wouldn't 'fit' into the 'prestigious' location where I'm currently employed.  They would probably toss me out on my ear, if I were using acoustic drums.     Almost any electronic kit will suffice and work for you.  The NEWER they are, the more DYNAMIC CONTROL you will feel. Most electronic kits prior to 1993 were lacking in dynamics . . .     I would say you shouldn't purchase any electronic kit that lacks dynamic control . . . unless they are almost a give-away.     Dynamic control is the thing that makes electronic drums feel and sound like acoustic drums.  If you hit hard . . . you'll hear a loud sound.  If you hit softly . . . you'll hear a soft sound.  It's important to have that control as you play.  Dynamics are a VERY big part of the drummers job.     The bottom-line is YES . . . do go with electronic drums 'if necessary' . . . but be aware of the (hi tech) losses in value that will inevitably occur . . . get the manual if you buy used . . . and listen for dynamic control . . . before you part with your hard earned money.     HAPPY DRUMMING!  :>) ...................................................                 ENROLL NOW! BECOME A PERMANENT MEMBER AND STUDENT TODAY! Don't you owe it to yourself to learn all you can? ORDER THIS COMPLETE, 90+ LESSON, ONLINE DRUMMING COURSE, FOR ONLY $49 (In US funds.) (That price may not last much longer.) To order now, with your credit card, from anywhere in the World . . . go here: https://secure.catalog.com/drummers/ccard.html If you aren't a paid LIFETIME MEMBER yet . . . What's the hangup? COMPUTERIZED DRUMSET LESSONS ** $49.00 (US) (Lifetime Membership) UNLIMITED E-MAIL HELP . . . STUDY DRUMS AT YOUR COMPUTER ANYTIME! * It's like having a pro helping you at home. * Study at home anytime via password-authorization (hidden site.) * E-MAIL HELP Questions ENCOURAGED & WELCOME 24 hrs a day, ALWAYS! * DRUMSET TECHNIQUES, Beginner thru ULTRA-ADVANCED. * For ALL ages 10 to 90 . . .(almost) * Student sets the pace & the schedule. * Optional downloadable zip file of COMPLETE web site drum course.  Study OFFLINE. * BONUS!!!! 44+ additional lessons (TD Archive.) * This course in drumset techniques also includes FREE additional MONTHLY LESSONS via this E-mail newsletter. * No scheduling hassles and no rush hour traffic. Getting to your drum lesson is easy. Just turn on the computer! * UNLIMITED PRIVATE E-MAIL HELP TOO, with your instructor, Bill Powelson. * Satisfaction GUARANTEED or your money back. No hassles. TO SEE THE COMPLETE LIST OF LESSONS GO TO: http://www.catalog.com/drummers/contents.html EVERYTHING ABOVE INCLUDED, ($49.00 US) https://secure.catalog.com/drummers/ccard.html ($97 is the NEXT PROJECTED PRICE INCREASE and it may occur VERY SOON!) I am currently and always adding new lessons. Buy now and get everything (including all future updates) at this limited one-time low price . . . (or wait and pay more.) _____________________________ |_____WHAT'S A BEATBUG?_______| DISCOUNTED BEATBUG SPECIAL!!! (SAVE $60.00) NOW ONLY:  $139.00 (US FUNDS) If you purchase a BEATBUG through the school, I will include the entire $49.00 HOMESTUDY PACKAGE (above) for FREE. TRIVIA QUESTION . . . WHAT IS A BEATBUG??? DON'T KNOW? LEARN HERE . . . (FREE DRUM LESSON) Pro-drummers!  You NEED a BEATBUG whether you know it or not. Http://www.catalog.com/drummers/z.html ORDER YOUR BEATBUG HERE: https://secure.catalog.com/drummers/ccard.html *** SPECIAL OFFER *** BUY A BEATBUG ($139) AND GET MY ENTIRE $49 COURSE (Including Lifetime Membership) FREE! _____________________________________ NO CREDIT CARD? HERE ARE OTHER WAYS TO PURCHASE . . . HOW TO PURCHASE (Method #2) US RESIDENTS May pay instantly with an . . . ********* ELECTRONIC CHECK ********* US residents! Now you can pay by check via E-mail. Any of the drum school products or services will be on their way to you in NO TIME! Send an E-mail enquiry to: . . . Mention 'E-Checks' to get details on how to pay instantly, electronically with an E-mail check. _______________________________________ HOW TO PURCHASE (Method #3) REGULAR MAIL $49.00 IN US FUNDS WILL BUY IT ALL!!! SEND CHECK, CASH or MONEY ORDER in US FUNDS to Bill Powelson 107 Douglas Dr. Holly Hill, Fl. 32117 NOTE Please include your E-mail address. FOREIGN STUDENTS: Visit your local bank and have them prepare a check or money order for $49 in US funds to Bill Powelson, then mail it to the above address. _________________________ |____Train yourself to___| TEACH DRUMS *** THE DRUM INSTRUCTORS GUIDE *** If you have some stage experience,why not TEACH DRUMS? Teach my methods in your locality. I WILL SHOW YOU HOW! Great income potential in most areas. TO ENQUIRE: Mention The Instructors Guide in a note to Bill Powelson ______________________________________ |____________SPONSOR(S) WANTED_______| Unique long-term advertising opportunity available for a very limited number of sponsors. Send e-mail and I will explain.  You will need a monthly advertising budget of $500 or more to get into this, but it's a very big, long-term idea for just the right sponsor or group of sponsors. Ask for details via e-mail: Bill Powelson _________________________________ |___________HUMOR? _____________| Short quiz and some observations... Do you know who, in 1923, was: 1. President of the largest steel company? 2. President of the largest gas company? 3. President of the New York Stock Exchange? 4. Greatest wheat speculator? 5. President of the Bank International Settlement? 6. Great Bear of Wall Street?    These men should have been considered some of the world's most successful men. At least, they found the secret of making money.  Now almost 80 years later, do you know what became of these men? 1. The president of the largest steel company, Charles Schwab,  died a pauper. 2. The president of the largest gas company, Edward Hopson, went insane. 3. The president of the NYSE, Richard Whitney, was released from prison to die at home. 4. The greatest wheat speculator, Arthur Cooger, died abroad, penniless. 5. The president of the Bank of International Settlement, shot himself. 6. The Great Bear of Wall Street, Cosabee Livermore, died of suicide.    In that same year, 1923, the winner of the most important golf championship, Gene Sarazan, won both the US Open and PGA Championship.    He died in 1999 at the age of 95, played golf until he was 92, and was financially solvent at his death.    CONCLUSION: Stop worrying about business and other stuff and start playing golf.            ..................................      Thanks, to Jim Casey at 'Vermont Drums Online' for the above belly-laugh.  If you are looking for a drumset bargain, check out Jims' web site. http://www.angelfire.com/biz3/vermontdrums/sunlitedrumsets.html _________________________________________ NOW, HERE'S ANOTHER FREEBY, CHRISTMAS/ANYTIME SPECIAL. ASK FOR THIS FREE E-BOOK!    HOW TO ASSEMBLE A NEW DRUMSET 'Out of the Box and Under the Tree" 'Assembling a New Drumset / Out of the Box'. I've decided to keep this 'Christmas Gift' available at NO CHARGE, all year long.          COMPLIMENTARY E-BOOK           * SPECIAL GIFT *             VIA E-MAIL: Just ask for this E-book if you need it. Send a note to:          (Mention 'NO-COST E-book') _______________________________________             MORE FREEBIES! 1.  Play DRUMMERS TRIVIA GAME     Try your luck.  It's a fun, educational experience . . . http://members.aol.com/bpowelson/d-triv02.html 2.  FREE, DOWNLOADABLE, MINI-DRUM-COURSE FOR BEGINNERS & WEBMASTERS. http://home.att.net/~drums01/freedl/dl2.html       It's totally free and I'm encouraging everyone to pass it around to their friends!  Beginning drum students will LOVE this one. VALUABLE FREE CONTENT FOR YOUR WEB SITE:     Webmasters love it to.  Set it up on your own website.  Give it to your own visitors.  OFFER FREE DRUM LESSONS FROM YOUR OWN WEB SITE!     Check it out . . . http://home.att.net/~drums01/freedl/dl2.html ________________________________________ Removal Instructions For instant REMOVAL, simply hit reply and type REMOVE on the subject line. _______________________________________ WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT! If you enjoy this little 'e-zine' please show your support by reading the ads and buying the products. TO PURCHASE ANY OF THE DRUM SCHOOL PRODUCTS WITH YOUR CREDIT CARD, CLICK HERE  https://secure.catalog.com/drummers/ccard.html PURCHASE YOUR 'BEATBUG' THROUGH THE SCHOOL AND RECEIVE THIS COMPLETE $49, 90+ lesson COURSE AS A FREE-BONUS!      Don't forget to check out the FREE web page lesson "Spice Up Your Fills", at: http://home.att.net/~drums01/fillsc.html END OF TEMPO DISPATCH #52 Apr 5, 2001