WayByWind

DW's practice pad kit seems pretty expensive and even the used options only go as low as $150. Is there a decent alternative with a more reasonable price?

Next year I'm moving into an apartment and playing an acoustic kit is out of the question. So far my plan is to buy a small shell pack to outfit with mesh heads, use my existing hardware and pedals, and buy plastic cymbals to practice on. Does this seem like a reasonable way to practice playing regularly? Does anybody have any suggestions or better ideas?

I plan on buying this case to bring my two 18" crashes, 14" hi-hats, and 20" ride on the road with me (I'm buying the 24" case because at some point I'd like a 24" ride). My question is, if I also purchase a china at some point (considering this one) will the china fit safely with the other cymbals in the case?

My high school drumline's bass drums are dirty, not in great shape, and the paint has yellowed (previously white). A friend of the band can use car paint to refinish the drums (with hardware/etc. removed). Is this a bad idea or is there anything to know before doing this?

I'm looking to upgrade my 20-year-old hats and take the plunge on a professional pair. I don't live near any stores that offer either of the two I've looked at the most (AAX X-Celerators and HHX Groove Hats) and so I'm asking for opinions from people that might have played either of these pairs in order to decide which to get. I play a lot of rock, funk, and hip-hop, and I want a tight, articulate closed hat sound (which makes me unsure about the X-Celerators' wavy edges). And I know cymbals and drums will always sound better on recordings, but I've fallen in love with the hi-hat on this Young the Giant song if that's any help in deciding. I'm op

This summer, I'll be taking part in a trip to do manual labor in Appalachia and I'll also be participating in band camp (lots of marching while supporting weight). Is there a shoe or sneaker that can get the job done, be walked in for hours, and is durable while stylish? All of my current sneakers are falling apart or unsuitable for wearing in these kinds of activity. I suppose around $100 would be good.

I recently stumbled upon this video of a drumline playing Lil Wayne's A Milli and as a cadence and I recognize that this would be received favorably by the crowd at a high school football game. Does anybody know any iconic riffs or songs that translate into recognizable cadences? Nothing too difficult, this being only a high school drumline.

Does anyone know of any local shops or places where I can bring in headphones to get repaired? The sound only comes out of one ear and I don't know how to use a soldering iron or anything that websites tell me to use to fix them.

Onitsuka Fabre BL-S

• [Converse Trapasso OX](http://www.amazon.com/Converse-Trapasso- OX-Skate-Shoe/dp/B004TX6H6U/ref=sr_1_1?s=shoes&ie=UTF8&qid=1334170346&sr=1-1)

I'm looking to spend around $100 on a hardshell case to take my cymbals on the road, something that protects them completely if the case is dropped. Can anyone offer recommendations?

I'm looking to get into Latin music, and I'd like to hear some of the best examples of percussion and drumming from the genre. Album/artist recommendations?

I recently purchased a pBone and will actually be taking a class dedicated to learning the instrument, but not for several months. Until then, what websites, books, or videos can I be checking out to start learning trombone? I know basic music theory and can read music.

Is anyone else interested in an ongoing feature in which people submit a proposed outfit that is responded to with a picture of someone (another user) wearing said outfit? The purpose of this would be to see if certain clothes and accessories work together in certain contexts before committing to a purchase.

For example,

• Slim khaki chinos, cuffed or rolled at the bottom

• Sperry Topsiders or White Plimsolls
• a grey v-neck tee
• one or more beaded bracelets

might be my request and someone would post a picture of themselves wearing this outfit. Maybe age and body type could figure into the posts as well.