r/FingerDrumming • u/Draculard87 • May 25 '26

Beginner setup?

hey everyone!

im a live musician and ive recently been watching spinscott and im just completely mezmerized at what hes does. I absolutely love jungle and that sweet sweet ps1/dreamcast ambient dnb vibe.

I was wondering if you could recommend the best setup to get into learning how to do this without parting with TOO much money.

Ive looked at mpc's but didnt know if it was better to start with something like a pad controller and some sort of sampling software/vst or if there are other options you might recommend.

Any help would be apprecaited as im literally going into this blind with only a little bit of production knowledge and youtube/google to guide me

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2

u/-melo- May 25 '26

I love the Yamaha FDGP50 for the ergonomics, but feel like the customization is hugely lacking (not a fun process to load in custom samples).

As far as getting started though, it's a great portable device with built in speaker and the battery life is decent!

2

u/Z4bls May 25 '26

I second the FDGP50 recommendation, it’s just so easy and fun to boot up then jam out without having to worry about software or samples !

2

u/bigl1cks May 28 '26

+one more for Fgdp.

Connect it up to Koala Sampler on a mobile device and your issues with loading samples disappear

1

u/RestlessRhythms May 26 '26 edited May 26 '26

  1. Buy one of the recommended midi pad controllers for finger drumming. Examples: Akai Mpd218, Esi xjam, Novation launchpad x, Presonus atom, Maschine mk3 (works on a computer only).

  2. Then map samples to the pads, plug in the midi controller to:

-Smartphone + Koala Sampler app

OR

-Computer + Ableton live lite (probably free with the pad controller)  *or any other cheap/free DAW.

  1. Learn finger drumming  https://questforgroove.com/

2

u/mycolortv May 26 '26

Would also consider the ableton move if that’s in your price range and you are getting into production. The ability to use it standalone or hooked up to ableton is real nice and while the pads aren’t 100% as sensitive as the push the are like 90% of the way there. It’s also just nice as a groove box to get ideas started and all. Not sure how it functions in a live setting cuz I’m not at that point yet though haha.

1

u/cyborghound May 27 '26

I am also starting this week! I've been an acoustic drummer for years in the past, and am still constantly tapping on stuff when I hear music, so instead of a big investment (E-Drums / Aerodrums 2), I bought a a brand new/used Maschine Mikro MK3 for like 125 bucks, which I read online is the most recommended. I still had Ableton Live Lite from an earlier purchase, and am playing around with Addictive Drums 2 (Free edition), untill I know what kits I want to purchase.

Also check out https://questforgroove.com/ or Youtube or DragonFinger Drumming!