I'm looking to create drums in Reaper and have no idea how to get started. I'm guessing there some OK free drum programs out there I might be able to download. I just don't know what program(s) and how to download them and open them up in Reaper. Right now I know the basic functions in Reaper, but when it comes to using external VST plugins and such I am totally lost as to how this process works. I can use the VST's that are available when I downloaded Reaper just fine however. Thanks.

Spend $79 and get ezdrummer from toontrack. they named it that for a reason...

EZD 2 is now available for free upgrade when it launches May 6. It looks like some nice new features. Then there is also JamStix, but that may be a little riskier.

*FREE* upgrade? Where did you see that?

More info, please! Windows or Mac? 32 or 64 bit? What style of drums? Seems to me you have 2 questions - how to install vsts, and recommendations on free drum vstis. For most free vsts, you need to install them yourself - here's a on how to do that. Most pro vsts (like EZDrummer mentioned above), and some free ones, come with an installer - double click and done. Suggest you get familiar with the process, pick a few vsts from a and play around until comfortable. As far as good free drum vstis. imho there aren't any. For example, a free version of is available, but it's a very limited kit. One of the forum users here (Tod) has put together a very good kit of samples, combined with ReaSamplomatic5K, available in Not so easy to implement and customize though, kind of for advanced users. So, before this becomes a wall of text, fiddle around with some vsts (you won;t break anything) and let us know how you get on.

the first one is a simple vsti. no loops. just point and click to program each drum in the piano roll editor. the mext thing is kontakt player 5 and below that are some kits that work inside that. they do have loop type beats. they're free so the quality is as about as good as free anything. you do get what you pay for. i use these as guides; not for an end product/mix so I'm fine with them. if i were going to use them in a final mix then i would spend some cash on something that's actually good. when downloading make sure you put the .dll files a folder together and scan that folder in the preferwnces of reaper.

I know you asked for free versions, but I bought Steven Slate Drums about a month ago and it's a great product. I bout the EX version, but there is a cheaper for like $39 It's allot less messing around for me.

Poise. $50. You now have an Akai MPC. P.S. - The Author, Shannon, is one of the most responsive guys I've met. Solid product and available support.

You'll find a couple here: