Get to know the drums: how to choose them?

Drum types

Drum sets can be divided into three main categories: the most popular are acoustic drum sets, however, electronic drums are more space and neighbour friendly, and the last category is percussions

Acoustic drum sets

The classic acoustic drum set is designed for bands that focus on a variety of genres - rock, pop, jazz and other related types of music.

As a rule, a typical drum set includes:

• Bass drum, which commonly gets referred to as the kick. It is the largest drum, placed on the ground and played with the foot - using a pedal. It is the drum with the deepest sounding tone.
• Snare drum. This drum is the basis of the rhythm of the drum set. The snare and bass drum are the most important parts of the set. The snare drum is placed between the drummer's legs.
• Tom-toms are drums placed above the kick. They are usually used in pairs and mainly to play breaks.
• Floor tom. It is also used for playing breaks. Floor toms are placed on the floor, and most drummers place them on the right-hand side.
• Cymbals of several types. However, the basic set of cymbals usually consists mainly of hi-hat, ride or crash cymbals.

Drum sets are made in various sizes and materials. The number of drums and cymbals in the set is not prescribed. Each drummer has individual requirements for the number of drums. However, the basic drum set usually consists of: a snare drum, a bass drum and a hi-hat cymbal. These should also be enough for you if you are a beginner and start playing from the very basics.

Muziker TIP:
One of the most popular and quality acoustic sets is Tama LJK44H4 Club Jam Flyer Candy Apple Mist. It is suitable for smaller stages or for home practice..

Electronic drums

Electronic drums are an alternative to an acoustic drum set, but the basic equipment is the same as for the acoustic version. So even with an electronic set, you will need the kick drum, snare drum and cymbals.

But beware, they are not real drums. These electronic devices are called pads and they only simulate the sound of real drums. They are made of plastic materials with a built-in sensor. The strike of the drumstick on the pad is sensed as a signal and transmitted to the sound module, which is an essential part of electronic drums.

The sound module then converts the recorded signal into digital sound. These drums can be plugged into either a PA system or a hi-fi system. The biggest advantage of an electronic drum set is that you can also connect it to headphones. So you can enjoy the sound of drums without disturbing your surroundings.

Electronic drums have many advantages. Their sound modules can be adjusted, so you can choose exactly the sound that you like. You usually choose between a rock sound or a sound for electronic music.

In addition, electronic drums are also suitable for beginners because they contain various tutorial programs.

Muziker TIP:
The Alesis Surge Mesh Kit electronic drum set is a complete drum set that matches the features of professional equipment.

Percussion

percussion is a special category of acoustic percussion instruments. It is a complementary, unusual instrument that is played by striking, shaking, scratching or scraping. They are not considered a typical instrument from a drum set.

This category includes various ethnic drums, scrapers and other melodic percussion instruments such as bongos, kalimbas, djembe drums, conga drums, popular cajon drums or xylophones.

A very popular percussion instrument is Boomwhacker. This melodic percussion instrument is suitable not only for children, but also for adults. The Boomwhacker teaches a great way to perceive rhythm and melody and develops a sense of teamwork.

Wood type as an important factor

The resulting sound of drum sets is influenced by several important factors. One of them is the type of wood the set is made of. The most frequently used is birch, maple or poplar wood. In some cases, walnut wood or even a combination of two or more types of wood, also called hybrid wood, is used.

Maple wood prevails

Drums made of maple wood are considered to be the highest quality acoustic drums. Maple is grown in Canada and is subject to very strict control. A maple drum set has a beautiful booming sound.

Experts consider maple drum sets from the manufacturer Drum Work to be the best in the world. However, the price corresponds to the status of the highest quality drums.

Birchwood with great resonance

Among the finest drum sets are pieces made of birchwood. Their sound has great resonance. Such shells are made of up to six layers.

Hybrid drums for universal use

In drum production, walnut wood is mainly used in combination with other wood. A very popular for hybrid drums is the combination of walnut and birch wood.

In drum production, walnut wood is mainly used with other wood. A very popular for hybrid drums is the combination of walnut and birchwood.

Poplar wood is also used mainly with other types. The combination with mersawa wood is popular and creates a specific and deep sound. The drum set made in this way is favoured not only by beginners, but also by more experienced players.

Muziker TIP:
Tama LJK28S-GXS Club Jam Mini Kit Galaxy Silver is suitable for practising and concerts in small spaces.

Accessories and spare drumheads

As a drummer, you will need several other types of accessories for your drums. Don't forget drumsticks, stands, thrones, tuners and tuning keys. Spare drumheads also should not miss in your equipment.

Hardware: stands, holders and pedals

By hardware we mean accessories such as instrument stands, holders or pedals, which you cannot do without. When buying hardware, always keep in mind the type of the instrument you have. It is usually sold separately. The exception is the complete drum set, which already includes the hardware.

Tuning accessories

Not every musician can tune the instrument by themselves without help. It is natural that you will also need to tune your drums from time to time. We recommend that you use drum tuners and a tuning key to adjust the drumhead tension.

Practising accessories

Don't forget the drumming practising accessories. To develop a natural rhythm, it is essential to practice with a metronome.

Digital metronomes are not only affordable, but also have many settings and other useful functions.

However, you can also practice rhythm on special training pads. They don't make any noise, and every drummer can practice proper hand and wrist coordination on them. Professional drummers also use them when they need to warm up.

Protective cases and drum mats

Every drummer should naturally protect their instruments – this will prolong their life. You can choose from standardized soft bags, but available are also hard cases. A handy accessory is the drum mat. It serves as a prevention of unwanted movement of the drum set on the floor.

Headphones and earplugs

The hearing of an active drummer is subjected to a relatively large load. You can protect it with ear plugs or noise-isolating headphones for drummers – some models are also equipped with the "in-ear" listening system function.

Tip for beginners

There are several types of drums sets and percussion instruments on the market. If you are a beginner and want to learn how to play the drums, we recommend you to choose a complete set with hardware and cymbals. Just assemble it and start playing.

If you were looking for a percussion instrument of a quieter character, try Cajon set by Sela. This popular instrument can imitate the sound of both the bass and the snare drum, it is quite compact and a beginner will learn to play it relatively quickly.

To make your journey as a beginner drummer easier, we have prepared an article for you where you will find all the tips on how to start playing the drums.