Drum Sets Buying Guide
Love music 
and want to do some rocking out of your own? The drummer is the backbone of any band , keeping the beat and the bandmates together. And from sweet slashing on the cymbals to tossing your broken drum sticks to a crowd of screaming fans, drumming has its perks. But you can't be on your way to rock stardom without a quality drum set on stage. Here are the basics you should know before buying.
The Standard Parts
Each drum set should include a:
Drum Set Configuration
For Beginners:
Works well if you're a beginner drummer or a hobbyist who jams with friends. The bass drum, single mounted tom and floor tom should give you all the sound you need while taking up little space in your home. This set is also easily portable and is most suited for jazz, blues and rock genres.
For Intermediate and Advanced Players:
- Five and Six-Piece drum sets have additional toms so that you can achieve a wider array of tones. These larger kits work well with rock and contemporary styles that may require a more complex sound.
Standard Versus Fusion
- Standard drum kits have larger diameter drums and toms, which makes their sound more hardy, while Fusion sets have clearer, punchy tones. If you want more volume, stick to Standard.
Construction
The type of wood your drum kit is made of can affect the sound. Some of the choices include:
- Maple. The most common/popular type of wood used, maple produces some of the most balanced tones.
- Falkata. Sometimes substituted for maple, it costs less but produces a fairly comparable sound.
- Birch. If you're going for a brighter sound that's suited for a recording studio, birch's tough, dense qualities make it a perfect fit.
- Mahogany. If you want a vintage sound, mahogony should be your wood of choice.
The Hardware
Unless you purchase a shell, a proper drum kit should come with the necessary hardware for assembly and play. Essential drum hardware includes:
Major Manufacturers
Common brands you'll see online and at your local music shop include:
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