Understanding Drum Set Components Is Not Complicated.
Knowing the correct names of all the drum set components will make your experience on either side of the kit much more fun, whether you're new to drumming or are an experienced pro. Regardless of the situation you find yourself in, drummers of all experience levels need an in-depth knowledge of a typical drum set-up. When you consider how many basic drum set components make up an average acoustic drum kit, the "trap-kit" is the most complex of all the musical instruments.

Don't kid yourself...this IS an instrument, having the ability to be tuned, various set components added for effects (like "splash" cymbals) and different volumes played to fit the music. With today's nearly limitless selection of everything you could ever imagine needing or wanting, a user-friendly website like this is something that has been sorely lacking for a long time.

There are six basic parts that make up the drum set components on a contemporary kit - the drums, the hardware, the pedals, the cymbals, the sticks and all other related accessories. This page offers an overview of all the pieces needed. For a further detailed explanation of each piece, there are easy-to-use links on this site for more information as well as links to major manufacturers and retailers to help you understand, and ultimately build, the drum set you see when you close your eyes and dream.

By the time you finish this on-line drum course which I have carefully designed, drummers of all abilities and musical genres will have a better comprehensive knowledge of the components of a drum set. Better understanding topics such as drum parts (like shell materials), pedal drives, cymbal types, drumsticks and tuning your kit, to name just a few, will help you become a better drummer no matter your experience level. Knowledge is power.
Pearl drums diagrammed

DRUMS - No matter how large or small a drum set is, it will have at LEAST one of the following drum set components: bass drum, (commonly called a "kick drum") snare drum (commonly called a "snare") and tom tom. (commonly called a "tom"; specifically called a "rack tom" or a "floor tom") The illustration above refers to the rack toms as "hi" and "mid" toms and the floor tom as "low". I'll show you how to tune drums and you'll understand what this all means. Incidentally, when a set-up is referred to as, for example, a six piece kit, it refers to the total number of drums, not the total amount of drum set components. (see illustration) You'll also hear the term "shell pack", which refers to a set of drums without any hardware other than bass drum spurs, rack tom mounts and floor tom legs.

Shell packs are usually marketed this way in the higher-priced categories and may or may not include the snare drum, although most drums sold as shell packs don't usually include a snare drum. This is because most buyers of the higher-end drums may already have a favorite semi-custom or custom snare or they're planning on buying one soon that'll compliment the new drums. The selection of snares in this category is simply astounding!

There's a link here to manufacturers . I'll guide you through this absolutely HUGE subject matter in an easy-to-understand format. Trust me...from entry level to pro, the choices are infinite. All budget levels are respectfully considered for you because in today's economy, who doesn't like to get a great value on their drum set components, right?

HARDWARE - This terminology is used to describe all of the parts used to assemble a set. Every kit will have at LEAST one of the following: a throne, a snare drum stand, a hi-hat stand, the tom mount(s), a cymbal stand (either "straight" and/or "boom") and the bass drum pedal. Typically, most manufacturers sell hardware packages with their drums and will also include the bass drum pedal.

Hardware that's directly associated with the drum(s) like kick drum spurs, rack tom mounts and floor tom legs are generally not considered part of a standard hardware package like those items that are mentioned above.

Because hardware is such a complex topic, I'll explain all the details of each specific item.

PEDALS - Found on every kit today will be at LEAST one of the following: a bass drum pedal and a hi-hat stand which will usually have the foot board integrated into its design.

CYMBALS - Every basic kit will have at LEAST one of the following: the hi-hat cymbals (two required, one mounted above the other, controlled by a foot-powered device known as the "hi-hat stand") a ride cymbal and a crash cymbal. Other cymbals just add spice and flavor to the music like a "splash", a "bell", a "chinese" and a "crash/ride". The topic of cymbals is very complex.

Detailed specifics and all the manufacturers are easily accessible for an easy side-by-side comparison. As always, I'll be your guide through this vast subject matter.

DRUMSTICKS - Every player will need some sort of device to strike the various percussion pieces on the kit. Just as drums and cymbals, the amount of choices here is simply mind-boggling. Basically, they can be classified as "sticks", "brushes" or "mallets". As you can imagine, I go into great detail to de-mystify this possibly-overwhelming topic. Click the drum sticks link for more detailed information. You'll see each of the stick companies, comparing one to another. After my detailed explanations, deciding on YOUR perfect stick should be a snap!

ACCESSORIES - As you begin to gain more experience, you'll naturally want (and need) to increase the usability of your set-up. Adding accessories such as a double bass drum pedal, a cow bell, a tambourine, a cymbal mount extension, a stick bag, a drum rug, cases for safe transporting, and additional toms and cymbals will be just some of the items I'll cover in greater detail in this link. For easy access to these pages now, click accessories I'll explain all the various accessories currently available and offer direct links to the manufacturers as well. The quality and number of different choices is astounding! I'll help make finding and deciding on the specific item you want to buy as simple as 1-2-3.

Careful consideration is required to ensure that all the drum set components you select will be compatible to your playing style and your budget.

This is the kit that your webmaster, Tom, plays. It was assembled using the tips you'll see on this website.