Selecting & Buying New Drums
If you apply the following principles you won't go very far wrong:
Aim for a well established make.
Research the models that are available and what the reviewers
say about them.
Drums come in many different sizes and colours. Think:
a. Will it be easy to find extra drums of the same colour, if I
want to add drums later?
b. What kind of music will I be playing?
Smaller diameter drums generally sound better
over a wider tuning range to suit most musical styles.
Standard size drums (on the left) are slightly shallower and
respond more quickly, especially with lighter sticks, multi-rods
or brushes. 'Power' size drums (on the right) are slightly deeper,
have a stronger 'fundamental' (main) note and
they tend to sound deeper. Both are a good choice and listening
to them will help you to choose which you prefer. Avoid the
'square' sizes (their depth is the same as their diameter) UNLESS
you are playing louder music. The extra depth means that you
have to hit them harder to get the full tone of the drum and
therefore, may limit where and when you can play them. However,
they do sound BIG!
Read the adverts in the music and drumming press and if you
decide to go and have a look, take someone with you who knows
what they're looking for e.g., your drum teacher.
Examine the tension rods and look for signs of problems e.g.,
badly chewed rod heads, signs of stripping of the threads,
rattling, inability to tighten. These problems should not exist
with new drums but IF they do, AVOID purchase UNLESS the retailer
is prepared to rectify the fault.
Check the snare throw-off mechanism on snare drums for smooth
operation and examine the snares for signs of distortion or other
damage.
Check the roundness of all drum shells and look for signs of
damage e.g., bad marking (chips and scratches) and examine the
bearing edges (where the drum head rests on the shell).
Check the condition of the drum heads for splits and signs of
abuse (yes this can happen when buying new drums!).
Listen to the kit. Is it what you're after? Listen for
buzzes and rattles which may indicate problems such as a loose
nut, screw or tension rod.
Are there any 'spares' with the drums e.g., drum keys, spare
tension bolts etc
You may like to Contact
Us with specific Questions.
Alternatively, you may like to contact the Drum Manufacturers directly, or the Music Press to access reviews and 'road tests' of
the equipment you're looking for.
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