Saturday, March 9, 2013

What does a beginning drummer need?

What does a beginning drummer need?

In my years of teaching I have been asked this question by just about every student, or in most cases that student's parents.  To get started a beginning drummer needs a drum pad and a pair of sticks.  Most teachers will start students out on the drum pad to help them focus on good technique without being distracted by all the other fun things to hit when sitting behind a drum set.  With that said, let's face it, what is more fun than wailing an a full set of drums?  If you want that beginner to continue to practice beyond the first couple of weeks it's worth it to get a beginner drum set.  So, if you are a beginner, and especially if you are starting lessons get a pad and a pair of sticks to go along with your beginner drum set.

I like the Remo practice pads because they have a real natural drum feel to them.  Here is a link to the Remo practice pads with stand.      Remo Practice Pad and Stand

For drum sticks I like to see beginners start out with a 2B sized drum stick.  Here is a link to a pair of Vic Firth 2B's.  You can't go wrong with Vic Firth sticks.  Vic Firth 2B Nylon Tip

Here are some examples of some good beginner drum sets.

Up to 10 years old - (Kids need smaller drum sets and they will grow out of them)

  • Pulse 5 Piece Drum Set - I chose this one because it comes with cymbals, a  throne and a separate cymbal stand which adjusts to the right height.  
  • Sound Percussion 3 piece Jr. drum set - This one is less expensive but it only has 3 drums.  Otherwise is still has the cymbals, throne and adjustable cymbal stand.
Ages 10 through Adult -

Beginner drums sets tend not to be built to last; however they are also not very expensive.  If you choose to buy a beginner drum set, chances are that you will end up eventually replacing all of the hardware and cymbals for it.  The dirty little secret is that these days a decent set of drum heads can make cheap drums sound darn good.  If you want to buy a beginner drum set, just to see if drums are for you, here is one that I like because the hardware is a little bit better than average.  
If you are a beginner, but you know you want a set of drums that will last a while I would suggest buying your drum set in pieces.  Go with:

  1. A shell pack - a shell pack is just the drums, it does not include the hardware to put the drums on.  The beauty in shell packs is that you can get affordable drums without having to pay for the cheap hardware.
  2. A hardware pack - a hardware pack will provide all of the hardware you need to put the drums together.  The hardware packs are almost always mid to high end hardware which means the pedals work better and the stands last longer.
  3. A Cymbal Pack - Good Cymbals are expensive and you will find that cymbals are the most expensive parts of the set.  With that said, even a starter cymbal pack from one the name brands such as Zildjian, Paiste, or Sabian, will get you through your first few gigs. 
Here are some links to decent affordable shell packs.
Here is are some links to good hardware packs that would go with any of the shell packs above.
Here are some links to good starter some cymbal packs.  They all include High Hats, Ride, and a Crash.
I almost forgot, you need a drummer's throne.  Here are some links.

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