Components
A china cymbal mounted on a stand
The exact collection of a drum kit’s components depends on factors like musical style, personal preference, financial resources, and transportation options of the drummer. Cymbal, hi-hat, and tom-tom stands (if it comes with), as well as bass drum pedals and drum thrones are usually standard in most drum kits. Most mass produced drum kits are sold in one of two five-piece configurations (referring to the number of drums only), which typically include a bass drum, a snare drum, two toms, and one floor tom. The standard sizes (sometimes called ‘rock’ sizes) are 22” (head size diameter) bass drum, 14” snare drum, 12” and 13” mounted toms, and a 16” floor tom. The other popular configuration is called “Fusion”, a reference to jazz fusion music, which usually includes a 20” (or sometimes 22″) bass drum, a 14” snare drum, and 10”, 12” mounted toms, and a 14” floor tom.
Drum pedals have a felt, plastic, or wooden beater which the drummer operates by pressing down on the pedal. When the pedal is depressed, it pulls a chain, metal shaft, or sturdy cloth or plastic strap which is attached to the end of the fulcrum-mounted beater rod. Some bass pedals are designed to be attached to the bass drum using metal screws. The double bass pedal was developed to eliminate the need for a second bass drum. It has since become popular in heavy metal bands such as Anthrax, Kreator, and Slayer. Drummers that use two bass drums or pedals usually have their hi-hat unscrewed or have a different cymbal in place of the hi-hat, because of the extra kick pedal. Some drummers make use of a drop clutch, which is used to open or close the hi hat by tapping a device with the stick as an alternative to using the foot pedal. When the drop clutch is closed, this keeps the hi-hats closed without the drummer having to hold down the pedal. This frees up the foot that is normally used with the hi-hat to perform on the second bass drum pedal.
Drum kit
A tom mounted on a stand
The standard hardware pack includes a hi-hat stand, a snare drum stand, two or three cymbal stands, and a bass drum pedal. Drum kits are usually offered as either complete kits which include drums and hardware, or as “shell packs” which include only the drums and perhaps some tom mounting hardware. Cymbals are usually purchased separately and are also available in either packs or as individual pieces, which enables the buyer to test for their perfect cymbal.
Depending on the drummer or style of music, the quality of equipment must also be taken into consideration. All drums, cymbals, and other accessories project different sounds, and contribute to music as a whole. For example, if a drummer is looking for a more washy, less clean snare drum sound, he/she might choose to use a vintage, or cheaper snare drum. If a drummer is looking for a powerful, clean and cutting cymbal sound, he/she might choose a cymbal that is more expensive and made out of higher quality metal.
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