The Top 5 Brands of Drum Kits That Money Can Buy

Looking to get into the drumming scene or just joining a band for the first time There is much to learn about drumming when it comes to keeping rhythm, and some might say even more when it comes to hardware. Drum kits come in all shapes and sizes and are often tailor made to suit a particular genre or style of playing, but by finding the perfect piece for each job you can create the kit of your dreams in no time at all.

Here is a list of the top 5 drum brands that will get you started on the road to drummer’s paradise.

1. Pearl Drum Kits

Pearl is a name synonymous with the drumming world for their glorious history in manufacturing, as well as the iconic kits they have created over the past 60 years. Some of the best drummers in the world have used Pearl kits as their staple touring and studio kits, and with the phenomenal success of the Export Series of drum kit, they are sure to continue on their path of drumming glory.
Check our the Masters Series of Pearl drum kits to see how far drumming has really come in the past 60 years with Pearl. Manufactured using only the finest acoustically matched materials, Pearl drum kits scream quality and acoustic fidelity throughout the kit.

2. Tama Drum Kits

Tama is one of the brands that many touring drummers prefer to use for their versatility in both sound and construction. With a large range of matched kits to choose from such as the Silverstar range that offers versatility throughout the acoustic spectrum, Tama has pushed the bang for buck envelope even further with the Starclassic range that offers sweet fidelity at an even sweeter price.

3. Zildjian Cymbals & Percussion

Zildjian is the foremost authority in the drumming world when it comes to percussion additions and cymbals. With a wide range of cymbals to choose from, you are sure to be able to perfectly match your drumming style and musical tastes with room to spare. Used by just about every professional drummer at some point in their careers, Zildjian carries the excellent ZBT series, A Series and the remarkable sounding K Custom series.

4. Mapex Drum Kits

Mapex is another leader in the drumming industry when it comes to taking advantage of new technologies and materials to create the ultimate sounding kit. With the latest range of Rock Fusion kits becoming the go-to kit for many up-and-coming bands, Mapex is enjoying somewhat of a revival as a professional drum kit manufacturer.

Being specialists in particular hardware, it is best known for the Mapex snare drums, with many pro drummers switching out their standard kit snares for MPML Snare series drums or the rather radical addition of the new ‘Exterminator’ Snare.

6. Sabian Percussion Cymbals & Instruments

Sabian is another big hitter in field of percussive instruments and cymbals. Seemingly just as popular as Zildjian, Sabian has its own range of custom built, hand-made professional cymbal ranges that speak louder than words when it comes to effects. Known for their bright shimmering ride and splash cymbals, Sabian is a mainstay for many a professional drummer on the road.


When it comes to choosing the best equipment money can buy, stick to this list of the top 5 drum kit manufacturers and you cannot go wrong. Mix and match the kits, snares, foot pedals and cymbals to best suit your playing style, and you will find that you can create the individual sound that you are after quicker than Keith Moon’s drumsticks.

New Study Finds Drummers’ Intelligence Linked to Drumming Patterns

In a recent Swedish study conducted on drummers and their abilities to keep a beat, new findings have emerged to show that drummers may no longer be the butt of band jokes. The study revealed that drummers’ brains have an innate ability to see patterns and shapes that allowed the researches to conclude that drummers are on the whole, highly intelligent beings after all.

The study looked at the ways drummers could keep a constant beat whilst being asked questions relating to an intelligence test. The test comprised of over 60 questions and quizzed musicians on a number of cognitive tests designed to test the entire brain.

The drummers were asked to keep a steady beat throughout the quizzing which was aimed to test if outside factors could influence the timing of the drummers or their ability to think cognitively whilst performing a task. The study found a big correlation between the quiz results as well as the ability to keep time during the tests.

In a recent Swedish study conducted on drummers and their abilities to keep a beat, new findings have emerged to show that drummers may no longer be the butt of band jokes. The study revealed that drummers’ brains have an innate ability to see patterns and shapes that allowed the researches to conclude that drummers are on the whole, highly intelligent beings after all.

 

Pattern Spotting and Drum Fills

For those drummers who did well on the intelligence test, and answered the most questions right, they were able to keep the best timing when it came to their drumming ability. Those who kept poor timing did less well. The study concluded that the drummers’ ability to keep a beat was being driven by a part of the brain that associated patterns and shapes and allowed them to concentrate on the questions.

It is often the case that some people feel as though they are on autopilot when performing tasks that they regularly perform, and with no need to truly think about what they are doing. Most of us take for granted the ability to move our arms or legs, but think for a second what it would be like to have to think about moving each muscle to move just one leg.

 

Like Being On Autopilot

This autopilot mode in drumming is controlled in the part of the brain that also recognises shapes and patterns. This gives us, and more specifically drummers, the ability for their brain to take over the majority of the work when it comes to coordination between fills and concentrate on enjoying the music.

This ability to be able to quickly see patterns, adjust and employ a level of sophisticated creativeness to their drumming means drummers have the ability to apply this in other aspects of their lives. Drummers can therefore be great learners, take on tasks and understand them quicker as well as leaving their brain do all the manual work while they can enjoy themselves at the back of the stage.

 

No Longer the Butt of Jokes

Drumming is an essentially learned-skill that takes years to become accomplished and even more to master. This is probably why many drummers feel they are unfairly treated when it comes to jokes about the band.

But the evidence couldn’t be any clearer; drummers are drastically different from the rest of us, and have an innate ability to be able to keep time and could be the smartest member of the band. No longer being the butt of jokes within the band, it won’t be long before everyone turns to the bassist to blame the timing on.

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Drum Kit 101: The Essentials

So you got your shiny new drum kit delivered and you’re ready to start playing like Keith Moon? Well after the initial moment of wondering how you put this thing together, why not take the time to learn about what each part does, how it works and how best to set it up.

Your standard drum kit usually comes in 5 or 6 pieces. Each of these parts plays an essential role in learning how to play the drums, but also in finding a playing style that fits the music you are in to, as well as allowing you to play in comfort and enjoyment. Each kit should contain instructions on how to assemble the kit, so after you are ready to go, why not take some time to look at each piece and to learn what job it does.

Let’s look at a standard 6-piece drum kit and get to know it a bit more closely.

The Snare

The snare is one of the two main pieces of the kit that allows you to create the beats that will give your band the cues they need to play their music. You are the backbone of the band: don’t let them tell you otherwise! The snare is usually played on the backbeat, and is used as a sort of secondary rhythm tool. It is a simple skin over a wooden shell that will be your main tool in creating rhythm for your music.

The High-Hat Cymbals

These double cymbals are fitted to a pedal which allows you to create a number of different sounds during your drum play. Usually played in eighth patterns as well as sixteenths, this piece of equipment is the key to giving timing to both yourself as well as your other band mates. Create rolling patterns, open crashes and closed muted sounds with the high-hats’ to give colour to any basic pattern.

Zildjian are one of the most popular brands of cymbal manufacturers out there, so if you want to sound like a pro, why not choose a kit that comes with them pre-installed. You can always upgrade your existing kit with Zildjian cymbals to make sure you are sounding the best you can.

The Bass Drum

The bass drum is where the meat of your drumming comes from, as is an important rhythmic timing method for your bass player. Keeping a tight bass drum action will allow you to flow into different rolls and patterns easily, and give your sound a fuller tone is used in a back-beat style. The bass drum is nothing without the snare and vice versa.

The Ride Cymbal

The ride cymbals are used in the same style as the high-hats’ to create a rhythmic cue to the music to keep the tempo up and on time. It is usually the largest cymbal in a kit and is known to have a sustained sound that is used in both eighths and sixteenths timing patterns in many instances and genres of music.

The Toms

Toms are the supplementary sisters of the bass drum and cousins of the snare. They provide a different tone than the snare due to not having the snare wire underneath the bottom skin. They sound deeper with an almost mellow tone to them and allow the drummer to create a mix of rolls, fills and ride patterns in various different styles to complete verses and phrases during a song.

The Crash Cymbal

The crash cymbal is a very loud sounding cymbal that is used to accent drum rolls and fills to finish the end of a phrase in a song. They intensify a drum roll or a fill by providing a full-stop to a drumming pattern and allow the drummer to reset or change pattern mid-song without losing where they are. Zildjian offer a range of crash cymbals that are tailor made to your musical style.

Once you know what these different drums sound like, you will get a clue as to how to use them. You only have to listen to your favourite songs to be able to hear each of these drums being played in various different styles. Try finding a pattern that suits your playing style and finish them off with a simple fill or a roll and you will be drumming like the best of them in no time at all.

What to Look for in a Pro Drum Kit

For both beginners and intermediate drummers wanting to upgrade, choosing the right drum kit is important. With Tama drums or Pearl kits, not only will you be able to fully customise your drums individually with a wider range of options available, you will also be able to upgrade each individual part as you further progress your drumming level.

Pearl drum kits have become synonymous with high quality percussion drums for the past 60 years. The brand and has found its way to become one of the biggest drum company in the world. This Japanese company has pioneered many innovations in the industry such as wood and fiberglass shells, as well as the introduction of “Phenolic” shells combined with roto-toms to create vari-pitch drums. Pearl continues to invent and innovate today.

Pearl Kits, steeped in history

Pearl drums have a long illustrious line of kits to choose from, such as beginner kits through to professional stage percussion instruments. In between these we have a range of shells, skins, cases, stands and pedals for any drummer to create their own kit.

As with any professional level musical instruments, your budget will come in handy in giving you an idea of what you can afford. Creating your own pro Pearl drum kit may come in handy as buying the base level five-piece and later upgrading your heads and pedals make more economic sense.

The Export EXX Range

The Export EXX range of Pearl drum kits is an excellent place to start if you are looking to build your first pro kit. This is the number 1 selling drum kit in the world and benefits from all of the features you have come to know and love from Pearl. Featuring uni-lock booms, REMO coated heads, as well as premium poplar and rich Asian mahogany shells to finish the look.

Every single piece of the kit is upgradable at a later date if you wish. The Export EXX range of Pearl drums give you the options you need to further your drumming technique, as well as honing your tone to perfection. It’s no surprise so many professional drummers are using these kits.

Tama drums

Tama is another famous name in the world of drumming, thanks to their large range of professional percussion instruments at affordable prices. Tama, being one of the most recognisable names in drumming has grown to be a popular choice for intermediate and professional level drummers who wish to add an extra level of customisation to their playing.

Tama drums produce a huge range of hardware options to add to your kit, making it easier than ever to upgrade whilst you save up! Tama drummers include Stuart Copeland of The Police, as well as Metallica Drummer Lars Ulrich. With over 50 years of experience in the industry, Tama is a name you can trust to take your drumming to the next level.

The StarClassic Range

The StarClassic series of Tama drums is the ideal choice for anyone looking to buy an intermediate or professional kit. Built using only the finest materials, you have a range of finishing options to choose from, as well as configurations that suit your playing needs best. With a choice of Birch on the performer kit, Maple or Bubinga, you might just find that killer tone you’ve been looking for.

As with Pearl, Tama produces a large range of patented accessories and hardware upgrades, giving you the option to buy the standard kit and then later upgrade at will.

Choose your configuration

Creating your first pro kit is simple with either Pearl or Tama drums, offering you a huge range of options, finishes as well as configuration for your main purchase. When buying, think about what you may upgrade to in the future, and how easy it will be for your kit to accommodate it. Don’t forget to listen to each kit you wish to purchase to ensure it has the tone that suits your music or style best.

Choosing a pro kit from one of the two most popular drum kit manufacturers in the world is simple. Choose a range that best suits your playing style, ensure that you have the right configuration to make your playing easy, and pick the hardware options that suit your music best. Upgrade your kit at a later date to incorporate different tone heads and skins, play around with configurations and you will soon be in drumming heaven with your new pro kit.

Choosing One of the Big Brands to Build Your Kit

In the world of drums, there are a number of names synonymous with classic sounds, retro looks and ergonomic designs. Choosing the right drum accessories will make or break your personal drum sound, so when you are in the market for a few upgrades or looking to build your very first pro kit, making sure you know the key players in equipment is surely going to put you ahead of the curve.

Let us take a look at some of the brands that have become icons in their particular field.

Tama is one big name drum kit equipment specialist that has built its name of precision kit that sounds as great as it looks. Starting out in Japan in 1965, it launched to provide the Japanese market with affordable kits that sounded just as great as their North American or European counterparts. From there it has grown to be one of the most respected companies in drumming and lives on today providing a wealth of full kits, accessories and other important percussive tools.

Big Name Endorsements for Your Drum-kit

Some of the more famous players who use Tama kits include Stuart Copeland of The Police, and Lars Ulrich of Metallica. With ambassadors for Tama as those, you can see why this Japanese drum manufacturer has become one of the biggest names in the industry.

Pearl is another name so synonymous with percussion drum kits that is one of the few household names for drummers and non-drummers alike. Pearl kits have been used since 1945 by almost all of the major recording studios by professional musicians as famous as Ringo Star, Keith Moon and Chris Slade of AC/DC to name but a few. Pearl, being one of the world’s largest drum manufacturers also make a range of stands, pedals, drum sticks, tools and accessories.

DW Drums is another professional drum manufacturer that produces both acoustic and electronic drum sets. DW Drums is a popular choice for many aspiring drummers thanks to their great range of both beginner and professional kits. You can build your own kit from the floor up with DW Drums to create that personalised sound you are after. Names the Drum Workshop, this California based drum manufacturer is often the drummers choice for studio and gig use.

High Quality Construction is Key

DW Drums was created with the mission to produce, design and manufacture the highest possible drum kits and accessories to provide both aspiring and professional musicians with equipment they can rely on. With great sounding drums of all sizes, DW Drums offer expert craftsmanship when it comes to construction and with only the best materials used in construction can ensure high quality standards throughout.

Whatever your level of drumming skill, choosing the right equipment is an essential part of creating your very own unique sound. With the help of these big names in drumming, you will be able to fine tune your sound with an upgrade of kit or with an investment in a custom kit of your own.

Choosing high quality drum accessories that are built to last will ensure your equipment can endure even the longest of tours and allow you to take your skills to the height of excellence.

Image Source: zzounds, wikimedia, dwdrums, tama

Choosing the Right Cymbal to Add to Your Kit

In the world of drums nothing says more about who you are more than the kit you play. Whether it is a classical jazz that you are into that may require the absolute minimum of equipment, or play world music that requires many different implementations of percussive additions, learning about the types of cymbals at your disposal will bring more out of your playing that you might think.

There are several types of cymbal that make up the average kit, and whilst many drummers only tend to use the basic setup of crash, ride and a pair of hi-hats. These cymbals can be interchanged with varying types of similar cymbals to derive a different sound when struck. Additional cymbals can be assembled to a standard kit to provide different tones, accents and pitches when playing.

Additional cymbals called effects cymbals are used to enhance playing by introducing different tones. In most extended kits, the addition of splash cymbals provide a distinct sound and most cymbal manufacturers provide extension packs containing both a splash and a china cymbal to add to an extended kit.

Other additional cymbals are called accent cymbals, which provide a distinctive sound that differs from the traditional groove or pattern usually played on a regular kit cymbal. Many accent cymbals are made up of the huge variety of china, splash and crash cymbals that differ from manufacturer to manufacturer.

The Big Four of Cymbal Production

There are four powerhouses in the world of cymbals that both design and manufacture the most popular cymbals on the market. Zildjian started making cymbals as early as 1623 and was famed for their build quality and clarity. The company has a rich history of cymbal making and design that has made them one of the top names in the industry today.

Sabian is the other popular brand of cymbals that design and manufacture high quality drum kit accessories, cymbals and related gear. Sabian is Canadian and offers a huge range of products from traditional designs to world music percussion pieces. Paiste and Meint complete the ‘big four’ companies in the world of cymbals, and buying cymbals manufactured by either will ensure high quality throughout.

Zildjian offers many different cymbals in its range and has specific series to allow you to choose the best cymbals for your kit. With a range comprising of their custom series that is famous for their refined and classic sound to the Zildjian custom hybrid series that aims to combine traditional finishes with the latest in cymbal technology.

Sabian also offers a range of custom cymbal kits as well as traditional packs that can be the perfect upgrade. With a range of oriental and World Series cymbals to choose from you will surely find the sound you’ve been looking for. With a range to suit all budgets, why not upgrade your existing kit with superior quality cymbals that could make a difference to your playing style.


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