I am back finally with a drum post!
This has been a long time coming as I’ve been looking at writing about this for a while, plus a few people have asked about it. Now, because of owning new cymbals I think it is time to talk about my drum set-up.
Drum roll please.
Drums
Last April/May I said goodbye to my sh*tty e-kit and said hello to a proper drum kit of my own. The Tama Rhythm Mate 5-Piece kit arrived in a “stream red” with poplar shells and chrome hardware.
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Kick | 20″ |
| Snare | 14″ x 5″ |
| Tom #1 | 10″ |
| Tom #2 | 12″ |
| Floor Tom | 16″ |
The heads to all the drums are Tama but the snare is coated giving it a warm feel. I have changed my set-up so right now I am not using both toms and instead just using the 12″ tom above my snare. For me, I find this an easier set-up and I have found to play the drums better with just the one tom. Although, I am currently tempted to swap it for the 10″ just for a more obvious tonal difference compared to the floor tom.
Taking out that additional tom was a great decision for me. When I did own that bad electric kit I did the same – by removing one of the pads. I was given great advice a few years back by a drummer I admire, telling me to think about what I actually need/want to use in the setup instead of using everything because I have it . Some of the best advice I have ever been given about drums which may sound surprising.
Cymbals
Originally, my kit came with cheap (really bad) hi-hats and crash. At the time I bought a cheap Sabian SBR Ride cymbal just because I felt lost without one and at the time I couldn’t afford to spend a lot of money on a cymbal. It was fine as a stand in but I am very relieved to now own a decent set of cymbals.
I went for the Sabian AAX cymbal range as personally, the brand is the best I have ever used, the reviews were really good and this range is really nice sounding. Perfect if you are playing a wide range of genres of music. Very versatile set of cymbals.
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Hi-Hat | 14″ |
| Crash | 16″ |
| Ride | 20″ |
Hardware
My hardware is all Tama. So that’s stands, stool and pedals. Apart from one of the cymbal stands is Mapex because I bought that for the ride cymbal. All are great, robust bits of hardware and I haven’t had any issues with it.
Drum Sticks
In general, I use Vic Firth American Classic 85As but occasionally I used 7As as they are more readily available. I like both pairs of sticks because they are skinny and I have small hands meaning other sticks – even the most popular 5As and 5Bs – I find difficult to play with.
| 85A | 7a | |
|---|---|---|
| Tip | Teardrop | Teardrop |
| Taper | Medium | Medium |
| Diameter | 1.4cm | 1.37cm |
| Length | 40.64cm | 39.37cm |
I love Vic Firth because they are manufactured well and I have never been disappointed with the quality. They last. I think their incredible reputation speaks for itself.
Percussion
I have a few additional bits for my kit. This is because I have a real love for percussion in general and it is always fun adding some to tracks to add more texture. If I could, I would have more but sadly finances and space restrict me.
- Meinl HTHH1BK Hi Hat Tambourine (jingle ring)
- Meinl Egg Shaker Set (four shakers at different loudness levels)
- Stagg 13306 5.5″ Cowbell
- Natal Wood Shaker
- Gear4Music Foot Tambourine
So that’s about it. I hope you have found this interesting.
Over the past year in particular I have enjoyed exploring different avenues, brands and set-ups when it came to my kit but I finally feel like I have something that I am proud of and enjoy playing.
I am going to look at writing more drum posts in near future especially now I will be playing more and more. I may even post some drum covers over on YouTube if I build my confidence enough. Ha.
Thank you for reading 🙂
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