Compact & Portable Drum Kits

Compact & portable drum kits can be incredibly useful for gigging in small spaces or storing your gear efficiently. Constructed from materials such as Maple, Poplar, and Mahogany, each kit has a unique voice. Compact kits typically have a kick drum size of 14'' to 20'' and extra shallow drums.

Although compact kits feature smaller shells, they also offer a combination of efficiency and quality sound. Gear4music stocks a wide range of drum kits from reliable brands such as Pearl, Tama, and DW. Browse by configuration, shell material, and colour to select your ideal kit. For more information on Compact & Portable Drum Kits, check out our blog; The 9 Best Compact Drum Kits To Take From Rehearsal To Stage

About Compact & Portable Drum Kits

Compact & portable drum kits are acoustic kits with a smaller footprint. This makes them easier to store both on stage and in your rehearsal space. The smallest kick drum size within compact kits is 14'', and the largest is 20''. Designed to provide easier setup and tear down, compact kits often have unique space-saving features, such as easier stackability and integrated cymbal stands within the kit.

Compact drum kits tend to have shallower drum shells. This not only makes the kit more efficient to store, but also results in a quicker attack being projected from the kit. While a smaller kit will not deliver the same volume as a full-sized kit, compact kits can still produce a decent volume to suit most standard-sized playing venues.

Some drummers use compact kits as a secondary kit for practice, though they are also used in situations where portability and efficiency are vital, such as busking or gigging in small venues. Like their standard counterparts, compact drum shells are made up of a range of different materials, including maple, poplar, and birch. The construction of the shell determines the sounds the shells project.

For example; if you're looking for a drum sound with soft highs and mids, then a poplar shell is for you. However, if you're looking for a versatile sound to suit many genres, then maple is a great choice for balanced highs and mids.

FAQs

Are portable drum kits any good?

Portable kits are good for drummers with limited storage and playing space. They are incredibly transportable and can make gigging much more streamlined. Compact drum kits can be extremely beneficial for buskers and drummers who want a secondary kit.

What is a small drum kit called?

A small drum kit is called a compact kit due to its smaller-sized shells. Typically, a compact kit features a 14'' bass drum to a 20'' bass drum and also has shallower drum shells compared to a standard shell set.

What are the best drum kit sizes?

A standard-sized kit with a bass drum size of 20'' or bigger is ideal for gigs in large venues and for better low-end projection. This is a great option if you have plenty of storage space and are playing on full-sized stages. If you are limited in space, then a kit with a 16'' to 18'' kick drum is the perfect choice.