Understanding the many components that make up different drum kits is crucial to any drummer’s career. It helps with setting up your drumkit and packing it down in between rehearsals and gigs as well as helping you to achieve the perfect setup.
The most popular type of acoustic drum kit is a 5-piece, which consists of three tom drums (high, mid and floor), a snare drum and a bass drum all matched in the same finish.
This article jumps right into all the different parts of a drum kit, the typical materials they are made from and how they are used to ensure sweet drumming tones.
In a hurry?
| Drum Kit Part | What is it? |
|---|---|
| Snare drum | A snare drum serves as the centrepiece of a drum kit, providing a sharp and distinctive sound when struck. Its primary function is to produce a crisp "crack" that marks the backbeat. |
| Hi-tom | The hi-tom drum, also known as a rack tom, serves as a melodic component within a drum kit. Positioned above the bass drum and often attached to the bass drum itself, the hi-tom drum produces a resonant sound that adds high-end tones to drumming patterns. |
| Mid-tom | A mid-tom drum serves as an integral part of a drum kit. Positioned between the hi-tom and floor tom drums, the mid-tom drum produces a balanced and warm tone mixed in between the hi and floor toms. |
| Floor tom | The floor tom drum serves several important functions in creating a well-rounded sound and rhythm. Positioned typically to the right side of the drummer, the floor tom produces a deep, resonant tone that adds depth. |
| Bass drum | The bass drum, or kick drum, is the driving pulse of a musical piece. Positioned on the floor in front of the drummer, the bass drum produces deep, low-frequency tones that create a sense of power and impact. |
| Cymbals | Cymbals play a crucial role in adding colour and texture to musical compositions. They bring a distinct sound and character that enhances the overall dynamics of the music. |
| Hardware | Hardware on a drum kit refers to the various metal components that support and allow for the setup and functioning of the drums and cymbals. |
Parts of a drum kit
Snare Drum
The snare drum is typically positioned between the drummer’s legs, slightly tilted towards them. It is usually placed on a snare stand, which holds it securely at waist height.
Wood, such as maple, birch, or mahogany, is the typical material used in snare drum manufacturing. They produce warm and rich tones. Metal materials like steel or brass are also used, offering a brighter and more cutting sound.
Available in various sizes, snare drums typically range from 13 to 14 inches in diameter and 5 to 6.5 inches in depth. The dimensions affect the drum’s overall tone, with deeper drums producing a fuller sound.
Snare drums have snare wires that run across the drumhead. These wires are connected to a strainer and a lever, allowing drummers to change the snare sound.
We recommend the Premier Genista Maple 14″ x 7″ Snare Drum. It features a standard snare drum diameter of 14’ inches which is easily applicable to all genres and playing styles. Topped off with an all-maple shell, the Premier Genista Snare drum produces some of the best tones you can get from a snare drum.
Bass Drum
The bass drum is a vital part of a drum kit, providing a powerful low-end thump. Positioned centrally on the floor, it sets the foundation and rhythm of a song.
Constructed from various wood types and synthetic options, the bass drum’s material affects its tone and projection. Typically, wooden shells offer warmth and depth, while synthetic shells provide a punchier and more focused sound.
Bass drums come in various dimensions, with diameter being the primary size factor.
Common sizes range from 18 inches to 26 inches. Some may have varying depths, influencing their resonance and overall tone.
We recommend the Pearl EXX Export 22” x 18” Kick Drum. Its blend of poplar and Asian mahogany wood construction allows for beautifully executed tones and a punchy, powerful volume projection that captivates your audience.
The EXX Export Kick Drum finished in High Voltage Blue stands out in any setting, complementing the overall aesthetic of most kit setups.
Toms
The tom drum, a vital part of a drum kit, is positioned above the bass drum.
It is conveniently located within reach of the drummer’s dominant hand, providing easy access for seamless transitions between different components of the kit.
Tom drums are constructed using various materials, including wood, acrylic, or synthetic materials like fibreglass. Wooden toms generate warm and resonant tones, while acrylic or synthetic toms produce brighter and sharper sounds.
In terms of dimensions, tom drums come in different sizes. The diameter typically ranges from 8 to 16 inches, while depth can vary from shallow to deeper toms, reaching up to 14 inches.
We recommend the Yamaha Stage Custom 8’’ x 7’’ Tom. It features a solid all-birch shell which provides clarity and low-end warmth with plenty of natural resonance.
Kitted out with high-quality Remo drumheads and available in four finishes, this tom drum suits all levels and styles of drummer.
Floor Tom
The floor tom is an essential component of a drum kit, positioned on the floor to the right side of the drummer, typically next to the hi-hat and ride cymbals. In terms of dimensions, floor tom drums come in different sizes from 14 to 18 inches.
Floor toms are constructed using various materials like wood, acrylic, or synthetic materials such as fibreglass. The choice of material significantly impacts the tone of the drum. Wooden floor toms produce warm and resonant tones, while acrylic or synthetic floor toms create brighter and sharper sounds.
Floor toms feature a hollow shell with a drumhead stretched over it. The tension of the drumhead can be adjusted for different pitches whilst additional dampening can be added with a pillow or cushion inside the shell, depending on the depth of the drum.
We recommend the Premier Elite 14” x 14” Floor Tom. Its 3mm undersized drumheads provide fantastic articulation and excellent tuning capabilities.
Constructed from North American birch wood, this floor tom produces warm, vibrant, and natural tones with each strike. Available in two dazzling finishes, it is sure to elevate any drummer’s percussion arsenal.
Hi-hats
The hi-hat cymbals are positioned on a stand to the left side of the drummer, usually next to the snare drum. They are easily accessible to the drummer’s dominant limb, allowing for coordinated play between the hands and feet while maintaining a steady beat.
Hi-hat cymbals are typically made from a combination of metals, such as bronze or brass. These materials contribute to the cymbals’ tone and durability, providing a bright and shimmering sound.
Hi-hat cymbals come in various sizes but typically range between 12 and 15 inches in diameter.
H-hat cymbals consist of two cymbals that are mounted on a stand. The top cymbal is connected to a rod via a clutch system and can be pressed against the bottom cymbal using a foot pedal.
We recommend the Sabian 14″ Stratus Hi-Hats. With their B20 bronze alloy construction and STATUS high-impact hammering, they deliver a professional performance with plenty of articulation and warm tones.
Ride Cymbal
The ride cymbal is a prominent component of a drum kit that gets used in all genres to provide an alternative driving beat to the hi-hat cymbals. It is typically placed at a lower level than the rest of the cymbals, allowing for easy access and versatility during play.
The positioning of the ride cymbal is typically catered towards right-handed drummers, making it easily reachable by the right hand. However, left-handed drummers may position it on the opposite side to suit their preference.
Ride cymbals are commonly made from bronze alloys such as B20 or B8. These materials contribute to the cymbal’s durability and resonance, allowing it to produce a rich and shimmering tone that cuts through most mixes.
The dimensions of a ride cymbal can vary, but they typically have a diameter ranging from 18 to 22 inches. The diameter of a ride cymbal can easily influence its overall sound characteristics.
We recommend the Paiste PST 7 20” Ride Cymbal. Crafted from Paiste’s renowned 2002 bronze material, it produces a bright, warm, and distinctive sound. With its 20 inch diameter, it sits in the middle of the spectrum, offering great tingy ride tones and heavy crashing abilities for added versatility.
Crash Cymbal
The crash cymbal is a vital element of a drum kit, positioned within easy reach of the drummer.
It is usually placed to the left or right side of the drum set, slightly above the level of the toms and snare drum and can be used to end fills and transition between parts of a song.
The dimensions of a crash cymbal can vary, but they generally have a diameter ranging from 14 to 20 inches. Some crash cymbals may have different depths, impacting their sound characteristics.
We recommend the Meinl Pure Alloy Custom 18″ Medium Thin Crash.
Its medium-thin design and pure alloy construction (the clue’s in the name) provide a full-bodied, warm sound with medium-low sustain. Whether you’re into rock, reggae, or anything in between, this 18″ crash has the versatility to suit your playing style.
Stands
Drum kit stands are positioned strategically around the drum kit to hold different cymbals, drums and accessories.
Drum kit stands are commonly made from sturdy metal alloys such as steel or aluminium. These materials provide durability and stability, ensuring that the stands can support the weight of the cymbals.
The dimensions of drum kit stands can vary depending on their purpose. For example, a cymbal stand typically has adjustable height settings to accommodate different player preferences.
We recommend the Gibraltar 5000 Series Medium Double-Braced Snare Stand. Its ultra-adjust basket lets you find the perfect positioning, whilst the hinged memory lock and double-braced tripod ensures your snare stays secure throughout your performance.
Also recommended for your drum kit stand setup is the Premier 6000 Series Hi-Hat Stand. Complete with memory locks, a heavy-duty clutch and a grippy pedal board, this hi-hat stand has it all to keep you drumming at your very best.
Your kit wouldn’t be complete without some stable cymbal stands, that’s why we recommend the DW 3000 Series Cymbal Boom Stand. Its boom-arm design allows for easy adjustability to have your favourite cymbals exactly where you want them.
Drum Throne
For a fun, healthy drumming lifestyle, comfort is key. That’s why choosing the right drum throne/stool is essential.
The drum throne is positioned to accommodate the drummer’s dominant limb. For right-handed drummers, it is placed slightly to the left side, allowing for comfortable reach with the right hand. Conversely, left-handed drummers may adjust the positioning to suit their preference.
Drum thrones are commonly made from sturdy materials such as metal or wood. The seat is often cushioned to provide comfort during long playing sessions.
The height of the throne is adjustable to accommodate different player preferences and ensure proper posture while playing.
The drum throne’s construction typically consists of a tripod base that provides a stable foundation. Some drum thrones may also have additional features such as swivel seats or backrests for added comfort.
We recommend the Pearl D-50 Drum Throne due to its durable metal tripod stand and resistant vinyl cover. Height adjustable and held securely in place with a metal rod, it is a reliable, lightweight drum throne for all drummers.
We also suggest the Mapex T855BR Saddle-Style Breathable Drum Throne. Adjustable from 19″ to 25″, this drum throne has a breathable cloth top for good air circulation, whilst the thick cushioned seat provides immense comfort for hours of drumming. The legs are double-braced and the feet are extra-large with non-slip rubber, meaning you can go wild at your kit and your throne will always keep you stable.
For more information about drum thrones, check out our handy guide!
More percussive items
- CZ2 10” Splash Cymbal by Gear4music – A striking and distinct cymbal designed to deliver exceptional sound. With two different lathed finishes, this medium-weight splash cymbal provides a short, sharp response that is perfect for fast, cutting accents.
- Sabian AA 19” Holy China Cymbal, Brilliant Finish – This cymbal is a true monster of loudness and cut, designed to make a statement with its powerful and explosive sound. Featuring an exaggerated high profile and 18 rows of volume-enhancing holes, the 19″ AA Holy China is one of the loudest cymbals in the Sabian roster.
- Istanbul Agop 11′, 13” & 15” 3 Piece Clap Stack – A unique trio of cymbals designed to create a tactile and acoustic reproduction of an analogue 8-bit handclap. Developed in collaboration with Agop artist Trevor Lawrence Jr., this stack combines three specially shaped cymbals that can be adjusted to produce a variety of sounds.
- Tama HP30 Stagemaster Power Glide Single Pedal – A robust, entry-level kick pedal with an offset cam for increased power and speed. A grippy footplate and solid felt beater provide an accurate drumming experience all wrapped up at an affordable price.
Our favourite drum kit at the moment
With all the previous components considered, our recommended drum kit is the Pearl Masterworks 22″ 5pc Shell Pack.
It features four-ply, 5mm hybrid eucalyptus/maple/mahogany shells crafted with Superior Shell Technology, a technique that fuses the wood plies with Pearl’s AcoustaGlue before baking the plies with 1000 PSI of hydraulic pressure. This process creates incredibly durable shells with exceptional power and warmth.
The maple reinforcement ring then enhances sustain and low-end oomph. Other elements of the kit include Single Swivel Lugs, OptiMounts, and Fat Tone hoops.
FAQs
What are the 5 parts of a drum kit?
The 5 parts of a drum kit are:
- Bass Drum or Kick Drum: The largest drum in the kit, usually played with a foot-operated pedal. It provides the low-end thump and serves as the foundation of the rhythm.
- Snare Drum: Positioned between the drummer’s legs, the snare drum produces a sharp and distinctive crack sound. It adds the backbeat and accents to the music.
- Hi-Tom: These drums come in various sizes and are mounted on the bass drum or on separate stands. Tom toms produce melodic tones and are used for fills and rhythmic patterns.
- Mid-Tom: This drum is typically situated between the floor tom and the hi-tom. It produces mid-frequency tones that complement most complex drum fills.
- Cymbals: Drum kits typically feature various cymbals such as ride cymbals, crash cymbals, and splash cymbals. Cymbals are commonly used to express a drummer’s particular playing style or genre.
What are the pieces on a drum called?
A drum consists of drum shells, drumheads, tension rods, lugs, and hoops. The drum shells are the main body, while the drumheads are thin membranes that produce sound when struck. Tension rods adjust the drumhead’s tension, lugs hold the rods in place, and hoops provide stability.
What is the most common kit setup?
The most common drum kit setup is the 5-piece configuration. It typically includes a bass drum, a snare drum, two tom drums and a floor tom. This setup provides the essential components for drummers to create a solid foundation and play a wide range of musical genres.
Final thoughts
In summary, the most popular type of drum kit is the 5-piece as it includes all the parts of a drum kit essential for all levels of drummers. While customisation options exist, this setup remains popular and versatile. By keeping your setup concise yet effective, you can create music that resonates with your style.
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