{"id":30541,"date":"2021-09-29T09:13:52","date_gmt":"2021-09-29T16:13:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/?p=30541"},"modified":"2023-11-15T10:20:19","modified_gmt":"2023-11-15T18:20:19","slug":"the-complete-guide-to-drum-hardware","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/the-complete-guide-to-drum-hardware\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate Guide To Drum Hardware"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Drum hardware<\/a> is a really<\/em> important part of your drum setup<\/a>, and it\u2019s so easy to overlook. Cymbals and shells cost more money and you actually hit them to create your sound. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But without good hardware, you might find it hard to play properly. Broken stands, wobbly thrones, and bad clutches can totally kill the vibe. We\u2019ve all been there!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are so many different types of hardware, and this guide will go over options for each part of the kit and include some product recommendations to get you started. While good stands and pedals are almost always worth the extra cost since they\u2019ll last longer than their budget counterparts, everyone\u2019s needs are a little different. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With that in mind, here are a few things to look out for when you\u2019re buying a drum kit or individual pieces of hardware:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Home or away?<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

The first step to finding hardware that works for you is to think about where<\/em> you\u2019ll be using it. Are you playing shows in beer-soaked dives and jamming it into a crowded bag every night, or will it sit in one spot in your home or practice space?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re playing onstage, you\u2019ll need heavier stuff that\u2019ll hold up to the rigors of travel\u2026but not so heavy that it\u2019s a drag to pack up and carry it home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is it sturdy?<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Nobody likes a runaway hi-hat stand, flimsy bass drum pedal or falling cymbal stand. What style of music you play and how hard you hit has a big impact on what you should buy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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If you\u2019re a metal drummer, it\u2019s probably wise to avoid lightweight gear, while jazzers can get away with lighter cymbal stands but might want to invest in a heavier hi-hat stand to accommodate that style of playing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What gear is it holding?<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

You probably don\u2019t need a 10-pound, double-braced monster of a stand to hold your splash cymbal. You also don\u2019t want to put your vintage 22\u201d ride cymbal on a rusty old bucket of bolts with no collars or felts (it\u2019ll damage the hole). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your throne is especially important, since the \u201cgear\u201d it\u2019ll be holding is you! If you\u2019re a bigger person, get something that\u2019ll support you and make it comfortable to play. Even if you\u2019re not, get a nice throne anyway. As the pros will tell you<\/a>, it\u2019s always worth it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How\u2019s the positioning?<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Space is often a consideration at home or onstage, and setting up your hardware can sometimes feel like doing a jigsaw puzzle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe one leg of that super-bulky hi-hat stand bumps up against the wall, but a smaller one will fit in the space. Maybe a boom stand will get your crash in the perfect spot when a straight stand won\u2019t cut it. Or maybe you need that straight stand since the boom arm is in the way of something else. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So many options! Think creatively and customize so you\u2018re comfortable and everything is exactly where you want it. Take the time to get it right and you\u2019ll thank yourself later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How does it play?<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

The whole job of drum hardware is to enhance your playing experience. Your bass drum pedal and hi-hat stand should have smooth action, and it\u2019s a bummer if the chain squeaks or there\u2019s too much resistance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now that we\u2019ve gone over a few important considerations, let\u2019s check out some options for different parts of the kit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(All prices are listed in USD and subject to market changes)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n