So it's time you finally graduated from smashing your parents pots and pans to knocking around some real drums, or maybe you're already well on your way to being the next Neil Pert. Cool. Either way, keep these tips in mind and you'll be focusing on your music instead of your gear.
First consideration is budget. It will dictate what you are and aren't allowed to buy. First you need to cover the basics, your bass drum, snare, tom toms, hi-hats, and cymbals. Before moving on to other aspects of your kit make sure these basic pieces are of sufficient quality. It's ok to buy a used set, especially if you're beginning, but make sure the wear isn't too bad or you'll just sink money into replacing the heads once they're broken through. Starters don't need a perfect tone but it's a physical instrument and you don't want to feel like you're constantly smashing a fragile instrument. It's possible to learn on less than five pieces, but it's more fun to have the basic set. You want to make sure playing is fun at this early stage so you're motivated to continue.
There is a saying that a drum kit isn't one instrument, but many instruments put together. With this in mind, after you've reached a certain level of experience, make sure you like the sound of each part you're adding to your kit. It's hard to have a good kit without a solid snare and a bass drum, so emphasize these. You can start adding more cymbals once you've got the experience necessary. By this time you'll notice that some produce a thin, tinny sound opposed to the expressive richness offered by high end cymbal makers like Zildjian and Sabian. Also, consider the type of sound you're getting in the store itself when you're trying all these drums; carpeted floors will deaden the sound and if you're in a big open expanse the sound will get lost in the space. Ask an attendant if they're tuned.
In general, when you walk into a store tell them you are seriously interested in buying a kit. Even the worst staff will perk up. Ask him/her as many questions as you can and listen carefully to his responses. Don't even only go to one store. Comparing allows you to play more instruments, get different advice, and get a feel for different stores. All things being equal, you'd rather buy your instrument from staff who knows what they're talking about. They're more likely to give you better advice and carry quality instruments. People who also play and love the instruments will carry instruments they can be proud of, whereas indifferent stores are just looking to move product. Compare, and restrain your desire to buy on impulse. Patience is a virtue here.
Now all you need to do is buy some sticks and a stool and you're set! Have fun, practice hard, and keep all these tips in mind.
First consideration is budget. It will dictate what you are and aren't allowed to buy. First you need to cover the basics, your bass drum, snare, tom toms, hi-hats, and cymbals. Before moving on to other aspects of your kit make sure these basic pieces are of sufficient quality. It's ok to buy a used set, especially if you're beginning, but make sure the wear isn't too bad or you'll just sink money into replacing the heads once they're broken through. Starters don't need a perfect tone but it's a physical instrument and you don't want to feel like you're constantly smashing a fragile instrument. It's possible to learn on less than five pieces, but it's more fun to have the basic set. You want to make sure playing is fun at this early stage so you're motivated to continue.
There is a saying that a drum kit isn't one instrument, but many instruments put together. With this in mind, after you've reached a certain level of experience, make sure you like the sound of each part you're adding to your kit. It's hard to have a good kit without a solid snare and a bass drum, so emphasize these. You can start adding more cymbals once you've got the experience necessary. By this time you'll notice that some produce a thin, tinny sound opposed to the expressive richness offered by high end cymbal makers like Zildjian and Sabian. Also, consider the type of sound you're getting in the store itself when you're trying all these drums; carpeted floors will deaden the sound and if you're in a big open expanse the sound will get lost in the space. Ask an attendant if they're tuned.
In general, when you walk into a store tell them you are seriously interested in buying a kit. Even the worst staff will perk up. Ask him/her as many questions as you can and listen carefully to his responses. Don't even only go to one store. Comparing allows you to play more instruments, get different advice, and get a feel for different stores. All things being equal, you'd rather buy your instrument from staff who knows what they're talking about. They're more likely to give you better advice and carry quality instruments. People who also play and love the instruments will carry instruments they can be proud of, whereas indifferent stores are just looking to move product. Compare, and restrain your desire to buy on impulse. Patience is a virtue here.
Now all you need to do is buy some sticks and a stool and you're set! Have fun, practice hard, and keep all these tips in mind.
About the Author:
Long & McQuade's Musical Education Center offers music lessons Ottawa and music lessons Nanaimo. When trying to learn a musical instrument be sure to visit the professionals at Long & McQuade - one of Canada's largest music stores.
