Assembling a drum set can be an exciting and rewarding experience, especially for aspiring drummers eager to create their own rhythms. However, it can also be daunting if you’re not familiar with the process. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps on how to put a drum set together, from unboxing the components to tuning the drums. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced musician, this detailed instruction will ensure you achieve the best possible sound from your drum set.
Before you begin, it’s essential to gather all the necessary tools and equipment. You’ll need a drum key, a pair of drumsticks, and a tuning key. It’s also helpful to have a level surface to work on, such as a table or the floor. Once you have everything you need, you can start assembling your drum set. The first step is to attach the legs to the bass drum. Make sure the legs are evenly spaced and tightened securely. Next, place the snare drum on the snare stand and adjust the height so that it’s comfortable to play. Finally, set up the tom-toms on their respective stands and position them within easy reach.
Now that the drums are in place, it’s time to connect the hardware. Start by attaching the hi-hat stand to the bass drum. Then, connect the cymbal stands to the hi-hat stand and position the cymbals so that they’re within easy reach. Finally, connect the pedals to the bass drum and snare drum. Once the hardware is in place, you can start tuning the drums. Use the tuning key to adjust the tension of the drumheads until you achieve the desired sound. Start with the bass drum and work your way up to the tom-toms and snare drum. With a little patience and practice, you’ll be able to get your drum set sounding great in no time.
Selecting the Right Drums and Hardware
Drums
When selecting the right drums for your drum set, there are several key factors to consider:
- Size: Drums come in a range of sizes, from small cocktail kits to large, full-size sets. Choose a size that suits your playing style and the space you have available.
- Material: Drums are made from a variety of materials, each with its own unique tonal qualities. Common materials include wood, metal, and acrylic.
- Tone: The tone of a drum is influenced by its shape, size, material, and head selection. Experiment with different combinations to find the sound you prefer.
- Head type: Drum heads play a crucial role in shaping the sound of your drums. They come in various materials, such as mylar, coated, and clear, and affect the overall tone, sustain, and attack of your drums.
Hardware
The hardware that accompanies your drums is equally important. This includes drum stands, pedals, and cymbals:
- Drum stands: These support your drums and keep them at the correct playing height and angle. Choose stands that are sturdy and adjustable.
- Pedals: Drum pedals allow you to play the kick drum. Choose a pedal that is comfortable to use and provides the appropriate level of control.
- Cymbals: Cymbals add accents and provide rhythmic support to your playing. They come in various sizes, weights, and alloys, each with its own unique sound.
Positioning the Drums Correctly
To set up your drum set properly, it’s essential to position the drums correctly for both comfort and optimal playability.
1. Start with the Bass Drum:
Place the bass drum at the center of the set, facing you. Position it slightly forward of the other drums so that your kick pedal is within comfortable reach.
2. Hi-Hat and Snare Drum Placement:
The hi-hat and snare drum form the core of your setup. The hi-hat should be positioned to your left, with the edge of the cymbal about six inches from the center of your snare drum.
The snare drum should be placed slightly to the right of your hi-hat, with the center of the drum about six inches from the edge of your bass drum. Adjust the height of the hi-hat and snare drum so that your sticks can comfortably strike them at a natural angle.
3. Tom Placement:
Position the toms in a semi-circular arc around the bass drum. The larger tom should be placed to the left of the snare drum, with the smaller toms arranged in ascending order towards the right. Adjust the angle of the toms so that they are easy to reach and strike.
4. Floor Tom and Cymbal Setup:
The floor tom is generally placed to the right of the bass drum. Position it slightly forward of the toms and adjust its height so that it’s comfortable to play while seated. Place the ride cymbal above the floor tom and adjust its height and angle for optimal reach and playability.
5. Crash and China Cymbal Placement:
Crash and china cymbals are usually positioned to the left and right of the hi-hat, respectively. Place them at an angle that allows you to easily reach and strike them while playing.
Setting Up the Bass Drum
The bass drum is the foundation of a drum set, providing the low-end punch and thump. Here’s a detailed guide to setting it up properly:
Positioning the Bass Drum
Place the bass drum on a sturdy stand, ensuring it’s stable and won’t wobble. Adjust the height so your beater (the part that strikes the drumhead) hits the center of the drumhead when you sit comfortably at your drum throne.
Mounting the Toms
Attach the tom mounts to the bass drum’s hoops. Position the toms above the bass drum, spacing them evenly apart. The distance between the toms depends on your playing style and preference. Ensure each tom is slightly angled towards you for easier access.
Precise Positioning of Toms
To determine the optimal placement of the toms, follow these steps:
| Tom Size | Distance from Bass Drum |
|---|---|
| 10″ Tom | 12-14 inches |
| 12″ Tom | 14-16 inches |
| 13″ Tom | 16-18 inches |
Remember, these are general guidelines, and you may adjust the positioning based on your comfort and playing style.
Assembling the Snare Drum
The snare drum is the heart of any drum set. It is responsible for keeping the beat and providing a solid foundation for the other drums. Assembling the snare drum is a relatively simple process, but there are a few things you need to know to do it correctly.
1. Gather your materials
* Snare drum shell
* Snare drum hoops
* Snare wires
* Snare butt
* Drum key
2. Attach the hoops to the shell
Start by placing one of the hoops on the shell. Make sure that the hoop is centered on the shell and that the lugs are aligned with the holes in the shell. Use the drum key to tighten the lugs until the hoop is snug against the shell.
3. Install the snare wires
Next, you need to install the snare wires. The snare wires are responsible for creating the snare sound. To install the snare wires, simply place them on the snare drum head so that they are evenly spaced across the head. Then, use the snare butt to attach the snare wires to the snare drum shell.
4. Tension the snare head
Once the snare wires are installed, you need to tension the snare head. To do this, use the drum key to turn the tension rods that are located around the edge of the snare drum shell. Turn the tension rods until the snare head is tight but not too tight. The snare head should be tight enough so that it produces a clear, resonant sound when you hit it.
| Tension Rod Location | Effect on Sound |
|---|---|
| Top head | Higher pitch, brighter sound |
| Bottom head | Lower pitch, warmer sound |
Mounting the Tom-Toms
Mounting the tom-toms is a crucial step in assembling a drum set. Follow these steps to ensure proper placement and stability:
1. Select the Appropriate Mounts: Choose mounts that are compatible with your tom-toms and hardware. Single or double-tom mounts are available, depending on the number of toms you’re mounting.
2. Position the Mount: Determine the desired location for the toms on your drum set. Position the mount on the bass drum or stand at the appropriate height and angle.
3. Attach the Mount to the Tom: Connect the tom mount to the tom’s designated mounting point using the provided bolts, washers, and wingnuts. Ensure the mount is securely fastened.
4. Adjust the Angle: Once the mount is in place, adjust the angle of the tom to achieve the desired sound and playing position. Tilt it forward or backward as needed.
5. Fine-Tune the Positioning: To optimize the sound and playability of the toms, fine-tune their positioning further.
| Parameter | Adjustment Options |
|---|---|
| Tom Height: | Raise or lower the toms to find the most comfortable and accessible position. |
| Tom Spacing: | Adjust the distance between the toms for optimal reach and sound separation. |
| Tom Angle: | Experiment with different angles to enhance resonance and playing comfort. |
| Mount Tension: | Tighten or loosen the bolts on the mount to control the resonance and sustain of the toms. |
Adjusting the Cymbals
Once the drums are assembled, it’s time to adjust the cymbals. Start by setting the hi-hat cymbals on the stand, making sure they are level and facing each other. Tighten the wing nuts to secure the cymbals in place.
Crash Cymbals
Next, mount the crash cymbals on the cymbal stands. Position them at a comfortable height and angle, so that you can easily reach them. Tighten the wing nuts to secure the cymbals.
Ride Cymbal
The ride cymbal should be positioned higher and slightly to the right of the hi-hats. It should be secure and level, so that it can be played consistently. Tighten the wing nuts to secure the cymbal in place.
Positioning
The positioning of the cymbals is a matter of personal preference and playing style. Experiment with different heights and angles to find what works best for you. Remember to consider the reach of your arms and the sound you want to achieve.
Table: Cymbal Sizes and Recommended Positioning
| Cymbal Size | Recommended Positioning |
|---|---|
| 14″ Hi-Hats | Medium height, facing each other |
| 16″ Crash | High, angled towards the drummer |
| 18″ Crash | Lower, angled away from the drummer |
| 20″ Ride | High, slightly to the right of the hi-hats |
Tensioning Drum Heads
Tuning your drum heads is an essential step in setting up your drum set. Proper tensioning will give your drums the right sound and feel, and it will also help to prevent them from warping or breaking. Here are the steps on how to tension your drum heads:
1. Remove the old drum heads.
To remove the old drum heads, simply loosen the tension rods around the rim of the drum. Once the rods are loose, you can carefully lift the old drum heads off of the drum.
2. Clean the drum shell.
Once the old drum heads are removed, it is important to clean the drum shell. This will help to remove any dirt or debris that could interfere with the new drum heads.
3. Place the new drum heads on the drum.
To place the new drum heads on the drum, simply align the holes in the drum heads with the holes in the drum shell. Once the drum heads are aligned, you can carefully place them on the drum.
4. Tighten the tension rods.
Once the drum heads are in place, you can tighten the tension rods around the rim of the drum. Start by tightening the rods evenly, and then gradually increase the tension until the drum heads are tight. It is important not to overtighten the tension rods, as this could damage the drum heads.
5. Tune the drum heads.
Once the drum heads are tight, you can tune them to the desired pitch. To tune the drum heads, simply use a drum key to turn the tension rods. Turning the tension rods clockwise will raise the pitch of the drum, and turning them counterclockwise will lower the pitch.
6. Check the tension of the drum heads.
Once the drum heads are tuned, you should check the tension to make sure that it is even. To check the tension, simply tap the drum head with your finger. The drum head should produce a clear, resonant sound. If the drum head sounds muffled or dead, it is probably too tight, If the drum head sounds too loose, it is probably too loose.
Drum Head Tension Chart.
| Tightness | Sound |
|---|---|
| Low | Muffled, dead |
| Medium | Clear, resonant |
| High | Tight, bright |
Lubricating the Hardware
Importance of Lubrication
Lubricating the hardware of your drum set is essential for smooth and efficient operation. Well-lubricated hardware ensures that your drums stay in tune and that your pedals and other accessories respond quickly and accurately.
Choosing the Right Lubricant
Not all lubricants are created equal. When choosing a lubricant for your drum hardware, look for a product that is specifically designed for metal-on-metal contact. Avoid using petroleum-based lubricants, as they can damage the finish of your hardware.
How to Lubricate Your Hardware
1. Disassemble the hardware. This will give you access to all the moving parts that need to be lubricated.
2. Clean the hardware. Use a cloth or brush to remove any dirt or debris from the hardware.
3. Apply a thin layer of lubricant to all moving parts. Be sure to avoid over-lubricating, as this can attract dirt and dust.
4. Reassemble the hardware.
5. Test the hardware. Make sure that all the moving parts are operating smoothly and efficiently.
Lubricating Specific Hardware Components
| Component | How to Lubricate |
|---|---|
| Drum lugs | Apply a small amount of lubricant to the threads of the lug bolts. |
| Drum hoops | Apply a thin layer of lubricant to the inside edge of the hoop where it contacts the drum shell. |
| Pedals | Apply a small amount of lubricant to the moving parts of the pedal, such as the beater axle, hinge, and spring. |
| Hi-hat clutch | Apply a small amount of lubricant to the shaft of the clutch. |
Tuning the Drums
Tuning the drums is an essential step in putting together a drum set. Proper tuning ensures that your drums sound good and play in tune with each other.
To tune your drums, you will need a drum key. A drum key is a small wrench that is used to tighten or loosen the tension rods on the drum. The tension rods are located on the hoops of the drum and are used to adjust the tension of the drumhead.
To tune a drum, first tighten the tension rods evenly around the hoop. Then, use the drum key to turn the tension rods clockwise to increase the tension or counterclockwise to decrease the tension. Tune the drum until it reaches the desired pitch.
The following table provides a general guide to the pitch of each drum in a drum set:
| Drum | Pitch |
|---|---|
| Bass drum | Low and resonant |
| Snare drum | High and crisp |
| Tom-toms | Mid-range and warm |
| Hi-hats | High and metallic |
Once you have tuned the drums, you can fine-tune them by adjusting the muffling or damping of the drums. Muffling can be achieved by using drum heads with built-in muffling rings or by placing a piece of tape or a drum dampener on the drumhead.
Damping can be achieved by using a drum rug or by placing a towel or blanket under the drum.
Experiment with different muffling and damping techniques to find the sound that you want.
Making Final Adjustments
Once all the components are connected, make final adjustments to ensure optimal playability and sound quality.
1. Drum Throne
Adjust the height and position of the drum throne to achieve a comfortable and ergonomic playing posture. Ensure that your feet can comfortably reach the pedals.
2. Cymbal Stands and Hi-Hat Stand
Adjust the height and angle of the cymbal stands and hi-hat stand to create a comfortable and natural playing position. Ensure that the cymbals are within easy reach and that the hi-hat is positioned correctly for footwork.
3. Floor Tom
Adjust the height and angle of the floor tom to provide a comfortable playing position and enhance the sound projection.
4. Rack Tom
Adjust the height, angle, and position of the rack toms to create a cohesive and natural playing surface.
5. Bass Drum Pedal
Adjust the beater position and angle to achieve optimal power and control during footwork. Set the spring tension to match your playing style and preferences.
6. Snare Drum
Adjust the height and angle of the snare drum to provide a comfortable playing position and optimize the sound projection.
7. Cymbal Chokes
Position cymbal chokes as needed to damp unwanted overtones and create specific sound effects.
8. Drum Key
Keep a drum key within easy reach for any necessary adjustments or fine-tuning during practice or performance.
9. Dampening Devices
Consider using dampening devices such as moon gels or O-rings to control unwanted overtones and improve sound quality.
10. Tuning
Use a drum tuner or a reference pitch to tune the drums to the desired pitch. Tuning involves adjusting the tension of the drumheads using the tension rods. It affects the sound quality, resonance, and overall playability of the drum set. Tuning can be a complex and subjective process, requiring patience, experimentation, and a keen ear for optimal results.
How To Put A Drum Set Together
Putting together a drum set can be a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple if you follow these steps:
- Lay out all of the drum pieces on the floor.
- Attach the legs to the bass drum.
- Place the bass drum in the center of the drum set.
- Attach the toms to the bass drum using the tom mounts.
- Place the cymbals on the cymbal stands.
- Adjust the height and angle of the drums and cymbals to your liking.
- Tune the drums to the desired pitch.
Once you’ve followed these steps, your drum set will be assembled and ready to play.
