Drums & Percussion

What to consider when shopping for a drum kits

• Age and competence of the user
• Toy, school learning or professional
• Price and affordability
• School and home only or classical orchestral use

• Sound systems with headphone, built-in speakers or external amplifier and speakers
• Size and portability 
• Recording capabilities either internally or via APP in computer. 
• Storage and portability

• Output connections: headphones, line out for amplfier, USB for computer
• Synthesizer features included or not
• Accessories : Pedals, stool, cables and amplifier etc
   

Early learners roll-up hand drums

• Basic introductory learning of rythym and percussion sounds for an immersive and expressive drumming experience
• Includes bass drum, toms, snare, hi-hat and cymbals.
• Low cost
• Portable

• Can be used on floor or table and take up little space
• Easy storage
• Use with headphones reduces noise levels, in-built speaker , external speaker connections

• Foot pedals with sustain in higher cost models
• Small toy non-electronic drum sets are easily broken, not easy to store or carry and need space to set them up and are noisy without any control of the sounds 

School portable desk drums

• Higher quality drumsets for schools with all features above plus demonstrations for leaning
• Multiple percussion sounds drum types cymbals etc with weighted pads to change sound based on pressure on pad , 

• Portable with rechargeable battery operation and internal speakers and headphone output
• Velocity control varies output sound level
• Bluetooth
• Recording

• MIDI editing
• Recorder in-built
• Sustain functions
• Audio inputs and outputs for playing and recording with other instruments

Full Electronic drum kits

• Electronic drum kit that creates realistic sound,
• Smooth playing,

• Variety of sound styles,
• Built-in multiple preset drum sets,

• Variety of playing styles, from classical to popular, jazz to rock, etc

Differences between Electronic and Traditional drums

Electronic

Portable and easy to store taking up little space with many built-in features to enable pupils to learn the basic skills of percussion and rhythm in a school or home environment.

An easy way for very young and older students to learn in a classroom or home environment. 

Sound quality is different to that of traditional drums and limited by the way that the sound is transmitted.

Traditional Drum Sets

Relatively large, expensive and not easy to transport or set up quickly in new environments. They are available in different sizes for young people to use.

The sound quality is better once the drums have been set-up correctly by adjustment of tension etc.

Unlike electronic kits they are well suited to band and orchestral use and in large halls for events.