Beyond the kit itself, these are the drum essentials every drummer needs on hand.
From tiny cocktail kits to massive monster setups, drummers have a whole lot of stuff to cart around from gig to gig. Of course, you always have the drum essentials: snare, sticks, cymbals, etc. But what about all the other bits and bobs you might need as a working drummer? Tea towels, spare sticks, clutch — here’s a quick snapshot of the drum essentials and extras worth packing before your next jam, studio session or live show.
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Gaffa tape
What’s light on one side, dark on the other side and holds the universe together? Maybe it’s the ‘force,’ but definitely it’s gaffa tape. From securing stands to the floor, sticking down a set list, dampening your snare, or even temporarily repairing tears in drum skins, a roll of gaffa tape is the essential piece of kit.
Different kinds of beaters
Need a softer or more powerful kick drum sound in an instant? Having both felt and wood beaters in your arsenal can change the sound of your kick drum in a flash.
Practice pad
Warming up before playing should be a given part of any rehearsal or performance. It helps you to play better and works at preventing injury. A small practice pad in your snare case or bag is an easy way to fit in a warm-up. Rubber may be best as it has natural bounce and is also quieter than other types.
Change that ride sound
Got a jazz or lounge gig coming up, or just want a different sound? In the old days, drummers would drill holes in their ride cymbal and put in rivets. Sure, they sound good, but you also end up with a cymbal full of holes. No thanks! By putting a chain on top of your cymbal, you’ll get a sound that’s pretty close to the sound of rivets. Search for ‘sizzle chain’ or, if you’re on a tight budget, you can even use a bunch of paperclips strung together for the same effect.
Pen and paper
As old school as this sounds, having some paper and a Sharpie in your gig bag is very handy. Last-minute change set change? Some notes on intros, outros, tempos? No worries. Electronics are good for this too, but pen and paper never run out of battery, and the screen won’t time out halfway through a song.
Music stand
Maybe you sing lead or backup as well as drum? Maybe you like to have notes in a clearly visible spot? Are you working from charts? A good, lightweight music stand with a carry bag can help to keep things organised and easy to see.
An old drum skin
Many decades ago, someone showed me how to replace the parts that connect the snares to the strainer with thin strips of old drum heads. They don’t cost anything, they are easy to make, and they last for years. Cut up a few thin strips and keep them with your snare so if one does break, you have one ready to go in an instant.
A ratchet drum key
I visited a drum shop once that let you spin a wheel to win a prize with every purchase over $100. I won a ratchet drum key. You switch over the centrepiece in it for doing up or undoing tension rods. Ingenious. So much faster than a regular drum key. It might just be the greatest portable time-saving device a drummer can have.
Happy playing.
