March to the beat of different DRUMS!

How to select your next set of drums.

According to the archaeologists, drums have existed for at least 8000 years.

Drums were the instrument of choice for ancient ceremonies, rituals and, according to our AudioLink experts, prehistoric “rock” concerts.

Expanding beyond the sacred space, drums are now taken for granted as the foundation instrument for musical groups of many different genres, ranging from symphonic orchestras, marching bands and styles such as Pop, R&B, Rap and Hip-Hop.

The expanded role of drums in modern music has necessitated the development of a multiplicity of percussion instruments. And, in fact, drums have changed radically over time. Each style of music has called forth new drums to fill the evolving roles of rhythm. The modern drum set answers this need with many components - bass drums, snare drums, tom toms and cymbals – to name a few.

Drums, nowadays, are bought not only individually, but also in drum sets manufactured by world-recognized companies like Ludwig, Pearl, Tama, PinTech and now Fender Squier. These drum sets come in a wide array of sizes, pieces, colors, and sounds. In addition, you now have a choice between the well-established standard, acoustic drums and the increasingly popular electronic drums.

Deciding on what drums to buy depends on many factors, here are a few that we feel are particularly important:

1. Who is going to be playing the drums? Is the drum set for a student, a professional
    musician or a recording studio?
2. You also need to know what drum components you want (cymbals, pedals, stands,
    etc.).
3. How transportable do the drums need to be? Remember you have to carry the drums
    (at least until you become successful enough to have roadies).

Based on these criteria, and our own experience of what drums work best, here are a few suggestions and our reasoning behind them.

Squier drums, offered by Fender, are a breakthrough product for a legendary instrument maker.

The best feature of these drums is their price. For less than $500 (AudioLink's Sale Price), you get five drums featuring a wood snare drum, a bass drum, three tom-toms, a hi-hat cymbal and a crash cymbal. The drums are constructed of sturdy 9-ply poplar shell with precision cut 45° bearing edges that allow for easy tuning and optimal tone. You also get great extras like Remo heads and a set of sticks with a tuning key. Fender also throws in a very informative practice CD that allows drummers to play along to different styles of music.

All in all this is our pick for a drum set that delivers professional features at a price and configuration that is ideal for beginning drummers.

Tama drums are well-known for style, playability and sound.

The Tama Stagestar custom 5 piece drum kit, with collapsible bass drum lifter, is a great offering in the Tama tradition. These drums are best suited for the experienced drummer. The drums include features like a fold-back bass drum lifter, which will light up the eyes (and lighten the load) of a touring musician. This set of drums is engineered for musicians on the go.

Note, while cymbals are not included with the Tama drums, an instructional DVD is. Too bad you can’t slam on the DVD!

Pearl drums take high end to a whole new level.

These drums come with all the essentials.

Made for the professional drummer, these drums can be brought to a gig right out of the box!

Included is a pair of great-sounding 14" hi-hat cymbals, an 18" crash/ride cymbal and a pair of Vic Firth 5A drumsticks. These mahogany drums really bring out the big, warm vintage sound.

But, wait for it, my personal picks are still coming.

When it comes to vintage, no manufacturer delivers a warmer sound than Ludwig drums.

The British rock and roll invasion of the 1960’s caused explosive growth in the world of drums; and Ludwig drums were right in the middle of it. The Ludwig Accent Custom 5-piece drum set, with bass drum pedal, hi-hat and cymbal stand, is the perfect way to obtain that classic sound and is quickly growing in popularity.

Ludwig drums deliver surprising quality. Sounding vintage is in! Cymbals and hi-hats are not included with this set, but you’ll be one step closer to sounding like your favorite 60’s band.

Now for my personal favorite with a lot more bang for the buck. The PinTech drums lead the way back to the future with an exciting array of "e-drums".

With all this talk of vintage, somebody please bring me back to reality. We live in the year 2006, right? It's possible that the future of drums is about to evolve dramatically right before our eyes and Pintech electronics has it covered!

Ever wish you could just wake up in the middle of the night and sit behind your drums and practice at 2:00 AM without waking up your roommates, parents or the neighborhood? Well Pintech electronics can make these dreams come true! Pintech’s E-jam electronic drum set features silent mesh electronic pads, which allow you to bang away at anytime without causing a racket. Plug in your favorite pair of headphones and pump up the volume! Scroll through banks of pre-configured drum kits, or create your own custom set.

Pintech's complete line of electronic drums and percussion products is 100% compatible with all popular drum sound modules. This means that expanding and upgrading your electronic drum kit is no hassle.

Remember what I said about the collapsible Tama drum lifter? Well the whole Pin Tech drum set is collapsible making it a revolution in a box for drummers on the go.

In terms of practicing alone, these drums are definitely worth buying - especially for those living in apartments or with large threatening neighbors! No practice after dinner unless you have this electronic set!

In my opinion, your ideal drums are:

  •  versatile (including cymbals)
  •  transportable (easy on the travelling musician)
  •  resonant (vintage is in)
  •  affordable (not cause bankruptcy)
  •  durable (last longer than the warranty)
  •  expandable (play well with others)
  •  practical (silent practices help)

Drums like these are music to my ears.

And I bet my cave men ancestors would agree with me (at least when it comes to drums).

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