Accessories

There are many accessories that can enhance and expand the standard drum set including sticks and mallets, internal and external muffling devices, pedals, stands, thrones, cases, covers, practice pads, and even electronic sampling devices.

Drumsticks
Drumsticks are available in a wide range of weights, sizes, shapes and colors. They can be made from a variety of woods including oak, hickory or maple, and metal or synthetic materials like nylon, plastic, aluminum and graphite.
With so many different types of drumsticks available today, players should be able to find the perfect stick to suit any application!

The most popular drumsticks are traditional 5A, 5B and 7A sizes made of hickory or oak with either nylon or wood tips.

Weight, size, taper, neck, tip shape and materials are all factors that affect the sound and feel of a stick. A big, heavy stick produces a big, full sound and stands up better to heavy playing. Thinner, lighter sticks produce a smaller, more focused sound.

The taper at the neck of a stick plays a large part in determining the feel and rebound of a particular model. A short taper has a stiff feel, while a longer taper will have a more giving, "bouncier" feel.

Tip shape and materials define the attack characteristics of a drumstick. This is particularly pronounced when playing the "ride" cymbal. A small, round tip produces a consistent, focused, warm attack. Traditional, elongated acorn or elliptical tip shapes create a brighter, fuller sound with a wider spread of overtones. There are many tip shapes available, so it may take some experimenting to determine your preferences. The material used for the tip also makes a difference. - wooden tips are typically warm and natural sounding, while a nylon tip creates a brighter, more penetrating sound. Although nylon tips are somewhat "thinner "sounding, they are usually more durable than wood.

Other Accessories

Double bass drum pedals make it possible to play two bass drum patterns on a single drum.

Mesh drumheads and portable practice pads help make practicing silent and convenient. Portable practice pads make it easy to study drumming techniques anywhere - without making a lot of noise!

Acoustic drum triggers produce sampled electronic sounds from traditional acoustic drums.

Travel cases and covers are available to protect your percussion instruments.

Thrones give you an adjustable, comfortable place to sit.

Stands hold large drums, like congas or steel drums and also allow you to attach a variety of accessories - bells, blocks, triangles, etc. - to your drum set.

Electronic percussion sets - virtual drums - allow almost unlimited sound creation with the response and feel similar to "real" drums!

Back to top