If you purchase a full drum set, don't be concerned with getting a full array of tom-toms, cymbals, and other accessories. A simple four-piece will suffice. Rack tom-toms are mounted on top of the bass drum, floor toms stand on the floor supported by three metal legs. The bass drum, also called a kick, is the largest drum in the kit and is played exclusively with your foot using a pedal, the pedal contains a felt beater that strikes the drum. Many kits also come with a 10" x 13" rack tom as well. If you do buy a kit, you might as well go the distance, however, and include both a ride cymbal and a crash cymbal in your purchase.

Also, don't forget the hi-hats and stand, bass drum pedal, and padded throne or drum stool. Finally for beginners, cases are optional since you will not be traveling all over town, night after night, with your gear. If you do buy cases, Humes & Berg makes easy to use nylon padded bags. They call them Tuxedo cases. In summary, do not to be fooled by beautiful, sparkly new drums and cymbals, since this can be misleading. As you may have guessed by now, used drums and cymbals should not, in any way, be looked down upon. In fact, many in-the-know drummers enjoy scouting for rare and used equipment, and revel in stories of how they found some great snare drum or cymbal tucked away in the bargain bin at a pawn shop, tag sale, or even large retail outlet. So, take your time and find equipment that will keep you satisfied for at least a few years.

Climate control is essential to the health of your drums and cymbals. Extreme cold can cause shell veneers to peel off and crack. Consistent contact with moisture can also cause the brass on cymbals and the chrome on drums to rust.

Buying the Right Accessories

Buying the right gear is extremely important. Having the most expensive or fancy equipment is not. As you begin to define your goals and solidify your musical interests, you will be able to make better decisions about what drums, cymbals, hardware, sticks, pads, and other equipment you will want to use for practice. You may even begin to think about what your dream drum set might be. At this stage of the game, however, it is important not to become overly preoccupied with equipment. You will want to make smart purchases, but don't get caught up in a retail frenzy, or you will only waste your money.

Drum Pads

Drum pads are an essential part of every drummer's collection. Beginners often can't afford drums themselves, so pads take on even more relevance. As of this writing, the best pad on the market is the gum rubber Real Feel drum pad. This pad will give you the necessary bounce you need to develop good technique. The Remo Drum Company also makes fine pads and pad drum sets, though they are a little loud. If neither pad is available, ask the clerk at your local music store which pads offer great stick rebound and a quiet surface. Since drums themselves can be very loud, the pad offers a wondet-ful alternative to supplying earplugs for your entire neighborhood. Do yourself a favor and make a pad or pad set your first purchase. Keep in mind that if you cannot afford an actual drum set, pads are a legitimate alternative. In other words, you can develop nearly all the techniques and skills needed to be a drummer with only pads, every serious drummer works out on pads at least part of the time.

By Eric Stark