Drum Hardware -- Essential Info You Shouldn't Do Without

Drum hardware is an area where product design deficiencies become readily apparent, and usually in a short period of time. The nature of the instrument means considerable physical force is channeled through the different stands, mounts and pedals. Those that can't hack it often will warp, deteriorate or flat-out fail.

Certain manufacturers are renowned for the quality, performance and durability of their hardware. Pearl, Tama, DW (Drum Workshop), Mapex and Gibraltar are arguably the most notable of these and each invests significant R&D time and money into making the structure pieces of the drum set better and more reliable.

Cymbal and tom-mount stands are one type of drum hardware where quality-built models stand out distinctively. Where stands typical will fail if they are sub-standard is in the bushings of the retainer clamps. When cymbals or toms are struck inherent energy and force is transferred down the stand and moving parts is where they'll find a host. This is particularly true of hinge that attaches the boom to the stand with cymbal boom stands. The bushings of inferior stands will deteriorate under this repetitive stress and next thing you know your stand can no longer be tightened.

The aforementioned companies, and others, all make great snare drum stands and these stands also endure a repeated pounding down on them. Having one that securely grips your snare is key for the sound of them drum and making sure it stays fixed in its optimum operating position. The legs of these particular stands need to be able to spread very wide and should have bulkier rubber feet, again in consideration of keeping the snare stand steady and where you need it to be.

Players who really kick hard at their bass drums will need a sturdy pedal that sports a "power plate" on its bottom so that the pedal columns will not absorb the stress exclusively. Without one, they have been known to warp over time. Players who have an expansive kit will be well served by a drum rack which promotes ease of set-up and space efficiency for big sets. Gibraltar, in particular, is one manufacturer who does hardware exclusively and their drum racks are known to be some of the best in the biz.

Having great shells and cymbals is only a part of a road-ready drumset. Without quality drum hardware you're going to run into problems eventually. Don't cut corners - be as demanding with your hardware as you are with the musical pieces of you kit.