Buying an Electronic Drum Kit: What To Look For

 

Yamaha electric

The level of electric drum kits is constantly evolving. When you are looking to purchase an electric drum kit – there are certain features to look out for, depending on what level of drumming you are at or want to achieve.

Main differences between kits:-

Beginner –

  • Around 110 voices

  • Single zone drum pads

  • Kick and hi hat trigger pedals.

  • Lightweight frame

 

Intermediate –

  • Around 170 voices

  • Double/triple zone drum pads

  • Kick drum pedal and pad

  • Robust frame

 

Advanced –

  • Up to 1000 voices and advanced modules

  • Mesh snare/drum heads

  • Realistic hardware to mimic acoustic kit

 

So, what are the advantages of buying an electric kit?

  • An unlimited library of songs, preset voices and preset kits.

  • The ability to create your own drum kit at the click of the button.

  • Being able to play all kinds of musical styles from one kit.

  • Easy recording possibilities. They can connect to computers and music software.

  • Portability – a lot lighter and easy to transport or fold away.

  • Built in feature such as metronomes to make practices more versatile.

 

 

Different pads used:-

There are commonly 3 types of drum pads used; rubber pads, zone pads and mesh pads. The rubber pads are used all over on beginner’s kits and have a single beat response. When you progress onto an intermediate they usually use more responsive rubber pads with features such as rime shot and a dual zone snare. The advanced kits are designed to create to most realistic feel on drum kits and tend to use mesh heads either just on the snare or on the full kit. The mesh heads are designed to respond more like an acoustic kit. Some mesh heads can be tuned the same way as acoustic drums to create the preferred tension whilst playing. The cymbal pads also vary on each kit but the key to look for is a choke feature allowing you to stop the sustain by grabbing it like you would a normal cymbal.

 

Popular electric drum brands:-

  • Axus

  • Alesis

  • Yamaha

 

The pads and module on electric drums:-

Same with picking a brand, keep in mind what features you want your electric kit to have. There are so many different kinds of kit out there - some just as good as well known brands for half the price. You need to know what you are looking for in both the modules and the pads. 

 

Module: The amount of pre-set songs, drum kits and voices. Recording features. Inputs i.e. USB OPort, MIDI Out, Output L/Mono, Output R, Aux In, Headphones and Trigger Input Connecter LED Display. 

Pads: Tom pads and snare pads - how many on each of the drum sets. Choke feature on cymbals. Rim shot on snare and cloth/netting pads to improve playing. 

 

 

If you need any more info or have other questions or need extra advise, please drop us and email and our Drum Specialist Lizzie will be able to help.