Complete Drum Sets With Hardware And Cymbals
So, you've got that drumming itch, huh? You've been air-drumming in your car (guilty as charged!), tapping out rhythms on your desk, and generally making life a little more percussive for everyone around you. That's awesome! And if you're ready to graduate from imaginary drum solos to the real deal, you're probably starting to look at buying your very first drum set. But where do you even begin? It can feel a bit like navigating a musical minefield out there, with all the different brands, sizes, and confusing terms. Don't sweat it, though! We're going to break down the magical world of complete drum sets with hardware and cymbals, making it super easy and, dare I say, even fun to understand.
Think of it this way: when you buy a complete drum set with hardware and cymbals, you're basically getting the whole shebang. It's like ordering a pizza with all the toppings, a burger with the works, or a Netflix binge with popcorn and fuzzy socks. You get everything you need to start making some noise – the good kind, of course! This is the easiest and most cost-effective way for beginners to get up and running. Why? Because someone else has already done the legwork of figuring out what works well together.
The "Complete" Package: What Exactly's Inside?
Alright, let's peek inside that magical box. A "complete" drum set usually means you're getting the core drum shells, the essential stands and mounts (that's the hardware, folks!), and a set of introductory cymbals. No more, "Oh shoot, I forgot to buy a hi-hat stand!" moments. We like to keep things simple, especially when you're just starting out.
The Drum Shells: The Heartbeat of the Set
These are the wooden or metal "buckets" that you actually hit to make those awesome sounds. Typically, a standard beginner's kit will include:
- The Bass Drum: This is the big daddy, the one you kick with your foot. It provides that deep, thumping low end that makes you want to move. Think of it as the anchor of your rhythm section.
- The Snare Drum: This is your workhorse. It's usually positioned right between your legs and has those buzzy wires (called snares) underneath that give it that characteristic "crack." It's the sound you hear in almost every pop song!
- Tom-Toms: These are the drums mounted above the bass drum or on stands. They come in different sizes and produce higher-pitched, more melodic sounds. Most beginner kits will have at least one or two, often called rack toms. Sometimes you'll find a floor tom too, which is a bigger tom that sits on its own legs.
These shells are usually made from wood like poplar or linden, which are budget-friendly and sound pretty decent. Some might have a few layers of different woods, which can affect the tone slightly. Don't get too bogged down in the wood types just yet; the important thing is you've got something to hit!
The Hardware: The Unsung Heroes
This is where things can get a little… metallic. Hardware refers to all the stands, pedals, and mounts that hold your drums and cymbals in place and allow you to play them. Without this stuff, your drums would just be lying on the floor, and that’s not very rock 'n' roll. A typical complete set's hardware package will include:
- The Bass Drum Pedal: This is what your right foot works. It connects to the beater that hits the bass drum, giving you that driving pulse.
- The Hi-Hat Stand and Cymbals: The hi-hats are two cymbals mounted together on a stand. You control them with a foot pedal, which allows you to open and close them for a variety of sounds – from a tight "chick" to a shimmering sizzle. This is essential for almost any drummer.
- The Snare Drum Stand: Yep, the snare needs its own sturdy perch.
- Cymbal Stands: These are the tall, adjustable arms that hold your crash and ride cymbals. You’ll usually get at least one or two.
The hardware is usually made of chrome-plated steel, which is durable and looks pretty slick. It’s designed to be adjustable, so you can set it up to fit your body comfortably. Ergonomics are important, even when you're just starting to learn how to whack things rhythmically!
The Cymbals: The Sparkle and Shine
Ah, the cymbals! These are the shiny, metallic discs that add all the sizzle, crash, and sustain to your drumming. They’re what make a drum set sound like… well, a drum set! Most beginner complete kits will come with a basic set, which usually includes:
- A Pair of Hi-Hat Cymbals: As mentioned, these work together.
- A Crash Cymbal: This is your accent cymbal, used for dramatic punctuation. Think of those loud, explosive sounds that punctuate the end of a musical phrase. You’ll probably get one medium-sized crash.
- A Ride Cymbal: This is a larger, heavier cymbal, often used for continuous rhythmic patterns. It has a clearer, more defined "ping" sound when you hit the bell in the center. It can also be crashed for a different effect.
These cymbals are typically made from brass or a brass alloy. They’re not going to be the super-premium, hand-hammered, Turkish-made beauties that seasoned pros drool over, but they are perfectly adequate for learning and jamming. They’ll get the job done and sound good enough for you to figure out what you like and don't like. Plus, they’re shiny! Who doesn't love shiny things?
Why Go "Complete"? The Beginner's Best Friend
So, why is this "complete package" such a good idea for new drummers? Let me count the ways!
- Convenience is King: Imagine walking into a music store, or browsing online, and seeing a kit labeled "Complete Drum Set." You know, with a good degree of certainty, that you can buy this and play it. No frantic trips to buy a missing cymbal stand or a pedal that doesn't quite fit. It’s like a pre-made meal for your drumming dreams.
- Budget-Friendly Brilliance: Buying all the individual components – the shells, the hardware, the cymbals – can quickly add up. A complete set is designed to offer a lower overall price point. Manufacturers bundle these items together specifically for the beginner market, making drumming more accessible. It’s a smart financial move when you’re just dipping your toes in the water.
- Curated Components: While these kits aren't top-of-the-line, the components are generally chosen to work reasonably well together. The sizes of the drums, the types of hardware, and the included cymbals are usually a decent starting point. It's like getting a starter pack of Pokémon cards – you might not get the legendary ones, but you get a solid foundation to start your collection.
- Focus on Learning: When you’re a beginner, your brain is already working overtime trying to coordinate your limbs, remember stick patterns, and develop your sense of rhythm. The last thing you need is to be wrestling with finicky hardware or wondering if your cymbals sound "right." A complete set allows you to focus on the fun part: playing music.
What to Look for (Without Getting Overwhelmed)
Okay, so you're sold on the "complete" idea. But what should you actually look for when picking one out? Don't worry, we're not going to dive into the deep end of drum specs. Here are a few simple things to consider:
Brand Reputation (A Little Bit)
There are some big names in the drum world that are known for making decent beginner kits. Brands like Pearl, Tama, Yamaha, Ludwig, and Mapex are usually a safe bet. They've been around for ages and know what they're doing when it comes to entry-level gear. You don't need to go hunting for obscure brands; stick with the tried and true.
Drum Sizes (The Basics)
Drum sizes are usually listed as diameter x depth. For a standard beginner kit, you'll often see something like:
- Bass Drum: 20" x 16"
- Snare Drum: 14" x 5.5"
- Rack Tom: 10" x 7" and 12" x 8"
- Floor Tom: 14" x 14"
These are pretty common and work well for most musical styles. Smaller kits (sometimes called "rock" or "fusion" sizes) might have slightly different dimensions, often with a smaller bass drum. For most beginners, the standard sizes are a great starting point. Don't overthink this too much initially.
Material Matters (Slightly)
As mentioned, most beginner shells are made from woods like poplar or linden. These are perfectly fine. You might see some kits with shells made from a combination of woods or even a bit of "mystery wood." Again, for your first kit, the specific wood type is less important than the fact that you have drums to play!
Hardware Quality (Good Enough is Great)
The hardware in these packages is designed to be functional and durable enough for learning. It might not be the super-heavy-duty stuff you’d find on a professional kit, but it should feel stable and adjust reasonably well. Look for stands that don’t wobble excessively when you set them up. That’s usually a good indicator.
Cymbal Sound (It's a Start!)
The included cymbals are the most likely place where you'll eventually want to upgrade. However, the ones that come with complete kits are designed to be playable. They'll give you the basic sounds you need for hi-hats, crashes, and rides. Practice with what you have and you'll start to develop an ear for what you might want in a future upgrade.
Putting It All Together: The Joy of the First Setup
Okay, your awesome complete drum set has arrived! Cue the confetti! Now comes the exciting part: setting it up. Most kits come with basic instructions, and there are tons of YouTube videos that can guide you. Don't be afraid to experiment with the positioning of your drums and cymbals. Find what feels comfortable and natural for your body. That's part of the fun – making the kit your own!
Once everything is set up, take a moment. Look at it. It's your drum set. You've got the bass drum waiting for your foot, the snare ready for your sticks, the snare stand holding its precious cargo, and those shiny cymbals just begging to be struck. It’s a beautiful thing.
And then, you hit it. That first solid "thump" of the bass drum, the crisp "snap" of the snare, the shimmering "wash" of a cymbal. It might not be perfect, you might miss a beat (or five!), but it’s the sound of you, making music. It’s the sound of a dream taking flight. Every drummer, from the rock gods to the jazz wizards, started somewhere. And often, that somewhere was a complete drum set. So go on, give it a bash! You’ve got a whole world of rhythm waiting for you.