Drum Performance Starting from Zero - Equipment Setup

In the previous issue, we introduced what you need for drumming and what is useful to have. However, it can be difficult to start practicing right away with just the right equipment. This time, we will introduce setting up a drum set.

You can read the previous blog here.
・Drumming from Zero - Essential Equipmen

Setting Up the Whole Drum Set

Let's start with setting up the whole drum set.
Although there is no correct answer on how to correctly set up a drum set, it’s important to place the toms and cymbals in a position that is easy to hit.
If the toms are placed in a position where your arms are fully extended, they will be difficult to play, and such a setting will have the detrimental effect of making you tired and unable to play well. For this reason, I recommend that you take some time in the beginning to find a position that is easy to hit and set up.

The height of the chair (drum throne) is also important.
Adjust the height of the chair (drum throne) so that it is not too high or the knees are above the hips when sitting down.
If it is too close to the bass drum, the beater will hit the snare, so be careful with this as well.

*Some drum thrones have a part called a "memory lock" as shown in the image.
If your throne has such a part, be sure to lower the memory lock firmly after adjusting the height before use.

If the memory lock is not lowered as shown in the image, the seat of the throne may fall off while playing, or the throne may be damaged.

GIBRALTAR / 6608

Tuning

Next, I will talk about how to tune a drum.
Basically, if you are renting a studio, you can simply tune the toms, or other parts, etc., but if you are preparing your own drum set, it may be easier to tune them before setting up. You can work on them at any time you like.
Toms, snare drums, and bass drums have a structure in which the head is held by a hoop, and the hoop has multiple screws.
Basically, you tap lightly around these screws and gradually tighten them in a diagonal line.
If you tap while holding the center of the head, the sound near each screw will be a little easier to recognize.
When it is evenly tightened and the sound is to your liking, tuning is complete!

Once the snare is tuned, it is time to adjust the snappy!
The unique sound of the snare is produced by the snappy that’s attached to the back of the snare.
The sound of the snare can be changed by adjusting the degree of contact and tension of this part, so please experiment with this part as well.

ddrum / SD STU PK - STUDENT SNARE W/ STICKS, PAD, STAND, BAG

Setting the Pedals

Lastly, I will show you how to set up the pedals. This time, I will use the twin pedals displayed in the Onagawa showroom, but the basic adjustment procedure is the same for both single and twin pedals.
The order of setting is given for your convenience, but you can start from any of the steps.

First, adjust the spring tension.

The stronger the tension, the faster the beater will return, but this will require more force when stepping on it.

Then adjust the pedal angle.

These pedals are the type where the pedal angle and beater angle are interlocked, but some pedals have independent pedal and beater angles.
If the angle is set too large, the beater will hit your shin.
If the angle is set too small, the pedal will not produce a firm sound.

Finally, adjust the beater

Position so that it’s firmly centered on the bass drum.

GIBRALTAR / GRC5-DB

In this article, I briefly introduced how to set up a drum.
I hope this helps those who want to start playing drums but do not know how to start, or who have just bought a set of drums but do not know how to set it up.