Buying a drum kit? Get it right!

Plus John Bonham, 2 minute tips and the best of the drumming web.

Author

Iain Potter
June 11, 2023

Hey fellow drummers!

Have you ever made a purchase with your heart rather than your head? 

Buying a musical instrument is definitely something where that can happen, but stepping back and thinking about the process can save us from ending up with a kit that’s not right for us, and which we might regret buying.

This week, our featured article talks about some of the factors to consider when buying a drum kit!

We also have a 2-minute tip that could make a real difference to your playing, and we put a spotlight on the drumming legend John Bonham!

As usual, we start with a roundup of some of the best drumming videos posted this week.

Before we get to that though, I have a small favour to ask.

If you enjoy this newsletter and feel like others would like it, please pass it on to them! I would really appreciate it.

OK, appeal over, let’s start with the top 5…

The Gretsch “Round Badge Stories” documentary was posted to YouTube this week. Gretsch celebrate their 140th anniversary this year and are renowned for being fantastic sounding drums, often “secretly” used in studios by drummers who endorse other brands, and favoured by many producers.

“What the bloody hell is djent?”, I thought to myself when I spotted this video from Jay Postones. Luckily for me, that’s the first question he answers in his video “How To Djent”. 

Joel discusses drum tuning, particularly for snare drums. He notes that many drummers may not fully understand how to tune their instruments, but it is a useful skill for achieving desired sounds - Joel shares his tuning principles.

The Non-Glamorous Drummer discusses how to avoid sloppy, uneven doubles as you increase in speed. He recommends using the wrist to even out the doubles, rather than relying solely on rebound or incorporating fingers, which only work at quick tempos.

Nick D'Virgilio breaks down 5 great drum intros. Nick plays the intros and he’s joined by Carl Baldassarre, who accompanies him on guitar. The pair break down and discuss each of the pieces.

Buying a drum kit is a hugely exciting thing to do, but it can also be incredibly overwhelming.

Drumming can be a particularly expensive hobby, and so getting your choice right is important.

That’s why we’ve gathered together a whole bunch of tips to help you plan the process!

Follow our guide, make notes, and ensure you get a kit that’s right for you.

Choosing a Drum Kit: Things to Consider

Buying a drum kit is an exciting time, but a big investment. Getting it wrong can be upsetting or even off-putting. Make sure you get it right with our guide!

www.drumfusion.online/p/buying-drum-kit

Make sure you’re getting the most out of your practice by focussing on something that is easily neglected - the direction of travel of your sticks!

We have a 2-minute tip and some suggestions to get you back on track and optimise what you get out of your practice.

2 Minute Tip: Tip Travel

Ensure you're getting the most out of what you put in with our 2 minute tip.

www.drumfusion.online/p/tip-travel

John Bonham will need no introduction to the vast majority of drummers.

Known for his powerful yet intricate style, he also managed to bring an element of swing to his style of playing.

Bonham is in our spotlight this week!

John Bonham

John Bonham is one of the most revered drummers in the history of music. We talk a little about his career and musical style.

www.drumfusion.online/p/bonham

Ever wanted to make a career as a musician? After our last newsletter went out, I stumbled across this interesting video posted a few years ago by Emily Dolan Davies.