It can be challenging when it comes to deciding what you're not very certain about.
When it comes to drums, there are so many different options to look into from 4 to 5 pieces, hardware, cymbals and finally the product models, which in our case would be Roadshow, Decade, Catalina Maple and so on.
We thought it would be best for us to compile a list of a few tips to help all of you to choose the right drum set fit for your requirements and highlight the differences between each;
1. Age Range & Profession Skill
Now to start things off, it's easy to say that there are different drums depending on your age range or personal skill level. Let's take the Pearl Roadshow Junior for example; It's the perfect starter level drum set for young children aged 10 years or younger, being an all-in-one 5 piece set, it lets the child get the perfect experience from their kit.
Apart from the age range, another base to look at would be the skill level or even the drumming style of the drummer. To break it down, skill level can be categorised from Beginner, Intermediate and Professional as they gradually improve and practice playing the drums. As for the drumming style there are various styles of drumming, depending on which 'genre' a drummer plays such as Rock, Jazz and so on, categorising the drum sets based on genres helps beginner drummers to make the correct drum choice from the get go.
2. Difference between 4 Piece and 5 Piece Drum Set
When it comes to the number of drumset pieces, the standard 'pieces' are made up of Bass Drum, Snare Drum and Tom(s). It being 5 or 4 pieces would commonly depend on the number of toms that are included and the drummer's personal preference.
4 Piece Drum Set
5 Piece Drum Set
3. What does Hardware mean?
Now the term "Hardware" is commonly used when it comes to drums, for newer or aspiring drummers this term may be confusing. The Hardware is the component that makes up the complete drum set, helping you assemble and have the kit ready to play. Whereas the term "Shell Pack" refers to only the main drum parts such as Bass Drum, Toms and Snare and no hardware is included.
Hardware usually refers to the below mentioned part;
- Snare Stand
- Rack Tom or Tom Stand
- Cymbal Straight Stand
- Cymbals Boom Stand
- Hi-Hat Stand
- Drum Throne (drummer stool)
- Bass Drum Pedal
4. Differences between Birch and Maple Drum Shell
Finally, the factor that will answer your question "But why is this so expensive?", well the real reason comes down to the type of wood used to make the drum. Now you may or may not notice that the most commonly used wood to make drums would be both Maple for high-end/professional drum sets and Birch which are more used on mid-range sets, which are both considered 'exotic woods' known for their high quality and extraordinary sounds when used to make instruments.
Manufacturers like Pearl or Gretsch are always looking to provide drum sets for beginners at a more affordable price set, therefore they've create drum set using poplar shell.
Their main point of difference would be the tonal difference between the two, now let's take a quick look at the different tonalities;
Birch:
- Dense & Durable
- Hits both high and low frequencies
- Projects a bright tone
Maple:
- Lower frequency
- Warmer and smooth tone
Poplar:
- Sounds similar to Birch and Mahogany sets
- Often combined with other woods woods
- Bright tone
