Drum Kits: History and Types

Drum kit history, types and brands - an overview of the origins and development of the drum kit, plus a look at some of the most popular models.
A Ludwig Drum Kit up close
Share this to:

The drum kit owes its origins to our prehistoric ancestors who stretched animal skins over shells to form an object that, when struck, could carry sound over a large area. In the 1700s, drums became popularised as instruments by orchestras, as musical development picked up.

Fast-forward to the 21st Century, and we now have all kinds of drum kit available in all manner of shapes, sizes and configurations. We even have electronic drum kits that can be used as practise pads, or as digital drum kits for live performance and studio drum kit recording when plugged in.

Drum Kit History

The modern kick drum pedal - invented by Ludwig

The era of the drum kit really began a lot further back but the drum kit we know today was brought to bear by drum kit pioneer William F. Ludwig in the early 1900s. He was a percussionist himself, but it was his invention of the bass drum pedal (kick drum pedal) that turned the whole notion of the drumming on its head.

Until that point, it took several people to produce the lower and upper sounds from the drums. With the kick pedal it was possible to centralise the kit around one man and the modern drum kit was born.

In the 1920s, the hi-hat came along and with it the first inkling that a musical revolution was underway. By the 1930s, the 5-piece arrangement of snare, bass, toms and floor tom with stand-mounted cymbals arrived, signalling the start of the modern music era.

Types of Drum Kit

There are numerous types of drum kit available on the market today, be they full drum kit setups or drum kit components to upgrade your existing drum set. Let’s focus on the top three drum kit configurations -acoustic, hybrid, and electronic- and look at the pros and cons of each kind.

Electronic Drum Kit 

Electronic drum kits have gained popularity over recent years due to advances in digital music technology, offering drummers a versatile alternative to acoustic drum sets. These kits, which typically consist of rubber or mesh drum pads, triggers, and a sound module (brain), can offer a highly responsive and customisable playing experience. However, there are significant pros and cons to consider before opting for an electronic drum kit.

Roland TD-02K V-Drums | Entry-Level Compact Electronic Drum Kit with Expressive Playability

Roland TD-02K V-Drums | Entry-Level Compact Electronic Drum Kit with Expressive Playability

Alesis Nitro Max Kit Electric Drum Kit with Quiet Mesh Pads, 10 Dual Zone Snare, Bluetooth

Alesis Nitro Max Kit Electric Drum Kit with Quiet Mesh Pads, 10″ Dual Zone Snare, Bluetooth

ROLAND TD-07DMK Electronic V-Drums Kit, Legendary Double-Ply All Mesh Head Kit With Superior Expression And Playability

ROLAND TD-07DMK Electronic V-Drums Kit, Legendary Double-Ply All Mesh Head Kit

Pros of Electronic Drum Kits

  • Durability and Maintenance: Electronic drums typically require less maintenance than acoustic kits. There are no drumheads to tune or cymbals to crack. They are less affected by changes in temperature and humidity, making them more durable over time.
  • Volume Control: One of the most significant advantages of electronic drum kits is their ability to control volume. Unlike acoustic drums, which are naturally loud, electronic kits allow you to play quietly by plugging in headphones or reducing the volume output. This is particularly useful for those who live in flats or shared spaces where noise is a concern.
  • Portability and Space Saving: Electronic drum kits are typically more compact and lighter than their acoustic counterparts. They can be easily packed away or transported, making them an excellent option for musicians with limited space or those who need a mobile setup for rehearsals or gigs.
  • Sound Variety and Customisation: Electronic drum kits provide a wide range of sound options. Most kits come with preloaded drum kits, allowing drummers to switch between jazz, rock, or even electronic sounds with a simple button press. Advanced kits also let users load their samples or connect to digital audio workstations (DAWs) for further customisation, expanding creative possibilities.
  • Recording and MIDI Integration: Electronic kits are perfect for home recording. They can connect directly to a computer or recording interface via USB or MIDI, allowing musicians to record high-quality drum tracks without microphones. This MIDI capability also makes it possible to use the kit with various virtual instruments or to control other devices in a studio setup.
  • Training Features: Many electronic kits come equipped with built-in practice tools, such as metronomes, play-along tracks, and the ability to record and review your playing. These tools make it easier for beginners to learn and improve their timing and rhythm in a structured manner.

Cons of Electronic Drum Kits

  • Feel and Playability: Despite advancements in technology, most drummers agree that electronic kits do not fully replicate the feel of an acoustic drum set. The rebound and response of rubber or mesh pads can feel different from traditional drumheads and cymbals. For some, this makes electronic kits less satisfying to play, especially for intricate techniques such as buzz rolls or ghost notes.
  • Sound Quality Limitations: While modern electronic kits come with high-quality samples, they may still fall short of capturing the nuanced sounds of acoustic drums, especially when it comes to dynamic playing. The range of tone changes based on how hard or soft you hit a drum can be more limited compared to a real kit. For professional recordings or performances, this can be a drawback.
  • Cost: High-end electronic drum kits can be expensive, often rivalling or exceeding the price of professional-grade acoustic drum sets. Additionally, for a more realistic experience, drummers often opt for mesh pads or additional hardware, further driving up the cost. Entry-level electronic kits may not offer the same quality or durability, leading to potential frustrations for more serious players.
  • Power and Connectivity Requirements: Unlike acoustic drums, electronic kits require a power source to operate, and they can have complex cabling needs to connect the pads to the module. If you’re performing live, you’ll need access to power outlets, and the potential for technical failures (such as a power cut or a cable coming loose) is always a risk.
  • Limited Dynamics for Live Performance: While electronic kits work well for home practice or studio recording, they may not be the best option for live performances, especially in acoustic settings. They can sound more synthetic and lack the natural resonance and dynamics of an acoustic kit when played through amplifiers or PA systems. This can detract from the energy and feel of a live show.
  • Latency and Software Issues: Even with high-quality kits, latency (the slight delay between hitting a pad and hearing the sound) can be a problem, particularly when using MIDI or other software integrations. This issue, though improving, can still frustrate drummers who are accustomed to the instantaneous response of acoustic drums.

Electronic drum kits offer numerous advantages, especially for those in need of quiet practice, easy recording, or diverse sound options. Volume control, space-saving design, and integrated training features make them a practical choice for home use. However, they fall short in areas like playability, sound quality, and live performance dynamics compared to acoustic kits. Ultimately, the decision to use an electronic drum kit will depend on a drummer’s specific needs and preferences—whether prioritising versatility and technology or the feel and authenticity of acoustic drums.

Acoustic Drum Kit

Acoustic drum kits are the traditional choice for drummers, offering an authentic, rich sound that has been central to many genres of music for centuries. These kits are composed of natural or synthetic drumheads stretched over a shell, along with metal cymbals, all played by hand or with sticks. Acoustic drums have a natural, organic sound that’s difficult to fully replicate with digital or electronic alternatives. However, while they are prized for their feel and tonal variety, there are also some significant downsides to consider.

Pros of Acoustic Drum Kits

  • Authentic Sound Quality: The most notable advantage of acoustic drum kits is their natural, rich sound. Acoustic drums produce sound through physical vibration, which results in a warmth and resonance that is hard for electronic kits to mimic. The variety of tones that can be achieved through different stick techniques, striking angles, and pressure on the drumhead gives acoustic drums a unique depth. The overtones and resonance of acoustic drums add to the complexity and richness of the sound, especially in live performances.
  • Dynamic Range: Acoustic drums offer a much wider dynamic range compared to electronic kits. They respond to how hard or soft you play, with subtle differences in sound produced by variations in stroke force and technique. This is particularly important for expressive playing and for genres that require intricate drum work like jazz or orchestral music.
  • Realistic Feel and Playability: The feel of playing an acoustic drum kit is unparalleled. The rebound of the drumsticks on the drumheads and cymbals, along with the response of the hardware, allows drummers to perform complex techniques such as buzz rolls, rim shots, and ghost notes with greater precision. The tactile response of acoustic drums gives a sense of control and interaction with the instrument, which is often cited as a critical reason why many drummers prefer them over electronic kits.
  • Live Performance Energy: Acoustic drum kits are well-suited for live performances, where their powerful sound and presence can fill a room, adding energy to the music. Their natural volume and resonance are key components in most band settings, from rock and metal to jazz and blues. The visual impact of a large acoustic drum kit in a live setting also contributes to the overall performance, making the drummer’s presence felt both aurally and visually.
  • Tradition and Customisation: For many drummers, the tradition of acoustic drums holds significant appeal. Many enjoy customising their kits, choosing specific drum shells, heads, cymbals, and hardware to create a unique sound and feel. This hands-on approach allows for more personal expression and experimentation with sound.
  • No Power Requirements: Acoustic drums don’t need to be plugged in or powered by electricity. This makes them highly portable and reliable in situations where power access might be limited, such as outdoor gigs or jam sessions in unconventional settings.

Cons of Acoustic Drum Kits

  • Volume Issues: The biggest disadvantage of acoustic drums is their natural volume. They are loud instruments, and there is a little way to control their output without using dampening techniques or muting pads, which can alter the sound. This can make acoustic drums problematic for practising at home, particularly in noise-sensitive environments like flats or shared houses.
  • Space Requirements: Acoustic drum kits require a significant amount of space. They are generally larger and more cumbersome than electronic kits, and the layout of the drums and cymbals takes up considerable room. Setting up and breaking down an acoustic kit can also be time-consuming, making it less convenient for drummers who frequently need to transport their gear.
  • Maintenance: Acoustic drum kits require regular maintenance. The drumheads wear out over time and need to be replaced, and the drums need to be regularly tuned to maintain their sound. Tuning acoustic drums is an art in itself, and some drummers find it a challenge to consistently keep their kit sounding optimal. Cymbals can also crack and hardware can break, leading to additional repair or replacement costs.
  • Recording Challenges: Recording acoustic drums can be complex. They require multiple microphones to capture the full range of sound, which can be difficult and expensive to set up. Soundproofing is often needed to prevent the drum sounds from bleeding into other microphones or causing feedback issues. Additionally, acoustic drums are highly sensitive to room acoustics, so achieving a high-quality recording can take a lot of time and effort.
  • Transport and Setup: Acoustic drums are bulky and heavy. Transporting them to gigs, rehearsals, or recording sessions can be a logistical challenge, especially for larger kits. Drummers often need to disassemble and reassemble their kit each time they move it, which adds significant setup and breakdown time to any performance.
  • Cost: High-quality acoustic drum kits can be expensive, especially when considering the cost of individual components such as shells, cymbals, stands, and pedals. In addition, regular maintenance expenses (drumheads, cymbals, sticks) can add up over time, making acoustic drums a considerable investment.

Acoustic drum kits are celebrated for their authentic sound, dynamic range, and playability, making them the preferred choice for live performances and drummers who value tradition and expression. Their organic resonance and natural feel are unmatched, providing an immersive playing experience that electronic kits struggle to replicate. However, acoustic kits also come with significant drawbacks, including volume control issues, space requirements, maintenance demands, and transportation challenges. For drummers with the space, soundproofing, and technical setup, acoustic kits offer a rewarding and deeply engaging musical experience. However, for those who need convenience, portability, or quiet practice, these instruments can pose real challenges.

Hybrid Drum Kit

Charlie Benante of Anthrax talks about Hybrid Drumming and the kit he uses.

Hybrid drum kits combine the elements of acoustic and electronic drum kits, providing drummers with the best of both worlds. This type of setup typically involves a traditional acoustic drum kit integrated with electronic components, such as drum triggers, pads, or sound modules. This allows the drummer to achieve the natural feel and dynamics of an acoustic kit while also tapping into the versatility and technology of an electronic kit. Hybrid setups are becoming increasingly popular in both live performances and studio environments, but as with all instruments, they come with their set of pros and cons.

Pros of Hybrid Drum Kits

  • Versatility and Sound Customisation: One of the biggest advantages of a hybrid drum kit is its sound versatility. Drummers can blend acoustic sounds with electronic samples, expanding their sonic palette significantly. This is particularly useful in live performances where the drummer may need to switch between different musical styles or reproduce specific electronic drum sounds that would be difficult to achieve with an acoustic kit alone. With a hybrid setup, you can add electronic pads for extra sounds, such as 808 bass drops, claps, or synthesised snares.
  • Enhanced Recording Capabilities: Hybrid kits are ideal for studio recording, offering the best of both acoustic and electronic worlds. The acoustic drums provide the natural, live feel that many producers prefer, while the electronic elements make it easier to layer samples or MIDI data into a track. This combination allows for greater flexibility in post-production, as you can edit the electronic elements more easily without having to rely entirely on the acoustic recording.
  • Dynamic Range and Feel: By keeping the acoustic elements of the drum kit, hybrid setups maintain the feel and playability that drummers love. The response and dynamics of an acoustic snare or tom are often superior to those of electronic pads. At the same time, by adding triggers or pads, drummers can introduce electronic sounds without sacrificing the natural rebound and sensitivity of traditional acoustic drums.
  • Live Performance Advantages: Hybrid kits are a favourite for live performances, especially for genres like pop, electronic, or hip-hop where drummers may need to integrate samples or backing tracks. The ability to combine acoustic power with digital precision allows for greater versatility on stage. Additionally, many drummers use triggers to ensure that their acoustic drums are consistently mixed, providing an even sound in varying acoustic environments, regardless of mic placement or room acoustics.
  • Layering Sounds: Hybrid kits allow for sound layering, where an acoustic drum sound can be combined with an electronic sample simultaneously. This technique can give the drums a thicker, more powerful sound. For example, drummers can trigger a heavier snare sample while playing their acoustic snare, enhancing the overall impact without changing their playing technique.
  • Silent Practice with an Acoustic Feel: By integrating mesh pads or mute triggers on the acoustic kit, hybrid setups allow drummers to practice silently with headphones while still playing their real acoustic shells. This feature is especially beneficial for drummers who want the authentic feel of acoustic drums but need to keep the noise down in shared spaces or at home.

Cons of Hybrid Drum Kits

  • Complexity in Setup: Hybrid drum kits are more complex to set up and maintain than purely acoustic or electronic kits. The addition of electronic components, such as triggers, sound modules, and extra cabling, can make the setup more cumbersome. Drummers need to carefully balance their acoustic and electronic components, which can take time, especially in a live setting. The hybrid nature also increases the likelihood of technical difficulties, such as wiring failures or trigger malfunctions, which can interrupt a performance.
  • Technical Knowledge Required: Successfully integrating an acoustic kit with electronics requires a good deal of technical knowledge. Drummers must understand how to use triggers, MIDI, and sound modules, and be comfortable with electronics to troubleshoot problems. This can be daunting for those who are used to the simplicity of an acoustic setup or who lack experience with electronic music technology.
  • Cost: While starting with an acoustic kit is relatively affordable, adding electronic components can quickly drive up the cost. High-quality triggers, sound modules, pads, and other hybrid accessories can be expensive. A full hybrid setup may rival the cost of a high-end electronic drum kit or professional acoustic drum kit, making it a significant investment, particularly for drummers on a budget.
  • Potential for Latency: While the response of electronic triggers has improved dramatically, latency (the slight delay between hitting a pad or trigger and hearing the sound) can still be an issue, especially with lower-end or poorly configured systems. In high-tempo music or intricate playing, even a small amount of latency can be disruptive to a drummer’s flow, causing frustration during live performances or studio sessions.
  • Maintenance and Troubleshooting: Hybrid kits require more maintenance than traditional acoustic kits. The electronic components can fail or malfunction, and cables can get tangled or disconnected. Keeping the electronics and acoustics in sync requires regular checking and troubleshooting, especially when using them for live gigs or recording sessions. This extra layer of complexity might be off-putting for drummers who prefer the straightforward nature of acoustic drums.
  • Learning Curve: For drummers who are accustomed to a purely acoustic or electronic setup, the transition to a hybrid kit can be challenging. They may need time to learn how to balance electronic and acoustic sounds, configure triggers, and get the most out of their sound module. This can be a steep learning curve for those who are not comfortable with technology or who are new to hybrid drumming.

Hybrid drum kits offer a compelling blend of acoustic realism and electronic versatility, making them a popular choice for drummers who need to cover a wide range of musical styles. Their ability to provide both natural dynamics and customisable sounds makes them ideal for live performances and studio work alike. Layering acoustic and electronic sounds, or switching between the two, opens up new creative possibilities that are difficult to achieve with purely acoustic or electronic kits.

Drum Brands

The world of drumming is rich with a diverse array of brands that cater to the unique needs of every drummer, whether they are beginners or professionals. These brands have developed their reputations through innovation, craftsmanship, and a deep understanding of what makes a drum sound and feel great. From companies that specialise in acoustic drums and percussion instruments, to pioneers in electronic drum technology, each brand brings something distinct to the table. Below is a comprehensive list of some of the most iconic and influential drum and percussion manufacturers, highlighting their contributions to the world of drumming.

Adams

Adams is a renowned drum kit brand specialising in high quality concert percussion instruments.

Alesis

Alesis make drum kits, multipads, drum machines, modules and amplification products as part of their drum kit range.

American Drum

American Drum are a well known manufacturer of percussion and drum mallets in the USA. They’ve been making and selling drum mallets since 1965.

Avedis Zildjian Company

As the world’s leading maker of cymbals, drumsticks, and percussion mallets, Zildjian products are sold across the globe, under the Zildjian, Vic Firth, and Balter brands.

Axis Percussion

Axis Percussion is a proud United States company specialising in the manufacturing of precision drum pedals and drum hardware since 1990.

Ayotte Drums

Ayotte Drums are a drum kit manufacturer based in Bedford, Canada responsible for the manufacturing, sales, marketing and distribution of Ayotte products worldwide.

Brady Drums

Brady Drums were a renowned drum kit manufacturer in Australia from 1980 to 2015. Their Facebook community lives on and remains pretty active.

D’Addario

You would be forgiven for thinking “huh?” because the D’Addario name isn’t the first that springs to mind when thinking about drum kit. Guitar strings, yes. Drum kit? No way… However, they own Evans and Promark so are pretty much market leaders in drumheads and drumsticks, globally.

ddrum

ddrum, a 21st Century addition to the world of drum kit, designs acoustic drums, electronic drums, industry standard triggers and high quality hardware that deliver the performance & innovation desired by today’s drummer

Dixon Drums

Dedicated to the idea that all drummers share the same quest, Dixon has paired its reputation for quality manufacturing with its high regard for the drumming collective. 

DW Drums

After more than 40 years of innovation and tireless dedication to improving the way drum products are made, DW drums, pedals and hardware are the standard by which all others are measured

Evans Drumheads

Evans Drumheads are an industry favourite drumhead brand owned by D’Addario. They have pioneered a UV coating to stop drum heads looking so battered after playing, among other things.

Gibraltar Hardware

Gibraltar Hardware has been around for years and are renowned for their range of high quality, innovative drum hardware and kit racks that are very popular in the drumming world.

Gretsch Drums

Gretsch Drums is an American drum brand based in South Carolina. For more than 130 years, their award-winning company has been providing “That Great Gretsch Sound” to drummers around the globe. 

Hayman Drums

Hayman drums have been updated and redeveloped, blending the tradition and innovation of the original designs (60s/70s) with the benefits of the very latest production techniques and processes. 

Latin Percussion

For over half a century, Latin Percussion has crafted classic percussion instruments for musical instruments that meet the exacting standards of professional musicians.  Cowbell anyone?

Ludwig Drums

100+ years go into the product range of Ludwig Drums, a name synonymous with quality and used by professionals throughout the music industry.

Majestic

Majestic is a brand of thoughtfully designed instruments for the professional, the educator, and student using carefully constructed ideas born from both traditional percussion instrument heritage and a culture of innovation.

Mapex Drums

Mapex are relentless in designing and producing drums and hardware that can endure performance after performance. The result is a drum that you take on stage or into the studio with complete confidence.

Meinl

Meinl is a family-owned manufacturer & distributor of drum kit, percussion and musical instruments based in Germany. The brand portfolio of Meinl comprises Meinl, Nino Percussion and Ortega Guitars.

Natal

Natal is owned by Marshall (the rock and roll amp people) and produces a range of drum kits, percussion, snares and drum hardware.

Noble & Cooley

Founded in 1854 by Silas Noble and James Cooley, Noble & Cooley has been sustainably producing hand-crafted drums for over 160 years.

PDP

Founded in 1999, PDP is a progressive drum brand created to provide drums, pedals and hardware that feature boutique-inspired, player-friendly features and best-in-class build-quality to drummers around the globe.

Paiste

The principle of Paiste’s family business is to continually create new sounds with cymbals, gongs, and bronze percussion instruments according to the creative needs of drummers and percussionists.

Pearl

Pearl is a Japanese multinational corporation specialising in drums and percussion. HQ’d in Chiba, Japan, Pearl has manufacturing facilities in Japan, Taiwan, China, & the US and distributes products to most countries around the world.

Pork Pie

Pork Pie Percussion are an American drum manufacturer established in 1987 and producing a range of custom-made designs of drum kits, snare drums and hardware.

Premier

A long-established company that is rich in history and tradition, Premier’s name has been associated with a wealth of star performers in many musical genres not only at home in England but all over the globe. 

Pro-mark

Pro-mark drumsticks are a long-standing product of great repute and one of the leading products on the market, aimed at drummers of all types with their expansive range of drumstick styles.

Remo

For over 60 years, Remo, Inc. has consistently broken new ground when it comes to industry firsts. Ultimately, nothing can touch the technical and musical advantages that Remo Drumheads provide.

Rogers Drums

Rogers Drums are known to many as a renowned and sought after vintage drum kit brand. After a long hiatus, it’ been revived in the UK – Rogers Drums UK and US Rogers Drums USA to continue the legacy.

Roland

Roland is a musical instrument manufacturer based in Japan who produces some of the most popular electronic drum kits among many other things. They also offer an acoustic drum kit and percussion instruments.

Sabian

Founded by Robert Zildjian in 1981, Sabian Cymbals was one of, if not the most aspirational cymbal brands in drumming. Sadly, he passed away in 2013, leaving an amazing legacy to the musical world. The company lives on.

Sonor

Sonor is a drum kit manufacturer of note, being used by professionals for hundreds of years. Since its foundation in 1875, SONOR always strived for innovation and the highest possible quality percussion instruments. A lot has changed since then, but the goal always stayed the same.

Soultone Cymbals

Soultone Cymbals was founded in 2003 by drummer Iki Levy and aims to offer a superior sound, feel and performance with excellent artist support for today’s most demanding performers. 

TAMA Drums

TAMA Drums is a longstanding Japanese drum kit and percussion manufacturer offering high quality products for the professional drumming community around the world.

Vater Percussion

Vater Percussion are a popular manufacturer of maple, hickory and speciality drumsticks, mallets and percussion sticks, based in the USA.

Vic Firth

Vic Firth is an American drumstick manufacturer, established in the 1960s and now owned by Avedis Zildjian. It produces over 200 various sticks and mallets and pursues a sustainable business model.

Yamaha Drums

Yamaha Drums are a Japanese manufacturer of drum kit and percussion instruments. They also make musical instruments, consumer electronics and motorbikes under the Yamaha brand.

Zendrum

Zendrum Corporation is an American manufacturer of electronic drums that you play like a guitar. Established in the late 80s, Zendrum offers a wide range of handheld electronic drum kits on their website.

More from Fresh Kit

We hope you enjoyed this kit guide about the varied drum kit available on the market today. Hopefully, you found it useful.

For more content like this, try our other kit guides and if you are interested in drumming posts, follow us on Facebook and X/Twitter for updates from our blog, covering all sorts of topics to help you make informed decisions on the kit you need for the life you love.

Share this to: