Top 10 Drum Kit Accessories: Essential Tools for Every Drummer.

For drummers, the kit is more than just a collection of drums and cymbals—it's a personal expression of style, creativity, and musicality. While the basic setup of a drum kit includes essential components like the bass drum, snare, toms, and cymbals, the true artistry often lies in the details. Drum kit accessories are the tools that allow drummers to fine-tune their sound, explore new sonic possibilities, and enhance the overall playability of their setup. From experimenting with different types of drumsticks to adding unique percussive elements like cowbells and shakers, these accessories can significantly elevate a drummer’s performance. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top ten drum kit accessories that every drummer should consider adding to their collection.

1. Drumstick Variations and Stick Bag

While standard drumsticks are the backbone of a drummer’s toolkit, exploring different types of drumsticks, such as brushes, mallets, and hot rods, can greatly expand your sonic palette.

• Brushes are perfect for jazz, blues, and acoustic settings, providing a softer, swishing sound that’s less aggressive than traditional sticks. Link

• Mallets are ideal for creating dynamic crescendos or for playing softer, more melodic passages, especially on toms and cymbals.

• Hot Rods, a bundle of thin dowels bound together, offer a compromise between the volume of sticks and the softness of brushes, making them ideal for acoustic gigs or when a lighter touch is needed.

Having a variety of these drumstick types on hand allows you to adapt to different musical styles and dynamics, making your playing more versatile and expressive. Just make sure you have a quality Stick Bag so you don’t lose any of them!

2. Cowbell

The cowbell has transcended its origins as a simple percussion instrument to become a staple in modern drum kits, particularly in rock, Latin, and funk music. Mounted on a clamp or stand, the cowbell adds a distinct, sharp sound that can cut through the mix in both live performances and recordings. It’s a great way to add a bit of flair to your playing, providing a rhythmic anchor or a unique accent in various musical contexts. The iconic "Don't Fear the Reaper" by Blue Öyster Cult showcases just how essential a cowbell can be in creating a memorable groove.

3. Snareweight

For drummers seeking more control over their snare drum’s overtones, the Snareweight is a game-changer. This magnetic dampening device attaches to the hoop of your snare drum and allows you to adjust the level of dampening quickly. Unlike traditional dampening methods like gaffer tape or gels, the Snareweight offers more versatility and can be easily repositioned or removed during a performance. It helps in achieving a tighter, more focused snare sound, which is particularly useful in genres where a crisp snare is essential.

4. Drum Triggers

Drum triggers are electronic devices that attach to your drum heads and convert the acoustic hits into electronic signals. These signals can then be used to trigger sampled sounds, effects, or even MIDI data in a digital audio workstation (DAW). Drum triggers are essential for drummers who want to incorporate electronic elements into their acoustic setup. They’re particularly popular in metal, where tight, consistent kick drum sounds are crucial, and pop, so you can use the samples from the original track. Using triggers, you can layer your acoustic drum sound with electronic samples, enhancing the overall sonic texture of your performance or recording.

5. Shakers

Shakers are small percussion instruments filled with beads or seeds that produce a rhythmic sound when shaken. While they are traditionally handheld, many drummers incorporate shakers into their kits by attaching them to a pedal or placing them on a surface where they can be struck with sticks. Shakers add a subtle, rhythmic texture to your playing, perfect for genres like Latin, reggae, or any music that benefits from a percussive groove. They are an excellent way to add an extra layer of complexity and feel to your rhythms.

6. Kick Drum EQ Pad

A Kick Drum EQ Pad is an internal pillow or foam pad that sits inside the bass drum, dampening the head to control the resonance and sustain. This accessory is essential for achieving a punchy, focused kick drum sound, especially in studio settings or live performances where microphone bleed can be an issue. The EQ pad helps to reduce unwanted overtones and provides a consistent low-end thump, which is particularly desirable in genres like rock, pop, and metal. With this accessory, you can ensure that your kick drum cuts through the mix with clarity and power.

7. Hi-Hat Tambourine

Adding a tambourine to your hi-hat stand is a simple yet effective way to enhance the sound of your kit. The sound of the tambourine complements the hi-hats, adding a bright, shimmering layer to your grooves. This accessory is especially useful in genres like pop, indie, and folk, where a little extra texture can elevate the overall sound. The tambourine can be mounted directly on the hi-hat rod or attached to the top cymbal. This small addition can have a significant impact, adding both rhythm and texture to your playing.

8. Drum Keys

Drum keys are essential for tuning your drums and making quick adjustments on the fly. Whether you're tightening a loose lug, changing drum heads, or tweaking the tension for the perfect pitch, a drum key is indispensable. However, drum keys are notoriously easy to lose, especially during gigs or practice sessions. That’s why it’s wise to keep several drum keys in your gig bag, stick bag, and even attached to your keychain. Having multiple drum keys ensures that you’re never without this crucial tool when you need it most.

9. Cymbal Stackers

Cymbal stackers are an accessory that allows you to mount multiple cymbals on a single stand. This is particularly useful for drummers who want to expand their sonic palette without cluttering their setup with additional stands. By stacking smaller cymbals on top of each other, you can create unique, trashy sounds that are perfect for accents and effects in genres like metal, punk, and experimental music. Cymbal stackers save space and allow for more creative expression by enabling quick changes in cymbal combinations during performances.

10. Big Fat Snare Drum

The Big Fat Snare Drum (BFSD) is an essential accessory for any drummer looking to instantly transform the sound of their snare. This simple yet highly effective tool is a weighted ring that sits on top of your snare drum, lowering the pitch and giving it a deep, fat, vintage tone reminiscent of classic 70s recordings. The BFSD is perfect for genres like rock, funk, and hip-hop, where a thick, punchy snare sound is desired. It’s easy to use, portable, and provides a quick solution for changing up your snare sound without having to retune or swap out the drum head.

Conclusion

Each of these accessories offers unique benefits that can significantly enhance your drumming experience. Whether you’re expanding your sonic palette with different drumstick variations, adding new textures with cowbells, shakers, and tambourines, or tweaking the feel of your snare with the Big Fat Snare Drum, the right accessories can take your playing to new heights. Drum keys, while small, are indispensable, and having several on hand ensures you’re always ready to adjust and perfect your setup. By thoughtfully selecting and incorporating these tools into your kit, you can create a drum setup that is not only versatile and expressive but also tailored to your unique style and needs.

And don’t forget—I post daily blogs with tips, tricks, and guides like this one, so be sure to check back regularly for more drumming advice!

Until tomorrow,