Acoustic drums are the backbone of music of all genres, from jazz and rock to the blues and funk. Many drummers would attest that acoustic kits produce a rich and organic sound that is difficult to achieve with electronic kits. 

For beginners and veterans alike, the acoustic kit can make all the difference in sound molding and practice technique. 

This guide takes you through essential aspects of buying an acoustic drum kit, explaining each component and the factors to consider for an informed purchase. With such knowledge, you can get a drum kit that aligns with your music style, playing environment, and budget.

Breaking Down the Drum Kit Components

An acoustic drum kit consists of several major elements, each with a distinctive sound and playing technique. Knowing about these will allow you to critically evaluate kits so you can make a choice that fits your musical taste.

Bass Drum (Kick Drum)

This is the biggest drum in a kit and produces deep, resonant sounds that anchor the rhythm. Its diameter depends, but is usually between 18\" to 24\". Typically, a bigger bass drum produces deeper and puncher bass tones while a smaller bass drum would yield great results at making low-end sounds.

Snare Drum

The snare drum produces strong, sharp articulations, often at the center of many rhythms. Its characteristic "snap" or "crack" sound is achieved with tensioned snares on the bottom head. Snare drum sizes and shell materials can make a big difference in its overall sound, making it a versatile component for genres from jazz to rock.

Toms

Toms come in various sizes and are generally arranged as rack toms, which sit on top of the bass drum, and floor toms, which are located on the ground. They add color to the kit because rack toms tend to be more high-pitched than floor toms, thus making dynamic fills and transitions between beats possible.

Hi-hats and Cymbals

Cymbals add rhythmic accents and texture to the drum sound. Hi-hats, two cymbals mounted on a stand, are played with sticks or by using the foot pedal. Crash cymbals offer explosive accents; ride cymbals provide a continuous, rhythmic sound. The choice and quality of cymbals can in fact mean the difference in the total tone of the drum kit.

Drum Shell Material: How It Affects Sound

The wooden body of a drum, known as the drum shell, plays a critical role in establishing the sound of any particular drum. Woods of different types possess different characteristics, be it in tone, resonance, and projection.

Maple

Maple wood is warm and has a balanced sound, giving more of a level low, mid, and high frequency. This gives flexibility to the drum set being used for genres from jazz to rock, for any drummer.

Birch

The Birch shell produces a much brighter, punchy sound with more highs and lows. It has a sharper attack and less resonance, which makes it ideal for studio recording where one needs clarity and control.

Here is a customer review from our client Prerna Oommen

Best value out there!

This is my 3rd Griffin snare. They just sound awesome! One of the least expensive on the market too. Geekstands.com is awesome too! Even got a handwritten note from Fletch, one of the staff. Highly recommend the drum and the seller! Going back to them for a few cymbal stands soon!

Mahogany

Image sourced from Reddit

Mahogany is worthy of recognition for delivering a warm vintage sound with just that low-end warmth and deep resonance. It often uses classic rock or blues sounds, as shells themselves make a full, lush sound, reminiscent of drum kits in the early 1960s and '70s.

Poplar and Basswood

Image sourced from Reddit

The beginner drum kits use poplar and basswood woods that are not so expensive and sound almost the same as maple, but they do not have sustain and resonation. They have a middle-of-the-line quality sound that is really budget-friendly for the beginner or hobbyist.

Here is a customer review from our client nobowl99

Awesome snare

This is a really good snare, it has a nice pop to it

Here is a comparison table for drums made up of different drum shell materials !

Drum Shell Material	Sound Characteristics	Ideal For Genres	Tone/Resonance	Pros	Cons
Maple	Warm, balanced sound across lows, mids, and highs	Versatile: jazz, rock, pop, fusion, studio or live	Full and rich tone with good sustain and balanced resonance	Highly versatile, smooth and well-rounded tonal qualities	Less punchy in high-end attack compared to other materials
Birch	Bright, punchy sound with emphasized highs and lows, sharp attack	Studio recording, rock, metal, popClassic rock, blues, jazz, vintage tones	Defined, cutting tone with less resonance	Clear, sharp attack; great for controlled and precise sound	Lacks warmth, less sustain and resonance compared to maple
Mahogany	Warm, deep sound with strong low-end and vintage warmth	Classic rock, blues, jazz, vintage tones	Deep, resonant low-end with soft, warm midrange	Rich, full, vintage sound; excellent for warmth and depth	Less projection and clarity; lacks sharp attack for modern genres
Poplar & Basswood	Middle-of-the-road sound, similar to maple but with less sustain	Beginner kits, practice kits, hobbyists	Average tone with moderate sustain and resonance	Affordable, decent sound for beginners, easy to play with	Lower quality tone, lacks the depth and sustain of higher-end woods

Choosing Drum Sizes for Different Music Styles

The size of the drum is directly related to the type of sound preferred in various types of music. Big drums generally have deep, full-bodied sounds; on the other hand, the smaller drums produce sharp, focused sounds.

Here are some general size preferences for the major genres:

Rock and Metal

Usually, rock and metal drummers like bigger drums, and the bass drums go from 22" to 24" for those low-end thumps. Toms in a rock kit also tend to be larger to create this louder booming fill sound.

Jazz and Fusion

The most common sizes for bass drums are the smaller models, 18" or 20", with toms to match, which facilitates extremely fast playing and a light sound. Smaller drum sizes are focused and tight in their tones and sound particularly good in quiet jazz combos and fusion environments.

Pop and Funk

Pop and Funk: Pop and funk drummers tend to focus on toms that are not too big, ranging between 20\" to 22", which tends to strike a very balanced sound.  The toms in these kits provide clarity and are well-suited to rhythmic and dynamic genres.

Select the right size drum according to your genre to ensure the kit sounds just as proper for your playing style.

Understanding Drum Heads and Tuning Options

The drumhead is the membrane that makes up the thin sheet that covers both the top and bottom of each drum, directly affecting tone, volume, and playability. Drumheads come in several different thicknesses and coatings with various sound qualities available for each type:

Single-Ply vs. Double-Ply

Drumheads can be either single-ply or double-ply. A single layer is more sensitive and brighter in terms of tone, so they are better for softer types of music, such as jazz. Double-ply is sturdier and gives deeper, punchy drums, and most rock and metal drummers need that.

Coated vs. Clear

Coated heads are textured and make for warm tones which is good for jazz and vintage-inspired styles, while clear heads sound brighter and more resonant and are hence very popular in pop and rock music.

The pitch and resonance of drums are to be changed with the head for the desired sound. Altering the tension on a drumhead changes its pitch and its resonance. Higher tension produces a higher pitch, although less sustain. On the contrary, lower tension will give a more sonorous sound with more sustain. Tuning all the drums to emphasize the totality of sounds enhances the balanced performance.

Essential Drum Hardware

In general, drum hardware components include stands, pedals, and mounting systems, and these overall can give stability to your drums and ensure comfort in playing. A good investment in reliable hardware is a must in both live performances and studio recording:

Stands and Mounts

Quality stands and mounts basically keep your drums and cymbals in place, while you can always adjust your stands for particular settings of a component that would make your setup feel comfortable and enhance playability.

Pedals

The bass drum pedal is one of the most important pieces of hardware that will determine the feel and control of your bass drum playing. Quality pedals have smooth action and tension with adjustments that you can make it your liking so that it's easy to execute lots of intricate footwork.

Drum Throne

A good, sturdy drum throne will bear you through longer practice sessions and performances. There should be height adjustments as well as cushioning for maximum comfort because proper posture supports better technique and endurance.

Reliable hardware gives your setup more credibility, and you will be more confident in your performance free from those technical issues.

Selecting the Right Cymbals for Your Kit

Acoustic drum kit versatility and expressiveness depend on the choice of cymbals. To any musical performance, cymbals add sometimes essential accents, textures, and dynamics. As such, a mistake in choosing these pieces is very crucial.

These are some basic types of cymbals: hi-hats, rides, crashes, and splashes. Each has its quality response to significantly affect the overall sound and feel of the kit.

The size and alloy of a cymbal are pretty much the determinants of sound and durability. For example, the bigger and heavier cymbals produce louder, more sustained sounds, so they often find use in rock and metal, whereas smaller, thinner ones offer fast responses that are very crisp and respond well with jazz or lighter styles. 

For example, a 20 or 22-ride cymbal provides a solid foundation with a defined "ping" sound, while an 18-crash cymbal delivers bright, explosive accents when needed.

Versatility can be another consideration. As a player who performs in numerous styles, a balanced configuration, possibly even one with a medium-weight ride cymbal, one or two crash cymbals, and hi-hats may be sufficient to be heard cutting across a massive sound range. As you work at finding your sound, augmenting your cymbals may help you expand your overall sonic possibilities: use of splashes for bright, sharp accents or chinas for some trashy texture, for instance.

Justly, testing cymbals in person, if possible, allows you to experience their unique feel and sound. Try a few combinations, and you will know which set of cymbals best complements your drum kit and your playing style to ensure that your setup meets both your performance and aesthetic needs.

Choosing a Drum Kit Based on the Playing Environment

This also usually determines the kind of drum kit that you'll practice in. Some things to look into:

Practice at Home

In home situations, a smaller drum kit might be preferred depending on the need for noise control. Drum mutes and practice pads can be added in order to decrease volume without requiring compromise regarding the quality of practice.

Live Performances

For a live setting, durability and portability take precedence. Any professional kits that will be used on the road will experience countless setups and breakdowns when it comes to that point, you can rest assured the drum shells are working at the peak of their performance.

Studio Recording

In the studio, the quality of sound is first priority. For instance, high-quality drum shells and heads would probably produce a very clear, articulate sound. Such attention to detail in dampening pads or tuning adjustments would also tailor that sound exactly.

This will make sure that the drum kit used for playing will fulfill the specific needs of that playing environment.

Setting a Budget: What to Expect at Different Price Ranges

When considering an acoustic drum kit, setting a budget is necessary because drums are available in a pretty broad price range, all offering different degrees of quality, sound characteristics, and durability. 

Whether you are a beginner just entering the fray or an expert looking for professional gear, it will help you immensely in knowing what's available at what price level.

Entry-Level Kits (Under $500)

Entry-level which can cost less than $500-are ideal for the newcomer or someone who only occasionally plays. These kits typically consist of cheaper woods, often poplar or basswood, to offer adequately good sound quality but lacking the depth or resonance of premium woods. 

An entry-level drum kit generally includes the following standard components: a bass drum, a snare drum, one or two toms, hi-hats, and at least one crash cymbal. Most pianos are often equipped with the needed hardware, such as stands and pedals, most especially helpful to those beginners who do not yet have accessories.

While these kits may be a good jumping-off point, some limitations occur. Hardware is not as durable in more entry-level kits, and the cymbals provided are generally entry-level, which lacks the dynamic range that more advanced players might require. However, for home practice or players who can't afford a major expenditure, these kits offer a cost-effective way to get started without sacrificing too much on sound.

Mid-Range Kits ($500-$1500)

The mid-range drum kit is an excellent choice for the intermediate player who has a bit of a budget for sound and a higher-quality build. For your money in the 500-to 1500-dollar range, you get higher-cost woods, such as maple, birch, or, very occasionally mahogany, that will warm the tone, add resonance, and project better. 

Often, entry-level and mid-range kits differ clearly in sound quality, whereas mid-range kits have more depth and character per drum.

Hardware by this point is stronger and better made than their entry-level counterparts, so these kits have a better chance of being used more intensively-think frequent band practice, gigs, or recording.

Cymbals could still need an upgrade since most kits in the mid-range come with extremely basic cymbal packs, but some entry kits have starter or even intermediate-quality cymbals. For a lot of players, the money invested in a mid-range kit gets them a drum set they can get by on for years without having to instantly upgrade from entry-level kits.

Professional High-End Kits ($1500+)

The high-end kits costing $1500 and above are built to be played for serious players and professionals. These kits are normally made from higher-grade maple, birch, and even more exotic wood such as bubinga or walnut. 

These woods add the utmost tonal excellence but, since they are extremely resonant and complex, they cut through even the noisiest live settings and record beautifully in the studio setting. The drums are often hand-finished, so aesthetically pleasing and long-lived.

Professional kits are much more customizable. For instance, particular shell sizes, finishes, and hardware options. Hardware in this range is pretty assiduously constructed, designed for the rigors of touring and frequent setup and teardown. 

From shells to bearing edges, the overall quality of construction ensures that these drums stay in tune longer and produce a high-quality sound consistently. Cymbals sold separately may factor into this buying decision as well, but at this price point, you're allowed to choose some of the best cymbals available to pair with this drum kit.

High-end kits are seen as investments because they are made to last with a quality that outlasts the wear and tear of professional use. These kits really provide serious playability, good tonal quality, and flexibility; hence, such kits find their ideal owners in serious musicians who want nothing but the best from their gear.

A practical budget will help you set priorities and invest in a kit that delivers the best value for your needs.

Here is a detailed youtube video about how much you should spend on your drumset !

Acoustic Treatment and Sound Control for Practice Spaces

For a drummer, it is important to set up a practice space with efficient acoustic treatment and control over the sound, basically because acoustic drums are loud and reverberant. Good treatment improves the quality of the sound inside the room and minimizes noise that could disturb others, especially if the space is shared or residential.

Therefore, acoustic treatment pertains to strategically using sound-absorbing and soundproofing materials to minimize unwanted reflections, echoes, and noise leakage. The following is a procedure to treat and control sound in a practice space drum room:

Understanding Sound Absorption vs. Soundproofing

It is critical to differentiate between sound absorption and soundproofing. Sound absorption simply reduces reflections within a room, making the acoustic environment sound balanced without excess echo or reverberation. Foam panels, bass traps, and diffusers act to absorb and disperse sound.

Soundproofing will prevent sound from flowing out of or entering a room. It is not easy to soundproof a room for drums because it requires materials as thick as possible for the application-including mass-loaded vinyl, heavy curtains, and even structural changes in the form of double walls and door seals.

Basic Acoustic Treatment Options

For most practice spaces, basic acoustic treatment can be achieved with relatively inexpensive materials designed to absorb sound within the room. Here are some effective treatments:

Foam Panels

Acoustic foam panels are a widely used method for controlling reflections and reverberation. They're inexpensive, easy to install, and hang on walls; the panels absorb drum drums in the high- and mid-frequencies. The acoustic foam prevents the room from sounding "boomy" by diminishing the build-up of echoes, thus helping make the drums easier to hear during practice sessions.

Bass Traps

In the smaller room, low-frequency build-up caused by the kick drum and floor tom is a problem. Bass traps absorb low frequencies, placed typically in corners of the room, thus creating a well-balanced sound for drummers to hear each element of the kit without muddiness.

Soundproofing Techniques

It is ideal for effective soundproofing, but this is usually costly and may prove impractical for a casual practice room. There are simpler, budget methods that reduce the leakage of noise:

Heavy Curtains and Rugs

Thick drapes over windows and thick rugs on the floor dampen the sound, thus sound leakage and reflections in the room are at a minimum. Higher frequency reflections are also subdued, and the thud of the drums off the floor is also kept to a minimum.

Door Seals and Weatherstripping

You might put seals around door frames and weatherstripping around doors. These can block significant parts of the sound when gaps are involved. This is an inexpensive but very effective solution to control the leakage of sound from practice spaces.

Why Choose GeekStands for Acoustic Drums  

At GeekStands, we are dedicated to providing our clients with top-of-the-line acoustic drums that are built for superior sound and lasting performance. Our drums are crafted with precision and care, ensuring that every piece delivers exceptional tone, resonance, and durability for drummers of all styles.

We offer a diverse range of acoustic drums designed to suit different musical needs, from rock and jazz to blues and beyond. Whether you're looking for a full drum kit, a snare, bass drum, or toms, our collection offers a variety of sizes, finishes, and shell materials to suit your playing style.

Each drum is engineered to provide optimal sound projection, with meticulously selected woods and hardware that ensure your kit stays in tune and holds up to the rigors of practice and performance.

These features make GeekStands a trusted name for acoustic drums, relied upon by musicians everywhere. If you're looking for a high-quality drum kit that delivers both exceptional sound and durability, don’t wait—grab yours today and experience the difference!

These features make GeekStands a trusted name for acoustic drums, relied upon by musicians everywhere. If you're looking for a high-quality drum kit that delivers both exceptional sound and durability, don’t wait—grab yours today and experience the difference!