Help with Drum Hardware, Cymbals

jludden

Junior Member
Hi all -
Let me first say I'm not a drummer, so don't judge :)
I'm putting together a kit for a studio. I got a DW collector's 6 piece, but it did not come with hardware beyond the attached lugs, rods, etc. So - I'm wondering what you all would recommend as far as getting hardware for this cost effectively? The floor tom does not have legs but has a wrap around mounting device with a clamp for a stand with a pin on it (i'm assuming there are names for these!) - and the other 3 toms have the same. So I'll need hardware for: A 10", 12", 14", and 16" floor tom, a 14" snare, 2 crashes, hi-hat, and ride. What should I be looking for and where? Sturdy and not too expensive is good. This will rarely move, so set-up ease is not a big consideration.
Also - any recommendations for a good ride, 2 crash options, and hi-hat? Obviously it depends on the song, but I guess I'm looking for something middle-of the road sonically that will translate to a lot of genres. If I have to specify, I do mostly pop or rock. Thanks very much for your help, let me know if I need to provide more info.
 
Well the thing with hardware is that there is not much to it. Basically if it can hold the toms and cymbals up then it's doing it's job. So just look around, visit guitar center, it all depends on how much you want to spend, you don't need to spend a ton when something that is half the price can do the exact same job. The only things are the weight/thickness of the stand, and I guess how it can be adjusted. Those clamps with the pins, those attach right onto the cymbal stands, nothing too special there.

With the cymbals it depends. Everyone has their own cymbals they like, and everyone has different tastes of what they think a good cymbal is. You can't really just get a "middle of the road" cymbal. Again, the only thing I can tell you is to look at your budget and see what is available.

Sorry I didn't really give you a straight answer, but drums are an extremely adjustable instrument, much different from a guitar. Each drummer has their own things they like, so you can't just get a one size fits all. My advice as I mentioned get your budget, then see what is in that price range, look on musicians friend for prices and reviews. Also I would try and get an actual drummer in there to help you get this all set up, maybe give you some buying advice. If you have a friend call him up, or maybe offer some studio time in exchange for the help.
 
Hi,
My advise would be that you don't have to stick with DW hardware, although it is very good. If you are on a budget, I'd have a chat with your local drum store and see what they say. Be careful though as not all hardware fits into the DW tom holders and leg holders but your local store should know that.
Good luck!
 
Don't go too cheap on the hardware though. Since you are recording this kit you don't want any rattling from crap hardware making its way onto a track.
 
also I wouldn't bother getting carried away with double braced "gigging" stands since its primarily for recording.

i move my drums around all the time and I use single braced stands and I've never had one break yet..

double braced stands are the "re-inforced" ones btw. They are very heavy.

I use this: http://www.gear4music.com/Drums-and-Percussion/Yamaha-HS650A-Single-Braced-Hi-Hat-Stand/A4S

and these: http://memphisdrumshop.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=11228

I think they're good.
 
You should have a look at the Tama Roadpro hardware range. They're strong as houses, and not too expensive either. Peoples main gripe with them is that they are so god damn heavy, but if you're not moving them around then that wont effect you.

I'll use a few examples.. for the cymbal stands there are boom stands http://www.gak.co.uk/en/tama-hc73bwn-roadpro-boom-stand/6870 .
You will need to buy the tom mounts which will clamp on to these, and hold your toms. You will probably want to buy DW for this to ensure capability. There are double Tom mounts http://www.thedrumshed.co.uk/shop/drum-hardware/boom-arms-amp-rods/dw-double-tom-mount-714447.html or singles http://www.woodbrass.com/en/dw-sm991-tom-mount-p54505-af833.html
Back to Roadpro, theres a snare stand http://www.gak.co.uk/en/tama-hs70wn-roadpro-snare-drum-stand/6871
and hi hiat stand http://www.gak.co.uk/en/tama-hh75wn-roadpro-hi-hat-stand/42244
Now dont forget you'll need a stool (throne) too, but I'll leave others to suggest for that. Good luck.
 
I use Soultone cymbals. I suggest the Extreme models for rock and pop. Most of my cymbals are Soultone Extreme series.

Hardware: Gibraltar. ROCK solid for recording purposes and their racks take up MUCH less space than stands. It also allows for INFINATE drum positioning as drummers are very particular with the way drums are set up.

Check my videos (youtube in my signature) to see my Gibraltar rack setup and hear/see the Soultone cymbals. I play a variety of genres so you can kind of hear how they fit in to the music styles you have in mind.
 
I use Gibralter hardware.. as for cymbals I like the way any of the Paiste top lines sound recorded ( signature,twenty,2002)..just something about them.. however you cannot go wrong with Zildjian K's, Sabian HHX's or really anything from from the top 3's high end stuff..
 
Think hardware has been covered pretty well here at the mo, just grab what you can as long as it fits basically.
As for cymbals i would have to recommend (if this is purely for studio) Zildjian A custom 18" and 16" crashes, Either Avedis New beat hihats, A Custom Mastersound hihats or K or kcustom dark hihats. Bit of variation there, i know. As for the ride it depends on if you're wanting clear ping or something with a bit more wash or crashability. If clariity is what you're after i would say A Custom or mabey even the A custom projection. I own the projection for practice, recording and playing live and it's exactly what i want in a ride cymbal. Another good option would be the K Ride.
I have been assuming that budget isn't a huge factor (some of these suggestions can be expensive)
 
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