Here is the first hands-on, how-to manual devoted to drum sets, providing drummers essential information on buying, maintaining, setting up, modifying, and tuning their drumkits. Written by Paul Blamer, and including forewards by Chad Smith and Steve Gadd, The Drum Kit Handbook is packed with photographs and hard-won advice; it also examines the drum setups of numerous professional musicians in jazz, rock, and other genres.
Whether you’re seeking a beginner’s kit or have a pro set or digital drum kit, this essential manual offers hard-won professional advice on how to get the best from your drum set, hardware, and cymbals, whatever its make or vintage.
Step-by-step guidance and color photographs show you how to choose your drum kit, recommendations on tensioning lugs and springs, controlling harmonics and resonance, bass-drum porting, details of head types, shell construction, bearing edges, lug casings, finish options, and rewrapping a vintage drum.
In-depth case studies examine a wide range of gear from vintage 1930s beginnings to 1960s Ludwig Downbeats to 21st century pro kits from DW, Yamaha, Premier, and Gretsch, in addition to mid-price kits from Pearl and Tama, beginner’s kits, and Roland Digital kits.
Packed with 500+ color photographs, here are the expert tricks and tips of the pro techs that you need to make your drum kit play like a dream:
- Buying a drum kit and cymbals
- Tuning your kit
- Repairs, cleaning, maintenance, and adjustments
- Do-it-yourself maintenance, troubleshooting and lacquer repairs
- Backstage gig repairs: hard-learned advice from the pros
- RIMS, Kickports, and Moongel
Musician and tech Paul Balmer boasts five decades of hard-earned expertise to share.
Chad Smith is the world-famous drummer for the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Steve Gadd is a renowned session and studio drummer who has worked with Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, Steely Dan, and many more.
