History of Drum Sets

A drum set is also called a drum kit or a trap set. It is a collection of different sizes and shapes of individual drums that are arranged in manner for a single person to play. Besides traditional drums, sets usually include other percussion instruments such as cymbals, triangles, cowbells and tambourines. Drums and the act of drumming have been around for thousands of years, but the drum set occupies a relatively new place in the history of drumming.

1800s

Drum sets first appeared in the late 1800s due to the rising number of ensembles that included marching bands and bands from military units. In addition to playing in parades and other outdoor venues, these bands were also commissioned to play indoors. As these indoor engagements grew in number, so did the need for drum kits or sets. Due to space constraints, bands began arranging a number of different drums onstage for a single person to play simultaneously.

1920s

Drum set evolution continued in the 1920s. During this time period, several drumming innovations were introduced that made use of the feet as well as the hands, allowing drummers to add more instruments to their repertoires. The "low boy" was invented, which gave drummers the ability to play the cymbals hands-free. At the same time, drummers from New Orleans began adding other percussion instruments to their drum sets, such as the African tom-tom and the hi-hat cymbal.

1930s and 1940s

The 1930s and 1940s cemented the use of the drum set both as accompaniment and as a solo instrument. Swing music emerged on the scene and became popular with musicians who enjoyed the improvisational elements of this style. Improvisation brought the drum set into the limelight thanks to the influence of two drumming superstars. Gene Krupa helped standardize the drum set and Max Roach introduced new ways of drum tuning. Both of these innovations brought greater flexibility to drum sets.

1950s

In the 1950s, the sound of drum sets changed forever with the advent of Remo Beli's synthetic drum heads. Before this invention, drum heads were made from calf skin and many drummers found it difficult to keep them tuned if there were dramatic changes in weather or humidity. Other drum set innovations of this time are nylon tip drum sticks and the Rogers Drum Company's "Swiv-O-Matic" tom holder which featured a ball and socket design that maximized flexibility.

1960s through 1990s

The burgeoning rock and metal movements of the 1960s and 1970s ushered in loud, aggressive drumming. To meet the needs of this musical style, manufacturers began beefing up the construction of drum set parts. They were thicker, heavier, larger and designed for sturdiness as well as the ability to be heard alongside the increased amplification of other instruments. The 1980s and 1990s brought new technologies to drum sets such as resonance-enhancing suspension designs and electronic, or midi, drums.

Resources

• The History of Drums
• Drum Sets