How to Keep Drums From Moving Around

Check your drum stands before playing to ensure it is set up properly.

Drums moving around during a performance can not only make it difficult to play, but is embarrassing. Examples include the bass drum sliding across the floor, or toms bobbing up and down from heavy playing. Drums move around from overly aggressive playing, incorrectly-tightened hardware, bad hardware and poor floors.

Things You'll Need

• Carpet
• Bass drum spurs

Instructions

1. Place a carpet or rug under the drum set to keep the bass drum or stands from sliding around on a slippery tile floor.

2. Use bass drum spurs with pointy metal ends, as opposed to rubber ends. These hold the bass drum in place better.

3. Spread out the legs on your stands, creating a sturdier base for your drums and cymbals. If the legs are up high and close together, this causes a shaky base, making it easy for the stands to move or fall over.

4. Check all the nuts on your stands, making sure they’re tightened.

5. Tighten the basket under your snare drum so the arms hug your snare drum, holding it in place.

6. Consider the angles you hang your drums and cymbals from their stands. Odd angles can cause the stands to tip over or move. Flatter positions work better for stands, decreasing the likelihood of them moving or falling over.

7. Use appropriate hardware for your drums and cymbals. A small, thin cymbal arm isn’t appropriate for a large cymbal, such as a ride or China cymbal. If you’re unsure what’s appropriate, consult with your local drum shop.

8. Buy heavier, higher-quality hardware for your drums and cymbals if you’re still having problems with drums moving. Consult your drum shop for help in picking out good hardware for your drum set.

9. Play with less aggression. Overly aggressive playing causes drums to move more than lighter playing.

References

• Drums Database: Buying a Drum Set

Resources

• Music Radar; "The Best Drum Hardware in The World Today"; Tom Porter; November 2010