How to Make a Practice Drum Set
A desk, a box or, in a pinch, even a trashcan lid will work as a practice drum kit. Any of these alternatives to a real drum kit won't have "the true feel" that is required to improve your drumming skills. The makeshift set may work for a short term, but a practice drum set will go farther to improve basic drumming skills. This article provides step-by-step directions to create a practice drum set.
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Instructions
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How to Make a Practice Drum Set
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Purchase a practice pad. Numerous models are available from online and local music stores. The pads differ in quality and thickness. If possible, try the pad with drumsticks before making a purchase. Some stores offer a liberal return policy, so if the action on the pad does not meet your needs you can exchange it for a different pad.
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Purchase practice drumsticks. Selection of drumsticks is a matter of personal taste, and every drummer has a preference as to the perfect stick. Try numerous brands, compositions and weights. Some sticks are marketed specifically as practice sticks. These may include plastic tips to mute the sound, or they might be made from a composite material. As a rule, practice sticks are regular drumsticks that may be used for performance or practice time. Many drummers prefer to select a heavier-weight stick for practice to improve wrist and arm strength. Start with the least expensive stick before going all out to purchase sticks that are marketed as special "practice" sticks.
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Purchase a quality stool. Even with a practice kit, the stool is an important element for quality drumming. Select a stool that will allow comfortable seating during a long practice session. Don't substitute a dining room chair or other stool. Try out various makes and models. There is a distinct difference. A good-quality drum stool should offer various adjustments to achieve proper seating. Regular furniture is not able to provide the correct posture or angle for drumming.
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Purchase a snare stand. If you own a drum kit, use the snare stand from that set.
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Set the practice pad in the snare stand. Locate a stand that adjusts to fit your practice pad or adjust your kit stand so that the practice pad fits firmly in the brackets. Tilt the pad as if it were the snare drum to replicate the exact playing position.
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Move the seat at a comfortable level behind the snare stand. The idea is to replicate the exact distance and height of a snare drum with the practice pad as a substitution. This can be done through trial and error by drumming with the pad and adjusting the stand and the stool.
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Add other practice pads to the set. Additional pads may be substituted for drums. Add a pad, with a stand that closely fits the practice pad, for the floor tom. Set up the bass pedal, as if the bass drum was in place. This will allow seamless practice with all the usual drums in the drum kit.
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Tips & Warnings
Many times older snare drum stands have more latitude for making the required adjustments. Check online or through local classifieds for vintage stands.
Set a firm budget for the set and stick to it. Practice kits can run more than an actual drum set.
