How to Assemble a Quad Drum Set

ddrum AMX Hybrid 4 Piece

Some drummers like to encase themselves in drums and cymbals that are rarely used, but most like to keep it simple. The standard four piece drum kit may look simple but it can handle nearly any beat you can dream of. By following this guide, you will be able to set up your first quad drum set in order to get rocking in no time.

Things You'll Need

• Drums
• Snare stand
• Bass pedal
• Cymbals
• Cymbal stands

Instructions

Setting Up the Core

1. 

   Set your bass drum roughly where you want your kit to go. Play with the legs until they are level and the bass drum does not shake when you try to move it. You can attach your bass pedal at this time as well. There will be a clamp underneath the mallet. Unscrew the wing nut, slide this bracket over the bottom of the bass drum, and tighten the clamp down.

2. 

   Put the legs on the floor tom. Start by leveling all three legs. Place the drum to the right of the bass drum. When it is in place, loosen the front leg and let the drum slide down a bit so it slightly angles in towards you when you are sitting.

3. Your rack tom may assemble one of two ways. If you have a hole on the top of your bass drum, slide the tom pole in that hole and secure it. Attach the clamp and then slide the tom drum on top. If you do not have a hole, you will need to attach your tom to your crash cymbal stand and then secure it that way.

4. 

   Unfold your snare stand and tilt the basket towards you slightly. Place the snare in the basket and tighten the clamps so it sits firmly in place. Practice doing a few drum rolls between your snare and your rack tom. If it does not feel smooth, adjust the angles of these two drums until you can switch between them comfortably.

5. Unfold your cymbal stands. You should have one tall one for your crash cymbal and a shorter one for your ride. Place the crash to the left of the rack tom and the ride cymbal should fit in the gap between the rack tom and the floor tom. Adjust these cymbals until you are comfortable.

6. 

   Unfold the hi-hat stand. Place the bottom cymbal on the cymbal seat. Attach the clutch to the top cymbal and place it on top like a sandwich. Slightly depress the pedal and tighten the wing nut on the clutch. When you let go, the top cymbal should come up a bit. Play with this distance until you get the sound you like.

Tips & Warnings

• This is the most common way of setting up a quad drum set. You may add a splash cymbal or a china to vary the sounds a bit.

• Angling the floor tom in may not work for you. Try playing with all three legs level and see if that works better. Don't be afraid to try different settings until you get the one that is right for you.

Resources

• Musicians Friend sells discount music supplies with a large selection.