Metal and jazz are two styles of music that have a seriously large amount of subgenres. The common requirement across all styles of metal is to have a loud and punchy drum kit.
Whether it be metalcore, death metal, or slash metal, a big drum sound is absolutely necessary. So, we’ve put together a list of some of the best drum kits for metal.
The DW Collector’s Series Shell Pack delivers a resonant, powerful sound, well-suited for metal drummers. The bass drum packs a punch, while the snare and toms cut through with clarity.
The solid construction of this kit withstands the aggressive playstyle of metal drumming. The Gloss Black FinishPly is not just sleek, but adds a protective layer to the shells.
With the True-Pitch tension rods, tuning is precise, aiding in a controlled sound. The drums handle rapid strikes well, maintaining tone even in fast-paced beats.
Despite its premium price point, the professional-grade quality justifies the cost, especially for serious metal drummers looking for a reliable kit.
The DW Collector’s Series 6-piece Shell Pack is a solid choice for metal drummers. Its sound quality, build, and precise tuning make it worth the investment for those looking to up their game.
If you wan to know more about the DW Collector series check out this article.
Tama Starclassics are well known for being some of the best sounding drum kits on the market. This specific kit comes with shells that are made from a mixture of walnut and birch woods. The birch provides warmth while the walnut produces heavy attack. This mixture creates a powerful sound that works wonders in a metal setup.
The kit has a standard 5 piece setup that includes 10” and 12” rack toms, 14” and 16” floor toms, and a 22” bass drum.
The shells are supported by premium zinc die-cast hoops which allow easy tuning and a lot of resonance. The drums tend to stay in tune for a good while as well.
A great aspect of Tama Starclassics is that there are several finish options to choose from. If you’re going to play metal, try to find a finish that fits the aesthetic of a metal band.
For more about the Tama Starclassic, check out customer reviews.
The VAD507 is Roland’s latest innovative electronic drum kit. Companies have been trying to bring electric kits close to resembling acoustic kits for years and this product is arguably the closest thing. It combines the look and feel of an acoustic kit with all the extra features that electronics bring to the table.
The real wood shells combined with unable mesh heads give you a seriously great drum kit to play around with. The kit uses Roland’s TD-27 sound module which is jam-packed with many features. It has 55 preset kits that all sound incredibly authentic.
The biggest selling point of this kit is the ability to express dynamics. The softest note will be heard as well as the hardest stroke. The pads handle fast notes well, meaning quick metal beats will be no problem.
Overall, the VAD507 is a great option for any metal drummer wanting to play with an electronic drum kit.
For more about the Roland VAD507, check out customer reviews.
With a name as famous as John Bonham attached to the name of the kit, you know it’s going to be good. The Ludwig Vistalite Zep kit is an acrylic drum set with huge sizes. It’s loud and in-your-face, perfect for playing metal.
Included with the shell pack is a 14” snare, 14” rack tom, 16” and 18” floor toms, and a 26” bass drum.
The amber acrylic shells along with the large sizes make these drums seriously loud. They produce a warm tone that sits somewhere along the low end. They sound better when tuned low, making them great for deep metal styles like grindcore.
A bonus is that the kit comes with a Ludwig Supraphonic snare drum. Supraphonic snares have been the top snare drums on the market for decades. This snare produces a tight crack and is able to reflect anything you throw at it. It has a wide tuning range and works well for any genre.
The Vistalite kit is pretty expensive. However, it will suit your metal band well and look great on stage.
For more about the Ludwig Vistalite, check out customer reviews.
The Pearl Export is the most sold drum kit in drum history. Pearl has been at the top of the drum production game for a good while and the Export is one of their key products. There are so many variations of the Export that have been sold over the years and this specific setup has been designed for metal drummers.
The Export EXX Double Bass Drum Set comes with two 20” bass drums, 8”, 10”, and 12” rack toms, 14”, and 16” floor toms, and a 14” snare drum. This is probably one of the only affordable drum sets that you can buy that comes with two bass drums, making it a perfect option for metal drummers.
The shells are made from poplar and mahogany, giving them a punchy tone and extended durability.
The kit also comes with a full set of Pearl’s 830-series hardware as well as two P-930 bass drum pedals.
Everything you need to shred some metal songs is right here. You would just need to add some cymbals.
For more about the Pearl Export, check out customer reviews.
Drum sets for metal will generally have larger sizes. A great drum set will have deep tones with a powerful punch. Since you’ll be hitting the drums quite hard, it’s important to have a kit that is very durable. The most important aspect would actually be the hardware. The stands should be secure and ready to take a beating.
Expanding on this, the larger sizes of drums allow for a greater sonic boom which is essential to metal’s aural aesthetics. A full-sized kit with larger toms and bass drum can offer the depth and volume necessary for metal music. These attributes contribute to a menacing sound that pairs well with the heavy guitar riffs and aggressive bass lines common in metal genres.
In terms of shell material and specifics, most drum sets would work pretty well for metal. You would also typically want a large amount of drums and either a double pedal or two bass drums.
When it comes to shell materials, birch and maple are often preferred. Birch is known for its strong, clear low-end sound which can cut through loud, electric instrumentals. Maple, on the other hand, offers a warm, balanced tone that can suit a variety of metal sub-genres. The choice between these materials can significantly influence the overall sound.
Besides, metal drummers may opt for a larger setup to accommodate complex rhythmic patterns and rapid double bass drumming which are characteristic of metal music. Having a double pedal or two bass drums is crucial for achieving the rapid, thunderous beats that propel the energy of a metal song.
Furthermore, durability extends to the drum heads as well. A good metal drum kit should feature sturdy, double-ply drum heads that can withstand the heavy striking common in metal drumming. The resonance and attack from double-ply heads are often preferred to generate a cutting, aggressive tone.
Lastly, the hardware should not only be durable but also easily adjustable to cater to the dynamic playing styles and setups common among metal drummers. High-quality, robust stands and hardware ensure a secure setup, allowing drummers to perform with confidence and intensity without any hindrance.
Metal drumming requires a kit that can deliver a powerful and robust sound. Drum kits like the DW Collector’s Series, Tama Starclassic, and Ludwig Vistalite are among the top choices for metal drummers due to their construction and sound projection.
Additionally, kits with larger drum sizes, and durable shells are generally preferred in the metal genre.
Metal drummers often lean towards kits with larger shells for a deeper tone and louder volume. The construction material also plays a significant role; maple, birch, and even steel or acrylic shells are common as they provide a good balance of attack, resonance and durability.
Additionally, double bass drums or double pedals are a staple in metal drumming for rapid bass drum techniques.
Both birch and maple drums have attributes that suit metal drumming. Birch drums provide a more aggressive attack and a lower fundamental tone which helps in a mix with electric guitars and other amplified instruments.
aple drums, on the other hand, offer a warm, resonant tone with a broader tuning range, making them versatile. The choice between birch and maple ultimately depends on the drummer’s personal preference and the specific sub-genre of metal they play.
A good metal drummer possesses a mix of technical skills, endurance, and a keen sense of timing. Mastery over rapid drumming techniques, complex rhythms, and the ability to maintain a steady tempo even in extremely fast passages are crucial.
Additionally, a good metal drummer should have a solid understanding of dynamics to contribute to the intensity and emotion of the music. Lastly, practicing regularly with a metronome, staying in tune with the band, and continuously expanding one’s technical abilities and musical knowledge are key factors in excelling in the metal genre.
Drum sets come in all shapes and sizes. They’re also designed for specific markets and purposes. There are loads of sets that are great for beginners, intermediate, and advanced players.
There are several brands out there that make really good drum sets. These include DW, Tama, Pearl, Yamaha. Gretsch, and Sonor.
There isn’t a definitive answer to which kits are the best. However, each drum brand has different ranges of kits and the most expensive ones would be the best sounding.
Intermediate drummers would probably be looking at kits between $1000 and $2000. The best kit for an intermediate player would be the best sounding kit in that price range. There are a few of them that are worth mentioning.
The first would be the Pearl Masters Maple. It’s a no-nonsense kit with a very warm tone. The next would be the DW Design Series kit. It provides all the high-quality production of DW at an affordable price.
These are just 2 of many great kits out there. It comes down to personal preference on which kit you’d like the best. Any kit under $2000 would be a good place to look.
The first company that comes to mind is Gibraltar. They’re a dedicated drum hardware company, meaning all their resources go into making great hardware products. Most of their hardware is also fairly affordable.
Pearl is also known for making very stable and secure hardware. Even their budget kits like the Exports come with heavy-duty hardware.
Other companies like Yamaha and DW also make some seriously great hardware. Again, it’s just a personal preference thing for every drummer.
Music and art are very subjective, meaning there isn’t one drummer out there that is better than the rest. However, there are some famous names that come to mind when thinking of metal. This would include Dave Lombardo, Mike Portnoy, Mike Mangini, Ray Luzier, Matt Gartska, and Joey Jordison.
If you’re thinking of buying a drum set for metal, just make sure that it’s one that you’re going to absolutely love. It’s important to get an instrument that reflects you and your playing. It should be loud, aggressive, and have a great appearance.
A drum set is not just an instrument, but an extension of the drummer’s persona, especially in a genre as expressive as metal. The aesthetics, though secondary to sound and build quality, contribute to the overall stage presence and personal satisfaction. An aggressive look paired with a robust sound can make a profound statement on stage.
Drum Teacher
Brett Clur has a Drum Performance Diploma from Trinity College London has been playing drums for over 20 years. He is passionate about advanced concepts and uses his years of experience to teach his students about them. While he is a full-time drum teacher, he is also working on growing a YouTube channel where shares his insights. You can see him playing there, or on Instagram where he posts daily videos.
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