What is a Drum Set Shell Pack?

A Quick Guide for Drummers

March 6, 2024
Diego Cardini

Intro

When I got hooked on drumming before I could even start thinking of playing my first drum beats, I needed to get a decent drum set and the options were endless. So I understand that finding the right kit can be a bit overwhelming.

Once you start researching one term you might come across is “drum set shell pack.” So, what exactly is a drum set shell pack, and how does it differ from a full drum kit?

A drum set shell pack consists of drums without all the additional components like cymbals, hardware, pedals, and throne. It’s called a shell pack because it includes only the drum “shells” themselves.

For example, a typical 5-piece shell pack would have a kick drum, a snare drum, a floor tom, and two rack toms. The main reason drummers choose a shell pack is to have more control over their cymbal and hardware choices, allowing for greater customization of their drum setup.

Now that we’ve covered the basics of what a drum set shell pack is, let’s explore why you might consider one over a full drum kit and the advantages it can provide.

Table of Contents

What is a Drum Set Shell Pack

Definition

A drum set shell pack is simply a collection of drums without the cymbals, hardware, pedals, or throne. It is called a shell pack because it only includes the drum “shells” themselves.

There are several reasons for purchasing a shell pack, such as having a preference for specific cymbals, hardware, or the manufacturer focusing on the shells alone for a certain product.

Components

When it comes to the components of a typical shell pack, this is what I usually find:

Kick drum: A large drum that is played with a kick pedal, producing a deep, low sound.
Snare drum: A smaller drum with wires on the underside creating a sharp, snappy sound.
Floor tom: A larger drum, usually placed on the floor with legs, that produces deeper and more resonant tones.
Rack toms: Usually one or two smaller drums mounted above the kick drum, producing higher-pitched sounds.

Have in mind that some shell packs may not include a snare drum so that drummers can choose their preferred snare to add to the set.

A shell pack is a great way to customize your drum set to suit your preferences. You have the flexibility to select your preferred array of cymbals, hardware, and even snare drum, making it truly personalized. It can be especially helpful for mid to high-end drum sets or if you have specific preferences for cymbals, snare drums and hardware.

Types of Drum Shell Materials

It’s essential to know the different materials used in making drum shells for a shell pack. Let me introduce you to the three main types of drum shell materials: Wood Shells, Metal Shells and Acrylic Shells.

Wood Shells

Wood shells are probably the most popular and widely used material for drum sets. Different wood types provide various tonal qualities and characteristics. Here are some common wood types you’ll find in drum shells:

Birch: Birch shells have a bright and cutting sound with a slightly reduced low-end. They are great for recording as they offer a balanced tone with good projection.
Maple: Maple is a prevalent choice for drummers as it offers a warm and full sound. It has a rich low-end and a balanced midrange, making it versatile for various music styles.
Mahogany: These shells have muted highs, a smooth midrange, and a warm, rich low end. Mahogany shells are vibrant and resonant.
Poplar: Poplar shell packs are affordable and usually found in entry-level drum sets. They have a similar sound to birch, with a bright and focused tone.

Metal Shells

Metal shells are known for their durability, power, and cutting sound. They come in various materials, each with unique sound properties:

Aluminum: Aluminum shells have a dry and controlled sound. They are lightweight and offer a unique response, making them suitable for intricate playing styles.
Brass: Brass shells are loud, with a bright and cutting sound. They have a slightly dark character compared to steel shells and a more focused tone.
Steel: Steel is the most frequently used metal for metal shells. These shells have a bright and aggressive sound with lots of projection. They’re great for cutting through loud mixes and heavy music genres.

Acrylic Shells

Acrylic shells offer a unique alternative to traditional wood and metal drum shells. They have a distinct look, usually transparent or available in various colors, making them visually appealing on stage.

In terms of sound, acrylic shells have a bright and open tone, with a more focused attack and less sustain compared to wood shells. You can probably recall the llegendary Ludwig Drum Kit with Acrylic shells that John Bonham played in Led Zepellin.

Key Drum Set Components

Drums

The key components of a drum set shell pack include three main types of drums: the snare, bass drum, and toms (both rack and floor toms). The snare drum typically has a crisp, sharp sound and is played with a drumstick or brush.

It’s usually placed on a stand in the center of the kit. The bass drum (or Kick Drum) is the largest drum in the set and produces a deep, booming sound. It’s played using a bass pedal and serves as the foundation of most drum beats.

The toms (rack and floor toms) produce a variety of tones, allowing for more melodic and rhythmic versatility. Rack toms are mounted on top of the bass drum or on separate stands and can come in various sizes.

Floor toms are larger and stand on their legs, offering even more depth to the sound.

Cymbals

Cymbals are an essential part of any drum set, but they are not usually included in a shell pack. The most common types of cymbals in a drum set are the hi-hat, ride, and crash cymbals.

The hi-hat consists of two cymbals mounted on a stand that can be opened and closed using a Hi-Hat pedal, providing a sharp or muffled sound.

The ride cymbal is larger and mainly used for maintaining a steady rhythm, while the crash cymbal is used for providing a powerful, accentuated sound.

Hardware

Even though hardware is generally not included in a shell pack, it’s crucial for assembling and playing your drum set. This includes the stands, pedals, lugs, tension rods, hoops, legs, tom mounts, and cymbal stands.

Stands and pedals enable you to position and play your drums, while lugs, tension rods, and hoops help maintain the drum’s structure and tension.

Tom mounts allow you to safely and securely attach your rack toms to the bass drum or to separate stands.

Finally, cymbal stands hold your cymbals in place, allowing you to position them for optimal playing and sound.

Selecting the Right Shell Pack

Skill Level

As a drummer, it’s important to choose a shell pack that matches your skill level. For beginners, it’s best to start with a more affordable and basic shell pack, which usually includes a kick drum, a snare drum, a floor tom, and two rack toms.

This setup allows you to focus on building your skills and understanding the fundamentals of playing the drums.

For advanced drummers, investing in a higher-quality shell pack can make a significant difference in the sound and overall performance. Thease shell packs usually offer additional components, such as extra toms, as well as more choice in terms of drum shell materials and finishes.

Music Genre

The music genre you will play also influences the type of shell pack you should choose. For jazz music, I may would to opt for a smaller, more compact shell pack, as it allows for greater subtlety and nuance in my playing. A typical jazz shell pack might include a smaller kick drum, a snare, a floor tom, and one or two rack toms.

On the other hand, for heavy metal or rock music, I’ll need a shell pack with a larger kick drum and more toms, allowing for more powerful and aggressive playing. In these genres, it’s common to see setups featuring multiple rack toms and floor toms, as well as larger, deeper-sounding kick drums.

Budget Considerations

When selecting a shell pack, it’s important to consider the budget. There are several factors to keep in mind when setting a budget for a shell pack:

Shell material and construction: Higher-quality shell packs will typically feature better materials, such as maple or birch, and more precise construction methods, which can affect the overall sound and durability.
Hardware not included: Since shell packs don’t include cymbals, pedals, or hardware, you also need to account for these additional costs when setting your budget.
Used or new: If you are on a tighter budget, you might consider looking for a used shell pack, which can often be found at a fraction of the cost of a new set.
Recording and studio use: If your primary goal is recording music or playing in a studio setting, you may want to invest in a higher-quality shell pack, as the quality of the drums will be more noticeable in recordings.

Popular Drum Set Shell Packs

Yamaha Stage Custom Birch

I’ve always appreciated the Yamaha Stage Custom Birch for its amazing sound and build quality. This shell pack features 100% birch shells, which deliver a warm, balanced tone suitable for various music styles.

The pack comes in various configurations, but a common 5-piece set includes a 22″ kick drum, 16″ floor tom, 12″ and 10″ rack toms, and a 14″ snare drum.

PDP Concept Maple

PDP Concept Maple shell packs have gained a reputation for their versatility and professional-quality sound at an affordable price.

Built with 100% maple shells, they offer rich, resonant tones with excellent attack and projection. A typical configuration includes a 22″ kick drum, 16″ floor tom, 12″ and 10″ rack toms, and a 14″ snare drum.

DW Performance Series

The DW Performance Series shell packs showcase the craftsmanship that DW has become renowned for. They feature handcrafted North American Hard Rock Maple shells that deliver a punchy, articulate sound. The 5-piece configuration includes a 22″ kick drum, 14″ floor tom, 12″ and 10″ rack toms, and a 14″ snare drum.

Sonor SQ2

The Sonor SQ2 shell pack is a highly customizable kit with limitless configuration options. These drums are handcrafted in Germany and are known for their exceptional build quality, resonant tone, and cutting projection.

Configuration options are highly varied and can be tailored to the drummer’s preferences, with a significant focus on choosing the type and size of each drum shell component.

Ludwig Breakbeats

If you’re looking for a compact and portable shell pack, the Ludwig Breakbeats by Questlove is an excellent choice.

Designed for urban and gigging drummers, this 4-piece set has a smaller footprint, featuring a 16″ kick drum, 13″ floor tom, 10″ rack tom, and a 14″ snare drum. It feels lightweight yet produces a powerful sound, perfect for various musical settings.

Pearl Decade Maple

If you’re looking for a compact and portable shell pack, the Ludwig Breakbeats by Questlove is an excellent choice.

Mapex Armory

The Mapex Armory is a versatile and stylish shell pack known for delivering a balance of power, tone, and playability.

It features a unique hybrid shell, with birch and maple plies combined to produce a focused, resonant sound. The 5-piece configuration includes a 22″ kick drum, 16″ floor tom, 12″ and 10″ rack toms, and a 14″ snare drum. The Armory series is an excellent choice for drummers seeking a mid-range shell pack with pro-level qualities.

FAQ:

Do drum shells make a difference?

Absolutely! The material, construction, and thickness of a drum shell significantly affect the drum’s sound. Each type of material — be it wood, metal, or acrylic — imparts unique sonic characteristics. For example, birch wood shells offer a bright and cutting sound with a reduced low-end, while steel shells provide a bright, aggressive sound ideal for louder music genres. Additionally, the construction and thickness can affect the resonance, sustain, and overall tonal quality of the drum. In essence, the drum shell is a critical component in shaping the drum’s sound.

What is the difference between a drum kit and a drum set?

The terms “drum kit” and “drum set” are often used interchangeably. However, a subtle distinction can be made. A drum set usually refers to the combination of drums only — this might be a shell pack, which includes the drum “shells” themselves, such as the kick drum, snare drum, and toms. On the other hand, a drum kit often refers to a complete setup, including not just the drums but also the cymbals, hardware, pedals, and sometimes even the drum throne. Therefore, while both terms refer to a collection of percussion instruments played by a single drummer, a drum kit generally implies a more inclusive setup.

How long do drum shells last?

Drum shells can last for decades with proper care and maintenance, regardless of their material. Factors that can impact the lifespan of drum shells include the quality of the material and construction, environmental conditions (like humidity and temperature), and how often and aggressively they are played. Regular maintenance, such as proper tuning, cleaning, and avoiding extreme environmental conditions, can extend their lifespan. Even when drum heads need replacement due to wear and tear, the shells themselves, if well maintained, can serve a drummer well for a lifetime.

Summary

Understanding the particularities of a drum set shell pack is vital for drummers at any level. The choice of a shell pack over a complete drum kit allows for a more personalized setup, where you can pick your preferred cymbals, hardware, and even snare drum.

Not to mention, the type of drum shell materials chosen has a direct influence on the sound and tonality of your drumming, making this decision quite significant.

Whether you’re a beginner drummer seeking an affordable and basic shell pack to develop your skills, or an advanced drummer looking for high-quality shell packs for professional performances or studio recordings, the market offers something for everyone. Considerations about your preferred music genre and your budget should guide your choice of a shell pack.

However, do remember that ultimately, the drum set is just the vehicle for your musical expression. The drummer’s skill, creativity, and passion truly bring the instrument to life.

I’m crazy about drums, it’s been my passion since I was 12 years old. I played in numerous bands going through different styles like Rock, Progressive, Pop & Jazz-Rock. After being featured in major music publications (Drumeo, Guitar Guitar, AudioIssues, MusicThinkTank) I started this website to share my knowledge and create a resource for drummers of all levels.