How to Set Up a Drum Kit

by DistantOverture in Living > Music

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How to Set Up a Drum Kit

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This is my first Instructable so don't expect anything too special. This Instructable will show you how to set up your drums.

Setting Up Your Kick Drum

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Your kick drum should be level to give you the best possible sound. Also, your hoop will not bend when it's attached to your pedals.

Finding a Comfortable Place for Your Pedals

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First off, sit down and have your legs out in a comfortable spot. This is where your pedals should go.

Setting Up Your Hi Hats

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To set up your hi hat clutch, you will want to have 1 felt on each side of the top Hat, fastened with a nut. Your Hi Hats should clap together.

If you have a double kick pedal, your Hi Hats should either go to the left, or the right. Try to keep your Hi Hat more of a priority than your double kick pedal.

Finding a Spot for Your Snare Drum

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Your snare should be positioned in between your pedals and close to your Hi Hats.

Finding a Spot for Your Rack Tom(s)

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Your Rack Tom(s) should be positioned in front of you. You don't want them too far away from you. I mount my rack tom on a cymbal stand, to get it lower, and more to the left. You may mount them however you like.

Finding a Spot for Your Floor Tom(s)

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Your floor tom(s) should be a comfortable distance away positioned to the side of you. I chose to put my floor toms on either side of me based on personal preference.

Putting Up Cymbals

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Your crash cymbal should not be positioned higher than your shoulder. You will want to mount it on a slight angle, so you don't damage the cymbal with the stick. I have a splash cymbal temporarily mounted upside down on top of my crash.

Your ride cymbal should not be too far away from you. I have my ride cymbal mounted in front of me based on personal preference. It's not hard to hit the ride when it's close to you.

Your Finished Product

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I hope I have helped you set up your drums. Thank you for taking your time to read my first Instructable.