A drum set up diagram is an image that shows how a drum kit is typically laid out and assembled. Different drum sets have a variety of configurations, but the most common are a four or five piece set up with a bass, snare, two toms, and hi-hats. Often, extra crash and ride cymbals are included as well. There are many different ways to configure a drum kit, and the configuration that you choose will greatly impact how your kits sounds. The hardware that is used to mount the drums and cymbals also plays an important role in how your kit will sound. From a simple thing like wood hoops versus heavy die-cast, to the height of the cymbal stands and how they choke or help with the vibration of the drums, every little detail matters.
A good place to start is with the throne (the seat). It’s important that your drum throne is comfortable for you to sit on while playing, as it will allow you to play longer and reduce fatigue. A general rule of thumb is to place the throne in a position that allows you to have your legs parallel with each other when you’re sitting on it.
Once the throne is in position, it’s time to move on to assembling the rest of the kit. First, put the bass drum and kick pedal in place. Most drummers are right-footed, so the bass drum pedal should go under your right foot and the hi hat stand under your left.
The next step is to attach the two toms to their respective stands. To do this, simply place the tom arm into the hole on top of the drum and then slide the short end of the arm into the slot on the tom, and tighten the screw. Make sure that the tom isn’t touching the bass drum or hitting it when you play, and adjust the angle of the tom if necessary.
After the toms are attached, it’s time to add the snare. The snare is normally placed to the right of the bass drum, but you can move it anywhere in your setup as long as the positioning doesn’t interfere with how your kit sounds.
When putting the snare on its stand, it’s important to angle it down slightly. This will give you a lower sound and increase your ability to hit the drum while keeping it stable.
Most snare stands have a small and large slot, so the small rack tom should go into the left slot while the larger rack tom goes into the right one. Again, if you need to, loosen the screw and then adjust the angle of the rack tom based on your personal preference.
Once the snare and toms are in position, you’re ready to attach your cymbals. To do this, place the cymbals on their respective stands and tighten them down. Remember to use cymbal sleeves or felts on the stands to prevent metal-on-metal contact, as this can cause unwanted vibrations.