Part 8 · Reading & Musicianship · Chapter 99
Caring for Your Kit
A drum set lasts decades with a little care.
- Heads: replace them when they sound dead or have dents. Batter heads wear out faster than resonant heads.
- Cymbals: never overtighten the wing nut. Cymbals need to move, and a clamped cymbal can crack. Use felts and sleeves on the stands.
- Stands and pedals: tighten loose screws, oil the bass drum pedal springs now and then.
- Sticks: replace chipped or cracked sticks before they splinter.
- Moving: use cases or bags. Most damage happens in transport.
- Your ears: the most important part of your kit. Wear hearing protection.
EXAMPLE 99.1Sound check
TEMPO
Play each drum and cymbal in turn to check everything sounds right before you play.
Check before you playTIP
Before every gig or lesson, play a quick sound check. You’ll catch a loose wing nut or a slipping pedal before it matters.