If you are interested in learning how to play the Electric Drum then you will have probably found that you have two choices when it comes to buying your first kit. You’ll need to decide whether you want to get a full acoustic kit, or plump for one of the highly modern electronic kits that are available.
There are a number of benefits to each option, though it’s important that you get the kit that best suits your needs. I’m going to take you through some of the reasons why you may want to get either choice of drum kit…
Acoustic kits
More authentic feel
If you want to learn to play the Electric Drum with the most authentic feel then an acoustic kit is for you. You can achieve different sounds from each drum, as well have a greater control over the volume you create. It’s also easier to learn some of the important yet basic drum rolls, paradiddles and achieve a wider range of beats.
Better for live performances
Not only do acoustic kits look far more impressive when played on a stage, but they also sound better too. The sound created blends in better with the rest of a band and has more dimension to it when mic’d up through a PA system.
More customisable
Whether you want to add ten cymbals, move bits around, add accessories like cowbells or bongos to your setup, or want to adjust the heights of everything to suit the way you play, it’s far easier to do this with an acoustic drum kit than an electric. Due to the inputs on an electric kit, you are often a bit limited with how much you can change around. I found a great music shop in Leicester that was able to help me pick out the perfect accessories to go with the Pearl kit I bought recently.
Electric kits
Perfect for practicing
While acoustic drums undoubtedly sound very cool, they can cause a lot of noise and upset the neighbours if you live in a busy residential area. Electronic kits on the other hand are ideal for practicing at home as the pads are virtually silent when you hit them, meaning you can play away to your heart’s content.
Take up less space
Whilst acoustic kits are big and bulky, not to mention heavy contraptions, electric kits are surprisingly light and can be folded away very quickly – this means that they can be kept in the corner of the room and are therefore unobtrusive to other members of the household.
Different styles
Although acoustic drums allow you to manage the volume by how hard you play, an electronic kit will allow you to select a style of kit, meaning one minute you could have a rock setup and the next you could be playing some reggae beats with the click of a button. Most modern kits also allow you to plug in your MP3 player, so you can put your headphones on and play along to your favourite songs.
What should you choose?
So in conclusion, if you plan on gigging in the future it’s worth going for the proper acoustic kit, yet those who are looking just to practice at home without disturbing the neighbours should probably opt for an electric.