Buying guides
Choose gear for the way you play.
Work from the instruments and measurements you already know.
Choose a drumstick by grip, reach and balance
Use the sticks already in your bag as a reference. Measure the part you hold, compare how far you reach, then decide whether you want a different taper or tip.
Read guide ↗Choose brushes, rods or sticks for the same kit
Start with the sound or technique you want to change, then check the striking material and the surface that will meet it.
Read guide ↗Match mallet heads and shafts to the instrument
Check the specific bars, drums or cymbal in the score, then use head material, hardness and shaft construction to narrow the comparison.
Read guide ↗Choose a practice pad for hands or feet
Match the working surface, its size and the support under it to the exercises you actually practice.
Read guide ↗Measure a kit for practice mutes
Write down each nominal drum and cymbal diameter. Then compare what a prepack covers with what you actually play.
Read guide ↗Check stick storage and bass drum beater fit
Use the measurements of your kit and the tools you carry to check two accessories that can be hard to judge from a photo.
Read guide ↗