12 piece drum set

Types of 12 piece drum sets

A 12 piece drum set is a polished and well-organized musical set that comprises many individual parts. These sets are distinguished by the number of drums and cymbals, usually numbering 12. The pieces include five drums with a bass drum, snare drum, and tom-tom drums. In addition, there are also seven cymbals, which are hi-hat, crash, and ride cymbals. A 12-piece drum set is available in different types. It includes;

• Standard 12-piece drum set

  This type of drum set consists of five drums and seven cymbals. The drums include a bass drum, snare drum, and two toms. Additionally, the cimbals include hi-hat, crash, and ride cymbal. This is one of the most common types of drum sets. It is used by drummers who play different music styles. The set provides the drummer with enough pieces. This enables them to play complex rhythms and patterns.

• Jazz 12-piece drum set

  It is a type of drum set designed to produce sound that is more focused on tone and clarity. The set includes smaller drums and more cymbals. These drums are easier to tune. Also, they have a wide range of tonalities. Normally, a jazz drum set comprises a bass drum, snare drum, two toms, a floor tom, and hi-hat, crash, and ride cymbals. This set is used by drummers to play different music styles. However, it is mostly preferred for jazz music.

• Rock 12-piece drum set

  This type of drum set is built to produce loud and powerful sounds. The set comes with larger drums and fewer cymbals. The larger drums have deeper tones and more resonance. Ideally, a rock drum set comprises a bass drum, snare drum, two toms, a floor tom, hi-hat, crash, and ride cymbal. The set is used by drummers to play different music styles. However, it is mostly used in rock and pop music.

• Orchestral 12-piece drum set

  This type of drum set is used in symphonic and orchestral music. It is more expensive than other drum sets. This is because it comes with additional percussion instruments. This may include a bass drum, snare drum, tenor drums, cymbals, gongs, tam-tam, and a large variety of cymbals. The drums are handcrafted. Also, they may include custom-made percussion instruments to match a certain sound or musical piece.

Scenarios of 12 piece drum sets

The 12 piece drum set is versatile and can be used in many different drumming styles. Here are some of them:

• Rock drumming

  Drum kits with many pieces are often used in rock music. The additional drums and cymbals give the drummer the tools needed to play complex beats and fills. The 12 pieces drum set is ideal for playing hard rock and progressive rock, as these genres require a lot of different sounds and tones.

• Jazz drumming

  While 12 piece drum sets are not common in jazz, they can be used to play jazz music. Drummers like big bass drums and multiple toms for warm, deep sounds. Furthermore, the extra snare drums can be used to create sharp cracks and pops, making it easier for the drummer to differentiate sounds when playing fast-paced rudiments and rolls.

• Metal drumming

  In metal music, the 12 piece drum set can be used to play double bass drumming technique, which involves using two bass drums or pedals to create fast and powerful rhythms. The extra toms are also helpful when playing drum rolls and when the drummer is doing percussion instrument stacking. The extra cymbals give metal drummers more options for accents and crashes.

• Fusion drumming

  Fusion drumming is a combination of different styles, like jazz, rock, and Latin. A drummer needs different sounds and tones when playing these styles, which is why the 12-piece set is perfect for this because it has many drums and cymbals. With the 12-piece set, a drummer can play complex rhythms and create unique sounds.

• Orchestral drumming

  In orchestral music, the 12-piece drum set can be used for symphonic percussion, where the set is used together with other percussion instruments. The set adds depth and richness to the orchestral piece. The extra drums and cymbals make the 12-piece set sound more profound and more refined, which fits well with the orchestral music.

How to Choose 12 piece drum sets

When buying a 12-piece drum set, several factors should be considered to ensure the set meets the buyer's needs and preferences. Here are the key considerations:

• Skill Level

  For beginners, a 12-piece drum set that includes all essential components like bass drums, snare drums, toms, cymbals, and hardware is suitable. The set should be user-friendly and easy to assemble. Intermediate and advanced drummers may look for sets that offer more customization options and higher-quality materials.

• Sound and Material

  Drum shells can be made from various materials, including maple, birch, mahogany, or basswood. Each material produces different tones. Maple drums offer warm and balanced tones, birch provides a focused and bright sound, and mahogany drums have rich and deep tones. Buyers should consider the sound they prefer and the genres they plan to play.

• Cymbals

  Many 12-piece drum sets come with cymbals, including hi-hats, crash cymbals, and ride cymbals. Drummers should assess the quality and size of the included cymbals. Higher-quality cymbals have better tonal clarity and responsiveness. For professional use, thicker crash cymbals and a heavier ride cymbal should be prioritized.

• Hardware and Accessories

  Buyers should check the quality of the included hardware, such as stands, pedals, and mounts. Sturdy and adjustable stands with rubber feet provide stability during performances. A reliable bass drum pedal with adjustable tension is essential for playing speed and dynamics. Other accessories include drum cases for protection and a drum throne for comfortable seating.

• Portability and Setup

  If the drummer needs to transport the set frequently, lightweight and easily portable drums are ideal. Buyers should look for drums that are easy to assemble and disassemble. Some brands offer drum sets with quick-release features for convenient setup.

• Budget

  12-piece drum sets vary in price depending on the quality of materials, components, and brand reputation. Buyers should set a budget and assess the cost in relation to the features offered. Higher-end sets may include better-quality drums and hardware, while entry-level sets offer essential components at a lower price.

• Extras and Customization

  Some 12-piece drum sets come with extra accessories like drumsticks, practice pads, and carrying cases. Buyers should consider the value of these additional components. Drummers who prefer customization options can look for sets that allow them to choose specific drum sizes, materials, and finishes.

Function, Feature, and Design of 12 Piece Drum Sets

Functions

• Drum sets are primary tools used by drummers to create different rhythms that form the foundation of any song. The drums have various sizes and depths that provide unique sounds, from deep bass to sharp snare.

• Dynamic and Versatility

  p>With the combination of different drums and cymbals, a 12-piece set provides a wide range of sounds, allowing drummers to play different styles and genres. The additional pieces enable more complex patterns and dynamic variations, enhancing the music's richness.

• Foundation of Groove

  The bass drum is often the key element that locks in with the bass line of a song, providing the groove and foundation. Its deep, low-end sound is crucial for the rhythmic stability of the music.

• Layering of Sounds

  The combination of different types of drums and cymbals allows for layering of sounds. Drummers can use different techniques to hit the drums and cymbals, resulting in a rich tapestry of tones and textures that keep the music engaging.

Features

• Customization

  A 12-piece drum set allows drummers to customize their set according to their playing style and preferences. Drummers can add or remove pieces to suit their playing style and the music they want to play. For example, a drummer focusing on orchestral music might include additional toms for a fuller, orchestral sound. At the same time, a metal drummer might add more cymbals for increased complexity and brightness.

• Enhanced tonal range

  A 12-piece drum set provides an expanded tonal palette, allowing for more nuanced and complex rhythms. The additional toms, snares, and bass drums enable drummers to create intricate fills and grooves. For instance, extra toms can be used for deep, resonant fills, while multiple snares can provide crisp, cutting accents.

• Improved Projection and Depth

  With 12 pieces, the drums can have deeper shells or larger diameters, enhancing their projection and depth. This is particularly beneficial for live performances where the drums need to cut through the mix. The larger drums and deeper shells produce a fuller, more powerful sound that resonates in larger venues.

Design

• Layering and Complex Sound

  The design of a 12-piece drum set allows for the layering of different drums and cymbals, creating a more complex sound. This is especially useful for genres that require a wide range of tones and textures, such as progressive rock or jazz fusion. The additional pieces enable drummers to create intricate patterns and dynamic shifts, adding depth and sophistication to their playing.

• Enhanced Projection and Volume

  With more drums and cymbals, a 12-piece drum set has increased projection and volume. This is particularly beneficial for live performances where the drums need to be heard over a full band. The larger drums and additional cymbals produce a louder, more resonant sound that cuts through the mix, ensuring the drummer is heard clearly.

• Customization and Personalization

  A 12-piece drum set allows drummers to customize and personalize their instrument to suit their playing style and preferences. Drummers can choose specific drums, cymbals, and hardware to create a set that feels comfortable and sounds exactly how they want. This level of customization enables drummers to play with greater confidence and precision, leading to improved performance.

Q & A

Q1: How many pieces are in a 12-piece drum set?

A1: As the name suggests, a 12-piece drum set has 12 pieces, which include a bass drum, a snare drum, toms, a floor tom, a cymbal, and hi-hat.

Q2: How much is a good drum set?

A2: The cost of a good drum set varies depending on the brand, material, and size. An entry-level acoustic drum set can cost around $500 to $1000, while a professional-level set can cost $3000 and above. The difference is also in the sound quality and the durability of the drums.

Q3: What is an entry-level drum set?

A3: An entry-level drum set is a basic drum set that usually includes a bass drum, snare drum, toms, floor tom, cymbals, hi-hat, and a snare drum. It is smaller in size and less expensive compared to a professional drum set. An entry-level drum set is designed for beginners and hobbyist drummers.

Q4: How long do drum sets last?

A4: With proper care and maintenance, a drum set can last for several years, even decades. Drummers are known to play some vintage drum sets that were made over 50 years ago. The lifespan of a drum set also depends on the quality and the materials used. Higher quality drum sets are often made with premium materials such as maple or birch and can last longer than entry level drum sets.

Q5: What is the difference between an acoustic and an electric drum set?

A5: An acoustic drum set is a set of drums that produces natural sounds when played with sticks. On the other hand, an electric drum set produces sounds through a speaker or headphones when played with sticks. The main difference between the two sets is that the acoustic set produces natural sounds while the electric set produces digital sounds.