6 piece drum sets

Types of 6 piece drum sets

A 6 piece drum set consists of six drums. It includes two floor toms, a snare drum, a bass drum, a high tom, and a medium tom. Drums are cylindrical hollow wooden cases with a drumhead on both sides. The drumhead is hit with drumsticks to produce rhythmic sounds. Some drummers prefer a six-piece drum set to a five-piece drum set because of the extra floor tom. With the added drum, the drummer can create different tones and sounds. This makes the 6-piece drum set ideal for complex rhythms and deep beats. The set is popular among advanced drummers and professional musicians.

Six-piece drum sets come in different types. They include:

• Standard 6 piece drum kit: This is the most popular type of 6-piece drum set. It includes a snare drum, bass drum, two toms, two floor toms, and a cymbal. The set is used by beginner drummers and professional drummers. It provides a wide range of sounds and tones.
• 6 piece rock drum kit: The rock drum kit is designed for rock music. It consists of a snare drum, bass drum, two toms, two floor toms, and a cymbal. Compared to the standard set, the rock drum kit has an added crash cymbal and hi-hat. The extra cymbals provide the drummer with more sound options. Drummers can create the loud and aggressive sounds of rock music.
• 6 piece fusion drum kit: This drum set is designed for jazz and fusion music. It has a smaller bass drum and more toms compared to the standard drum set. The set consists of a snare drum, two small toms, two floor toms, and a bass drum. With six pieces, the drum kit allows the drummer to create complex rhythms and patterns. The set is used for jazz, fusion, and other genres that require a wide range of tones.
• 6 piece custom drum kit: This is a unique and personalized drum set made according to the drummer's specifications. It has different sizes, shapes, and finishes. The 6-piece custom drum kit can include extra toms or cymbals. Some drummers may prefer a larger bass drum or snare drum.

Scenarios of 6 piece drum sets

6-piece drum kits are versatile and widely used by drummers in different music styles. Here are some of the usage scenarios.

• Live Performances: During live performances, drummers need a complete drum kit that can produce varied sounds. The 6-piece kit, which includes extra toms and a snare, provides the drummer with more sound options for filling and accents improving the overall performance and sound. Additionally, the larger bass drum gives the audience a more powerful sound that is felt during live performances.
• Recording Sessions: The 6-piece drum set provides additional toms and a wider range of tones that can be used by drummers to create different rhythms and sounds. This makes the set an ideal choice for recording sessions. With the extra pieces, drummers have more options when it comes to selecting the best sounds that fit a particular song. The kit's versatility allows drummers to achieve different sound depths and complexities, which is an important aspect of recorded music.
• Drum Solos: The 6-piece drum kit is ideal for playing complex rhythms and patterns, thus giving the drummer more room for creativity and expression. With the extra toms, snare, and bass drum, the kit enables drummers to perform elaborate fills and intricate patterns with ease. The wider tonal range of the kit adds depth and richness to the drum solo, making it more captivating and dynamic. Besides, the 6-piece kit provides the drummer with the right tools to showcase their technical skills and musicality.
• Drumline and Marching Bands: The 6-piece drum set is suitable for playing different types of rhythms and sounds, thus adding more depth and complexity to the drumline and marching bands. With the additional toms and snare, the kit allows drummers to perform intricate rhythms and patterns. The added bass drum also provides a deeper sound that is essential for the marching bands and drumlines' foundation. The kit's versatility enables drummers to achieve a wide range of tones and sounds that can be used to create dynamic and engaging performances.

How to Choose 6 Piece Drum Sets

When buying a six-piece drum set, there are various factors to consider. They include:

• Skill Level

  A person’s skill level should be the starting point when purchasing a drum set. Beginners, intermediate drummers and expert drummers have different needs. For instance, a beginner drummer with basic drumming knowledge will be looking for an affordable, quality, compact and easy-to-use set. Such a set will not have many pieces to assemble. It will mostly include a bass drum, snare, floor tom, tom, cymbals and a hi-hat.

  On the other hand, an experienced drummer will be looking for a more versatile and professional drum set. A portable drum set is ideal for touring and practicing, while an experienced drummer will want a stationary set for more complex playing.

• Sound Preference

  Different drum sets have different sounds. Drums made from different materials produce different sounds. For example, a six-piece set made from maple offers a warm sound with good sustain. Birch, on the other hand, has a bright sound with a cutting attack. Consider a person’s sound preference when buying a drum set.

• Space and Setup

  Consider the space available for the drum set and the time a person is willing to spend on the setup. A six-piece drum set with a lot of pieces will take up a lot of space. The more pieces a drum set has, the longer it will take to set up and dismantle.

• Quality and Construction

  The quality of a drum set is important, especially its construction. A well-constructed drum set will have solid hardware that can withstand regular use. The shells of the drums should also be made of quality material and well-built.

• Included Accessories

  When buying a six-piece drum set, look at what accessories it comes with. A good set should include a drum throne, pedals, a cymbal stand and a snare stand. Buying these accessories separately can be expensive.

• Portability

  If the drum set will be transported, it should have cases that protect it from damage. Portable drum sets are lighter and come with carrying cases.

• Budget

  Finally, consider the budget. A six-piece drum set is available in many price ranges. Knowing how much one is willing to spend will help narrow down options.

Function, Feature and Design of 6 piece drum sets

Functions

• One of the primary functions of a 6-piece drum set is to create and maintain a steady beat or rhythm. The set comprises various drums and cymbals, each contributing unique sounds that drummers can combine to make complex rhythms. The bass drum is usually played on every beat, while the snare drum is often played on the backbeat. Drums around the floor and toms can add syncopation and groove, while hi-hat and cymbals can provide timekeeping and accentuation.

• Versatility

  A 6-piece drum set is more versatile than smaller configurations, such as a 3-piece or 5-piece drum set. The additional drums and cymbals allow drummers to play various music genres, including rock, jazz, metal, and funk. Each style requires different sounds and techniques, and the 6-piece drum set provides the necessary tools to achieve them. For example, the two toms can produce a melodic fill in a rock song, while the smaller tom and snare drum can create the sharp, cutting sound required for fast-paced, complex rhythms in a metal track.

Features

• Enhanced Sound

  With a 6-piece drum set, drummers can achieve a more profound and richer sound, especially when recording. The additional drums allow for more tonal variation and deeper sounds, which can be particularly useful in low-frequency music genres like rock and metal. The extra toms and snare drums can produce a deeper, more resonant sound that cuts through the mix.

• Creative Expression

  A 6-piece drum set also allows for more creative expression. Drummers can experiment with different rhythms, fills, and patterns using the extra drums and cymbals. This can lead to more complex and interesting drum parts, enhancing the overall music. For example, a drummer can use the extra toms to create a melodic fill or use the additional cymbals to add accents and nuances.

Designs

• Traditional Configuration

  It includes a bass drum, snare drum, two toms, a floor tom, and a cymbal. This design is well-balanced and provides all the essential components for a drummer to play various music styles.

• Jazz Configuration

  This design usually features smaller drums and has two toms, a floor tom, a bass drum, and a snare drum. The smaller drums produce a more focused and punchy sound, which is ideal for jazz music. The additional toms and smaller bass drum also make the set more portable and easier to transport.

• Rock Configuration

  This configuration is designed to provide a more powerful and deeper sound. It includes a larger bass drum, which produces a more profound and booming sound, essential for rock music. The extra toms and floor tom add depth and richness to the drum parts, making them more impactful.

Q&A

Q1: How many pieces should a drum set have?

A1: The smallest and most basic drum kit usually contains three pieces - a kick drum, a snare drum, and a tom. However, a six-piece drum set, which is more common, will include a bass drum, snare drum, three toms, and a hi-hat and cymbals.

Q2: How deep is a 6-piece drum set of expandable drums?

A2: The depth of a six-piece drum set varies depending on the specific configuration and design of the drums. On average, a bass drum on a 6-piece drum set might be around 18 to 22 inches in diameter and 14 to 16 inches in depth. A snare drum is usually around 14 inches in diameter and 5 to 6 inches deep. Floor toms are often larger and deeper, with a diameter of 14 to 16 inches and a depth of 12 to 14 inches. Because of this, a 6-piece drum set will include drums with different dimensions and depths, ensuring drummers have all the required drums to perform.

Q3: Is a 6-piece drum set good for recording?

A3: A six-piece drum set is not only good for recording but also provides professional drumming sounds. With three toms alone, a six-piece drum set offers better tonal variations and allows drummers to play more complex rhythms. This is especially true for genres that require a deep and rich drumming sound, like rock or jazz. A six-piece drum set also helps drummers achieve a more polished and refined sound, which translates well in recordings.