There is no one way to set up a drum kit. Experienced drummers have a set up based on their style of drumming and their type of music. Eventually you too will develop your own personal set up to suit your needs as a drummer. For beginners though, there is a basic set up to help you get started.

For left handed drummers, just reverse the instructions.

At any time if you would like to see images of the items that are mentioned go to the Glossary page or click here.

For a basic set up you should have the following:
- Bass Drum
- Bass Drum Pedal
- Floor Tom
- Small Tom (Smallest of your two toms)
- Medium Tom (Largest of your two toms)
- Tom Holders
- Snare Drum
- Snare Drum Stand
- Crash Cymbal
- Cymbal stand for Crash Cymbal
- Ride cymbal
- Cymbal stand for Ride Cymbal
- Hi Hat cymbals
- Hi Hat Stand
- Drum Stool

When setting up remember to place things as close to what you think suits you, you ultimately will only make your final adjustments once the kit is completely set up.

Have your drum key handy.

Bass Drum
Place your bass drum in the center of the space you are setting up your kit. Make sure you try have enough space around the kit for everything else, otherwise you may end up having to move the entire kit to make space for something.
Loosen the legs and angle them down towards the front of the bass drum. Adjust the length of the legs so that the front of the bass drum is about 2cm off the ground. Make sure you tighten the legs properly. If the legs are not tightened enough, prolonged playing could cause the legs to loosen more and collapse.

Bass Drum Pedal
Make sure the pedal clamp is loosened. Slightly lift the bass drum where you want to attach the pedal. Slide the pedal clamp onto the bass drum hoop making sure it goes on straight. Now fasten the pedal clamp making sure the pedal won't move around while playing.

Tom Holder and Toms
Place the tom holder into the bracket on the bass drum (Some kits have a tom holder that holds both toms, this one has a tom holder for each tom). You will make the final adjustments to the toms later when you have a better idea of what their height and angle should be to suit you. Place the smallest tom on the left tom holder arm and place the medium tom on the right tom holder arm. Tighten both.

Snare Drum
Place the snare drum stand to the left of the bass drum pedal. Place the snare on the stand and tighten the basket to hold the snare drum securely.

Floor Tom
Extend the three floor tom legs so that it is approximately the same height as the snare drum. Place the floor tom to your right within comfortable reach.

Hi Hat Stand
First you need to set up the Hi Hat Cymbals. Attach the top hat to the clutch and slide the bottom hat onto the stand. Press the hi hat pedal down approximately 2 cm and tighten the wingnut.

Place the hi hat to the left of the snare drum make sure when seated that your feet comfortably reach both the bass drum pedal and the hi hat pedal.

Crash Stand
Attach the crash cymbal to the cymbal stand.

Place the crash stand between the hi hat and the small tom. Make sure it is close enough to reach, you can play around with height and angle adjustment later.

Ride Stand
Attach the ride cymbal to the cymbal stand the same way you did with the crash. Place the ride stand to the right of the medium tom, behind the floor tom.

Seat
Position your seat so that you comfortably reach the bass drum pedal and the hi hat pedal. You probably will move the seat around as well.

We now have the completed set up.
With everything placed, start moving things around making sure that you can reach everything comfortably. Most importantly make sure you don't have to strain to reach your pedals.

If you have any questions or comments, mail info@sadrummer.com