Best Presents for a Drummer
Are you trying to find the best presents for a drummer? Gifts for drummers can be a difficult one.
Take it from me, having received all kinds of drumming gifts from friends & family, some of them were indeed impractical for a drummer. Furthermore, they were more for show than actual usage; such as drumstick pencils (not good for the leads inside, especially when played) or ladles hollowed out with drum shapes, etc….
Now, far be it from me to suggest these gifts are bad but if you want to impress your drummer, these gifts for a drummer below will propel you into their good books:
1. Drum Sticks
There’s only so long you can hit a drum kit without drum sticks… Most drumsticks are made out of various types of wood and will therefore; fatigue, wear, even break eventually. Having a good supply of sticks in a drummer’s arsenal will be greatly appreciated. Definitely one of the best gifts for drummers!
Therefore, you’ll need to find out the basics such as what Brand and Model / Size sticks your drummer prefers.
It’s as simple as going through their stick bag or looking at the drumsticks left on their drums / lying around the place. This will usually be a good indication of what they’ll likely be using. Even the prettiest, sparkliest sticks in the shop or online won’t be of any use if you don’t find out the basics first.
Does your drummer have enough sticks already? Then you can always get them different types of sticks for different uses. See picture below –
2. Gaffa / Duct Tape
Gaffa a.k.a Duct tape is a drummer’s best friend when it comes to getting in and out of a sticky situation. Not only does it hold drums together should they fall apart, it can be used to stick up band name banners, hold down set-lists on stage, etc. The list is endless as to what can be done with Gaffa tape. Moreover, it’s a real must-have when it comes to gifts for drummers.
3. Bits of Percussion
There may come a time when your drummer will need more than just their drums. Whether it be; a recording session or a small live event where volume has to be kept low, having bits of percussion around will come in useful.
Items such as; egg shakers, triangles, shakers or tambourines will play some part in your drummer’s life and can be a great gift. Furthermore, there are plenty of other percussion items you can choose from; sometimes the odder the better. However, start with getting a shaker of some kind and move on from there.
4. Practice Pads
Like most things, in order for anything to do be done well you’ll need to practice. Therefore practice pads are a great way to keep your drummer tapping away at a (relatively) low volume for long periods of time practicing their rudiments.
You can get various different sized practice pads with various different surfaces. Although most tend to be a piece of rubber glued on-top-of a wooden base. The smaller sized / lighter weight pads will fit into stick bags or smaller bags easier than their counterparts. Otherwise, there’s no real difference in what size pad you get – just preference.
5. Drum Key
This little, handy piece of equipment is a must-have for every drummer. They tune drums, adjust memory locks / tension rods and tighten up accessories. Because of their size, they’re easy to misplace or lose. So, again, you’ll definitely be in your drummer’s good books if you can get a few drum keys – preferably ones with holes in to attach to a set of keys!
6. Drum Lessons
How about a drum lesson? Whether your drummer is starting out, been drumming for ages or wants to try something new, a drum lesson is definitely one of the best presents for drummers. You can buy a drum lesson with me – in person in London or via Zoom.
7. Survival Kit
You could always get a drummer’s survival kit . Because, this handy pack has plenty of; cymbal felts, sleeves, cord, tension rods and drum keys for any drummer.
Summary – Best Presents for a Drummer
Of course there are other gifts such as – ear protectors, drums, cymbals, drum muting products….. The list can go on for ever and ever. However, choosing any one of these from the above list will be a great choice gift for your drummer.
