Best
DRUMSTICK
Classic 5A
Hickory Drumsticks drummer's go-to drumstick choice
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Overall: Superior Durability For a Longer Lasting Pair
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Best Feature: Tear Drop Wood Tip for Rich Cymbal Sounds
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TedScore™: 9.5/10
Best
IN-EAR MONITOR
Pro In-Ear Monitors monitor live performance with precision
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Overall: Hear Every Detail Across a Wide Frequency Range.
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Best Feature: Accurate Sound from Two Innovative 10mm Broadcast Transducers
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
SNARE HEAD
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Overall: Medium-Weight Heads Produce Bright, Resonant Tones
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Best Feature: Coated Single-Ply of 14-Mil Myla
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TedScore™: 8/10
If you’re a fan of drummers and their instrument, you’ll love our accessories. They make our life easier, more fun, they can even look after us, and they make the best gifts for drummers! There are accessories for all drummers of all abilities spanning a wide price range.
Practice pads
A practice pad is a practice tool designed to offer the same feel as an acoustic drum kit but at a much quieter volume. They are great to use at home, letting you go for hours without disturbing your neighbors but also ideal for taking on the road as they are so compact.
The pads come in different materials, including soft rubber, hard rubber, and mesh. The difference in a material affects the response from your strokes and also the volume. Some only have one material on a single side, and some pads use different materials on either one or both sides. The size also varies, from pads as small as four inches that you can strap to your leg up to a more realistic drum size of 12 inches.
They also come in many choices of colours, designs and sizes, making them great gifts for drummers.
As well as pads that imitate drum heads that you strike with a stick such as a snare drum head, there are also pads that imitate bass drum/kick drum heads. This also allows you to practice your technique and agility anywhere you like.
Drum sticks
Drum sticks can affect your drum sound, agility, and overall skill level. This is all down to their weight, sizes and material. There are also many variations that allow us to create different textures which suit different styles. This is one of the best gifts for drummers because we always need them!
Whether you are a heavy-hitting drummer or have a lighter touch, a decent pair of sticks will stand you in much better stead than a cheaper pair.
DESIGNED FOR: Student drummers
COMES WITH: Set of drumsticks
FEATURES: Wood tip
Vic Firth American Classic 5A Hickory Drumsticks
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Versatile - these sticks are a good size and weight to cover all styles
- Superior Durability
- Slightly less grip than other brands
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Drum brushes
Traditionally these parts are used for jazz, but you can use them for whatever you like. You have a handle and then a wire brush that fans out. They are usually retractable to prevent any damage. You can also buy brushes in nylon which help give a heavier sound, often used for rock styles.
Here is Clayton Cameron playing an amazing drum solo using brushes.
DESIGNED FOR: All drummers
COMES WITH: Smooth Rubber Handle
FEATURES: Retractable Wire Brush
Vic Firth Heritage Brushes
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Versatile
- High Price Point
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Drum rods
Also known as hot rods, we use these parts as another low volume option. Different sounds can be achieved by adjusting the rings to loosen or tighten the rods. The materials used are either bamboo, wood or plastic.
DESIGNED FOR: All drummers
COMES WITH: Fiber-bundled Rods
FEATURES: Aluminum Handle
Ahead Light Rockstix
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Fiber Rods last longer than alternatives
- Thinner Rods for finer articulation
- Not ideal for heavy playing
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Stick bags
This is a must for any drummer. It does what it says on the tin, simply containing your various drumsticks and other smaller accessories. They are available in all sizes, colors, designs and prices.
You may only need to take a couple of pairs around with you, so a slim design such as the Tama Powerpad Vintage Stick Bag could work well for you.
DESIGNED FOR: All drummers
COMES WITH: Pocket Design
FEATURES: Inner pockets for accessories
Tama Powerpad
Vintage Stick Bag
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Compact & Durable
- Only holds six pairs
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Or, for those of you after something more comprehensive, the Vic Firth Vicpack Drummers Backpack with Detachable Stick Bag Review 1 offers more features and flexibility.
DESIGNED FOR: All drummers
COMES WITH: Pocket Design
FEATURES: Inner pockets for accessories
Vic Firth Vicpack
Drummers Backpack
with Detachable Stick Bag
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Heavy-duty construction
- Plenty of room for all of your essentials
- Plain Design
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Drum stick holder
You may want to change drumsticks mid-song or suddenly find yourself holding half a drumstick or even no drumstick at all! This is where a stick holder comes in very handy. We usually clip them onto the hi hat stand or a cymbal stand, so those spare sticks are in easy reach. They come in two designs, one that holds one pair of sticks and the other that can hold multiple pairs.
They make a great gift for drummers as they are cheap, small and always handy to have whether at home or out gigging.
Tuning and rhythm
Keeping your drum kit sounding good as well as your own ability to play in time is what will take you from being an ok drummer to a top-quality drummer. Some of this can be quite easy to improve on and even on a budget. However, an aspect such as timekeeping will probably take you more time to develop through lots and lots of practice!
Tuning key adaptor
You cannot own a drum kit without owning a drum key. Not only do we need them to tune our instrument, but they can also be used to adjust memory locks on your hardware and keep all parts of your drum kit tight together. If you are short of gift ideas, you can’t go far wrong with this one. They are a budget-friendly tool, great for gifts because you can get some really cool looking ones and even keys that double up as a bottle opener!
DESIGNED FOR: All drummers
COMES WITH: Fits all standard tension rods
FEATURES: Crank Shaped
Gibraltar Speed
Drum Key
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Designed for quick drum head changes
- Plain Design
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
A gift for drummers that isn’t quite as well known is a multi-tool. A pocket-sized bit of kit that includes tools to help you with hardware on both acoustic and electric drum kits.
Metronome
Playing in time and maintaining the same tempo is important for all musicians, but most of all, the drummer. Metronomes help us achieve this and are a must-have in the rehearsal room. A metronome is a device that you can set at a given speed and act as an audio and sometimes visual cue. The pocket-size Korg MA-2 is an accessible and quality drum accessories with essential features.
DESIGNED FOR: 400 hours of continuous operation
COMES WITH: A larger and more easily readable display
FEATURES: Timer, enhanced volume, and a useful 'sound-out' mode
Korg MA-2 metronome
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Has a Tap Tempo function, making it super easy to use
- Earphone jack with adjustable volume
- Stylish display
- Compact - so easy to travel
- None!
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Drum dampers
The way we dampen drum heads can completely transform the drum sound. We use dampeners to decrease unwanted overtones and give a more focused sound. There are increasingly more types, from small stick-on pads to cushions and even pads covering the whole drum head.
Gels are a cost-effective way of reducing excessive rings, or if you want more options within the same device, then the Snareweight is the way to go; this is definitely one of the best gifts for drummers; it improves your sound and looks sexy.
DESIGNED FOR: All drummers
COMES WITH: Gel Pads
FEATURES: Can be washed and reused
Meinl Drum Honey
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Non-toxic
- Does not leave any residue on the head
- Only contains six pads
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: All drummers
COMES WITH: Leather, Black
FEATURES: Magnetic flexibility for quick changes
Snareweight M1
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Five different dampening settings
- Fits all drum sizes
- None
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
We also use silencer pads as a practice tool as they allow us to play the drum kit at a much quieter volume. They are foam pads that sit on and cover the top of each drum head. Where accessories such as gels and weights change the focus and tone, silencer pads completely kill the sound.
Silencer pads have many benefits as they allow you to play on your own kit rather than a practice pad, which, let’s face it, is much more fun! They will also help you practice without disturbing anyone, which also means practising later into the night.
DESIGNED FOR: All drummers
COMES WITH: Neoprene, Black color
FEATURES: Reduces volume by 95%
Evans SoundOff Drum
Mute Pack
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- In-expensive
- Durable
- Does not include pads for bass drum and cymbals
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Bags and rugs
When you have spent all of that money buying your perfect set-up, the last thing you want to do is take it to a gig, and it ends up covered in scratches. If you are a touring musician, then you may want to consider cases rather than bags, as these offer that next level of protection.
Drum bags
Drums bags are a great choice when it comes to transporting your drums as they are lightweight and durable whilst still providing a good level of protection.
Most budget bags have a durable and abrasive resistant exterior. Still, there are alternative options that have added protection on the inside of the case, such as foam padding or a fleece lining. Protection Racket is the leading brand of soft cases due to their high quality and maximum protection.
DESIGNED FOR: All drummers
COMES WITH: 20”, 5 Piece Set
FEATURES: Pro Grip Handles
Protection Racket
Crossover Drum Bag Set
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Inner Fleece lining prevents scratching
- Rack tom cases are slightly larger to fit rims
- Higher Price Point
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Hardware bags are also available. Look out for one with wheels and a good quality carry handle, as the weight of all of those stands really adds up!
Cymbal bags
Cymbals Bag are parts of the drum kit that we take around with us the most, along with your snare and bass drum pedal. So cymbal stands are a must-have.
Ideally, go for a case with padded dividers to keep them more secure and prevent any damage. If you’re going to be carrying them around, then go for two shoulder straps because it’s not going to be light!
DESIGNED FOR: All drummers
COMES WITH: 20”, 5 Piece Set
FEATURES: Two Backpack Straps
Meinl Cymbal
Backpack
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Padded Dividers
- External Hi-Hat Stand/Splash Compartment
- Higher Price Point
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Drum rug
As well as helping to keep your kit all in the same place, particularly the bass drum and hi-hats (as these are prone to moving away from you if you are set up on a slippery wooden floor). A rug is the perfect accessory to mark your territory on stage!
They can also add even more style to your set-up, from Persian to oriental and even animal designs.
DESIGNED FOR: All drummers
COMES WITH: Non-Skid Rubber Trim
FEATURES: Covered Wood Barrier
Pearl Crash Pad
Drum Mat
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Fits the whole kit, including stands and a throne
- Includes a nylon bag for transport
- Plain Design
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Accessories for your comfort
Accessories often help us out of all sorts of potential problems as well as making us feel like the real deal! From tablet holders to multi-tools and on-stage fans to gloves or a simple carabiner clip. They make the best gifts for drummers as you can never go far wrong.
Drinks holder
Whether in the rehearsal room or on stage, you’ll no doubt be working up a thirst! To keep your drink within easy distance, what better than a drinks holder. Low in price but high on the essentials list!
DESIGNED FOR: All drummers
COMES WITH: Soft Drink Holder
FEATURES: Attaches to almost any stand
Gibraltar Drink Holder
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Suitable for Cans, Bottles and More
- Plain Design
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Ear plugs
Your hearing is priceless. Ear plugs should be at the top of your list of accessories. They should be worn in the rehearsal room and at gigs, as playing and listening to music at high volumes for extended periods of time can potentially cause irreversible hearing damage.
There are several options out there. Some reduce all types of sound, whereas some only block the damaging frequencies and also have interchangeable filters so you can choose the level of attenuation. There are also earplugs that are moulded to your ear sizes for that extra level of protection and comfort.
Headphones
Headphones are, of course, the big selling point for electronic kits, letting you have the time of your life without your next-door neighbours having any idea! But they are just as useful for those of you with an acoustic set. They make great gifts for all drummers.
Protecting your ears should be at the front of your decision making when it comes to choosing which headphones to buy. Any sets that reduce external noise are a wise choice, as you are then able to set the volume coming through your headphones at a lower level.
These include closed-back designs and in-ear monitors
DESIGNED FOR: All drummers
COMES WITH: Comes with a conversion plug for standard and mini adapters.
FEATURES: Great Headphones
Roland RH-5 Closed
Stereo Headphones
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Lightweight and Robust
- Lesser quality sound
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
In-ear monitors are discreet and can produce good sound quality, similar to headphones; some may say they are the ultimate drum accessory. They are designed for the stage, to give you the same sound that goes out to the audience.
You can buy sets with adapters, to find the most comfortable fit, or you can order/go to a shop and have a mould taken of your ear to have your very own custom-moulded monitor.
DESIGNED FOR: All drummers
COMES WITH: 5 piece set
FEATURES: Great Headphones
Sennheiser IE 100
Pro In-Ear Monitors
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Exceptional sound isolation
- Capable of huge volumes without distortion
- Not moulded to your ear.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Drum keys
A drum key should be at the top of the list for any drummer. A simple bit of kit that allows you to adjust the tension bolts on your drums and adjust memory locks on hardware. If we have a problem, we can usually fix it with a drum key!
They make a great gift as not only are they low in price, but they come in a variety of different colours, finishes, brand logos and even double up as bottle openers.
Quick release cymbal lock
If there is one downside to playing the drums, it’s the setting up, packing down and transporting of them. So any gadgets that make this a less painful experience are always welcome. Quick-release cymbal locks save you from turning wing nuts round and round whilst still giving you a robust lock.
DESIGNED FOR: All drummers
COMES WITH: Spring Release Button
FEATURES: Release button has inner teeth
Gibraltar Quick Release Cymbal Lock
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Fine Tuning Adjustments
- More expensive than other options
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Double bass drum pedal
A double bass-drum pedal is an alternative choice to having two bass drums. There are advantages to going down the double pedal route, not least of all the space it saves, fitting the pedal into your setup and the financial saving. They can also be used on an electronic bass drum pad.
They are mainly used in Rock music, notable drumm
DESIGNED FOR: Intermediate players
COMES WITH: Single Chain Drive
FEATURES: Release button has inner teeth
Mapex Double Pedal
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Reversible Beaters
- Affordable Price
- Not as responsive as a double chain drive pedal
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Snare heads
A double bass drum pedal is an alternative choice to having two bass drums. There are advantages to going down the double pedal route, not least of all the space it saves, fitting the pedal into your setup and the financial saving. They can also be used on an electronic bass drum pad.
They are mainly used in Rock music, notable drumm
DESIGNED FOR: Intermediate players
COMES WITH: Single Ply, Coated 14”
FEATURES: Release button has inner teeth
Remo Coated
Ambassador
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Reversible Beaters
- Affordable Price
- Not as responsive as a double chain drive pedal
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Drum microphones
If you are recording or playing in a large different venues, you want to not only pick up the sound from all of your kit but for that sound to be a true reflection of your drum sound. You get what you pay for in this respect.
The genre you play will help guide your decision. For example, with jazz, two overhead mics and then individual mics for the bass and snare drum will work well to capture the sound. With rock, however, as well as overhead mics, all of the drums are mic’d – the snare drum is often mic’d on the batter and snare head.
If you are regularly gigging, you will want something durable that is going to cope with an inevitable drop and an intense touring schedule.
DESIGNED FOR: All drum players
COMES WITH: Full mic sets
FEATURES: Low Profile & Stemless
AKG Drum Set
Session 1
Microphone Set
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Small & Discreet
- 3 Ear tips for best fit
- Music & speech remain clear
- Case included
- Not moulded to your ear for the next level of protection.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
11 Drumming Accessories
Summary
I hope you have gained useful information from this gift guide. There are so many drum accessories and all with valuable uses, but the ones we have explored in this article are certainly worth considering.
Accessories are there to help us enjoy ourselves even more and make life easier. So have fun with them and indulge yourself or your drummer friend!
