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Electric drums are generally played in the same way as acoustic drums, with similar levels of force. However, there are some differences in the experience of playing electric drums, which may affect the amount of force used. Electric drum pads are smaller than acoustic drums, so they require greater accuracy to avoid hitting the rims. Electric drum kits also vary in durability, with cheaper kits being more susceptible to damage from heavy hitters. The pads on electric drums are made of mesh or rubber, which can wear out over time if hit too hard, and the electronics inside may also be damaged. However, the pads and electronics on higher-quality kits will usually last longer. Overall, while it is possible to play electric drums with the same force as acoustic drums, the durability of the kit and the potential for damage to the pads and electronics should be considered when deciding how hard to hit electric drums.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Durability | Electronic drum kits can be played as hard as acoustic kits, but they are not indestructible. The harder you play, the more likely you are to damage the pads and electronics inside. |
| Pad Material | Mesh pads are more durable than rubber pads, but both can wear out over time with hard playing. Mesh pads may need to be replaced more frequently. |
| Sensitivity | Electronic drum kits have less sensitivity and dynamic range than acoustic kits, so playing harder does not make them louder. |
| Playing Experience | Electronic drums have smaller hit targets, requiring better accuracy. The kick pedal controllers on cheaper kits may also be less responsive and feel harder to play. |
| Practice Considerations | Electronic drums are easier to play than acoustic drums, so heavy hitters may need to adjust their playing style when switching to acoustics to avoid damage. |
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What You'll Learn
- Electric drums can be played just as hard as acoustic drums
- Hitting electric drums harder won't make them louder
- Durability varies depending on the drum kit and pads used
- Electric drums have smaller hit targets, requiring greater accuracy
- Electric drums may feel harder to play due to differences in sensitivity and materials
Electric drums can be played just as hard as acoustic drums
Most electronic drum kits can be played with the same intensity as acoustic drum kits. While electronic drums are not indestructible, their durability can vary depending on the quality of the kit and the pads used. For instance, mesh pads are more durable than rubber pads, but both can be replaced if they wear out.
That said, there are some differences in the playing experience between electronic and acoustic drums that may affect how hard you play them. For example, the smaller size of electronic drum pads requires greater accuracy to avoid hitting the rims. Additionally, the kick pedal controllers on cheaper electronic drum kits may be harder to use for more experienced drummers who are used to the feel of a real kick drum pedal.
It is worth noting that the sensitivity of electronic drum pads can vary, and they may not always provide the same dynamic sound range as acoustic drums. To compensate for this, it is recommended to set the sensitivity and curve levels of your electronic drum kit to match those of an acoustic kit. This will help you maintain a natural dynamic response and ensure that the skills you develop on the electronic kit will transfer more easily to an acoustic kit.
In summary, while electronic drums can be played with similar force to acoustic drums, it is important to be mindful of the potential for wear and tear, especially on cheaper kits. Additionally, adjustments may be necessary to account for differences in playing experience and sound dynamics between the two types of kits.
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Hitting electric drums harder won't make them louder
Electronic drum kits can be played with similar intensity as acoustic drum kits, but they do have certain limitations. While the pads on an electronic drum kit can withstand a certain amount of force, it is important to remember that they are not meant for "insane smashing". Hitting them harder will not make them louder, and doing so may only result in damaging the pads and the electronics inside.
The pads on electronic drum kits are made of mesh or rubber, and while they can take a decent amount of force, they are not indestructible. The harder you play, the more likely you are to damage the pads and the internal electronics. This is true for both mesh and rubber heads, although the rims on mesh pads, which are usually covered with rubber, are less likely to wear out compared to the mesh itself.
Additionally, the sensitivity of the pads on electronic drum kits can vary, and this can affect the volume and dynamics of the sound produced. Unlike acoustic drums, electronic drums have limited volume settings, typically offering only a few levels of volume control. As a result, playing harder will not significantly impact the volume, and it may only serve to accelerate the wear and tear of the kit.
It is worth noting that the durability of electronic drum kits can vary depending on their quality and the materials used. While some cheaper kits may be surprisingly durable, others may be more prone to damage with excessive force. Therefore, it is important for drummers to be mindful of their playing style and adjust their technique accordingly to avoid damaging their equipment.
In summary, while electronic drum kits can withstand a decent amount of force, playing them extremely hard will not make them louder and may only lead to unnecessary wear and tear. Drummers should be mindful of their equipment's limitations and play within a suitable range of intensity to ensure the longevity of their kits.
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Durability varies depending on the drum kit and pads used
The durability of electric drum kits varies depending on the type of drum kit and pads used. The drum kits' construction, material, and quality determine their durability. While most electronic drum kits can be played with the same intensity as acoustic drum kits, their durability differs.
The type of pads on an electronic drum kit influences its quality and price. Mesh heads, made of woven cloth, produce less ambient noise and resemble acoustic drums in appearance and feel. They are adjustable, allowing for a more realistic drumming experience. However, they are typically less durable and more expensive than rubber pads. Rubber pads, on the other hand, are more durable and affordable. They are similar to practice pads in feel but have more ambient noise when struck with a stick.
The quality of the pads affects the durability of the drum kit. Higher-quality pads generally last longer. Professional electronic drum kits, designed for advanced musicians, feature high-quality pads that offer a realistic playing experience and robust construction for enhanced durability. These kits are ideal for live performances, studio recordings, and practice sessions where durability is a priority.
Additionally, the playing style and intensity can impact the durability of the drum kit. Hitting the pads too hard, regardless of the type, can lead to potential damage to the mesh, rubber heads, or internal electronics. Cymbal pads, in particular, may wear out faster if subjected to aggressive playing. It is recommended to play with a similar intensity as one would on an acoustic drum kit to maintain the longevity of the electronic drum kit.
Overall, the durability of electronic drum kits is dependent on the specific kit and pads chosen. While some kits may be more durable than others, it is essential to strike a balance between playing intensity and maintaining the longevity of the equipment.
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Electric drums have smaller hit targets, requiring greater accuracy
While electric drum kits can be played with similar force to acoustic kits, there are some considerations to keep in mind. Electric drums have smaller hit targets, requiring greater accuracy. This means that drummers need to be more precise in their strikes to avoid accidentally hitting the rims or other parts of the drum pads. The smaller targets can make electric drums feel harder to play, especially for those still refining their accuracy.
The Simmons SD350, for example, features an 8-inch snare pad that some may find too small. Additionally, lower-budget pedal controllers for the kick drum and hi-hats can contribute to a higher difficulty level, particularly with cheaper kits. Drummers with more advanced foot techniques may find these controllers challenging due to their lack of a rebounding beater, resulting in a less natural feel.
The sensitivity and velocity curves of drum pads also play a role in the overall experience. Flat velocity curves can make executing quieter elements, such as ghost notes and rolls, more difficult. Moreover, if the sensitivity is not properly calibrated, it can be challenging to achieve a dynamic sound range. Drummers are advised to set their electronic drum kits to comparable sensitivity and curve levels as acoustic kits to maintain a familiar dynamic response.
It is worth noting that the materials used in electronic drum pads can differ significantly from those in acoustic drums. For instance, rubber drum pads offer a distinct response and rebound compared to mylar drum heads. This variation in feel can make it harder for drummers accustomed to mylar heads to adjust when transitioning between electric and acoustic kits.
In conclusion, while electric drums can generally withstand similar levels of force as acoustic kits, their smaller hit targets demand greater accuracy from drummers. This accuracy challenge, however, can become an opportunity to improve overall precision, benefiting future performances on acoustic kits.
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Electric drums may feel harder to play due to differences in sensitivity and materials
While electric drum kits can generally be played with the same intensity as acoustic kits, there are some differences in their sensitivity and materials that can make them feel harder to play.
Firstly, the sensitivity settings of electric drums can impact their perceived difficulty. If the sensitivity of the pads is set too low, it may become challenging to produce a dynamic sound range, requiring more force to trigger the desired sounds. This can be mitigated by calibrating the sensitivity and curve levels to match those of an acoustic kit, ensuring a more natural dynamic response.
The materials used in electric drum pads can also contribute to their perceived hardness. Rubber drum pads, for instance, offer a different response and rebound compared to acoustic drum heads made of mylar. Drummers accustomed to the feel of mylar heads may find the rubber pads harder to adjust to due to the difference in stick rebound and sound response. Additionally, the smaller size of electric drum pads requires greater accuracy to avoid hitting the rims, which can make the kit feel harder to play, especially for those still refining their stick accuracy.
Another factor is the design of the kick pedal controllers, which can vary in quality and responsiveness. Cheaper controllers may lack the feel of a real kick drum pedal with a swinging beater, making them less intuitive for experienced drummers accustomed to the rebound of acoustic drum pedals. The lack of rebound can make intricate footwork more challenging, although this may be less of an issue for beginners focusing on basic foot techniques.
Lastly, the durability of electric drum pads can influence the playing experience. While electric drums can withstand a significant amount of force, consistently playing them too hard can damage the mesh or rubber heads, as well as the electronics inside. This potential for damage may deter drummers from playing as freely and intensely as they would on an acoustic kit, leading to a perception of increased difficulty.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can hit electric drums just as hard as acoustic drums, but with some considerations. Hitting them harder won't make them louder, and you might need to adjust the sensitivity and curve levels to achieve the desired sound.
Yes, the pads on electric drums can wear out faster if hit too hard. This is especially true for mesh heads and cymbal pads, where the mesh or rubber surface may need to be replaced more frequently.
Electric drums are not inherently harder to play than acoustic drums. However, the smaller hit targets on electric drums may require better accuracy, especially for drummers who are still developing their technique.
While cheaper electric drum kits may be more prone to damage, it largely depends on the quality of the kit and the playing style of the drummer. Even some cheaper kits can be quite durable, while more expensive kits may offer greater durability.
Electric drums may have a different feel due to the materials used, such as rubber pads, and the response of the kick pedal controllers may vary. Additionally, the smaller size of electric drums may require adjustments in playing posture.
