Trystan Casey
Electronic drums are modern percussion instruments that produce sound electronically rather than acoustically. They are played in a similar manner to an acoustic drum kit, but with some differences in the drumming experience. The first line of electro-acoustic drums was launched in 1968 by Italian drum company Hollywood Meazzi under the name Tronicdrum. The first fully electronic drum was created in the early 1970s by Graeme Edge, the drummer of The Moody Blues, and Sussex University professor Brian Groves. The first commercially available electronic drums in the US were the Syndrums, developed by session drummer Joe Pollard and released in the late 1970s. Since then, electronic drums have become increasingly popular, with brands like Yamaha and Roland leading the way in the late 1990s and companies selling digital electronic drum kit sound files in the 2000s.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First electro-acoustic drums | Tronicdrum by Hollywood Meazzi in 1968 |
| First fully electronic drum | Created by Graeme Edge and Brian Groves in the early 1970s |
| First commercially available electronic drums in the US | Syndrums by Joe Pollard in the late 1970s |
| First commercial electronic drum sets | Simmons company in 1978 |
| Mass-market consumer-level electronic drums | Late 1990s |
| Producers of mass-market consumer-level electronic drums | Yamaha and Roland |
| Electronic drum kit under $500 | Alesis Nitro Max Kit, Roland TD-1KV, and Yamaha DTX402K |
| Electronic drum kit for apartment practice | Roland TD-17KVX, Yamaha DTX532K, and Alesis Strike Pro SE |
| Producers of solid brands for beginners | Alesis |
| Producers of electronic drums | GEWA, Pearl, Roland, Yamaha, and Alesis |
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What You'll Learn
The history of electric drums
In 1967, Dutch drummer Felix Visser modified an Acetone Rhythm box to create the first electronic percussion instrument, allowing for sound samples to be triggered by hand. This was followed by the release of the first line of electro-acoustic drums, the Tronicdrum, by Italian drum company Hollywood Meazzi in 1968. Each drum in the Tronicdrum line had a pickup inside, with the snare drum featuring a downward-facing microphone. While these early efforts were groundbreaking, they did not yet use power and relied on passive pickups to function.
The first true electronic drum kit was created in 1971 by Graeme Edge, drummer for the band The Moody Blues, in collaboration with Professor Brian Groves from Sussex University. This kit, which was first heard on the track "Procession" from The Moody Blues' 1971 album "Every Good Boy Deserves Favour", was, unfortunately, prone to mechanical failure and never made it to market. Despite this setback, the 1970s saw a wave of innovation in the electronic drumming world, with companies such as Pollard Industries and Simmons releasing the world's first commercial electronic drums.
The 1980s are often considered the prime years for electronic drums, with the release of groundbreaking products like Roger Linn's LM-1 Drum Computer, the first drum machine to use acoustic drum samples, and the Roland TR-808, which allowed users to program their own rhythms. The Simmons SDS-5, released in 1981, became a staple in many studios during this decade and was used by numerous 80s pop bands and artists. As the 1980s progressed, the term "groovebox" became popular to describe machines that combined complex sequences of samples.
In the 1990s and 2000s, companies like Yamaha and Roland dominated the electronic percussion market, introducing innovations such as mesh-head pads, improved trigger sensor technology, and ultra-portable multipads. During this period, electronic drums evolved from being primarily used as an alternative to acoustic kits to becoming a versatile and widely adopted instrument in their own right. The advancements in electronic drums have continued into the 2010s and beyond, with companies constantly pushing the boundaries of technology to enhance the playing experience and sound quality of these instruments.
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Electric drum setup
Setting up an electric drum kit may seem daunting at first, but it's actually quite simple and similar to setting up an acoustic drum kit. The process will vary depending on the specific model you have, so be sure to refer to the owner's manual for detailed instructions. Here's a general guide to help you get started:
First, find a suitable location for your kit. Make sure you have enough space to set up the rack, and consider using a thick carpet or mat to absorb any vibrations or noise. The rack is the foundation of your kit and will hold all the components in place. Assemble the rack by connecting and adjusting the pieces to fit your preferred setup. Remember not to over-tighten the parts to avoid stripping them, and always keep any spare parts in a safe place.
Once the rack is stable and secure, attach the pads, cymbals, and module using drum rack clamps and mount arms. Ensure that the centre of the pads aligns with the centre of the drums on an acoustic drum kit. You can adjust the spacing to your preference, but spreading out the drums can make it feel more natural. If your kit includes a kick tower, place it in front of your right foot, and adjust the bass drum pedal so your leg rests at slightly more than a 90-degree angle.
For a more immersive experience, consider using headphones or in-ear monitors to isolate outside noise. If you prefer speakers, bass amps or dedicated electronic drum amps from brands like Roland, Alesis, or Simmons are ideal. Remember that guitar amps are not suitable due to their distortion and mid-range-heavy sound. Additionally, you can enhance your setup with accessories like a mount and phone/tablet holder for easy access to online sheet music or drum lessons.
Lastly, fine-tune your kit's settings to your liking. Adjust the threshold, velocity curve, hi-hat splash, and crosstalk to customise the response and volume of the pads. Remember that creating your own kits and sounds is part of the fun, so take some time to explore the different parameters and effects available on your module.
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Electric drum sounds
Electronic drums are musical instruments that replicate the sound and appearance of a drum kit or other percussion instruments. They consist of an electronic sound module that produces synthesised or sampled percussion sounds and a set of pads that resemble drums and cymbals. The pads are equipped with electronic sensors that send a signal to the sound module, which then outputs the corresponding sound. Drummers strike the pads with drumsticks, and the playing experience is similar to that of an acoustic drum kit.
The sound of electronic drums has evolved since the first electro-acoustic drums, the Tronicdrum, were launched by Italian company Hollywood Meazzi in 1968. In the early 1970s, the first fully electronic drum was created by Graeme Edge (drummer of The Moody Blues) and Sussex University professor Brian Groves. This drum, featured on the Moody Blues song "Procession" from 1971, had a rubber control panel, touch-sensitive triggers, and hundreds of transistors.
In the late 1970s, session drummer Joe Pollard and synth builder Mark Barton developed the Syndrums, the first commercially available electronic drums in the US. The Syndrums quickly gained popularity in the rock and roll scene, and by the 1980s, they were extensively used by pop/rock and synth-pop groups such as Duran Duran and Rush. The distinctive Simmons electronic drum set, released in 1981, also gained attention despite some criticism of its sound.
As digital drums gained popularity in the 2000s, companies began selling digital electronic drum kit sound files, known as "drum kits". Today, electronic drums offer a wide range of sound options, from heavy and aggressive sounds suitable for metal music to various percussion sounds like congas, bongos, and tambourines. Drummers can also create custom drum kits on some models, such as the Roland electronic drums, by adjusting individual drum and cymbal sounds to their preferences.
The quality of electronic drum sounds has improved significantly over time, with advancements in mathematical/computational modelling, mesh-head pad surfaces, and trigger sensor technology. Modern electronic drums can create sounds and playing experiences that are nearly indistinguishable from those of acoustic drum kits or orchestral percussion instruments.
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Electric drum brands
Electric drums, also known as e-drums or electronic drum kits, have been around since the 1970s and have become an integral part of modern music. From being used in jazz clubs to live performances, these drums have come a long way. There are a variety of brands that manufacture electronic drums, catering to different budgets and levels of expertise.
Roland
Roland is one of the biggest and oldest brands in the electronic instrument industry. They have been in the business since 1972 and introduced their first electronic drum kit in 1985. Roland offers a range of options, from beginner to advanced kits. Their V-Drums range is one of the most popular choices, known for its mesh drum heads and digital pads. They also offer high-end kits, such as the DWe drums, which are known for their superior quality and performance.
Yamaha
Yamaha is another well-known and trusted brand in the musical instrument market. They offer a wide range of products, including electric guitars, saxophones, and drum sets. Yamaha's electronic drum kits are known for their great value and decent prices. Their kits feature TCS (Textured Cellular Silicone) heads, providing a unique playing experience.
Alesis
Alesis is a brand that started as music tech giants and later ventured into electronic drum sets. They offer a range of impressive kits at different price points. Alesis uses a similar mesh head technology to Roland, delivering highly playable kits at affordable prices. Their kits are known for their good sound quality and durability.
Donner
Donner is a brand that offers beginner-friendly electronic drum kits at competitive prices. Their kits are ideal for those who are just starting out and provide a decent playing experience.
Other Brands
In addition to the above-mentioned brands, there are several other options available in the market. EFNOTE is a boutique brand that offers visually appealing and physically authentic kits, although they are more expensive. Sweetwater is another brand that offers a wide selection of electronic drum sets with features like free shipping and product support. Guitar Center also carries a large selection of electronic drum sets from various brands, including their own line of kits.
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Electric drum genres
Electric drums are used in a variety of genres, from rock and pop to the more electronic styles of techno, trance, house, drum and bass, and dubstep. Each of these genres has its own distinct sound and rhythm, showcasing the versatility of electric drums.
Rock, for example, is characterised by distorted electric guitars, basic melodic and harmonic structures, and intense drum grooves with loud backbeats played on the snare drum. Electric drums in this genre often complement the rebellious and non-conformist attitude associated with rock music. Punk rock, a subgenre of punk, is identified by snares on all the upbeats, fast doubles on the bass drum, and open hi-hats, contributing to its raw and energetic sound.
In contrast, pop music, particularly in the early 1980s, was dominated by synthesizers, creating catchy and upbeat electronic sounds. Disco, another genre associated with pop, employs syncopation and semiquaver (16th note) rhythms on the hi-hats, ride, and backbeat, adding to the danceable and fun nature of the genre.
Techno, a form of electronic dance music that emerged in the mid-to-late 1980s, often features electric drums with distinctive Roland 909-style sounds. Drum and bass, another electronic genre, showcases fast breakbeats, heavy bass lines, and complex syncopation. This genre has subgenres like techstep, which explores different timbres in the bass line region, and liquid funk, also known as liquid drum and bass.
Electric drums are also prevalent in hip-hop, with Roland 808-style drums being influential. Hip-hop drummers often incorporate syncopation and semiquaver rhythms, similar to those found in disco. Additionally, the use of electric drums in live performances allows for the combination of electronic and acoustic elements, blurring the lines between genres and creating unique sonic experiences.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric drums are electronic musical instruments that replicate the sound and appearance of a drum kit or other percussion instruments. They consist of an electronic sound module that produces synthesised or sampled percussion sounds and a set of pads that resemble drums and cymbals.
Electric drums offer several benefits, including quieter practice options, versatility in sound options, compact size for easy storage, and the ability to practice silently with headphones. They are also generally more affordable and easier to transport than acoustic drums.
Yes, electric drums are suitable for beginners. They offer features like built-in metronomes, practice modes, and adjustable volume levels, making them ideal for learning and practising without disturbing others.
Some popular electric drum kits include the Roland TD-1KV, Yamaha DTX402K, and Alesis Nitro Max Kit, which offer a balance of affordability and quality features. Other options include the Roland TD-17KVX, Yamaha DTX532K, and Alesis Strike Pro SE, which are suitable for apartment practice as they offer realistic feel and low noise levels.
