Kick Step Stool

Setting Up Your Drum Kit – A Beginners Guide

There are pretty much infinite variations of drum kit layout, affected by the size and number of drums, the player’s technique, number and sizes of cymbals, the physical dimensions and reach of the drummer, the scope for adjustment of hardware and not least the ‘accepted’ style and look for playing a given form of music. However, there are some basic rules of thumb which apply for any budding drummer to make maximum progress with the instrument whilst avoiding picking up any bad playing habits or inconvenient injuries. Everything I’ll say is this article is based on personal experience from many years of drumming and engineering/recording drummers, but it’s a given that there will be a degree of subjective opinion here – take what you find useful and leave the rest! Finally before we get stuck in, I’m right-handed so any references to left or right sides will be based on that perspective – if you play left-handed just reverse them. The most basic step towards the setup which works best for you is to optimally arrange your stool, bass drum pedal and bass drum. Set up your bass drum and attach the pedal; as an aside, do experiment with where the beater actually strikes the bass drum, as the most intuitive position for it (striking the head dead-centre) often doesn’t produce the best available tone – try it an inch or two above this, particularly on bigger drums. If you’re using a double pedal, take a moment to make sure that the position of your secondary pedal isn’t putting your legs too far akimbo, but don’t worry about it too much right now – it’ll probably need adjusting once the snare and hi-hats come into play anyway. Now, stool height. Getting this right is one of the most important steps towards being comfortable with your kit, but it’s also one of the variables with the most degree of personal preference. As a general rule, if you play with your bass drum heel down most of the time (a more controlled, traditional style of play which sacrifices outright power for finesse and subtlety) your stool should be set at a height which puts your legs pretty much horizontal once your foot is on the pedal (FIG 1). The more ‘heel-up’ your style is (with more of the energy in each stroke coming from the upper leg than the ankle, usually yielding a more powerful stroke) the higher your stool may need to be (FIG 2) – that said, if your thigh is still at a downward angle when your toe is on the pedal and heel as high as it gets, your stool is too high! Okay, now we’ve got your stool height set, we’ll introduce the snare drum. First a word on angle – there seems to be something of a fashion over the last few years to sit quite high above one’s kit with most of the drums set at a horizontal angle. There’s nothing wrong with this at all, but be aware that setting your drum angles according to fashion rather than what actually suits your style best is inviting strains, mis-hits and poor playing habits, especially if you haven’t fully developed your own style yet. Again, general playing technique has a big bearing on this – if you play with a matched grip (i.e. both hands holding the sticks in the same way), your snare is likely to be most comfortable horizontal or angled somewhat towards you. If you play with a traditional or ‘jazz’ grip (i.e. with your left hand holding the stick underhand, resting in the ‘web’ area of the thumb) anything angled towards the drummer is likely to be less comfortable – some trad grip players even angle their snares away from them to emulate the marching drum position from which this grip developed. Whichever grip you use, another rule of thumb (there’s a few of these; as I say, there’s no right or wrong way to set a kit up, just the best way for you!) for gauging a good snare position is to hold a stick straight out from your belly button and be sure that its tip is somewhere in the region of the centre of the snare’s batter head (FIG 3). Having taken our stool height from the optimum position for using our feet to drum, there may now need to be a slight compromise made in snare height, but this is a good way to get in the right general area – if your snare’s too low you’re likely to find yourself beating the hell out of your upper legs, too high and it’s likely that EVERY snare note will be a rim-shot, whether you want it to be or not! Like it or not, for any flash playing you incorporate on the toms or cymbals, the kick and snare are what give a song its groove so get yourself totally happy with the position of these two drums first. Before we move on you should be able to play rolls on the snare without unintentionally hitting the hoop, whilst being able to incorporate head-splitting rim shots (where the stick hits the rim and the batter head simultaneously) without changing your grip and with minimal change in your stance. Oh, and SIT UP STRAIGHT! Next let’s have a look at hi-hat positioning. Your left foot should now fall comfortably into a particular position now that we’ve got our bass drum and snare right, so put your hi-hat pedal somewhere here. Hi-hat stands with rotating legs or two-legged stands will help with positioning other stands and pedals around it later, but don’t compromise with where the upright of your hi-hat stand falls – taking your drumming position as a clock with the snare drum as the centre and directly in front of your body as twelve o’clock, don’t be surprised if the most comfortable layout puts the bass drum at one o’clock and the hi-hat upright at eleven. What we’re looking for is the point where the right hand can move easily from snare drum to hi-hat without the hats being in the way of snare drum playing – the size of your snare drum and hi-hats will have a bearing on this (see FIG 4, where I’ve set up a 13″ snare and 12″ hi-hats; the relatively small dimensions of the instruments allow everything to be fairly close together, which won’t always be the case), experiment and see what works best for you. As far as hi-hat height goes, the ideal is where either hand can go slickly from hats to snare without them being SO low that they impede your snare playing – usually around 15-20cm above the snare batter will suffice, but many players (notably Dave Grohl in the Nirvana days, and a number of punk drummers who don’t incorporate much left-hand hi-hat work) set their hi-hats much higher than this. The next drum to position which almost every drummer will have in their kit is the first floor tom. Usually this will fit nicely opposite the snare drum on your right hand side, and most drummers playing on stages or in rooms where space is at a premium will want it as close to the bass drum as it will go. How far over to your right and how high you want this drum is again down to personal preference, although a good place to start is making it as symmetrical as possible with the snare – set it at the same height initially with the angle opposite to how the snare is set (sort of using your bass drum thigh as a mirror), then tweak it as you see fit (FIG 5). You should be looking for the spot where you can easily continue a snare roll onto the floor tom with minimal rotation of your body. The final part of the kit which I believe will form 99% of drummers’ setups is the ride cymbal. This should fall easily somewhere under the right hand, but exactly where will depend on what other drums and cymbals form your drum kit. Personally I like it to hang slightly over the first floor tom (FIG 6) but exactly where you place yours will depend on how many mounted toms you use, whether you have a second floor tom, whether you need to be able to ‘crash’ the ride cymbal and how physically big the cymbal is. However, for a beginner I think that if you follow these setup pointers and play your kit for a while in a ‘bare-bones’ fashion like this, you will more quickly be able to work out your own individual playing style, where to place other drums and cymbals in your own kit whilst avoiding over-stretching yourself. And three final things – 1/ Even an hour’s lesson with a professional tutor will be more than worth it when starting out, especially to ensure that your stick grip is okay, 2/ Once you’ve worked out how your kit sits best for you, if you gig a lot invest in a cheap rug and a permanent marker and mark on the rug where your stands go (FIG 7). Gigging even only a couple of times a month, this will save you hours in setup time over a career, and 3/ Even if your kit came with four toms and six cymbals, YOU DON’T HAVE TO USE ALL OF THEM. Set up your kit as I’ve outlined, learn to play it well and then work out whether and where to bring in additional elements. Remember some great music has been made on minimalist kits, and some great music has been made on huge kits – the only link is that they were being played by great players. (Words: Ian Savage)
About the Author

Drummer, Teacher, Author and Columnist with over 15 years experience.
Founder of online drum tuition website http://www.dansdrumlessons.com offering online drum tuition, drum lessons on DVDs and drum lesson in book format.

Kick the ceiling

Hafele Stepfix Step Stool, White/Gray $152.02 The Stepfix 2-Step Stool folds to only 4 inch thick, taking up minimal space. The step stool can be installed in a base toekick or it can be hung on a cabinet side panel with an optional bracket. The step stool locks in the open position for safety. Made of epoxy-coated steel, the step stool features non-slip rubber treads and plastic foot caps. Dimensions: Folded: 4 inch deep by 18-3/8 inch tall….

Hafele Stepfix Step Stool, Silver/Black $152.02 The Stepfix 2-Step Stool folds to only 4 inch thick, taking up minimal space. The step stool can be installed in a base toekick or it can be hung on a cabinet side panel with an optional bracket. The step stool locks in the open position for safety. Made of epoxy-coated steel, the step stool features non-slip rubber treads and plastic foot caps. Dimensions: Folded: 4 inch deep by 18-3/8 inch tall….

Stool Toe kick mounting bracket $13.65 Toe kick mount bracket…

Wolf X-Ray Kick Stool $99.69 Features of the Wolf X-Ray Kick Stool: The Wolf Kick Stool rolls wherever you want it. When you stand on it the hidden rollers retract, providing a stable base. Made of heavy gauge steel, it is finished in black baked enamel, and features rubber treads. Specifications: 16″ Diameter x 16″ H. The product referenced on this detail page is sold be Each….

Cramer 1001-01 Kik Step Rolling Step Stool, Silvertone $43.00 The all-steel Kik-Step provides firm footing 14″ off the floor. Spring-loaded wheels allow the Kik-Step to roll easily, and then automatically retract when the Kik-Step is stepped on to provide a nonslip step. Vinyl bumpers protect walls and furniture. Step stool features nonskid vinyl treads and a 500 lb. capacity….

Cramer 1002-00 Kik Step Rolling Step Stool Premium Grade Stainless Steel $63.99 This rolling step stool is crafted of premium grade stainless steel. It has retractable casters that roll easily then lock down when stepped on and wrap-around bumpers that protect walls and furniture. It holds up to 300 pounds and has an easy snap-together assembly with no tools required….

Cramer 1003-01 50th Anniversary Library Edition Kik Step Rolling Step Stool, Silvertone $53.95 Cramer’s Kik Step Stools Have Been Around Since 1957. What Step Stool Gets Handed Down From Generation To Generation! They Are Incredibly Tough!…

Kick Stool Multipurpose Portable Rolling StableStep Stool $28.26 No more risking life and limb trying to store or grab hard-to-reach items. This stable step stool rolls to where you need it, with spring-mounted casters that retract into when the stool is stepped on. Kick it, and the stool rolls. Step on it, and it stays put! From Core Distribution, Inc.

Quick Step And Side Kick $9.49 Quick Step And Side Kick

Cramer Kik Step 1001 Stool $49.99 10 Year 10 lb 1001 1001-63 14″ Height 500 lb 500 lb Maximum Kick it, it rolls Step on it, it locks into place The non-skid steps prevent slips The casters won’t mar floors Applications: Kitchen Library Office Warehouse Home Closet Garage Workshop Bathroom Kid’s Already the best step stool around, our original Kik-Step is now available in 10 designer hues. But don’t let the good looks fool you under that handsome exterior is a body made of steel that can support up to 500 pounds. Hidden casters make it easy to kick around while the bumper surround protects your walls and furniture. Blue Cramer Cramer, Inc Kik Step Kik-Step 1001 Rolling Step Stool Non-skid Base Steel Steel Body Stool www.cramerinc.com

Cosco 3 Step Step Stool $29.99 Three Step Big Step Stool

Cosco 2 Step Step Stool $24.99 Two Step Big Step Stool

Summer Step-by-Step Potty Trainer and Step Stool $34.99 Summer Step-by-Step Potty Trainer and Step Stool

Cherry Traditional Step Stool $99 Step stool with storage.

Oak Step Stool $176 Oak Step Stool

Stool,Folding,2 Step,Gy $51.99 STOOL,FOLDING,2 STEP,GY

Stool,Folding,3 Step,Gy $64.99 STOOL,FOLDING,3 STEP,GY

Stool,Step,Rolling,Bk $58.99 STOOL,STEP,ROLLING,BK

Step Stool – Transportation $49.3 Teamson Kids – Step Stool – Transportation

Cosco 2 Step Plastic Step Stool – Black $16.99 2 Step Plastic Molded Step Stool – Black

Step Stool with Self Storing Step in White Finish $146.04 Step Stool with Self Storing Step in White Finish

Step Stool with Self Storing Step in Cappuccino Finish $146.04 Step Stool with Self Storing Step in Cappuccino Finish

Sunny Safari Step Stool $52.7 Teamson Kids – Sunny Safari Step Stool

Core Distribution 962 Stable Step Stool Black $87.74 Kick It rolls Step It stays. Lightweight design rolls to where needed then the retractable casters retract to a nonskid bumber when you step on it. The wrap around bumper protects walls and furnature from knicks and scratches. Suppports 300lbs. depth: 16.25. height: 15. width: 16.25

Core Distribution 961 Stable Step Stool Red $87.74 Kick It rolls Step It stays. Lightweight design rolls to where needed then the retractable casters retract to a nonskid bumber when you step on it. The wrap around bumper protects walls and furnature from knicks and scratches. Suppports a 300lbs. depth: 16.25. height: 15. width: 16.25

Core Distribution 969 Stable Step Stool Blue $87.74 Kick It rolls Step It stays. Lightweight design rolls to where needed then the retractable casters retract to a nonskid bumber when you step on it. The wrap around bumper protects walls and furnature from knicks and scratches. Suppports 300lbs. depth: 16.25. height: 15. width: 16.25

Step Stool $78.95 The Step Stool is a useful product to have around the house! This wood stool is made from sturdy solid woods, so you can use this piece for years and years. This wood step stool features a concealed storage area under the first step Beautifully finished in a dark brown, it is as attractive as it is useful With a compact size, you will be able to move this stool from room to room This item ships directly from the manufacturer. Product usually arrives in 6-12 business days, depending on destination, including order processing and shipping. APO/FPO shipping unavailable

One Small Step Toad Stool $49.95 One Small Step Toad Stool

Stool,Qwik Step,Typiii,Bk $38.99 STOOL,QWIK STEP,TYPIII,BK

Stool,Step 2,Fldng,Wd,My $63.99 STOOL,STEP 2,FLDNG,WD,MY

Wolf X-Ray Kick Stool $115.64 Features of the Wolf X-Ray Kick Stool: The Wolf Kick Stool rolls wherever you want it. When you stand on it the hidden rollers retract, providing a stable base. Made of heavy gauge steel, it is finished in black baked enamel, and features rubber treads. Specifications: 16″ Diameter x 16″ H.

Cosco One Step Plastic Step Stool – Grey $9.99 Small Molded Plastic One Step Stool – Gray

Step Stool, Color Oak $154 Cherry or Oak Finish Step Stool With Brushed Brass Hardware

Step Stool, Color Cherry $154 Cherry or Oak Finish Step Stool With Brushed Brass Hardware

Cramer Folding Step Stool $24.99 0% 1 Each 1 Step 50051PK-30 9.50″ Length x 14.50″ Width x 11.25″ Depth Step stool folds flat when not in use. Design offers a nonslip tread for safe, secure footing and a single step to help you reach high shelves, cabinets and more. Step stool is made of high-density plastic that is lightweight yet durable. China Cramer Cramer, Inc Foldable Folding Step Stool No Orange Plastic Stool www.cramerinc.com

EZ Fold Step Stool $17.41 Let the EZ Folding Step Stool help you with any job around the home. This step stool folds open or closed in seconds, providing you a study, safe alternative to bulky step ladders. Each stool holds up to 300 lbs, and is made of heavy duty plastic with slip resistant surfacing. Features a carrying handle – great for all ages! When is use, this stool is 9" high. This step stool folds down to 2" wide, so it can easily be stored beside the fridge, under the bathroom cabinet, or in your car. Make any job easier with the E-Z folding step stool! Type: Cleaning Accessories

Step Stool, Double $51.53 Solid wood construction step stool. Sturdy stools for reaching higher place. The lower step piece stores up when not in use.

Rubbermaid 4200-87WHT Step Stool $15.63 Rubbermaid 4200-87WHT Step Stool Rubbermaid 4200-87WHT Step Stool Features: Attractive, skid-resistant texture on surface and four skid-resistant feet ensure safety. Rubbermaid 4200-87WHT Step Stool Specifications: Description: Step Stool Size: 15.7″ L x 12.7″ W x 9.4″ H Four skid-resistant feet provide safety Attractive, skid-resistant texture on surface 9.498″ x 12.486″ x 15.511″ White

3 Step Wood Step Stool $90.12 Solid hardwood RTA construction Useful for reaching high places as step stool Extra seating with steps stored under stool Safety latch keeps steps stored securely Assembly required 24 in. L x 14.5 in. W x 24 in. H (21 lbs.)

Dora the Explorer Step Stool $14.95 This Dora the Explorer Step Stool is made from plastic and is a perfect compliment to the Dora the Explorer Soft Potty Seat. This plastic step stool is curved to fit around the toilet. The step stool features: -Thick rubber matting providing a non-slip step surface -Rubber grips on the bottom for skid-resistance -Maximum load of 200 lbs -Finger cut-outs on the sides for easy lifting The dimensions of this Dora step stool are: 5.5 inches high by 12 inches wide in the front and 9 inches wide in the back. Type: Step Stools Material: Plastic Age: Child Gender: Girl Color: Pink Color Mapping: Pink

Rubbermaid 420200BISQU Two-step Step Stool $33.16 Rubbermaid 420200BISQU Two-step Step Stool Rubbermaid 420200BISQU Two-step Step Stool Features: Attractive, skid-resistant texture on surface and four skid-resistant feet ensure safety. Rubbermaid 420200BISQU Two-step Step Stool Specifications: Description: Two-Step Step Stool Size: Size: 18.9″ L x 18.4″ W x 18.8″ H Four skid-resistant feet provide safety Attractive, skid-resistant texture on surface 2-step step stool 16.235″ x 18.509″ x 18.576″ Light Platinum

Marvel Heroes Step Stool $14.95 Marvel Heroes are growing extremely popular with toddler boys and are now box office hits! On this blue plastic step stool, Marvel Heroes such as: Iron Man, Incredible Hulk, Wolverine, Spiderman, Thor and Captain America are colorfully displayed across the front. Marvel Heroes Step Stool is a plastic step stool and is curved to fit around the base of toilets and sinks better. Looking for more heroes, check out all of our Marvel Heroes products. The Marvel Heroes Step Stool features: -Thick rubber matting providing a non-slip step surface -Rubber grips on the bottom for skid-resistance -Maximum load of 200 lbs -Finger cut-outs on the sides for easy lifting The dimensions of this Marvel Heroes Step Stool are: 5.5" X 12" in the front and 9" wide in the b Type: Step Stools Material: Plastic Age: Child Gender: Boy

Classic Step Stool Chair $48.99 A Classic design from the 1950s. Acts as a step stool then can be changed into a toddlers chair. Lightweight to carry-but sturdy to step/sit on. Holds up to 150lbs. This stool is made from the finest Pennsylvania cherry wood and will be passed down for generations to come.

Tubside Kneeler & Step Stool $17.95 The Tubside Kneeler reduces the strain on parent’s knees and elbows while bathing their little one. As your child gets bigger, it converts into a step stool. Features: Cushions parent’s knees and elbows at bath time Roomy accessory compartment Converts to step stool Stores compact

Safari Step-Up Stool $77 This safari-themed step-up stool will delight children and adults alike. Hand crafted and hand painted, this delightful stool features hand carved relief images of lions, elephants, and zebras, as well as storage under the top step. Please note that assembly is required.

Step and Store Stool – Chocolate $38.99 Grant your child some independence with this step and store stool. Built wide for safety, this step stool features a built in storage bin with a flip top lid. Made of MDF manufactured wood with a safe and durable lacquer finish, this step stool is easy to clean, and features cut out handles for children to carry.  This step stool is a must have for the playroom!  This item is lead-free and tested to meet strict safety requirements for children’s products. This item ships directly from the manufacturer. Product usually arrives in 2-8 business days, depending on destination, including order processing and shipping. APO/FPO shipping unavailable

Step and Store Stool – Blue $38.99 Grant your child some independence with this step and store stool. Built wide for safety, this step stool features a built in storage bin with a flip top lid. Made of MDF manufactured wood with a safe and durable lacquer finish, this step stool is easy to clean, and features cut out handles for children to carry.  This step stool is a must have for the playroom!  This item is lead-free and tested to meet strict safety requirements for children’s products. This item ships directly from the manufacturer. Product usually arrives in 2-8 business days, depending on destination, including order processing and shipping. APO/FPO shipping unavailable

Step and Store Stool – Red $38.99 Grant your child some independence with this step and store stool. Built wide for safety, this step stool features a built in storage bin with a flip top lid. Made of MDF manufactured wood with a safe and durable lacquer finish, this step stool is easy to clean, and features cut out handles for children to carry.  This step stool is a must have for the playroom!  This item is lead-free and tested to meet strict safety requirements for children’s products. This item ships directly from the manufacturer. Product usually arrives in 2-8 business days, depending on destination, including order processing and shipping. APO/FPO shipping unavailable

Step and Store Stool – Vanilla $38.99 Grant your child some independence with this step and store stool. Built wide for safety, this step stool features a built in storage bin with a flip top lid. Made of MDF manufactured wood with a safe and durable lacquer finish, this step stool is easy to clean, and features cut out handles for children to carry.  This step stool is a must have for the playroom!  This item is lead-free and tested to meet strict safety requirements for children’s products. This item ships directly from the manufacturer. Product usually arrives in 2-8 business days, depending on destination, including order processing and shipping. APO/FPO shipping unavailable