The Drum Kit Handbook: How to Buy, Maintain, Set Up, Troubleshoot, and Modify Your Drum Set

Really good info if you like gear. It has specifications of several historical set ups. Was hoping for more info about instruments and style choices.

The son of a drummer of the 40's and a drummer himself, beginning in the 50's, Mr Balmer has fashioned a handbook which, I think, adds to the relatively few books of their kind available, a worthy addition to any drumster's reference library. The book is a well-intentioned, lovingly written, practical manual for any drum set owner/player who may not have a solid overview of this multiple percussion instrument and some of the particulars regarding its essential components. Numerous notable, primarily American, Japanese, and British drum/hardware makers are featured in the many color photos throughout the text. These, generally, do well to depict and/or illustrate the various elements at issue in their accompanying text - a few, but only a few, left me wanting for more. Although there are a few typos, the sometimes unusual (perhaps British?) phraseology, as well as a suspected preference for Premier (also British) products, the content of the book is fundamentally sound, reasonably comprehensive, and offers its readers the kind of information which can make a real difference in how to care for, repair, purchase or even modify a kit, and even drops the names of a few well-deserving British percussioneers along the way! The only thing, for me, personally, between my 4 star rating and a 5 was the seeming lack of detail to educate us a bit more in depth on the minimal functionality required for quality, and the typical adjustment options one might expect when considering Hi-hat or bass drum pedal designs. Having said that, this is a book with forewords written by two guys that ya just might feel have some credibility: Chad Smith and Steve Gadd! Go figure?! And then enjoy this engaging, educational and most worthy read!

We drummers tend to be captivated by our instruments. More so than any other instrument, drums seem to draw in the player to learn the technical details of our instruments. My first drum was home made by me with an old banjo as the basis. I was 10 years old. I wish I still had it. My most recent drum is a snare drum purchased just a few weeks ago. I have already had it completely apart, installed an internal tone control and am now trying different heads. We tinker, we message, we play, look at our drums, wonder how the sound would change with a different kind of hoop, or head, or stick, or brush. We watch each other, learn from each other, observe everyone's kit setup. Think I am kidding? Pick up any magazine devoted to drums and drumming and look at a profile of an artist and you will see a diagram of his/her drum setup. What Balmer has done with this book is take the drum kit and broken it down into all of the individual parts. He covers several manufacturers, he covers, all of the miscellaneous accessories, he covers a lot of territory. He knows what he is talking about, the book is well researched and well written. Every drummer needs a copy of this book. If you think you're a drummer, but fail to understand the appeal of this book, stop wasting your time and pick up a saxophone or something more suitable to you personality. Highest recommendation.

Full of good info for my son

Great book, really interesting. Everything you need to know about maintaining your kit and some interesting history as well. Lots of really great photographs.

It might have dug more deeply into the real technical stuff that can be helpful to advanced players and those who have been buying equipment for many, many years. For a beginning or slightly improved player it's a good resource. I think I was expecting a lot more for the money.

This book is an interesting, well-researched read. If you have it in your library along with Nolly's tuning book, you're good to go.

Very good. Helpful for students.

Great