As a touring drummer, you need to be equipped with the appropriate information about your drum set and how best to manage it as you move it from gig to gig. Every drummer has a firm grasp of the drum sticks when performing their favorite records, in the same vein, you need to have a firm grasp of the drum cases necessary to maintain the drums. Apart from size and weight, you need to be more familiar with the other factors that would influence your purchase of either hard cases for guaranteed protection or soft bags for more flexibility. In this guide, we will provide you with everything you need to choose the best drum case for your gigs.
What are the factors to consider when buying Drum Cases?
Size matters
The most important information to have when looking to get drum cases for your drum set has got to be the dimensions of the drums. Selecting the most appropriate container for your drums will largely depend on the measurements of the drums it will contain. Buying drum cases that are too small for your drums will inhibit its use while oversized drum cases would leave the drums dancing around in its case, which could be detrimental to its safety.
Weight
The weight of the drum set is significant because of mobility. Heavier drums tend to pair badly with hard plastic cases which tend to increase its overall weight making it almost unbearable to move around, therefore a drum bag is most likely preferred in this instance. However, in the case of lighter drum sets, hard plastic cases would be seen as an ideal vessel to convey the fragile equipment. Road cases or ATA cases are usually the heaviest to use when trying to secure your drums. They provide the best protection from external harm but usually require a more sophisticated transport mechanism, trailers are often utilized here.
Your Budget
Always have an appropriate budget in mind when shopping for drum cases. You could be left undone after perusing through different options and selecting the best fit for your drums only to find out you were misinformed about the price. Hard plastic cases are usually more expensive than the simple soft bags but not as expensive as Road cases which provide the optimum protection for your drums. Resist the temptation to use an inferior quality of drum cases that are subpar to the quality of your drum set.
What are the Different Types of Drum Cases?
Soft Bags
Soft cases are often referred to as bags. They are made of a synthetic fabric or nylon material, lined with padding and are usually the cheapest option when shopping for drum cases. They have the advantage of adding less overall weight to the drums, making it easier to unload them at the venue and pack up after the show. The only downside to soft bags is that they offer the least amount of protection compared to the other options and we would only recommend them for quick gigs and storage at home.
Hard-Plastic Cases
Hard plastic cases are often referred to as cases. They are made of a hardened fiberboard or polyethylene plastic outer shell as the primary protection with an optional lining of the interior of the case with protective foam for additional protection. It is a more expensive option than soft bags but they offer the best protection from damage and even scratching. Hard plastic drum cases are the most popular option for drummers performing frequently. We would recommend the hard plastic case because it provides a significant amount of protection without necessarily breaking the bank.
Road Cases/ATA Cases
These road-worthy cases are the toughest, strongest but most expensive option of all three cases. ATA models, popularly known to strictly adhere to the Air Transportation Association’s guidelines for the survivability of reusable cases are those cases that you would often see at big concerts and festivals. Some of their features include locking latches, aluminium edges, and vinyl-over-wood construction. The use of road cases will require the use of a trailer but this is the best option to protect your drums. The downside to this option is that you may need to customize them to fit your drums but we strongly recommend this option if you are a professional that tours often. Remember, protection is an investment into the long-term success of your career.
Drum Set Tips
- Remember to only use genuine drum covering material to recover your drums. Only recommended materials like drum wraps should be used.
- Never leave your drum set directly under the sunlight. Always look to play in some form of shade.
- Regularly wipe down your drum with microfiber cloths. Remember not to use paper towels as they can be overly abrasive and may cause scratching
How much do Drum Cases usually cost?
The best drum cases in 2021 vary from a cheaper price tag of about $50 for a simpler drum bag to a more expensive price of $100 for the more rigid alternative. Always remember to shop within your budget when seeking for the best drum cases but be careful not to select a subpar product in a bid to get a cheaper price.
Best Drum Cases FAQs
Q: How do you size a drum case?
A: Carefully measure your drums by taking the diameter of the drum from the inside of the hop to the other side.
Q: How do you clean a drum case?
A: Gently rub the target area and rinse well with warm water with the help of a small drop of soap and a soft nail brush. Allow time to air dry the case before you use it again.
Q: Why do you need a drum case?
A: Drum cases help protect your equipment from dust and moisture which is prevalent in a rehearsal room. It is also important to note that using cases is the best way to transport the drums from gig to gig while keeping the instruments safe from accidental bumps which could damage the drums.