What Are the Different Types of Percussion Hardware?

In the music industry, the percussion section covers many different types of instruments, from the simple bongo drum to the complex piano. Percussion hardware refers to different items that support the percussion instruments or items that are accessories for the instruments. Other types of hardware help the musician play the instrument, including stools to sit on and stands for music, electronics, and other items. The hardware varies depending on the type of music, such as jazz, rock, or marching band.

Variations occur even within the same type of percussion hardware, such as snare drum stands. These variances may depend on the musician's playing style, such as playing in an orchestra, recording sessions, or in concerts. Sometimes the hardware can change the sound of the instrument. For example, generally rock musicians prefer heavy, booming bass drum effects, whereas jazz or orchestra musicians need a lighter, more harmonious sound. Another reason for variation is that many manufacturers have their own unique style and design.

Sometimes the diversity of the musical instruments dictates the differences in the percussion hardware. In the drum section, for example, a bongo stand is different from a bass drum stand or a concert-style snare drum stand. Even within the narrow field of bongo stands, there are variations, such as the single drum stand or the double drum stand.

Many percussion instruments are steeped in centuries-old traditions and the stands and other accessories are also based on these ancient instruments. As technology has evolved, new instruments and new percussion hardware have emerged. An example of new hardware are the stands for electronics, like laptops and small electronics that store musical information. Many percussion players need microphone stands or clamps that attach the microphone to the existing hardware. These various clamps and adapters are a good example of how percussion hardware is evolving.

Some of the different types of percussion hardware include the instruments that the musician uses to strike the percussion instruments. This may be the drumsticks or snare brushes, the bass drum foot pedal for concert sessions, or mallets. Often manufacturers design and make the hardware specifically for an instrument, such as the djembe stand or the wood block holder. In other circumstances, they make the hardware specifically for the type of music session, like the snare drum tilter harness kits or bass drum mallet holders for marching bands. Cymbal hardware includes the leather or nylon straps for marching band or concert players, as well as stands for suspended cymbals or for high hat cymbals.