6 Tips for a More Manageable Drum Set: Lighten Your Load & Speed Up Setup

Let's face it, drummers have it rough. Compared to singers, guitarists, and keyboardists, we're often relegated to the back of the stage, facing everyone else's backsides, and we have the most equipment to haul – much of it bulky and heavy. If your back complains after a gig and load-ins feel like a marathon, it's time to rethink your setup.

While I can't solve all of drumming's common complaints, there are definitely a few things you can do to lighten your load, simplify your kit, and help your set-ups go much faster.

1. Consider a Minimalist Drum Kit

I'll admit it. I’m a sucker for a cool drum set. Whenever I split a bill with another band or attend a show, I have to check out the other drummer’s set. Invariably, their kit is cooler than mine. Their kits are always more impressive, with more drums, cymbals, and accessories.

My humble set is designed for function, ease of moving, and setting up. As a result, I’ve had several bands tell me I can tear down and load out faster than any other drummer they’ve ever played with. It wasn’t always this way, but as I started playing more shows with several bands, I realized that if I minimized my load-in and set up time, I could have more time to hang out with friends after the show.

Some genres traditionally have used big drum sets. Metal and progressive rock come immediately to mind. Older drummers like Neil Peart, Terry Bozzio, and Mike Mangini have ridiculously elaborate drum sets. By comparison, younger drummers in those same genres, like Matt Garstka, Travis Orbin, and Matt Halpern, all play far more minimalistic sets, yet clearly aren’t musically limited by them.

2. Determine What Drums & Cymbals You Really Use

One of the best things you can do is figure out what things you really need vs. those you simply want. I have a kit with seven drums and at least as many cymbals that I play in my studio. It offers lots of sounds and colors for recording. However, I gig with a four-piece kit (at most) and just a few cymbals. Why? I don’t really need more than two toms and a minimal cymbal set up for most of my gigs. While I prefer the melodic and timbral possibilities of more toms and cymbals, I don’t really need them.

Fewer drums and cymbals means less hardware, too. For years, I carried a china cymbal and stand that I thought I needed for a few songs. One night, as a test, I played a crash cymbal in those spots and no one noticed the difference. After a few gigs, I asked my guitar player if he noticed the change and he had no idea I’d been doing anything different. That night, two items were removed from my cases.

If you look closely at your kit, you might find an item or two that doesn’t see enough usage to justify hauling it to every gig. One empirical test to see if you’re lugging any drums around you don’t need is to look at the heads. Does one of your drums have far fewer stick marks and require less frequent head changes than the others? Is that second floor tom really just being used to hold a towel and a bottle of water? If so, leave it at home.

3. Rethink Your Hardware

Hardware is heavy. Even if you don't want to leave your drums or cymbals at home, rethinking your hardware can be a way to ease your burden.

Choosing lighter hardware is another easy way to save weight. I had some very sturdy and expensive heavy-duty double-braced hardware. I no longer use it. I've replaced it with medium-weight double-braced and single-braced hardware. The weight savings are significant. With the memory lock, you can still set up quickly and consistently. The JBK-Lightweight Boom Cymbal Stand weighs only 3.8 kg and is very stable.

4. Consider a Hybrid Setup

You can make better use of the tripod stands you do need by attaching short rack bars to them. I did this with my hi-hat stand and attached a short horizontal bar to it and mounted an electronic pad, a splash, and a percussion bar that could hold a cowbell and tambourine. I’ve even managed to attach an 8” tom to it for a few gigs. That kit had a suspended floor tom, so I attached another rack bar there and replaced the two tripod stands holding my crash and ride.

With this approach, you’ll not only reduce weight, but you’ll also gain scarce floor space on smaller stages.

I prefer toms mounted on my bass drum because I can get rid of another tripod and use the tom post to attach a dog bone clamp and a boom arm to hold a crash. I won’t attach a rack bar to it primarily because I don’t want to put too much weight and put stress on my bass drum’s shell.

5. Invest in a "Jungle Pad" for Acoustic Practice

Sometimes you need to practice at home without the full acoustic volume of your kit, or you just want a compact setup for warm-ups. A Jungle Pad is an excellent solution. These portable practice pads simulate the feel and bounce of a real drum kit without the noise or bulk. It's perfect for quiet practice sessions, warm-ups before gigs, or even for developing rudiments without disturbing your neighbors. Keep your full kit for the stage, and rely on a Jungle Pad for daily chops.

6. Upgrade Your Drum Bags for Easier Transport & Protection

Heavy, awkward cases can make even a minimalist kit feel like a burden. Investing in a quality set of drum bags designed for easy transport and robust protection can make a world of difference.

Consider a set like the Vintage Drum Bags Set, 9-pcs Set This comprehensive set ensures every part of your kit, from individual drums to hardware and cymbals, has its own dedicated, protective, and easy-to-carry bag. Lightweight yet durable materials, comfortable handles, and perhaps even wheels on larger bags can transform your load-in and load-out experience, saving your back and valuable time.

By implementing some of these tips, you'll find that managing your drum set becomes less of a chore and more of a streamlined process, leaving you more energy for what truly matters: the music.