Acoustic vs. Electric Drums

Acoustic vs. Electric Drums: A Tale of Two Beats

In the world of drumming, I discovered drummers are divided when it comes to the type of drums to purchase. Similar to the iPhone and Android debate, drummers often square off when it comes to the acoustic vs electric drums.  Each has its own unique sound, feel, and advantages. If you’re thinking about picking up the sticks, it’s important to understand the difference between the two so you can choose the right one for your style.

Acoustic Drums: The Classics

Acoustic drums are the traditional type of drum kit. They consist of a variety of drums and cymbals, all made of natural materials such as wood, metal, and skin. The sound is produced by hitting the heads with sticks or mallets, causing them to vibrate. The resulting sound is rich, warm, and full-bodied.

Acoustic drums are a popular choice for both beginners and experienced drummers. They’re known for their versatile sound that can be used in a wide variety of genres. They’re also a great way to develop your drumming technique. However, acoustic drums can be quite loud, making them difficult to practice in apartments or other noise-sensitive environments. They can also be expensive and difficult to transport.

Electric Drums: The Sound of the Future

Electric drums are a newer type of drum kit. They consist of pads that are connected to an electronic sound module. The pads are made of a variety of materials, such as rubber, plastic, or mesh. When you hit a pad, it sends a signal to the sound module, which triggers a sample of a drum or cymbal sound. The sound is then amplified through headphones or speakers.

Electric drums have a number of advantages over acoustic drums. They’re much quieter, making them ideal for practicing in apartments or other noise-sensitive environments. They’re also more portable and easier to transport. Additionally, electric drums offer a wide variety of sounds, allowing you to experiment with different genres and styles. They are also much easier to dial in and balance when performing at a gig.

However, electric drums can also have some disadvantages. The feel of the pads can be different from that of acoustic drums. Some drummers find that electric drums don’t have the same dynamic range as acoustic drums. Also, there is no way to stop the ringing of the cymbals after hitting them, at least on the lower priced sets.

So, which type of drum is right for you?

The answer depends on a number of factors, including your playing style, budget, and practice environment. If you’re looking for a classic sound and feel, acoustic drums are a great choice. If you need a quieter, more portable option, electric drums are a good way to go.

Here is a table summarizing the key differences between acoustic and electric drums:

Features on Acoustic Drums vs Electric

Acoustic Drums:

• Sound-Natural, organic
• Feel-Responsive, dynamic
• Volume-Loud
• Portability-Difficult
• Cost-Less expensive
• Variety of sounds-Limited

Electric Drums:

• Sound-Sampled
• Feel-Consistent, adjustable
• Volume-Adjustable to any volume, can be used in a quiet environment
• Portability-Easy
• Cost-More expensive
• Variety of sounds-Unlimited

Ultimately, the best way to decide which type of drum is right for you is to try them both out. Go to a local music store and play a few different kits to see what you prefer. You may also want to talk to a drum teacher or experienced drummer to get their advice. No matter which type of drum you choose, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the music!

If you have any questions or are interested in beginner drum lessons, feel free to contact me.