Are You A Light-Weight Drummer? The New Rave In Hardware.
Feb 20, 2023Drum hardware is an essential component of any drum set. It holds the drums in place, allowing the drummer to play with precision and control. While heavy-duty hardware has been the norm for many years, lightweight drum hardware has gained popularity in recent years due to its convenience and ease of use. In this article, we will compare popular lightweight drum hardware sets from the major companies, such as the Yamaha Crosstown, DW 6000 Series, Tama Classic series, Pearl 150S series, and others. We will discuss the pros and cons of lightweight hardware, price points, and provide links to read more.
What is Lightweight Hardware?
Lightweight hardware is designed to be lighter in weight than traditional hardware. This is achieved by using materials such as aluminum or carbon fiber, which are lighter than steel. The benefits of lightweight hardware are numerous. First, it is easier to transport, as it is lighter and takes up less space. Second, it is easier to set up, as it requires less effort to move and adjust. Finally, it is more comfortable to play, as it puts less strain on the body.
Yamaha Crosstown
Yamaha Crosstown hardware is one of the most popular lightweight hardware sets on the market. It is made from lightweight aluminum, which makes it easy to transport and set up. The hardware features a sleek design, with a black finish that looks great on stage.
One of the main benefits of Yamaha Crosstown hardware is its durability. Despite its lightweight design, the hardware is built to last. It is designed to withstand the rigors of touring and heavy use, making it a reliable choice for drummers.
Another benefit of Yamaha Crosstown hardware is its versatility. The hardware is compatible with a wide range of drum sets, making it easy to use with different brands and configurations. This makes it a great choice for drummers who play in different settings or need to use different drum sets.
However, one drawback of Yamaha Crosstown hardware is its price point. It is one of the more expensive lightweight hardware sets on the market, which may not be feasible for all drummers.
DW 6000 Series
The DW 6000 Series is another popular lightweight hardware set. It is made from aircraft-grade aluminum, which makes it incredibly lightweight and durable. The hardware features a sleek design, with a polished chrome finish that looks great on stage.
One of the main benefits of the DW 6000 Series is its adjustability. The hardware features a wide range of adjustment options, allowing drummers to customize their setup to their specific needs. This makes it a great choice for drummers who have specific preferences for their hardware setup.
Another benefit of the DW 6000 Series is its compatibility. The hardware is designed to be compatible with a wide range of drum sets, making it easy to use with different brands and configurations. This makes it a great choice for drummers who play in different settings or need to use different drum sets.
However, one drawback of the DW 6000 Series is its price point. It is one of the more expensive lightweight hardware sets on the market, which may not be feasible for all drummers.
Tama
Tama is a well-known brand in the drumming world, and its lightweight hardware sets are no exception. Tama offers several lightweight hardware sets, including the Roadpro series and the Classic series.
The Roadpro series is made from lightweight aluminum, which makes it easy to transport and set up. The hardware features a simple yet sleek design, with a chrome finish that looks great on stage. One of the main benefits of the Roadpro series is its adjustability. The hardware features a wide range of adjustment options, allowing drummers to customize their setup to their specific needs.
The Classic series is made from high-quality steel, which is lighter than traditional hardware. The Classic series features a vintage look, with a polished chrome finish that complements any drum set. One of the main benefits of the Classic series is its durability. Despite its lightweight design, the hardware is built to last and withstand the rigors of touring and heavy use.
Another benefit of Tama lightweight hardware is its price point. While some Tama hardware sets can be more expensive, the Roadpro series and Classic series offer affordable options for drummers looking for quality lightweight hardware.
However, one potential drawback of Tama lightweight hardware is its compatibility. Tama hardware is primarily designed to be used with Tama drum sets, so it may not be as compatible with other drum brands or configurations.
Pearl
Pearl is another well-known brand in the drumming world, and its lightweight hardware sets are popular among drummers. Pearl offers several lightweight hardware sets, including the Ultralight series and the Demon series.
The Ultralight series is made from aluminum, which makes it incredibly lightweight and easy to transport. The hardware features a minimalist design, with a black finish that looks great on stage. One of the main benefits of the Ultralight series is its adjustability. The hardware features a wide range of adjustment options, allowing drummers to customize their setup to their specific needs.
The Demon series is made from high-quality steel, which is lighter than traditional hardware. The hardware features a unique design, with black chrome finish and red accents that make it stand out on stage. One of the main benefits of the Demon series is its versatility. The hardware is designed to be compatible with a wide range of drum sets, making it a great choice for drummers who play in different settings or need to use different drum sets.
One potential drawback of Pearl lightweight hardware is its price point. While some Pearl hardware sets can be more affordable, the Ultralight series and Demon series can be more expensive than other lightweight hardware sets on the market.
Gibraltar
Gibraltar is a lesser-known brand in the drumming world, but its lightweight hardware sets are worth considering. Gibraltar offers several lightweight hardware sets, including the 5700 series and the 6700 series.
The 5700 series is made from aluminum, which makes it incredibly lightweight and easy to transport. The hardware features a sleek design, with a black finish that looks great on stage. One of the main benefits of the 5700 series is its adjustability. The hardware features a wide range of adjustment options, allowing drummers to customize their setup to their specific needs.
The 6700 series is made from high-quality steel, which is lighter than traditional hardware. The hardware features a unique design, with a chrome finish that complements any drum set. One of the main benefits of the 6700 series is its versatility. The hardware is designed to be compatible with a wide range of drum sets, making it a great choice for drummers who play in different settings or need to use different drum sets.
One of the main benefits of Gibraltar lightweight hardware is its price point. Gibraltar hardware sets are generally more affordable than other lightweight hardware sets on the market, making it a great choice for drummers on a budget.
However, one potential drawback of Gibraltar lightweight hardware is its availability. Gibraltar hardware sets may not be as widely available as other brands, making it harder to find in some areas.
Conclusion
In conclusion, lightweight hardware is a great choice for drummers who are looking for a more convenient, portable, and comfortable option. Yamaha Crosstown, DW 6000 Series, Tama, Pearl, and Gibraltar all offer quality lightweight hardware sets, each with its own unique features and benefits. When considering purchasing lightweight hardware, it's important to weigh the pros and cons of each brand, consider the compatibility with your drum set, and determine your budget.
Yamaha Crosstown hardware sets are known for their durability, adjustability, and compatibility with a wide range of drum sets. The design is sleek, and the hardware is easy to transport. However, one potential drawback is that they can be more expensive than other lightweight hardware sets on the market.
DW 6000 series hardware sets are known for their quality, adjustability, and compatibility with a wide range of drum sets. The hardware is lightweight and easy to transport, and the design is sleek and professional. One potential drawback is that DW hardware can be more expensive than other brands.
Tama lightweight hardware sets offer affordability, durability, and adjustability. The Roadpro and Classic series are great options for drummers on a budget, while the Star series offers higher-end options. However, Tama hardware is primarily designed to be used with Tama drum sets, so compatibility may be an issue with other drum brands or configurations.
Pearl lightweight hardware sets offer versatility, adjustability, and unique designs. The Ultralight series is made from aluminum and offers a minimalist design, while the Demon series is made from high-quality steel and offers a unique design with red accents. One potential drawback is that Pearl hardware can be more expensive than other lightweight hardware sets.
Gibraltar lightweight hardware sets offer affordability, adjustability, and versatility. The 5700 series is made from aluminum and offers a sleek black design, while the 6700 series is made from high-quality steel and offers a chrome finish. However, Gibraltar hardware may not be as widely available as other brands.
Overall, choosing the right lightweight hardware set depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider the features, compatibility, and price point of each brand before making a decision. To help you get started, here are some current packs on Amazon.com:
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Yamaha Crosstown Lightweight Hardware Pack: https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-DT-3PK4-DT-3PK4-Crosstown-Lightweight/dp/B07BHPN1LH
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DW 6000 Series Lightweight Hardware Pack: https://www.amazon.com/DW-Drums-DWCP6000ULHW-Lightweight/dp/B07KQ7D5CF
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Tama Roadpro Lightweight Hardware Pack: https://www.amazon.com/Tama-HP200P-Hardware-Lightweight-Double/dp/B07J1VJ5G5
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Pearl Ultralight Hardware Pack: https://www.amazon.com/Pearl-HWP-930-Hardware-Ultralight/dp/B003HSDPV8
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Gibraltar 5700 Series Lightweight Hardware Pack: https://www.amazon.com/Gibraltar-5700-Series-Lightweight-Hardware/dp/B07FY1W88R
These packs include all the necessary hardware components for a basic drum set, such as a snare stand, hi-hat stand, cymbal stand, and bass drum pedal. They offer a good starting point for drummers who are new to lightweight hardware or looking to upgrade their existing hardware.