How To Assemble A Drum Set

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Our drum sets come in various configurations, however assembly is basically the same for all.  Unpack all of the parts and spread them out, placing the appropriate parts with each drum.  Remember that you will need a fairly large area.  We recommend that you work on a carpeted area or use a blanket so as not to scratch or mar the parts.  

Begin by assembling the bass drum (the largest drum) as shown below.  The pictures shown are for a 16-lug bass drum (8 top and 8 bottom). You may have more or less lugs depending on which drum set you have purchased.

1) Assembling the Bass Drum

  Figure 1 (bass drum parts) 

Figure 2 (placing the drum head on the drum shell)

Place the white (or clear, normally the one without a logo) batter drum head on the side of the bass drum that will face the drummer, making sure that it is firmly seated on the drum shell. This would be the side furthest from the bass drum leg mounts.  

  Figure 3 (placing the hoop or rim on the drum)

Place the hoop on top of the drum head, also making sure that it is firmly seated.

  Figure 4 (attaching the tension rod and claw hook to the drum)

Finally attach each of the tension rods and claws to the mounting lugs.  Hand tighten each tension rod evenly around the drum head.  Using the drum key, and keeping the drum head evenly seated on the drum, tune the drum.  

Now repeat this entire process for the opposite end of the drum using the other drum head which will normally be the one with the logo on it.  Place the drum head so that the logo will be in the correct position when the drum is placed in playing position.

Next attach the bass drum legs to the bass drum. Note: Some models already have the legs attached. Set the bass drum upright in the playing position.

Figure 5 (attaching the tom drum mounts)

 Place the tom drum mounts into the top of the bass drum and tighten loosely.  Set this assembly aside and proceed to the tom drum assembly.

2) Assembling the Mountable Toms

You may have one or two mountable tom drums depending on which set you have purchased.  Assembly is the same for each drum.  Be sure that you match the right size drum heads and rims with each tom.

The pictures shown below are for a 12-lug tom drum (6 top and 6 bottom). You may have more or less lugs depending on which drum set you have purchased.

Figure 1 (tom drum parts)

Figure 2 (placing the drum head on the drum shell)

Place the white (or clear, normally the one with a logo) drum head on the top of the tom drum, making sure that it is firmly seated on the drum shell.

Figure 3 (placing the hoop or rim on the drum)

Place the rim on top of the drum head, also making sure that it is firmly seated.  Be sure to line up the holes in the rim with the mounting lugs on the tom drum.

Figure 4 (attaching the tension rod the drum mounting lug)

Finally attach each of the tension rods and washers (if provided) through the holes in the rim, to the mounting lugs.  Hand tighten each tension rod evenly around the drum head.  Using the drum key, and keeping the drum head evenly seated on the drum, tune the drum.  

Using the same procedure assemble the bottom end of the drum, using the other drum head which will normally be the one without the logo on it.  

Now repeat this entire process for the second mounted tom if you have one.

When the mounted toms are finished, attach them to the top of the bass drum as shown below.

Figure 5 ( attaching toms to top of bass drum)

3) Assembling the Floor Tom

Assembly of the floor tom is basically the same as the mountable tom, except that it has legs to support it.

Figure 1 (floor tom parts)

Assemble the floor tom using the same procedure as for the mountable toms.  When finished, attach the legs and adjust to the height you wish.  See picture below for completed floor tom.

Figure 2 (floor tom assembled)

You have now completed all the drum assembly. Let's proceed to the hardware.

Attach the drum pedal to the bass drum.  Assemble the throne, cymbal stands and cymbals.  If you have a High Hat Cymbal, see the instructions below, otherwise enjoy your drum set.

4) Assembling the High Hat

  Figure 1 (bottom felt and washer)

Figure 2 (installing bottom felt and washer)

Figure 3 (bottom high hat cymbal)

Figure 4 (top high hat cymbal and parts)

Figure 5 (top high hat cymbal assembly)

Figure 6 (top high hat cymbal assembly)

Figure 7 (attaching top high hat cymbal assembly to high hat stand)