Instruments

The drum kit is such a unique instrument. It’s so versatile and special yet each kit is different and they all have stories behind them. As you grow into the musician you want to be the instruments you choose will impact what kind of sound you want to make and what kind of musician you want to be. Musicians are always learning and evolving and so will your instruments. Drums have the disadvantage of being pretty expensive, impractical and noisy but when you invest in them and get to you know your instruments, they become so much more than that. 

In May 2016, I found myself behind a Gretsch drum kit for the first time. I can’t remember exactly what type of kit it was but I remember falling in love with the sound coming from the kit. It sung so beautifully and blended so well with the ensemble. From that moment I decided that I needed a Gretsch drum kit in my life permanently. Three years later, I set up my Gretsch Catalina drum kit with a maple wood finish for it’s first gig. The only cymbals in my opinion that would flourish alongside the kit would be Zildjians. For me you, can’t beat Zildjian cymbals accompanied by the Peter Erskine Vic Firth sticks (usually the Big Band stick or the Ride stick). AJ2s are also very solid.

I think the first pair of drum sticks that I bought were orange, Vic Firth Dave Weckl sticks. I would sit for hours watching drummers on YouTube especially: Peter Erskine, Steve Gadd, Dave Weckl, Antonio Sanchez, Will Kennedy, Bernie Dresel and Steve Smith just to name a few. The more musical performances you see whether in person or online, you’ll find that certain drummers will play in a way that hook you in and inspire you. For me that was predominantly Peter Erskine and Dave Weckl. Seeing Peter Erskine playing live at the London Drum Show in 2015 will always be one of the best memories ever. Peter was pretty jetlagged, yet he made this incredible sound, so effortless and stunning. He played on a yellow Tama kit with Zildjian cymbals which sounded absolutely epic.  

Of course, the drum kit, the cymbals and the sticks are a personal choice and my combination works for me. In five years time it might change a little, who knows! For you it might be similar or more likely, it’ll be a completely different combination. For me a future dream is a Gretsch Broadcaster kit.


I teach on a Mapex Voyager kit with Zildjian hi-hats and ride cymbal and a Sabian crash. This fabulous kit has been passed down to me from my late Father and it’s an immense privilege to use it for playing and teaching. It’s a solid as a rock and has seen many a pupil through exams and concerts, including me!

For beginners wanting to buy a drum kit, I always advise going for an electric drum kit first. They’re cheaper, smaller and come with headphones. Electric drum kit brands that I’d recommend are: Yamaha, Roland and Alesis. Then when you really get into drumming, a couple of years later maybe have a look at second hand acoustic drum kits. 


To be immersed in the world of drums, I’d recommend going to drum shows, concerts and masterclasses to find your way and work out the best instrument for you that’s going to take your playing to the next level. Listen to all styles of music too. As a percussionist as well, it’s important I feel to slowly build up a collection of instruments that you can take to concerts, workshops or recording scenarios. This doesn’t mean spend thousands of pounds on a set of four Ludwig timpani! A concert snare drum, a good headed tambourine and some quality shakers for me is a good way to start in my opinion. My concert snare drum is a Pearl Philharmonic.

The Djembe I have is 13″ with cowskin. It’s a wonderful instrument, makes a cracking sound and has been with me since 2019. I’d played quite a bit of African drumming music during my time at college but when working for Haringey Music Service I discovered West African music thanks to Ben Edwards. Along with the knowledge and skills I’ve gained, having a brilliant, solid djembe has been so important in my teaching and playing. Invest in solid, quality, really great drums and they will last you a lifetime and you’re guaranteed to make many happy memories with them!