Regardless of what you want to call them, digital drums, electronic drums and the counterpart acoustic drum set, drum kit, or trap drums, – the job is the same. This percussive instrument is used in contemporary music in the rhythm section to keep the beat, groove and set the tone of the song.  Without drums, I think it is safe to say that much music as we know it would not exist.

For an experienced player it is typically and easier decision to make. Neither kit is really better, however electronic drums and traditional drums have certain qualities which are better.  Any pro drummer whom has sat at both even the at the best kits available from both worlds will tell you that there is nothing like the real thing.  The process of hitting a real drum head which is under tension and creates sound waves cannot completely be reproduced by triggers and pads. Very close and every year the feel and experience is  better.  The second issue with digital drums in live performance is that unless you have the right amp or monitor system, the sound can get away from you and even the band.  Unlike the simplicity of a real kit, you beat on it and the sound comes from it.  Hit it harder and it is louder.  Hit is softer and it is less loud. No knobs, monitors wires equalizers, just drums.

Of course there is no argument for the digital drums in your house when you want to practice and not bother your family or neighbors, or want to play along with a song and be in your own world with the headphones. A tradition drum set can’t even do this. Also, for some music many enjoy the sound or digital drums for recording over traditional kits as they are easier to control and allow for all kinds of modern plugins.

Bands that also use other percussive sounds found in electronic drums like them because the drummer can get the sounds easily on the kit he is playing.  Then again, other drummers chose to play a traditional kit and bring a small digital drum pad for all the “extra sounds”.  I would say that many drummers today want both in their bag of tricks so they can have the best of both worlds.

In some ways the digital drum kit has become an instrument of its own.  I do not really see it as a replacement but an extension of the traditional acoustic kit.  It certainly has opened new doors for grooves and sound never possible with an acoustic drum kit. This does not mean it is meant to replace it.

Think about what you need to do and enjoy doing with your drumming experience then I believe the decision will be easy. You may find that you need both or only one style kit.

J Kelly

Drum Instructor, Albany NY