Choosing a drum kit can be pretty daunting and when you throw different sizes into the mix it can seem impossible to choose. On this document we’ll try to explain the differences between the four main size choices to make your day a little bit easier. If you have any further questions we’re always happy to talk and can be contacted with any of the details on the contact page.
We’ve got a few images here to give you a bit of a guide, then we’ll go a bit further into describing the differences further down the page. Click the images to enlarge;
22 Rock
22 Fusion
20 Fusion
22 American Fusion
22” Rock
This size is one of the more popular we stock. The ‘22”’ refers to the size of the bass drum and ‘rock’ to the size of the toms. Just because it’s called a ‘rock’ kit doesn’t mean it can only be used in rock music however the slightly larger drum sizes do mean that it is a little better suited to louder situations. As we’ve already mentioned, a 22” rock kit will include a 22” bass drum. It also includes 12” & 13” rack toms (those that are usually mounted on the bass drum) and a 16” floor tom (the one that’s on legs). As with most kits, there’s usually a 14” snare drum included (although not always, so it’s worth checking) but other than that, that’s pretty much it!
22” Fusion
Currently this size of kit is probably the most popular one we sell. As with the rock kit above the ‘22”’ in the name refers to the size of the bass drum and ‘fusion’ to the size of the toms. As you’ll see below, a fusion kit has evenly spaced tom sizes which makes it a little easier to get the drums all sounding different. A 22” fusion kit is suited to most musical situations. A 22” fusion kit includes a 22” bass drum. It also includes 10” & 12” rack toms and a 14” floor tom. Sometimes in a fusion kit the 14” floor tom is swapped for a 14” tom which is usually a little shallower and has no legs so must be mounted from a cymbal stand. Some people prefer these so they can save on the amount of floor space their kit takes up. If you have a preference for one type of tom over the other it’s worth checking which one is included in a kit before buying.
20” Fusion
As you’ve probably worked out by now the ‘20”’ in this kit’s name refers to the size of the bass drum and ‘fusion’ to the size of the toms. As with a 22” fusion kit, a 20” fusion kit has evenly spaced tom sizes which makes it a little easier to get the drums all sounding different. The smaller bass drum in a 20” fusion kit makes it a little more suited to lower volume gigs although they’re often used inall sorts of performances. So the sizes included in a 20” fusion kit are a 20” bass drum, 10” & 12” rack toms with a 14” floor tom.
22” American Fusion
Probably the rarest of the four most popular sizes, the 22” American Fusion is for drummers who want the versatility of a fusion kit but with the wider range of sounds offered by a 16” floor tom. The sizes included in a 22” American Fusion Kit are a 22” bass drum, 10” & 12” rack toms and a 16” floor tom.
Anything Else?
There are quite a few other sizes offered by the various different manufacturers although the four above are far and away the most common. If you’re after something a bit ‘rockier’ than the kit above then it’s worth checking out a 24” bass drum kit or if jazz is your thang then a cheeky little 18” be bop kit might suit youbetter. However, by and large, the above four kits will probably cover the needs of the vast majority of drummers.
It worth mentioning that we’ve only been speaking about the diameters of the drums (i.e. the size of the drum heads) in the sizes above and that drum kits are also available in different depths. If this has completely thrown you then we’re sorry, give us a ring or an email and we’ll talk you through it. However, the diameters are the more important thing.
Happy drumming,
NDC x
