Whether you're building your first kit, upgrading older hardware or putting together a more advanced setup, there are plenty of options to consider. From individual stands and pedals to complete hardware packs and specialist accessories, Andertons has hardware to suit practically every setup.
Drum hardware is essentially everything that supports, positions or operates your drums and cymbals.
This includes kick pedals, hi-hat stands, cymbal stands, snare stands and drum thrones, as well as clamps, arms and various accessories.
Hardware needs to do more than simply hold your equipment in place. It needs to remain stable while you're playing, offer enough adjustment to create a comfortable setup and, ideally, be easy to transport and set up.
Andertons stocks hardware from some of the biggest names in drums, with options ranging from affordable beginner-friendly equipment through to professional, heavy-duty hardware.
Your bass drum pedal is one of the most important pieces of hardware on your kit. It's the link between your foot and bass drum, so its feel can have a noticeable effect on your playing.
Most pedals allow you to adjust things such as spring tension, beater angle and footboard position, allowing you to tailor the response to your playing style.
A single pedal uses one footboard and one beater, making it the standard choice for most drummers.
They're simple, compact and generally easier to transport, while still offering plenty of speed and power.
Double pedals use two footboards connected by a drive shaft, allowing you to play the bass drum with both feet.
They're particularly popular in metal and heavier styles, where rapid double-bass patterns are common. However, they're not restricted to heavy music and can be useful anywhere you want additional rhythmic possibilities.
Your hi-hat stand is responsible for operating one of the most frequently played parts of your kit.
The pedal controls the opening and closing of the hi-hat cymbals, so a smooth and responsive mechanism is essential. Many stands also offer adjustable spring tension, allowing you to change how the pedal feels beneath your foot.
You'll generally find three-legged and two-legged designs. Three-legged stands offer excellent stability, while two-legged designs leave more space around your pedals and can be particularly useful if you use a double bass drum pedal.
Cymbal stands are available in several different configurations, but the two main types are straight and boom stands.
Straight stands have a relatively simple design, with the cymbal positioned directly above the tripod base.
They're generally compact and straightforward to set up, making them a great choice when space and portability are priorities.
Boom stands feature an extendable arm that allows you to position your cymbal further away from the stand itself.
This gives you considerably more flexibility when setting up a larger kit, and many boom stands can also be converted into straight stands by retracting the boom.
are designed specifically to hold your snare drum securely while allowing you to adjust its height and angle.
Unlike cymbal stands, they feature a basket that cradles the snare. The basket uses adjustable arms to accommodate different snare sizes.
A good snare stand should keep the drum secure without restricting its resonance. It's also worth looking for plenty of height and angle adjustment so you can position the snare comfortably. Andertons' range includes both single- and double-braced options, with different adjustment and stability features
Your is much more important than it might initially seem. You're going to spend your entire playing session sitting on it, so comfort, stability and adjustability should all be considered.
There are several different styles available, including:
Height adjustment is particularly important. Your playing position affects your posture, pedal technique and overall comfort, so it's worth spending some time finding the right height.
If you're starting from scratch, a can be one of the easiest ways to get everything you need.
Hardware packs typically combine several essential pieces into one set. Depending on the pack, this might include a bass drum pedal, hi-hat stand, snare stand and one or more cymbal stands. Some larger packs also include a drum throne. The big advantage is convenience. You get a matching set of hardware with consistent styling, adjustment and feel, without having to buy every piece individually.
Once you start expanding your kit, become increasingly useful.
These allow you to attach additional equipment without necessarily adding another tripod stand.
Common examples include:
Clamps can be particularly useful if you want to add a cowbell, auxiliary cymbal or percussion instrument while keeping your setup compact.
Once you start expanding your kit, become increasingly useful.
These allow you to attach additional equipment without necessarily adding another tripod stand.
Common examples include:
Clamps can be particularly useful if you want to add a cowbell, auxiliary cymbal or percussion instrument while keeping your setup compact.
If you're considering a drum rack, there's plenty to think about, from the amount of equipment you're looking to mount to the space available around your kit. Drum racks can provide a clean, organised way of positioning multiple cymbals, toms and accessories, while also making it easier to keep your setup consistent from one session or gig to the next. They're particularly useful for larger or more complex kits, where using individual stands can start to take up a lot of floor space.
We've put together a dedicated Drum Rack Guide covering everything you need to know, including what drum racks are, the benefits they offer, how they compare with traditional stands and whether a rack is the right choice for your setup. If you're unsure whether you need one or simply want to learn more before making a decision, our guide is the best place to start.
Check out our guide on drum racks by clicking here!
One of the most common choices you'll encounter when looking at drum stands is single-braced vs double-braced.
Single-braced stands use a lighter tripod construction.
They're generally lighter and easier to transport, making them a good option for players who regularly need to carry their own equipment.
Double-braced stands use additional support in the legs, providing greater stability and durability.
They're generally heavier, but that extra weight can be beneficial if you're using large cymbals, additional toms or other accessories.
Neither is necessarily better. If portability is your priority, single-braced hardware can be a great choice. If maximum stability is more important, double-braced hardware is worth considering.
f you're putting together your first kit, the essential hardware will usually include:
Bass drum pedal
Exactly how many cymbal stands you'll need depends on how many cymbals you're using.
If you're building a larger setup, you might also want:
If you're buying a shell pack that doesn't include hardware, a can be an easy way to get started. These packs can bundle the core stands and pedal together, giving you a consistent setup without having to choose each component individually.
Drum hardware might not get as much attention as drums, cymbals or drumheads, but it's the foundation that holds your entire setup together.
For a basic kit, you'll need a kick pedal, hi-hat stand, snare stand, cymbal stands and throne. From there, you can expand with boom stands, double pedals, clamps, racks and other accessories as your setup grows.
The most important things to consider are stability, adjustability, portability and comfort. You don't necessarily need the most expensive hardware available – you just need hardware that works reliably and allows you to concentrate on playing.
Whether you're building your first kit or putting together a professional touring setup, there's hardware to suit every level and playing style.
do i need expensive hardware?
Good-quality hardware should be stable, adjustable and reliable, but you don't necessarily need professional-level hardware if you're just starting out.
As your playing develops, you may find that upgrading individual components – particularly your pedal, hi-hat stand or throne – makes a noticeable difference.
is double braced hardware better?
Double-braced hardware generally offers greater stability and durability, while single-braced hardware is lighter and easier to transport.
For a large or heavy setup, double-braced is often preferable. For a lightweight gigging setup, single-braced can make more sense.
do i need a boom cymbal stand?
Straight stands are perfectly suitable for many setups. Boom stands simply give you greater flexibility when positioning your cymbals.
If you have several cymbals or a larger kit, boom stands can make positioning considerably easier.
Do i need a double kick pedal?
Only if you want to play using both feet on the bass drum.
They're particularly popular for metal and other heavy styles, but they can be useful for any drummer who wants to incorporate double-bass techniques.
