Electronic drums have gained immense popularity among musicians today, but this wasn’t always the case. In fact, they initially had a bit of a negative reputation. The early models didn’t sound realistic enough compared to the powerful sounds of acoustic drums Warm-up Moves Ahead Of Playing The Drums - If you aspire to be a drummer, it's essential to consider that before you start playing, you must first engage in warm-up exercises. Typically, warm-up activities for drumming involve practicing drum rudiments or rolls. That said, if you want your body to be prepared when playing the drums, it's crucial to warm up physically. It's… , and they lacked the authentic look and feel of their acoustic counterparts. In fact, the very first models that emerged in the 1980s sounded more like Star Wars effects than actual drums. However, thanks to advancements by leading companies such as Roland, Yamaha, Alesis, and Simmons, this perception has completely changed. Let’s take a look back at the evolution of electronic drums.
The concept of the electronic drum was conceived by Graeme Edge of The Moody Blues in 1971. Together with Professor Brian Groves, Edge developed the first functional electronic drum kit. This kit consisted of 13 toms, 8 bass drums, 6 snares, 16 sequences, and a tambourine. It took a few more years before the first commercial drum kit was introduced. The inaugural complete commercial kit was called the Simmons SDS-V, which made its debut in the early 1980s. Throughout the 1980s, more and more manufacturers began producing electronic drum kits for the mainstream market. However, these early models still didn’t capture the essence of acoustic drums and were primarily used for disco music and other genres that required distinct sounds and beats.
It wasn’t until the introduction of the Pollard Syndrum that electronic drums began to gain significant attention and respect within the music industry Marketing and Music: Any Song Can Become Famous? - Today let's dive into a topic that's been buzzing around a lot: the relationship between marketing and music. We all know that marketing plays a massive role in the music industry, but does it actually hold the power to make any track a hit? Or does talent still stand a chance? First off, let's address… . This drum set Second-hand Drums - The Second-Hand Drums Market: Tips for Buying a Good Used Drum Set If you're considering purchasing a drum set, here are some tips for buying a quality used set. Following these suggestions will help ensure you don't waste your money. Take your time: Be patient when choosing a drum set. Carefully assess the drums' overall… boasted exceptional quality without the technical limitations of its predecessors. It quickly became a favorite among professionals and was the go-to kit in recording studios. The Pollard Syndrum delivered a remarkable, dynamic range of sounds and beats.
Today, in the digital age, electronic drums have reached new heights in terms of sound quality and performance. Many of them produce sounds that are virtually indistinguishable from acoustic drums. Not only can you achieve the beautiful tonal range of acoustic drums, but many sets also come with a wide array of features, sounds, and effects, making them ideal for those who like to experiment with their sound. Furthermore, they not only offer similar sounds but also possess the look, feel, and responsiveness of acoustic drums. They are also excellent for beginners who are just starting to learn the drums. Additionally, the ability to adjust the volume or use headphones makes them perfect for individuals living in close quarters or limited spaces.
Electronic drums have come a long way since their inception. While some may still prefer the traditional acoustic drums, they are limiting themselves in terms of experimentation and sound exploration. If electronic drums resonate with you, be sure to explore reputable brands such as Simmons, Roland, Alesis, Yamaha, and XM.
Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME
[…] April 26, 2011 – No comments yet […]
Hey Manuel,
Thanks for the article. I didn’t know about Graeme Edge and I had no clue the first electronic kit was invented in the 1970s already. They seem to have gone way out of proportion, though 🙂
Actually, I prefer the smaller kits these days. So thanks for making me aware!