The shell set forms the core of any drum kit, and by getting a shell set and separate hardware rather than a ready-made kit, drummers can build their own customised setup. Shell sets are only made up of the bass drum and toms, and sometimes, they'll include a snare.
Shell Sets: The Core of any Kit
As any drummer develops their skills and gains more experience, the more picky their likely to get about their drums, their cymbals and their stands and kick pedal. The drums - at least the bass drum and toms - can be picked up as a complete pack, so that the core of you kit has a balanced sound to it. When it comes to the snare drum, drummers tend to have some really particular demands, so many prefer to pick one up separately. Of course, it's nice if the paint-job of your snare matches the rest of your drums, but if you want a really specific sound, then it's not always possible. But, not to worry, most members of crowd won't be able to see your snare anyway. If you're looking for a shell set, make sure to double check the specifications so you know exactly what you're getting with it. Often, in any pictures, a full drum kit is displayed, but only to give you an idea of what the final, built kit will look like.
Turn a Shell-Set into a Complete Kit
Beginners might want to pick up a shell set, but it's worth being aware that you'll also need to pick up a lot of other gear to complete a full drum kit. First, check if the shell set includes a snare drum. If not, you'll have to buy one separately. Then there are the cymbals (at least a hi-hat and a crash, and maybe a ride) which very rarely come with a shell set. Then you'll need drum hardware: a hi-hat stand, cymbal stands, a hi-hat stand and a kick pedal for the bass drum. On top of that, you'll need to pick out your drum throne and, of course, a set of drumsticks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shell Sets
What's a shell set?
Basically, a shell set is just a set of drums that can be used to built a complete drum kit. So, shell sets don't come including stands, cymbals, a stool or any pedals - just the drums. Most shell sets don't even include a snare drum. This way, drummers can put together their own customised kit.
