Drum Accessories: Keys, Dampers & Wires

This is the small kit that keeps a drum set playable from gig to gig: tuning keys, damping, snare wires, patches and stick care. It is mostly Evans, with PureSound snare wires and ProMark stick accessories.

For tuning there are three Evans keys: the DATK Torque Drum Key, which helps bring each tension rod to an even setting, the DADK Magnetic Head Drum Key, and the DAPCK Pull Cord Drum Key, which clips to a lanyard or belt so it does not go walkabout on a busy stage.

Damping runs from light to heavy. EQ Pods and Mini EQ Pods are gels that sit on the head to calm overtones and can be moved or removed in seconds. E-Rings go round the edge of the head for more even control, sold as the ER-SNARE 14″ pair, the ER-FUSION pack (10″, 12″, 14″) and the ER-ROCK pack (10″, 12″, 14″, 16″). The EQPAD sits inside the bass drum against the head. Start light and add more only if the drum still rings in the mix.

EQ Bass Drum Patches protect the kick head where the beater strikes, in Clear Plastic or Black Nylon and in Single Pedal or Double Pedal versions. Snare wires are from PureSound, all 14″: the B1420 Blaster Series and CPS1420 Custom Pro Steel with 20 strands, and the S1430 Super 30 with 30 strands for a fuller, crisper response. ProMark White Drumstick Tape and the PEDSB Every Day Drumstick Bag round it off.

See Tuning and Damping a Drum Kit and Snare Wires Explained for more, and sticks are in Drumsticks & Rods.

Drum Accessories FAQs

Should I use single pedal or double pedal bass drum patches? Use a Double Pedal patch if you play with two beaters on the head, as it covers both strike points. A single pedal player only needs the Single Pedal version.

How many strands of snare wire do I need? 20 strands is the common choice for a balanced sound. The 30 strand Super 30 gives more wire buzz and sensitivity, which suits players who want a fuller, sizzling snare.