Do Expensive Drums Make You Play Better… Or Just Smile More?

[Jules]

I think that when you have solid gear that stays put, stays in tune and singes, YES you absolutely play better. Or, at least I do! You sound better just by the fact that the gear sounds good, but it really inspires me when everything is at a high caliber with the gear and sound.

[drummermark]

I don't know if it makes me play better but I think it inspires me more. I played a couple gigs over the weekend and a non-musician friend was there. My entire kit, save for the hardware, is mostly new in the last couple months. He made a comment that it looked like "you were getting into it and having a lot of fun".

I do know, when I've played on poorly maintained house or rehearsal room kits, with worn out heads, I don't get as much joy sonically.

[tcbetka]

Expensive drums definitely DO make me play better--because I end up practicing more, to (in my mind) justify the purchase. And increased practice time definitely makes me play better. Ergo...

[Scott_M]

Expensive drums definitely DO make me play better--because I end up practicing more, to (in my mind) justify the purchase. And increased practice time definitely makes me play better. Ergo...

Bingo! Couldn't have phrased this better.

[Syncopated_1]

More sensitive, wider dynamic range, clear fundamentals, they help one play better if one starts off with the ability, which comes from a focused and dedicated approach to practice.

If you're just a pounder, stick with an Export.