A drummer's toolbox (NOTE: the hammer is a bit excessive) © Tetra Images/Corbis
Whether you're rehearsing, gigging, recording or simply rocking up for a jam, there are a few essential bits of kit no drummer should be without. Here are the top 10, courtesy of Rhythm Magazine…
10 kitbag essentials
1. Turning keys
At least two turning keys, preferably more, secreted about your person and in stick bags, cymbal bags, gig bags etc. You could need it at any point to tune up, adjust your pedal, a memory lock on a stand...
2. Gaffer tape
A roll of Gaffer's tape - it truly has a thousand uses, many of them to do with music.
3. Spare heads
You'll need at least a snare batter and bass batter. Keep a spare head in each drum case.
4. Spare snare
If you can afford to have a spare, take an extra snare drum - on a stand and ready for action.
5. Dampeners
Head-damping materials - a tub of Moongel or a selection of 'O' rings will work. Cut the latter into quarter circles. If all else fails, head back to point number one on this list.
Next page: tool box vs Swiss Army Knife
6. A tool box
A small craft/tool box or the like containing: screwdrivers (flat and Phillips), pliers, tweezers, scissors, Allen keys, hammer etc.
"That ain't a knife..." © Tetra Images/Corbis
7. A Swiss Army Knife
Or if you want to be flash, the Roadie's friend - a Leatherman.
8. Felts, sleeves, nuts and springs
Cymbal felts and plastic sleeves, washers and wing nuts. Snare tie-cords or tapes. Bass drum spring and hi-hat clutch.
9. Or a spares kit
Many companies sell pre-packaged spares kits and some or all of the above. They're convenient and not usually too expensive.
10. Carpet
Essential. Buy a proprietary one or just get a cheap two-metre off-cut from your local carpet store. You will then be able to set up on almost any surface
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