Crash. Bang. Boom. Three simple little words that lie at the center of the argument between electronic drum kits and acoustic drum kits. Drum kits are notoriously loud, like, really loud. I love it. I love the feel, the noise, the energy. All of it. Recently at a show I ran into an issue with our in-ears and lost sound during a song which led me to throw the monitors off and play without them. I don’t know how to begin the describe the difference in feel between having in-ears in or out while playing. It’s like gaining a new sense of freedom, like when you are 16 and you finally get your driver’s license – now you don’t have to rely on another driver to get you to where you need to go. The energy from the kit is contagious and just enhances the entire performance when unmuted. Unfortunately, though, not everyone shares that feeling.

Back to the main point, drum kits are loud. Not everyone likes to hear the “crash, bang, boom” that comes with it. Some people just like to sit back and enjoy a nice, smooth listening experience that doesn’t involve the constant rattle the drum kit rides with. But how does one provide the percussive background without the noise associated with it? That is where people smarter than me developed an electronic drum kit. These kits provide all of the movement and sounds of an acoustic kit, without the noise levels. These kits are ideal in situations where it may not be advantageous to use an acoustic kit. Small venues or gigs where sound needs to be better handled are best suited for having an electronic kit available. You run into less feedback issues using an electronic kit due to there just being less noise present and bouncing around the room. Other members of the band aren’t fighting nearly as much stage noise while performing, and all of this sounds great to those who may not enjoy the acoustic kit, but unfortunately there is a price. Literally. Good electronic kits are expensive. Quite expensive. Yes, there are cheaper electronic kits out there, but there is a quality issue that comes with them. Not only could sound be affected (sometimes weird noises happen to come out of them) but the quality of the materials is also dependent on the cost. But wouldn’t that also apply to acoustic kits as well?

Yes, I suppose it does, but replacement parts for the kit can become an issue. If a drum begins to not work on an electric kit, the issue could range anywhere from a cable not working to the trigger within the drum being broken, which then starts to turn into an expensive affair. Ultimately, though, all of these issues just come with the territory. Repairs need to happen from time to time, parts need replaced, instruments need tweaked. Comes with the gig. What it comes down to is what you prefer, what feels right when you are playing? Frankly, nothing for me will ever quite feel as right as the crash, bang, boom that comes with playing an acoustic kit.

What do you prefer to play? Do you have any specific questions regarding electric vs acoustic? Would you rather ask me than Google? Just shoot me an e-mail at plustalonholmes@fundmc.net or shoot a message toward Fun DMC’s Facebook page. Have a great week folks!