At Drum Center of Portsmouth, we consider ourselves a pretty big deal. We're the largest drums-only store in the world, thanks to our customers who love percussion equipment just as much as we do. We've worked hard to bring our customers the best brands and models of drums and plan to keep it that way.
For many, accessorizing their drum set and replacing hardware is the best part of owning a drum kit. You want to adjust it to get the right sounds. Or, if you purchased a used set, you may need a specific part that will get your drum to pristine condition. When this happens, look no further than our shop. We have hundreds of different hardware and accessories in stock, ready to go home with you.
Not sure which part is suitable for your equipment? One of our team members will be happy to help. It's important to choose the right accessories that fit and match your equipment so that you can be sure of cohesiveness in looks and sound quality.
Purchase your parts, hardware, and accessories from Drum Center of Portsmouth. You'll be pleased to learn that we offer the best prices around. We look forward to serving you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hardware & Accessories FAQs
What counts as drum hardware?
Drum hardware is the metal gear that holds and operates your kit - cymbal stands, hi-hat stands, snare stands, tom mounts, bass drum pedals, drum thrones, and rack systems. The drums themselves are not hardware; the gear that supports them is.
What hardware does a beginner kit need?
A standard hardware setup includes a hi-hat stand, snare stand, bass drum pedal, drum throne, and one or two cymbal stands. Most beginner drum set packages include all of this; if you're buying a shell pack, you'll need to add a hardware pack.
Should I buy a single or double bass drum pedal?
Single pedals work for most styles - rock, pop, jazz, country, fusion. Double pedals are essential for metal, prog, and any style that calls for fast double bass patterns. Many drummers start single and add a double later when their playing demands it.
What types of cymbal stands are there?
Straight stands (vertical) take up less floor space and work well for tightly-spaced setups. Boom stands have an extending arm that lets you position cymbals over toms or further from your throne. Most pro setups use a mix of both.
Does the drum throne really matter?
Yes - a stable, well-padded throne with the right height keeps your back and knees healthy across long sessions. Look for solid tripod legs, a wide saddle (round or motorcycle-style), and a memory lock for repeatable height. The throne is the one piece of hardware your body touches the entire time you play.
What's the difference between two-leg and three-leg hi-hat stands?
Three-leg stands are the standard - stable and reliable. Two-leg (or rotating) stands make it easier to position a left-side crash or china right next to the hi-hats, and are popular with double-bass drummers.
Hardware pack or individual pieces - which is better?
Hardware packs offer a price advantage when you need a full setup at once. Buying individual pieces makes sense when you're upgrading specific items, building toward a particular workflow, or filling out a custom setup. Most working drummers end up mixing brands and series over time.
Which hardware brands does DCP carry?
We stock the full range - DW, Pearl, Tama, Gibraltar, Yamaha, Sonor, Ludwig, Mapex, PDP, Roland (for electronic kits), Trick, and more. Every major hardware series is in stock or available to order.
What about replacement parts?
We carry replacement parts for current production hardware, plus a deep selection of vintage and discontinued parts for older Ludwig, Slingerland, Rogers, and Gretsch kits. If you can't find what you need on the site, give us a call - we likely have it.