Light is the new heavy. More and More, we're seeing that drummers aren't calling for the heavy duty double braced stands, unless someone else is carrying it for them. Minimalism is hip in the drum world right now, and have customers here at DCP that are using a set of hats, a ride, and a crash or two. To mount them, they're opting for lighter stands. When I (Shane) was playing in 2 guitar bands with bass, and we were playing hard driving rock music, I was using double braced stands if I was mounting more than one cymbal. An example would be the rack tom, which I mounted off of a cymbal stand. And I used to love using double cymbal stands and then clamping something off of that.
Now, I want the lightest stuff I can get. Recently I did a stint with an 80's metal tribute act that was so much fun. I had this monster Ludwig Classic Maple set, but I was using a DW Ultra-Light snare drum stand, a Canopus hi hat stand, and Canopus cymbal stands (they go just a couple of inches higher). I like a sturdy throne, but I want lightweight too. You'd be astonished at how light the Tama Round Rider is. It's amazing. (Also available in black) Another trick was that I used 2 hardware bags. I didn't mind the amount of trips I was making back and forth to the car, it was the weight of the bag.
With the popularity of lighter weight hardware,we've decided to group them together so you can have a better view of the available options. These compliment our offering of compact drum sets nicely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lightweight Hardware FAQs
What is lightweight drum hardware?
Lightweight hardware is engineered with thinner tubing and lighter materials for reduced weight, making it ideal for travel, fly gigs, and portable setups.
How does lightweight hardware compare to standard hardware?
Lightweight hardware is significantly lighter but typically a bit less stable than full-weight hardware. The tradeoff: easier transport vs. maximum tour-grade durability.
Who needs lightweight hardware?
Traveling drummers, fly-gig musicians, drummers who haul their own gear to multiple venues, and anyone with limited transport space or back/joint concerns.
Which brands make quality lightweight hardware?
DW Ultralight, Tama Stagemaster, Pearl Roadshow Ultra, and similar lines from other major brands all offer quality lightweight options.
Will lightweight hardware hold up for long-term use?
Quality lightweight hardware from major brands is built to last for years of regular gigging. Just understand that it's not as tour-grade as the heaviest pro hardware.