7 drum facts you might not be aware of

Drums are one of the world’s oldest instruments dating back thousands of years to the dawn of mankind. From ancient tribal instruments to modern drumkits, it has been a long and interesting journey. Throughout their history, drums have been used for music, rituals as well as a tool for communication. Today, we would like to share with you seven of the most unusual facts about drums we have come across.

Drums in the Military

We cannot imagine military parades without drums and that’s for a good reason. Drums have been used as a communication tool as well as to intimidate the enemy in battle for over two thousand years. The first ever recorded use of drums in battle was in China in 684 BC.

Sound effects

In the 1920s during the height of silent films, many drummers found work as foley artists to create sound effects. They did not only use their percussion techniques for creating tension through drumrolls but also to create sounds such as guns shots as well as train and plane noises with their drums.

The modern drum kit

Speaking of the 1920s, that was also the time when the first modern style drum kit was sold. The company was Ludwig, who developed the first workable bass drum pedal system in 1909. Later, in the 1930s, the Hi-Hat was added completing the modern-day drum kit.

First electronic drums

The 1970s brought the invention of the first electronic drum by Moody Blues drummer Graeme Edge. Electronic drum kits became very popular in the 1980s but never took over as drummers all around the world still prefer the classic acoustic drum kit.

Biggest drum kit in the world

An average drum kit usually consists of 5 pieces. More can be added as and when needed. Dr Mark Temperato took this to an extreme when, in 2011 he got confirmation that his 340-piece drum kit was the largest in the world. The set is currently at 813 pieces and Dr Temperato aims to increase it to 1000 pieces eventually.

Drumming as exercise

Drumming is not only fun and great for stress relief, it’s also an excellent form of exercise. You move your whole body, arms as well as legs causing you to use up around 300 calories during an hour’s drumming session.

10 October is “Hug a Drummer day”

All around the world, drummers have their special appreciation day on 10th October. Usually placed at the back of the stage, drummers normally don’t get that much of the spotlight. This is mostly reserved for the guitarists or lead singers. So, on their special day, concerts are held showcasing drummers in particular, to receive the special recognition they deserve.

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