Percussion
Everything published on Music Adviser UK under Percussion — reviews, buying advice and how-tos written for players and producers in the UK.
Common Paiste Cymbals Mistakes to Avoid
Most cymbal cracks and tonal problems are avoidable — here are the most common mistakes drummers make with Paiste cymbals and how to fix them.
Triangle Instrument Explained: Features, Types and Tips
It looks like a bent bit of metal on a string, but there's real craft behind the triangle. Here's the honest, no-nonsense rundown of how it works.
Triangle Instrument: A Complete Buyer's Guide
A bent rod of metal, a loop of cord, a beater — simple in theory, tricky to choose well. Here's what genuinely affects the sound before you buy.
Steel Tongue Drum: A Complete Guide
A sealed steel shell with slots cut into it, and somehow a genuinely musical instrument. Here's how it actually works.
Cajon: A Complete Buyer's Guide
The differences between a budget cajon and a quality one are real and worth understanding. This guide covers what to look for in tapa, snares and body construction at each price.
Ludwig Drum Kits: A Complete Guide
Ludwig has produced professional-grade drum kits since 1909, used by Ringo Starr, John Bonham and Neil Peart. Here is everything you need to know about the brand.
Common Brushes Drum Mistakes to Avoid
Most brush technique errors come from applying the wrong approach or skipping the fundamentals. Here are the mistakes worth understanding before you practise.
Double Bass Pedal for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Learning to use a two-footboard bass drum mechanism is a process that rewards patience. This guide covers setup, early technique and the exercises that build consistent results.
The Best Timbales for the Money
"Best for the money" isn't one fixed answer with timbales. Here's how to think about value at each tier, without pretending there's a single perfect set.
Drum Kit Explained: Features, Types and Tips
The Ultimate Guide to Claves
Two wooden sticks that organise a whole family of music: how to hold and strike claves, the difference between son and rumba clave, and what 3–2 and 2–3 really mean.
Ludwig Drum Kit for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Starting on a Ludwig drum kit is straightforward once you understand setup and practice fundamentals. Here is what a new player needs to know in the first few months.
Everything You Need to Know About Mapex Drum Kit
How to Set Up and Use Hi Hat Cymbals
A well-set-up hi-hat responds cleanly and feels natural underhand and underfoot. This step-by-step guide takes you through the full process, from stand assembly to playing position.
Snare: A Complete Buyer's Guide
A well-chosen mid-range snare drum beats an expensive one that doesn't suit how you play. Here's what to check before you buy, at soundcheck-level clarity.
The Best Ludwig Drum Kits for the Money
Ludwig drum kits range from affordable beginner packages to US-made professional instruments. Here are the best at each price level.
Snare Drum for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Starting the snare drum requires correct stand setup, developing a natural stick rebound and learning to tune evenly — these three foundations unlock everything else.
Sonor Drum Kit for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Bass drum on one and three, snare on two and four — here's how to build the basic rock beat and start developing four-limb coordination.
A Guide to Alesis Drum Kit
Alesis makes electronic drum kits from beginner entry level to professional performance rigs. This guide explains what distinguishes each tier and what to look for.
Timbales: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Buying timbales properly means looking past the finish. Here's what genuinely matters, in the order I'd actually check it.
Stick Bag: A Complete Buyer's Guide
A stick bag is a small purchase with a big practical impact. Knowing what to look for — capacity, material, strap quality, pocket layout — saves you from buying twice.
China Cymbal for Beginners: A Complete Guide
The inverted cup and turned-up edge are not design flaws — they produce a specific, aggressive sound that crashes cannot replicate. Here is how to use one well.
Percussion is filed under
All topics
Bongos
Add lively hand percussion to your setup with bongos for Latin grooves, teaching and live performance.
2 topics
Cajon
Portable box drum with bass and snare tones, ideal for acoustic gigs, rehearsal spaces and compact percussion setups.
3 topics
Claves
Bright, compact rhythm sticks that deliver a clear click for Latin grooves, ensemble work and classroom percussion.
Djembe
Djembes offer a lively hand-played sound with strong bass and sharp tones, suited to lessons, sessions and performance.
Drum Kit
Choose a drum kit for practice, recording or live work, with acoustic and electronic options to suit every drummer.
14 topics
Drum Sticks
Drum sticks shape feel, tone and control, with options for practice, performance and different playing styles.
1 topic
Glockenspiel
Glockenspiels deliver bright, bell-like tuned percussion for orchestral, educational and studio use.
4 topics
Snare Drum
Explore snare drum options for every style, from crisp studio sensitivity to louder live projection.
4 topics
