NL2010831C2

NL2010831C2 - Improved drum kit and configuration method and playing method therefor.

Info

Publication number: NL2010831C2
Application number: NL2010831A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Wouter Gerrit Hietkamp
Original assignee: Wouter Gerrit Hietkamp
Priority date: 2013-05-21
Filing date: 2013-05-21
Publication date: 2014-11-26
Also published as: EP3000108A1; WO2014189369A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a drum kit, comprising a central connecting member, one or more directly struck percussion elements such as a snare drum, a tom-tom or a cymbal, one or more percussion elements, such as a hi-hat and/or a bass drum, that are operated indirectly via an actuating member and a transmission, and wherein at least one actuating member and a percussion element operated therewith are arranged on or at the central connecting member, wherein the actuating member, that is arranged on the central connecting member and comprises a hand or stick operated member, and the percussion element, that comprises a hi-hat and that is operated with this hand or stick operated member via a transmission, are arranged staggered from each other on or at the central connecting member. The invention furthermore relates to a method for the configuration of such a drum kit and a method of playing such a drum kit.

Description

IMPROVED DRUM KIT AND CONFIGURATION METHOD AND PLAYING

METHOD THEREFOR

The present invention relates to an improved drum kit, as well as to a method for the configuration of such a drum kit and to a method of playing such a drum kit.

Drums and percussion instruments are the oldest musical instruments known to men. Since the first invention, drums have evolved to a broad spectrum of instruments, not only for rhythm but also for melodic use.

The invention of the drum kit is relatively recent. The first creation of the drum kit must have taken place around the start of the 20th century. The set up of the current drum kits hasn't changed since. The basic drum kit is a perfect mix of three instruments used as single instruments before: a bass drum, a snare drum and an hi-hat (or cymbals) .

It is only possible to play this combination of instruments by using both feet along with both hands. Foot pedals are used for the bass drum and the hi-hat. After the invention of the basic drum kit a lot of extra parts have been added to the kit like tom-toms, all sorts of cymbals, woodblocks, cow-bells, etc. However the basic elements always stayed the same.

Disadvantages of drum kits are linked to the following five aspects: 1. Acoustic (loudness); 2. Area (needed for setup); 3. Assembly (time and effort); 4. Amplifying (difficulty, effort and costs); and 5. Appearance (of the drummer on stage).

The above mentioned five aspects will be elucidated below in more detail.

The most important disadvantage of drums is its loudness in acoustic use. Especially compared to other instruments - often used together with drums - like guitar, bass, piano or vocals, drums are very loud. The consequence of this 'loudness' is usually that all the other instruments in a group or band need to be amplified. This also means that every band member needs to bring its own amplifier and that you need a microphone and amplifier for the lead singer, leading to more use of space and more effort of all band members. Because of the loudness of the drum kit most neighbors are not amused if a drum kit is installed in a home. The same goes for playing outdoors or in small venues which are usually not welcoming amplified bands because of the heavy sound level. Even more alarming is that a high sound level over a longer period of time will cause a permanent damage of the hearing. Drums have a sound level of well over 100 dB's. Therefore hearing problems is a well-known phenomenon with drummers.

The second disadvantage of drums is the amount of space (area) needed to install a drum kit. Not only does it require a big room for its setup, but it also results in a strong preference to keep the drum kit in the same place for as long as possible. This often results in playing on other peoples drum kits instead of playing on your own during rehearsals or even live gigs. Besides that a drummer prefers to play on his own drum kit that is perfectly set up for his needs, playing on other peoples drum kits during rehearsals or gigs might also lead to their irritation because of any adjustments required to their setup. The remark just mentioned is even more true if you are a left-handed drummer, because most of the drummers are right-handed. Even making adjustments to other peoples instruments takes a considerable amount of time and effort.

Furthermore, a conventional drum kit requires a lot of space, and therefore a big enough podium is required, especially considering that the rest of the band also needs a place for playing their instrument.

Even in a packed state the drum kit still needs a significant amount of space in your home or in your car (during transport). For transporting a drum kit towards or from a rehearsal or gig a spacious car is required. Transporting a drum kit on a bicycle for example is impossible .

The third disadvantage of the current drum kits is the amount of time and effort required to assemble (and disassemble) a drum kit. Usually, it takes at least 20 to 30 minutes to do so. As a consequence, drum kits are preferably assembled and/or disassembled as little as possible, leading to an even further increased tendency to have the drum kit permanently installed at one specific location, and even if not in use.

The fourth disadvantage of drum kits is the difficulty for amplifying a drum kit for a gig or recordings. Besides taking a considerable amount of time and effort to set things up, a lot of microphones and extra hardware is required. This leads to extra use of space (in setup and transportation), extra costs (since a considerable amount of microphones and stands is needed) and extra assembly time.

Creating a decent sound for recording drums is not easy and often the help of an acoustic engineer is required to obtain the desired sound of the amplified drum kit. Because of this - and of course the acoustic loudness of the instrument itself - drums are often not amplified. As a consequence, the available electrical effects (like reverb, chorus, flanger, phaser, compressor, delay, etc.) are almost never used on drum kits. Especially not in home use.

It is remarked that where 'electrical' sound effects are mentioned in this document, they also comprise 'electronical' sound effects.

The fifth and final disadvantage of drum kits is the appearance of the drummer during a gig on stage. Usually the drummer is installed at the back of the stage not really visible for the public from behind the massive drum kit. Due to this and the immobility of both drum kit and drummer (because of the sitting position and the needed use of the two feet), the drummer has a rather static position in the band. Playing drums on the move (as in a marching band) is impossible with a drum kit, as is playing standing up. This means the drummer will always be less visible than the other band members.

DE-U1-20 2010 009 005 discloses a drum kit wherein all percussion elements, including a hi-hat and bass drum, are arranged on a frame. A conventional hi-hat arrangement with stand and foot operated pedal is part of the frame of the drum kit.

US-A-3,433,115 discloses a drum assembly, wherein a bass drum and foot operated pedal are arranged on the same frame as the percussion elements.

US-A1-2004/0103775 describes a pedal free cymbal device, comprising a triggering mechanism lever that a user may actuate with any part of his or her hands or arms in order to bring the cymbals into and out of engagement.

US-A1-2006/0049319 discloses an adjustable tripod stand for supporting an object, such as a drum, at its upper end.

DE-A1-196 10 659 discloses a hi-hat with a pedal.

US-B1-6,815,598 is directed to an anchor structure for accessories of a musical instrument stand.

US-A1-2004/0261604 discloses a marching drum that is provided with a portable hi-hat device.

An object of the present invention is to provide a drum kit, that is improved relative to the prior art and wherein at least one of the above stated problems is obviated.

Said object is achieved with the acoustic drum kit according to the present invention, comprising: a central connecting member, one or more directly struck percussion elements such as a snare drum, a tom-tom or a cymbal, one or more percussion elements, such as a hi-hat and/or a bass drum, that are operated indirectly via an actuating member and a transmission; and wherein at least one actuating member and a percussion element operated therewith are arranged on or at the central connecting member, wherein the actuating member, that is arranged on the central connecting member and comprises a hand or stick operated member, and the percussion element, that comprises a hi-hat and that is operated with this hand or stick operated member via a transmission, are arranged staggered from each other on or at the central connecting member.

By arranging the actuating member and the percussion element operated therewith both on the central connecting member, a traditional foot pedal can be absent. While traditional foot pedals for a hi-hat comprise a rodlike transmission that extends from the floor upwards through the stand, such a foot pedal is not required anymore. In fact, even such a stand can be absent if the central connecting member is directly attached to e.g. a table top.

If a stand is used, this stand can be collapsible due to the absence of a rod-like transmission for transmitting the food pedal movement to the hi-hat.

The at least one percussion element that is operated indirectly via the actuating member and the transmission, and that is carried by the central connection member, is a hi-hat. A hi-hat is formed by two opposite cymbals that can be moved from and towards each other. A hi-hat on the one hand produces a sound when the two cymbals hit each other. On the other hand, hi-hats are also struck by the drummer, who then immediately moves both cymbals of the hi-hat away from each other, producing a very distinct sound. Due to this way of playing and its construction, it is necessary that a hi-hat can be indirectly operated via an actuating member.

The actuating member that is arranged on or at the central connecting member comprises a hand or stick operated member .

According to a preferred embodiment, a bass drum is arranged on, at or near the central connecting member that is positioned at such a close distance near one or more directly struck percussion elements that the drummer is capable of striking them with one single hand when the drummer operates two drumsticks in said one single hand. In traditional drum kit setups, the bass drum is normally positioned farther away, and foot operated via a foot pedal. The bass drum is normally placed on the ground, and orientated on its side, so that it is impossible for a drummer to strike the bass drum with a drumstick that is held in the same hand as another drumstick used for striking other percussion elements.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the central connecting member is adapted for being attached to a stand. This allows the drum kit to be conveniently positioned to be played by a drummer who might sit or even stand.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the stand comprises: - a first carrying member to which the central connecting member is attachable; - a second carrying member that is pivotably connected at or near a first end thereof to the first carrying member, and wherein the second end thereof is adapted to form a support point with the foundation; and - at least one additional support member that forms at least two additional support points in addition to said first support point. Such a stand is collapsible in order to require a minimal space during storage or transport, while it also provides a secure and stable support for the drum kit. Such a stand can be collapsed into a very compact state.

Of course it is also possible that an alternative stand is used, wherein the second carrying member is attached with its second end to a support structure, such as a base plate. A disadvantage of such an alternative embodiment would be the size and possibly associated weight of a base plate that is big enough to provide the desired stability .

According to a further preferred embodiment, the at least one additional support member comprises at least two arms that are arrangeable at an angle with respect to said second carrying member. This provides a secure and stable support for the drum kit.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the second carrying member can be translated along the first carrying member, providing extra adjustability.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the additional support member can be translated along the second carrying member. In this way, the stand is provided with even more adjustability.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the central connecting member comprises means with which it can be attached to a table top. If a table is available, the drummer might even consider mounting the drum kit to a table. In that case, the stand is redundant.

According to a further preferred embodiment, one or more percussion elements that are operated indirectly via an actuating member and a transmission are provided with a secondary transmission that extends downwardly from the percussion element that is arranged on or at the central connecting member, and that comprises a foot pedal as an actuating member. The foot pedal is used to actuate the transmission, while the bass drum preferably still is in a position where it can also be struck with a drumstick as described above. This embodiment also allows a foot pedal to be used for the situation where the drum kit is attached to a table.

According to a further preferred embodiment, wherein said secondary transmission extends downwardly separately from the stand. By separating the transmission from the stand, the stand can be collapsible.

The invention is further related to a method for the configuration of a drum kit as described above, said method comprising the steps of: - arranging one or more directly struck percussion elements, such as a snare drum, a tom-tom or a cymbal, on or at the central connecting member; - arranging one or more percussion elements that are indirectly operated via an actuating member and a transmission, such as a hi-hat and/or a bass drum, on or at the central connecting member; and - arranging at least one hand or stick operated actuating member that is connected via a transmission to a percussion element on or at the central connecting member, wherein the hand or stick operated member and the percussion element, that comprises a hi-hat, are arranged staggered from each other on or at the central connecting member.

At least a hi-hat is arranged on or at the central connecting member, and said hi-hat is connected via the transmission to the actuating member that is also arranged on or at the central connecting member.

According to a preferred embodiment of said method, the drum kit further comprises a bass drum that is arranged on or at the central connecting member, wherein said bass drum is arranged at such a close distance near one or more directly struck percussion elements, that the drummer is capable of striking them with one single hand when the drummer operates two drumsticks in said one single hand.

The invention is further related to a method for the configuration of a drum kit as described above, said method comprising the step of operating a percussion element indirectly via the actuating member and the transmission.

In the following description preferred embodiments of the present invention are further elucidated with reference to the drawing, in which:

Figures 1 and 2: show perspective views of a drum kit according to the invention;

Figure 3: is a detailed view of the connecting member that carries percussion elements and an actuating member and transmission for operating one of said percussion elements; and

Figure 4: is a detailed view showing the playing method related to the drum kit according to the invention.

The application refers to a drummer as "he" and to the drum kit or actions as "his". Of course this can also be "she" or "her(s)". Furthermore, the invention is described in relation to a right-handed drummer. For a left-handed drummer, the situation would be mirrored, i.e. simply replace right by left (and left by right).

The basic set up of the drum kit 1 according to the invention is the same as for traditional drum kits. It comprises the three basic elements: a bass drum 10, a snare drum 4 and a hi-hat 12, as well as two tom-toms 6.

Preferably, the set up also comprises one or more cymbals arranged above the hi-hat and on the same support 13 (shown only in fig. 4). If more than one cymbal is used, they preferably have different diameters, even more preferably the lowest cymbal having the largest diameter and each cymbal that is arranged at a higher level each successively comprising a smaller diameter. In this way, it is possible to play the cymbals according to the novel playing technique related to the drum kit 1 according to the invention. The cymbals can be played with both hands.

Most assembly materials of the drum kit 1 are components that are also used for traditional drum kits.

This is a big advantage because the components of existing drum kits can be (re-)used in this concept. The main difference with the traditional drum kits is that all the percussion elements 2, microphones 58 (if needed) and operating devices (hi-hat operating system 50, 52) can be mounted on a single mounting rack 14, that functions as a central connecting member. The terms mounting rack, rack and central connecting member will be used throughout the remainder of the text.

The mounting rack 14 shown in figure 3 comprises a bar with a number of through holes that form recesses 16. These recesses are adapted for receiving tubes 42 of positioning means 40. The positioning means typically comprises at least two of said tubes 42 that function as positioning carrying means 42, and that are interconnected via an adjustable pivot point 44. The pivot point 44 preferably comprises a wing nut 46, so that the positioning means 40 can be adjusted without additional tools.

The tubes 42, as well as a first carrying member 26 of a stand 24 can be received in one of the recesses 16 of the rack 14. When the tubes 42 and or first carrying member 26 are in the desired position, the clamping means 18 can be clamped by tightening button 20.

In a (not shown) further preferred embodiment, the first carrying member 26 of the stand 24 is attached to the central connecting member 14 at a distance from the line wherein the recesses 16 are arranged. This distance provides a moment arm that allows the elements of the drum kit 1, such as the percussion elements 2 and the actuating member 50, to be arranged in such a way that the mass center of gravity is positioned substantially above the stand. By positioning the mass center of gravity in this way, the dimensions of the stand can be optimized, i.e. the additional support member 34 can be of a limited size. This allows the drum kit 1 to be collapsible into a small package that can be easily transported.

The stand 24 (figures 1 and 2) comprises a first carrying member 26 and a second carrying member 28 that is pivotably connected at or near a first end 30 thereof to the first carrying member 26. The second end 32 of the second carrying member 28 is adapted to form a support point with the foundation. Two arms 36 that are arrangeable at an angle with respect to said second carrying member 28 together form an additional support member 34 that provides two additional support points in addition to said first support point.

For increased adjustability, the second carrying member 28 can be translated along the first carrying member 26 .

Preferably, the additional support member 34 can be translated along the second carrying member 28, and might be even slid off of the second carrying member 28 when collapsing the stand 24 for transport of the drum kit 1.

Because the mounting rack 14 is adjustable in height it is easy for every player to find the right set-up no matter what the height of the person is. Once a drummer has found the perfect setup it is very easy to reproduce this setup over and over again. Even playing sitting down is possible because the rack 14 can be mounted down to a height of about 40 cm, making it possible to sit down on a chair or a stool and play the drums from there.

Furthermore, it is also possible to mount the rack 14 of the drum kit 1 directly to a table, so that a stand is not required at all.

The drums shown in figures 1, 2 and 4 are smaller than in traditional drum kits. This has a great advantage in the level of sound and the compactness of the drum kit 1. By keeping the bass drum 10 open on the down side of the drum it is also possible to place the snare drum 4 inside the bass drum 10 for packaging and transport.

By using smaller and/or shorter drumsticks the level of sound can be reduced even further. Also the absence of a foot pedal can have a beneficial effect on reducing the sound level.

Furthermore, the acoustic drum kit 1 according to the invention allows brushes or chopsticks to be used for special sound effects, while similar playing techniques have little to no effect on an electronic drum kit.

The big volume components of the drum kit 1 fit into each other (bass drum 10, snare drum 4 and hi-hat 12 cymbals) the drum kit 1 can be packed to a very compact total in very little time. Included in the concept is a case or bag in which the drum kit can be packed securely. In its most compact form the total drum kit 1 will need no more than about 50*40*40 cm (length * width *height) of space. Compared to a traditional drum kit this is only a very limited space. This makes it possible to transport the drum kit 1 everywhere at any time. This makes it unnecessary for a drummer to play on somebody else's drum kit ever again (unless the drummer wants to).

The drum kit 1 according to the invention can be disassembled (not shown), after which all parts fit securely into a box or bag of about 50*40*40 cm. In case of a box it might even be used as a stool for playing the drums while sitting down.

A further difference between traditional drum kits and the drum kit 1 according to the invention is the way it is played. Traditional drum kits require the drummer to use both his feet for operating a bass drum pedal and a hi-hat pedal along with both hands. For traditional drum kits, the pedals function as actuating members.

The drum kit 1 according to the invention only requires the use of both hands 60, 66 (figure 4). To do so the drummer will need to adjust his playing technique. He will play the hi-hat 12 and the bass drum 10 with the same (right) hand 66. The snare drum 4 (and if needed also the hi-hat 12) will be played with the other hand 60 (left hand). The function of the traditional hi-hat pedal is replaced by an actuating member 50 that is carried by the central connecting member 14.

A further advantage of replacing the traditional foot operated actuating members with one or more hand or stick operated actuating members 50 is that it allows the drummer to play his drum kit 1 even in a standing position. This provides the drummer with increased flexibility, and the option to further engage with the band and the public, as he is not required to sit behind this improved drum kit 1.

The operation of the hi-hat 12 is different from hi-hats used in a traditional drum kit. In traditional drum kits the hi-hat is closed when the left foot is pushed down on the pedal. It will (automatically) open up if the left foot is lifted. Hence the hi-hat is open in rest position.

In the drum kit 1 according to the invention the hi-hat 12 will be closed in resting position and will be opened by operating, e.g. pushing, the actuating member 50 with the left hand 60 (snare drum hand).

In the embodiment shown in figures 3 and 4, pushing the actuating member 50 will result in a pulling force on cable 52 that functions as the transmission. When cable 52 is pulled it forces a (not-shown) metal pin upward on which the hi-hat top cymbal is mounted. Underneath the metal pin a (not-shown) spring will stretch. If the actuating member 50 is loosened the metal pin will automatically be returned to its rest position by the spring relaxing .

Of course, it is also possible to use an alternative force transmission wherein a compression spring instead of a tension spring is used.

Furthermore, it is possible to apply one or more microphones 58 for amplifying the drum kit's 1 sound, which further allows (electric) sound effects to be added to the acoustic drum kit 1. The drum kit 1 according to the invention is therefore able to combine the advantages of an acoustic drum kit and the advantages of an electronic drum kit in a compact and easy transportable solution.

Because the drum kit 1 does not require conventional foot pedals as an actuating member, the drummer might use one or both of his feet to control a foot pedal used for additional (electric) sound effects.

The drummer might even play other music instruments with his feet, such as a bass conform the use of foot pedals for a church organ.

The use of electric amplification allows a drummer to use the drum kit 1 also in situation where a high sound level is required, such as in a crowded stadium.

Various aspects of the invention are defined in the following clauses: 1. Drum kit 1, comprising: - a central connecting member 14; - one or more directly struck percussion elements 2 such as a snare drum 4, a tom-tom 6 or a cymbal 8; - one or more percussion elements 2, such as a hi-hat 12 and/or a bass drum 10, that are operated indirectly via an actuating member 50 and a transmission 52; and - wherein at least one actuating member 50 and a percussion element operated therewith are arranged on or at the central connecting member 14.

2. Drum kit according to clause 1, wherein the at least one percussion element that is operated indirectly via the actuating member 50 and the transmission 52, and that is carried by the central connection member 14, is a hi-hat 12.

3. Drum kit according to clause 1 or 2, wherein the actuating member that is arranged on or at the central connecting member comprises a hand or stick operated member.

4. Drum kit according to any of the foregoing clauses, wherein a bass drum 10 is arranged on, at or near the central connecting member 14 that is positioned at such a close distance near one or more directly struck percussion elements that the drummer is capable of striking them with one single hand 66 when the drummer operates two drumsticks 68, 70 in said one single hand 66.

5. Drum kit according to any of the foregoing clauses, wherein the central connecting member 14 is adapted for being attached to a stand 24.

6. Drum kit according to clause 5, wherein the stand 24 comprises: - a first carrying member 26 to which the central connecting member 14 is attachable; - a second carrying member 28 that is pivotably connected at or near a first end 30 thereof to the first carrying member 26, and wherein the second end 32 thereof is adapted to form a support point with the foundation; and - at least one additional support member 34 that forms at least two additional support points in addition to said first support point.

7. Drum kit according to clause 6, wherein the at least one additional support member 34 comprises at least two arms 36 that are arrangeable at an angle with respect to said second carrying member 28.

8. Drum kit according to clause 6 or 7, wherein the second carrying member 28 can be translated along the first carrying member 26.

9. Drum kit according to any of the clauses 6-8, wherein the additional support member 34 can be translated along the second carrying member 28.

10. Drum kit according to any of the clauses 1-4, wherein the central connecting member 14 comprises means with which it can be attached to a table top.

11. Drum kit according to any of the foregoing clauses, wherein one or more percussion elements that are operated indirectly via an actuating member 50 and a transmission 52 are provided with a (not-shown) secondary transmission that extends downwardly from the percussion element that is arranged on or at the central connecting member 14, and that comprises a (not-shown) foot pedal as an actuating member.

12. Drum kit according to clause 11, wherein said secondary transmission extends downwardly separately from the stand 24.

13. Drum kit according to any of the foregoing clauses, wherein at least one microphone 58 is arranged on or at the central connecting member 14.

14. Drum kit according to clause 14, wherein the microphone 58 is configured for recording sound produced by a percussion element 2, and wherein said microphone is connected to a sound effect unit that is configured for amplifying and/or adding a sound effect to the recorded sound.

15. Drum kit according to clause 14, wherein the sound effect unit comprises a foot pedal as operating member .

16. Method for the configuration of a drum kit according to any of clauses 1-15, comprising the steps of: - arranging one or more directly struck percussion elements, such as a snare drum 4, a tom-tom 6 or a cymbal 8, on or at the central connecting member 14; - arranging one or more percussion elements that are indirectly operated via an actuating member 50 and a transmission 52, such as a hi-hat 12 and/or a bass drum 10, on or at the central connecting member 14; and - arranging at least one actuating member 50 that is connected via a transmission 52 to a percussion element on or at the central connecting member 14.

17. Method according to clause 16, wherein at least a hi-hat 12 is arranged on or at the central connecting member 14, and wherein said hi-hat is connected via the transmission 52 to the actuating member 50 that is also arranged on or at the central connecting member 14.

18. Method according to clause 16 or 17, further comprising a bass drum 10 that is arranged on or at the central connecting member 14, wherein said bass drum 10 is arranged at such a close distance near one or more directly struck percussion elements, that the drummer is capable of striking them with one single hand 66 when the drummer operates two drumsticks 68, 70 in said one single hand.

19. Method for playing a drum kit according to any of the clauses 1-15, comprising the step of operating a percussion element indirectly via the actuating member 50 and the transmission 52.

Summarizing, the drum kit 1 according to the invention is compact, well affordable, intuitively easy to play and easy and quick to assemble. Furthermore, the sound level of acoustic use is considerably reduced, making it possible to play with acoustic instruments like guitar, piano, and vocals.

The disadvantages of conventional acoustic drum kits as mentioned in the introductory part, being related to the five aspects of acoustics, area, assembly, amplifying and appearance are solved by the drum kit 1 according to the invention .

The drum kit has excellent possibilities to be used electrically, creating whole new possibilities in use and sounds, enabling a drummer to benefit from the advantages of an acoustic drum kit and an electronic drum kit in one single drum kit.

Although they show preferred embodiments of the invention, the above described embodiments are intended only to illustrate the invention and not to limit in any way the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that where features mentioned in the appended claims are followed by reference signs, such signs are included solely for the purpose of enhancing the intelligibility of the claims and are in no way limiting on the scope of the claims. Furthermore, it is particularly noted that the skilled person can combine technical measures of the different embodiments. The scope of the invention is therefore defined solely by the following claims.

Claims

A drum set, comprising: - a central mounting member; - one or more directly excited percussion elements such as a snare drum, a tomtom or a pelvis; - one or more percussion elements, such as a hi-hat and / or a bass drum, operated indirectly via an actuator and a transmission; - wherein at least one actuating member and a percussion element operated therewith via a transmission are arranged on or on the central fixing member; characterized in that the actuating member mounted on or on the central fastening member, which comprises a hand or stick-operated member, and the percussion element controlled therewith via a transmission, which comprises a hi-hat, is staggered relative to each other on or on are arranged in the central fixing member.

A drum set according to claim 1, wherein a bass drum is arranged on, at or near the central fastening member which is positioned so close to one or more directly excited percussion elements that it is supported by a single-handed drummer, hand uses two striking elements, can be triggered directly.

3. Drum set according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the central fixing member is adapted to be attached to a support.

Drum set according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support comprises: - a first support member to which the central fixing member can be attached; - a second support member pivotally connected to the first support member at or near a first end, the second end of which is adapted to form a first support point with a substrate during use; and - at least one additional support member which, in addition to the first support point, forms at least two additional support points with the substrate.

Drum kit according to claim 4, wherein the at least one additional support member comprises at least two arms that can be arranged at an angle to the second support member.

Drum set according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the second support member is translatable along the first support member.

Drum set according to any of claims 4-6, wherein the additional support member is translatable along the second support member.

Drum kit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the central fixing member is provided with means with which it can be attached to a tabletop.

Drum set according to one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more percussion elements operated indirectly via the actuator and the transmission are provided with a secondary transmission which extends downwards from the percussion element arranged on or to the central fixing element and a foot pedal as an actuator.

The drum set of claim 9, wherein the secondary transmission extends downwardly separately from the support.

A drum set according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one microphone is arranged on or on the central mounting member.

A drum set according to claim 11, wherein the microphone is adapted to record the sound generated by a percussion element and is connected to a sound effect unit with which the recorded sound is amplified and / or can be provided with an additional sound effect.

The drum set of claim 12, wherein the sound effect unit has a foot pedal as an operating member.

A method for configuring a drum set according to any one of claims 1-13, comprising the steps of: - applying one or more directly excited percussion elements on or to the central mounting member such as a snare drum, a tomtom or a pelvis ; - applying one or more percussion elements operated indirectly via an actuator and a transmission on or to the central mounting member, such as a hi-hat and / or a bass drum; and - arranging on or to the central mounting member at least one hand-operated or pole-operated actuator which is connected via a transmission to a percussion element that is a hi-hat, the hand-operated or pole-operated actuator and the hi-hat are staggered with respect to each other on or on the central fixing member.

A method according to claim 14, wherein furthermore a bass drum is arranged on or on the central fastening member which is positioned so close to one or more directly excited percussion elements that it is held by a single-hand drummer, the drummer for this in this hand uses two impact elements, can be triggered directly.

A method for playing a drum set according to any of claims 1-13, comprising the step of operating a percussion element indirectly via the actuator and the transmission.