Cocktail drum sets are distinctive and quirky drum kits. Not only do they look unusual, but they are played unconventionally – while standing up!
Cocktail drum kits were very fashionable in the past, and hence the name, they were popular in jazz bars and cocktail lounges. They were invented as a practical solution to help accommodate drummers into small spaces.
In this article, I’ll explain what exactly a cocktail drum set is, I’ll be sharing some of the benefits, I’ll tell you how they came about existence, and I’ll also let you know what the best cocktail drum set available to buy is.
Contents
What Exactly is a Cocktail Drum Kit?
A cocktail drum set is made up of various drums, cymbals, hardware, and percussion items much like a conventional drum set. A cocktail drum set, however, features much smaller components and is designed to be played standing up.
Traditional cocktail drum sets feature a long and narrow drum that is placed upright and could function as a bass drum and a snare drum. All the other drum set components, such as cowbells and splash cymbals, were typically mounted from this drum’s shell.
Modern cocktail drum kits can come in various shapes and sizes, but what generally constitutes a cocktail drum set is the requirement for it to be played while standing up.
They produce quieter sounds compared to normal drum sets because of their smaller sized drums and cymbals. They also provide tighter, snappier, and crispier sounds due to the smaller-sized components.
When Were Cocktail Drum Sets Invented?
Cocktail drum sets were prized in mid-century cocktail lounges, where bebop jazz was played. The earliest form of the cocktail drum set was invented in the 1940s, with the Carlton Combo kit, which consisted of a 20-inch deep vertical bass drum, a snare drum, cymbal, and other percussion items.
It was in the 1950s when cocktail drum sets became popular. Drum manufacturers such as Slingerland, Ludwig, and Gretsch entered the market with cocktail drum sets that resemble the same kits found today.
These early cocktail drum kits came about after World War II when jazz music reigned supreme, but smaller bands playing bebop music were starting to emerge on the scene.
The cocktail drum set’s retro design became a huge hit and its small design proved especially useful as a jazz drum set in allowing drummers to perform in smaller music venues, including the smokey jazz bars we all associate the cocktail drum set with.
What Are The Benefits of Cocktail Drum Sets?
Cocktail drum sets look unusual, but there are lots of great reasons why drummers choose to play on them. Above is a photo of my cocktail drum set at a recent show.
Compact Size
I frequently play a cocktail drum set at weddings, parties, and other events. They are incredibly portable (all my drums and hardware fits in two bags), and they take up a tiny footprint on stage.
The drums are a lot smaller in diameter compared to traditional drum sets, making them more portable and suitable for small spaces.
This makes them particularly useful for when I play in small lounges and music bars, or where I might only have a small amount of space to set up my drums next to a DJ table or booth at a venue.
Portability
Cocktail kits are designed to be compact and easy to transport. One of the main advantages of cocktail drum sets is their portability.
They are lightweight and easy to transport, making them ideal for gigging drummers or musicians who frequently move their equipment.
Fast Setup
I can set up my entire cocktail kit in a very short amount of time (around five minutes), and it consistently sounds great after each set up.
It is also very easy to set up a cocktail drum kit with drum microphones, and it’s easy to set up and mount additional percussion such as bongos.
Great Sounds
Despite their smaller size, cocktail kits offer a surprising range of tonal options. The combination and positioning of drums and cymbals allows for fun rhythmic possibilities.
They are a lot of fun to play and sound great too. It’s only a little tricky getting used to playing the bass drum pedal while standing up at first!
What Famous Drummers Play Cocktail Drum Sets?
Some of the most famous jazz drummers to play cocktail drum sets include Steve Jordan and Mick Fleetwood. Steve Jordan plays his own signature cocktail set professionally with various music groups, while Mick Fleetwood frequently uses his kit at live gigs.
Other notable cocktail kit drummers include Slim Jim Phantom and Peter Erskine. Slim Jim of the Stray Cats is famous for always playing while standing up on a cocktail drum set, unlike Peter Erskine, who enjoys playing on a cocktail kit, but while sitting on a high drum throne.
One particular drummer you might not expect to play a cocktail drum set is Travis Barker of Blink 182. That’s right – one of the most animated and loudest drummers in modern times!
It shows that with some creativity and imagination, you can use a Cocktail Drum Set in plenty of different ways. You can also swap out the drum heads and try other tunings to explore a range of new sounds.
What is the Best Cocktail Drum Set Today?
Unfortunately, the popularity of cocktail drum kits has diminished over time, and they are no longer as sought after as they once were. But fear not, there is one great option on the market.
If you are hoping to recreate the long-lost charm of the mid-century bebop lounges, or you’re looking for a portable drum set for smaller gigs, then the Tama Cocktail Jam Mini is the perfect drum set for you.
The Tama Cocktail Club Jam can be packed away into two small bags and sets up in minutes. It is extremely portable and therefore has a significant advantage over standard full-size drum sets.
This cocktail drum set also sounds amazing despite its small-sized shells! The Birch shells are well constructed, and they produce excellent sounds that are surprisingly warm and punchy. The kit comes outfitted with Evans heads that sound great right out of the box with correct tuning.
Also included with the Tama Cocktail Jam Mini is all of the mounting hardware, including a bass drum pedal, two cymbal mounts, and tom mounts. The kit also includes durable and padded gig bags to transport the kit between gigs and rehearsals.
This kit is designed to be played sitting down. Once everything is set up, it’s far too short to be played standing up. However, you can modify this kit so that you can play it while standing upright.
All you need is the inner tubes from regular cymbal stands, and you can replace the straight mounting rods that connect the bass drum to the floor tom with these. This will significantly increase the height so that you can play it while standing up.
Final Thoughts
Cocktail drum sets have gained popularity among drummers looking for a unique, portable, and versatile drumming solution.
They provide an alternative option that combines compactness, portability, and a distinctive playing experience.
If you have ever felt inspired to play a cocktail drum set, I’d recommend giving it a try. They are enjoyable to play and they are especially convenient for gigs and jam sessions alike.
