"One drum kit" is the shortest line on many riders and one of the most likely to cause a problem at soundcheck. Drummers are particular, kits come in many configurations, and the small parts are easy to forget. This guide explains what to put in a drum rental request so the kit arrives the way your drummer expects.
Start with the drummer
Before writing anything, ask the drummer:
- What configuration do they play: how many toms, which sizes?
- Are they bringing their own snare, cymbals, or pedals?
- Do they need a double kick pedal or a second snare?
- Is there anything that must match exactly, and anything flexible?
Many drummers carry their snare, cymbals, and kick pedal even when they rent the rest, because those parts define their sound and feel.
Also ask whether the drummer plays a left-handed setup. A mirrored kit changes where the hi-hat, floor tom, and pedals go, and some hardware, such as remote hi-hat stands or specific pedals, may need to be requested. Put it at the top of the drum section so nobody misses it.
Shells and sizes
The shell configuration is the heart of the request. Specify:
- Number of pieces. A four-piece kit is typically a kick, snare, one rack tom, and one floor tom. A five-piece usually adds a second tom.
- Sizes. Kick diameter, rack tom and floor tom sizes. Sizes change the sound and how the kit fits on stage.
- Make or model, if the drummer cares. If not, "any professional kit in good condition" tells the vendor they can use what they have.
Write it out on one line, for example:
1 × 4-piece kit: 22" kick, 12" rack tom, 16" floor tom, 14" snare
Snare
The snare is often the drummer's most personal drum. If they're not bringing their own, specify the size and material if it matters, and ask the vendor to name the model they'll supply.
Hardware
Hardware is where kits fall short most often. List it explicitly:
- Hi-hat stand
- Snare stand
- Cymbal stands, with the number and type, such as boom or straight
- Kick pedal, single or double, unless the drummer brings their own
- Tom mounts or a stand for the rack tom, depending on the kit
- Throne
If the drummer brings their own pedal, say so, so the vendor doesn't send one you don't need.
Cymbals
Cymbals are often not included with a rented kit, and many drummers bring their own. Be explicit either way:
- "Drummer brings own cymbals," or
- A list of what's needed, for example hi-hats, a crash, and a ride, with sizes if the drummer cares
If you're renting cymbals, ask the vendor what's included and whether they're the drummer's preferred style.
The small but essential items
- Rug. Stops the kit from creeping across the stage. Many venues don't have one.
- Drum key. Ask for one, or make sure the drummer has one.
- Heads. If the drummer has a preference, or the show is being recorded or filmed, ask about head condition.
- Riser. If the drums sit on a riser, confirm whether the venue or a staging company provides it.
Percussion
Percussion requests need the same detail: what instruments, which sizes, and stands or mounts for each. Congas, bongos, a cajón, auxiliary percussion, and orchestral instruments like timpani or mallet percussion all vary widely. Some rental companies specialize in percussion, so ask vendors what they stock.
Shared kits at festivals and multi-act shows
When several drummers share one kit, agree in advance on:
- The shell configuration and which pieces each drummer can change
- Whether each drummer brings their own snare, cymbals, and pedal
- How changeovers will work, and who resets the kit
Our festival backline guide covers shared kits in more detail.
A sample drum request
1 × 4-piece drum kit, any professional make in good condition
22" kick, 12" rack tom, 16" floor tom
1 × hardware package: hi-hat stand, snare stand, 3 × boom cymbal stands
1 × throne
1 × drum rug
Drummer brings own snare, cymbals, and kick pedal
This tells the vendor exactly what to load and what not to send.
Kits for different rooms
The right kit depends on the room as much as the drummer. Tell the vendor about the setting:
- Small clubs and quiet rooms. A smaller kick, thinner cymbals, or lighter sticks and rods help keep the volume under control. Some drummers will want to adjust their own setup for the room.
- TV and video shoots. The kit is on camera, so appearance matters. Ask about finish and condition, and whether the production needs a specific look.
- Corporate and private events. Volume limits and tight stages are common. Confirm the space available for the kit, including the throne and the drummer's reach to each piece.
- Recording. Head condition, tuning, and noisy hardware matter more. Leave extra time for setup.
Electronic drums
Some shows call for an electronic kit, either to control volume or to trigger sounds. Electronic kits need different details:
- The make and module, if the drummer has programmed their own kits
- The number of pads and cymbals, and whether a kick pad is included
- Outputs and how the module connects to the sound system
- A throne, rug, and any stands not attached to the rack
- Power at the drum position
If the drummer uses their own module or samples, ask whether they're bringing it and how it connects to the rented pads.
Checking the kit on show day
When the kit arrives, check:
- All shells and the right sizes
- Every stand and the throne
- Rug present
- Heads in usable condition
- Nothing loose, cracked, or missing hardware
Note any problems with photos and send them to the vendor right away. Leave time for the drummer or a backline tech to tune the kit; rented drums rarely arrive tuned the way a particular player likes. If the show is complex, a tech can help; see working with a backline tech.
When the exact kit isn't available
Drum kits are easier to substitute than many instruments, especially when the drummer brings the snare and cymbals. If the specified sizes or make aren't available, ask the vendor to name the alternative and check it with the drummer. Our guide to handling substitutions covers how to compare quotes that offer different gear.
Drum rental in Los Angeles
Several Los Angeles rental companies carry drums and percussion, from complete kits to specialty instruments. See drum rental in Los Angeles for companies that cover drums, or the full Los Angeles backline directory. For the rest of the rider, see how to write a backline rider vendors can quote.
Frequently asked questions
Are cymbals included with a rented drum kit?
Not always. Many vendors list cymbals separately, and many drummers bring their own. Say in your request whether you need cymbals and which ones, or that the drummer is bringing them.
What hardware should a drum rental include?
Typically a hi-hat stand, a snare stand, cymbal stands, a kick pedal, any tom mounts the kit needs, and a throne. List each one so nothing is missing at soundcheck.
Do I need a drum rug?
It's a good idea. A rug stops the kick drum and stands from sliding during the show, and many venues don't supply one.