One of the biggest obstacles for a drummer is finding a place to play. Obviously, drums are loud–which makes it very difficult to rock out without annoying those living in close proximity.

Electronic drum sets, however, were made for players who don’t have access to practice spaces; apartment-dwellers and duplex-residents alike can enjoy the quiet benefits of an electric set. Since the drums produce sound electronically, they need an amplifier or speakers to emit audio–which means drummers can choose to wear headphones to hear their beat. Even those standing next to the player will only hear the light tapping of drumsticks on plastic.

Electric drums work by sending an electric current through the head. When something (like a drumstick) strikes the head, it changes the voltage–sending a signal to a receiver. The receiver translates these signals into digital waveforms, which become the desired percussive sound assigned to each drum pad. Players can then broadcast the sounds via amplifiers for a live performance or listen in on headphones.

Electronic drum sets emerged in the early 1970s, much to the credit of rock and roll band, The Moody Blues. However, these early drums only had approximate acoustic sounds, and they were mainly used for various sound effects. During the 80s, the popularity of electric drums rose with the amount of electronic music being produced at the time. Many 80s hits include electronic drum sounds, but the “alternative rock” that emerged in the early 90s shifted the focus back to acoustic drums.

Recently, electronic drums have experienced a renaissance in both popularity and quality. Now, heads on electric sets are as sensitive and responsive as acoustic drums and players love the option of changing the entire sound with a touch of a button. Roland’s V-Drum series revolutionized the striking surface by replacing solid-plastic discs with a plastic mesh pulled taut (similar to a trampoline). One of their most popular models, the TD-12K, includes mesh heads all around (including an upgraded, 10” snare drum for easy-hitting), positional sensing for fine-tuned customization, and a choice of two colors: white and black. Alesis, Ddrum, Pintech and Yamaha are other popular companies that make electronic drums.

Electronic add-ons are also available for those who practice on an acoustic set. Mixing electronic with organic sounds is a very good way to give your band a very unique sound. Add-ons can be an actual head that attaches to a regular set or a separate console–a drum machine or sound pad. Drum machines also work well for solo acts who like accompanying beats.

Electronic drum sets aren’t for everyone. Many rock drummers still prefer the organic sound of an acoustic set and the therapeutic satisfaction of rocking out on a loud instrument. But for those who don’t always have the opportunity to make big noise, an electric set is perfect.

Electric drum sets include percussion instruments that do not generate sound by acoustic vibration. Instead, the electric drum generates sound by an electric waveform generator or sampler. There are inexpensive low-end electric drums whose quality is only slightly better than some of the original pioneering instruments. With a few minor exceptions these inexpensive drums are targeted toward the hobbyist.

In the 1980s drummers like Bill Brewer and Neil Peart were adding more drums and cymbals to their kits and began mainstreaming electric drum kits. Many drummers criticized early electric drums saying they gave only an approximation of the sound of acoustic drums due to technical issues and lacked timbre and tonal subtleties. As a consequence, the original electric drum sets were often pigeonholed for certain types of rock, disco, and techno and the artists had little chance to do more than play the expected beat with the same pattern looped ad nauseum. These early kits were little more than sequencers except for one exception: the Pollard Syndrum was the first studio-quality pro recording electric drum with timbre and full dynamic audio range that extended beyond human hearing capabilities. Today's professional drummers and musicians still seek this drum set for recording.

Newer electric drum sets have seen a host of recent innovations and have taken on many of the problems of early electric drums. Professional kits are geared toward creating a sound and playing experience that is almost identical from a quality acoustic kit. There are, however, musicians who simply feel there is nothing like playing an acoustic set; jazz musicians almost never play electric drum sets.

Still, for those professionals forging the way in an electric world, new drum kits are relatively affordable, ranging in price from $2000-$7000. These kits are typically equipped with high-quality digital samplers which offered 24-bit samples of actual percussion sounds. Usually there are hundreds of samples to choose from. Another important feature is positional sensing and dynamic impact detection which allows the module to detect the area of the drum had that is struck and provide a sample representative of that strike on acoustic head. Additionally this feature allows the drum to reproduce the sound dependent on the strength of drumstick impact.

Prospective buyers of electric drum sets should discuss the purchase with their teacher and fellow band members before making an investment. In addition, there are a number of electric drumming communities online. These communities provide information, allow users to post questions, and provide instruction for her to transport and care for your electric drum set. There is also information on how to transform acoustic drum sets into electric drum sets. This is a difficult process, and several inventors have patents pending for the commercialization of this transformation. It is conceivable that some day one set could be switched back and forth between electric and acoustic on-the-fly.

Electric drum sets reached their zenith in the 1980s when glamour and light shows transformed the rock stage. Artists who used electric drums include Phil Collins, Stewart Elliott, Rick Allen and Alan Wilder. The garage bands of the 1990s returned to acoustic sets and it remains to be seen which kind of kit will dominate in the 2000s.

Electric drum kits have an unusual and fun sound. They mimic regular drums, but they have an electric sound. Drum kits can also have different sounds with the different settings that a drummer chooses.

Electric drum kits are self contained. The kits have everything that is needed to make and maintain a great sound. Kits are used by musicians of all levels, from beginning to advanced players.

Electric drum kits come in different brands. They can be purchased online and in local music stores. A local store is a great place to purchase a set in order to hear how it sounds and receive some tips for accurate operation.

An electronic percussion set is the perfect tool to use in order to learn to play the drums. Sets are essentially a series of drum pads that a user is able to adjust electronically. Sets give someone with basic skills the ability to advance their knowledge through the assistance of technology.

An electronic percussion set often includes drum pads and a drum machine. It simulates the sound of actual drums. Sets are often used in bands and on musical recordings.

An electronic percussion set is portable. It is much easier to carry that a large drum set. Often the electronic sets will fold or disassemble quickly in order for easy moving and storage.