Best drum rack

Updated: August 21st, 2022

Percussion instruments are continually being upgraded with new designs and configurations that benefit drummers as they improve their skills and performance. With a variety of tools and accessories, it becomes easier to explore different musical ideas and styles. As elite drummers tried to perfect their craft, the need for mounting systems that enabled them to play multiple instruments simultaneously became paramount.

Whether you prefer the four and five-piece kits or something more significant, the right configuration on an elaborate rack system will enhance the music creation and production process. With the better placement of sample pads, toms, cymbals, and other percussion instruments, your convenience is guaranteed as your drumset becomes more appealing. The simplicity makes it possible for you to have your entire kit ready within a short time.

There are numerous rack designs with unique fixtures, making it challenging to decide the right one for your drum kits. This article answers the questions you might have regarding the best drum rack, providing additional information on the extra pieces that can be added later to enhance your configuration.

A Quick Look at Our 5 Best Drum Racks

• Best Overall: Pacific Drums by DW Combo Rack
• Budget Option: Gibraltar GSVMS Stealth Vertical Rack
• Best All-in-one Option: Gibraltar GSDS Drum Set Rack
• Best Mid-Range Option: Drum Workshop CPRKMAIN Rack
• Best Curved Option: Gibraltar GCS300C Curved Rack

Pacific Drums by DW Combo Rack – Best Overall

This sturdy and modular rack features a main and side package for accurate set-ups. It features a nameplate for easy identification and soft-grip rubber feet to prevent skidding while in use. With additional components like TechLock locking screws and integrated spikes for isolating the vibrations from the rack and equipment, you can rest assured that your sounds will remain crispy.

You also get V-clamps that can be used with various hardware, making it a flexible option for all drummers, whether beginner or pro. Other accessories include hinged memory locks, V-angle adjustable clamps, cymbal arms, tube top cymbal adapters, and a hi-torque drum key.

Gibraltar GSVMS Stealth Vertical Rack – Budget Option

This rack is simplistic with no tripods, making it usable on any stage, regardless of the available space. The connecting bar has a bent design to allow the convenient use of a double pedal connector arm. It features versatile accessories that are usable with a variety of drums from different brands. The included nylon bushings ensure that toms and snare baskets remain stable when in use.

You also get right-angled clamps, an adjustable snare basket, a single tom-mount with cymbal clamp. The anti-skid rubber feet guarantee stability and fewer vibrations when playing instruments on the rack. With this equipment’s easy set-up, you can have your entire kit ready for use within minutes.

Gibraltar GSDS Drum Set Rack – Best All-in-one Option

Users get to mount a ride cymbal, a rack tom, and two crash cymbals in a way that removes clutter from the available floor space. The tripods with anti-skid rubber legs ensure stability for better performance, even as you increase your speed. With no tripods on the U-shaped bar, you get to maintain a low-profile look without trouble.

The GSDS is lightweight, with hex locking nuts and rubber stoppers that allow quick set-up and dismantling of the equipment. It is easy to transport or reposition on the stage after set up.

Drum Workshop CPRK MAIN Rack – Best Mid-Range Option

The unit features high-density rubber, and so has much more bounce. Although it is not a silent practice pad, it does not produce sounds loud enough to disturb others. It is a very functional piece, making it ideal for practice at odd hours, such as nighttime.

There are no tripods, making it possible to use on small stages. The built-in name badge makes for easy identification of the rack. It is lightweight and less clumsy to move around or reposition on stage when set up. With its soft-grip rubber feet, you can minimize the drums’ vibrations and movement while performing on stage.

This rack from the DW 9000 series also comes with tube-mounted cymbal arms and various accessories to support different configurations. You get to mount your kits and dismantle them with ease, making the equipment ideal for beginners and advanced drummers.

Gibraltar GCS300C Curved Rack – Best Curved Option

The quick-release T-legs are sturdy enough to bear the weight of your drums. With anti-skid rubber feet, the vibrations are minimized during a performance. The included standard and hinged memory locks allow for a quicker set up of cymbals and other hardware. You also get different clamps designed for use with a variety of accessories from different brands.

The Gibraltar logo badge makes it easier to identify authentic products before making a purchase. Its minimalist design ensures that drummers can enjoy prolonged performances on small stages without trouble.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Drum Rack

Design and Stability: When buying a drum rack, seek out one with a build that can support the weight of your entire kit without falling over. It should remain standing throughout your performance, regardless of your speed. Although it looks like stability comes with a bulkier set-up, you can keep a low profile and secure play. You can look for designs that occupy less space, even if you have several cymbals and toms.

Due to vibrations from the instruments, it is common for most traditional stands to move regardless of your playing style. You should seek models with fixtures that absorb these vibrations, ensuring you do not have to stop and reposition your equipment during a live performance. The size of its components will determine how quickly it will be to set up or dismantle.

Tubular steel seems like the choice material for the manufacture of the frame due to its strength. The anti-skid rubber feet absorb vibrations but may not be enough to keep the entire kit in place.

Customization: Depending on your drumset’s size, you can opt for something basic or one that features main and side racks. Starting with a bare frame allows you the option of expansion as you acquire more instruments. It is the wise pick for low-income earners, as a full option may not be cost-effective. You get to purchase additional components whenever you need to add more toms, snare drums, or cymbals. Nobody wants to be restricted by a rack, as buying a new one each time you need to expand can be challenging.

Ease of Use: You would want a rack that is easy to set up and compatible with arms, extensions, and other add-ons from other brands. As you evolve your skills, it should be able to hold all your hardware without looking clumsy. Repositioning should also be possible when fully set up, to ensure that you play conveniently, regardless of the available space.

Price: As much as you may want something affordable, it should also provide value. Using drum racks are more cost-effective than individual stands. And finding one that can accommodate your entire drum set makes it worth every penny.

Drum Rack Expansion Mounts and Parts

Whether your rack features hex, curved, square, or round bars, it should allow for customization and expansion with clamps and mounting-arm options. If you decide to start with the standard rack option, here are other add-ons that you may consider as time goes on:

Tom Holder

With several instruments, the entire drumset can look clumsy, affecting your speed and performance. Consider acquiring a tom holder, which makes it possible to enhance the configuration to suit your needs. The more toms you can add allows for the development of new techniques as you play. There are several options from different brands that are durable and easy to use.

Multi-Clamps

As you develop new skills, you need more toms, sample pads, drums, and other instruments, hence the need for multi-clamps. These clamps make it possible to mount new accessories and add-ons without trouble. They are rotatable and adjustable, allowing for flexibility during expansion with accessories from different brands.

Electronic Mounting Clamp

As technology evolves, better ways of amplifying sound are being developed. You may require some electronic instruments during the music creation and production process. A suitable electronic mounting clamp ensures that your device remains securely in place, even as your drum rack endures all the use and abuse during a performance.

Cymbal Boom Arm

You can add new cymbals without having to acquire a new stand that may take up more space. With a cymbal boom arm, you can expand your rack to contain more instruments. It is usually lightweight and does not change the overall weight of the frame significantly.

Why Are Drum Racks Crucial for Drummers?

Drummers are often saddled with the burden of choosing between drum racks or stands. As individual frames have their advantages, they take up more space and make your entire kit look bulky. With a drum rack, you save money while your instruments are conveniently set up in one place for easy repositioning. Setting up and dismantling your equipment becomes less demanding, regardless of the size of the kit.

Imagine playing at big concerts with a broad audience; you would want to entertain them with your best instruments and special techniques. According to a research paper by performance experts, titled Performance Space and Spatial Performativity, “space is a fundamental concern of all performance practitioners.” All artists try to make the best use of the available space while thrilling their audience.

A good rack would hold everything in place and in the right position regardless of the force you exert while hitting the percussion instruments. While playing gigs in local pubs or a small stage, you may want to stick to stands with a few drums. Every drummer should always remember that any suitable option should weigh less, offer stability, and take up little space.