There are a variety of percussion cases available to protect your musical instrument. The most common options are divided into three categories. Drum cases, cymbal cases, and cases for sticks, brushes, mallets, and other small hand accessories are all examples.
The majority of musicians and bands, especially those who perform frequently, opt for hard-shell cases to protect their instruments. Soft-shell alternatives are also available at a lower cost and are frequently included with the purchase of a percussive instrument. They are not, however, roadworthy and should not be used to protect frequently transported equipment.
Drum cases come in a variety of sizes because a drum set is made up of several pieces. A basic drum set consists of four pieces: a bass drum, also known as the kick drum, a snare, a rack tom, and a floor tom, also known as the low tom. The bass drum is the largest and requires a case with a diameter of 20 to 24 inches (51 to 61 cm). The basic floor tom has a diameter of 14 or 16 inches (36 or 41 cm), and the most common snare has a diameter of 14 inches (36 cm). The snare drum is the most important drum to safeguard because it is subjected to the most wear both on and off stage.
Most cymbals will fit into a single circular percussion case. Cymbal cases are typically the same size as the ride cymbal, which is the largest cymbal in a basic drum set. Hi-hats, crashes, and ride cymbals are frequently combined in one bag percussionists. These bags are available in both hard-shell and soft-shell versions. Small pockets on the front of the cymbal bag are designed to hold small accessories like drum keys and cymbal cleaning solutions.
Drummers frequently keep a spare snare drum head in their cymbal case in case one breaks during a performance. Cymbal stands are sometimes transported in large, rectangular cases, but they are more commonly transported without casing. Cymbal stand cases are the most difficult to transport.
Drumsticks, mallets, brushes, and other hand instrument accessories are stored in the smallest percussion cases. They have a height of 16 to 20 inches (41 to 51 cm) and a width of 5 to 10 inches (13 to 25 cm). Because drumsticks and brushes are relatively inexpensive to replace, musicians frequently choose soft-shell percussion cases for their sticks. These percussion cases are extremely light and can be attached to the floor tom for easy access during a show.