Percussion

Percussion

Percussion instruments are a broad category of instruments that produce sound when struck, shaken, scraped, or otherwise excited mechanically. They form the rhythmic foundation of most musical styles and include both tuned and untuned instruments.

This category spans everything from full drum kits to small handheld accessories used in orchestras, schools, churches, studios, and live performance environments.

At PS Music, percussion includes drums, hand percussion, mallet instruments, auxiliary percussion, and related accessories designed for practice, ensemble use, and stage performance.

What Counts as Percussion

Percussion instruments generally fall into two structural groups:

  • Membranophones – sound produced by a stretched skin or drumhead (e.g. snare drum, bass drum)
  • Idiophones – sound produced by the body of the instrument itself vibrating (e.g. cymbals, shakers, triangles)

They may be:

  • Pitched percussion (xylophone, timpani, glockenspiel)
  • Unpitched percussion (snare drum, cymbals, shakers)

Drum Kits & Core Percussion

Standard drum kit components:

  • Bass drum
  • Snare drum
  • Tom-toms
  • Hi-hats
  • Crash and ride cymbals

These form the backbone of:

  • Rock and pop
  • Jazz
  • Worship and church bands
  • Live stage performance

Drum kits primarily define rhythm, timing, and groove.

Hand Percussion

Hand percussion instruments are played without sticks or pedals.

Common examples:

  • Tambourines
  • Bongos
  • Congas
  • Shakers
  • Cajóns
  • Claves

These are widely used in:

  • Acoustic performances
  • Worship music
  • School ensembles
  • Unplugged sessions

They add texture and rhythmic variation without requiring a full drum kit.

Orchestral & Mallet Percussion

These instruments are typically tuned and played with mallets.

Examples:

  • Xylophone
  • Marimba
  • Glockenspiel
  • Vibraphone
  • Timpani

Used in:

  • Orchestras
  • Concert bands
  • Film scoring
  • Advanced ensemble work

These instruments often carry both rhythm and melody.

Auxiliary Percussion

Small percussion instruments used for accents and texture:

  • Triangle
  • Wood block
  • Cowbell
  • Shakers
  • Sleigh bells
  • Flexatone

They are often simple individually but essential in ensemble layering.

Electronic Percussion

Modern setups often include digital elements:

  • Electronic drum pads
  • Sample triggers
  • Hybrid drum kits
  • Drum machines

Benefits:

  • Volume control
  • Consistent sound output
  • Studio flexibility
  • Silent practice options

Common in contemporary music production and live hybrid setups.

Percussion Hardware & Accessories

Essential support equipment includes:

  • Drum stands and mounting hardware
  • Pedals (bass drum and hi-hat)
  • Drum thrones
  • Cymbal stands and arms
  • Practice pads
  • Drum keys and tuning tools

Hardware directly affects stability, playability, and ergonomics.

Percussion for Beginners

Entry-level setups typically focus on:

  • Basic drum kit or practice pad
  • Durable stands and pedals
  • Simple hand percussion instruments
  • Affordable mallets or sticks

Key priorities:

  • Durability
  • Ease of setup
  • Consistent response

Percussion for Schools & Churches

Common requirements:

  • Reliable, low-maintenance instruments
  • Shared-use durability
  • Portable percussion options
  • Simple amplification for live settings

Often includes both drum kits and auxiliary percussion collections.

Percussion for Live Performance

Stage setups usually require:

  • Full drum kits with upgraded hardware
  • Robust cymbal systems
  • Electronic triggers or hybrid kits
  • Fast setup and breakdown capability
  • Reliable tuning stability

Consistency under pressure is more important than complexity.

Maintenance Basics

Regular care improves lifespan and sound quality:

  • Replace drumheads when worn
  • Keep cymbals clean and dry
  • Tighten hardware regularly
  • Lubricate moving pedal parts
  • Store instruments in cases or bags

Neglected hardware is a common failure point in live environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered percussion?
Any instrument that produces sound by striking, shaking, or scraping, including drums, cymbals, and mallet instruments.

Is a drum kit the same as percussion?
A drum kit is one part of the wider percussion family.

Are tuned instruments still percussion?
Yes. Instruments like xylophones and timpani are tuned percussion.

What is the difference between drums and percussion?
Drums are a subset of percussion; percussion includes all rhythm-based struck instruments.

Browse our percussion range including drum kits, hand percussion, orchestral percussion, electronic percussion, hardware, and accessories suitable for beginners, schools, churches, studios, and live performance environments.