Best Drum key
When it comes to keeping your drums all well and perfect enough to last you long, drum tuning is something you cannot ignore. A drum key is essentially one of the most important tools when it comes to tuning your drum set. Many drummers are alien to the idea of focusing on quality or attributes when investing in a drum key. If you have been doing the same, you must know what an annoying tool it becomes once you have used your ordinary key once or twice. Let us be honest, we drummers cannot afford to invest in something like a drum key and that too on a bi-monthly basis. It is, therefore, a wise thing to invest in one that would not only ease your task but will also last you long.
If you’ve been looking for a good drums key, you have definitely landed at the right place. We are going to share our top five drum key preferences for you to choose anyone you would like the most. However, before that, here is a brief discussion on some drum keys relevant ideas for the new and somewhat confused drummers over here.
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What is a drum key used for?
To be straight forward enough, a drum key is used to tune the drums. The functions of drum key during drum tuning involve adjusting the drum rod’s tension. Remove, re-fix, and adjust the drum’s hardware, and to tune the pitch to the desirable level. Other than that, some drummers may also use it to tune or adjust some other equipment in their drumming gear.
Are all drum keys the same?
You must have had this question clicking your mind a number of times if you know even a bit about drum keys. Well, the answer to this NO. Even when all drums keys serve you more or less the same purpose, they all have different build and names. Some of them are speed keys when others are ratchet keys. Moreover, you can also find a Evan’s torque and a Drill Bit Drum Key amongst other types.
Top 5 best Drum keys
Confused about all the drum key types and don’t know what to go for as a new customer for drum keys, here are some options you may like:
1- Ludwig Drum Key
Ludwig drum key is one of our personal favorite because of the smooth action it has when it comes to tuning timpani lugs of our drums. This is an nicely finished, and heavy duty tuning key that is made to cater all your needs related to tuning your drums made by Ludwig timpani. The thick chrome plated metal frame is what gives this key an added sturdiness and enables it to last you long. This drum key is easy to use no matter whether you are a pro of using drum keys or are using it for the first time. Moreover, the smooth finish ensures that you don’t have to work too hard on getting the lugs loose. All these features justify the high price tag that this key comes with. For us, it is a 10 on 10.
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- Smooth finish makes its job easier
- Elegant look
- Easy to use
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- Some drummer may find it a bit heavy
- Quite expensive
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2- Evans Torque Key
If you need that precisely desired tension from your drum lugs, then this is the key for you. The torque handles of this drum tuning key can be set as per your needs thus providing you with accurately tuned drums. The key comes with a magnetic head that allows for no slipping away from hand and keeps the key in its place to ease adjustments. There is a knurled knob on this key’s body that allows for easy changes of head and stays in hold too.
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- Pre-setting for accurate tension assurance
- Strong and durable
- Easy to hold
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- Not a great customer service
- Old fashioned look
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3- DRUM STARZ 3-Pack DRUM KEYS
This high quality standard drum key has a steel body plated with chrome for added smoothness in its finish. The key is made up on industry standards to have a versatility in its functioning and is compatible with almost all the drum types no matter which brand has made them. You get 3 drums keys in a single pack and the best part about buying this one is its price that’s really too much economical for three keys.
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- Economical
- Pack of 3 keys with a single key lasting long enough
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- The body gets rusty a little too early
- Not easy to hold
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4- Gibraltar SC-4248 Speed Key
As its name states, this drum key tuner is meant to speed up your drum tuning activity and work smooth enough to help you focus more on drumming rather than just staying busy with drumming accessories.
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- Highly compatible
- Works really fast
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- Heavy
- Has an average look
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5- Gibraltar SC-RK Ratchet Drum Key
This Ratchet drum key is one of our personal favorite for its look and the smoothness of tension adjustments it guarantees. This standard drum key comes in an elegant look, with a durable and sturdy body and goes well along with a variety of drums
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- Light weight and easy to hold
- Smooth finish
- Durable
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- Expensive
- Won’t work really well when it comes to changing your drum’s heads
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