Transform your tone without buying a whole new kit.




Let’s be honest — not everyone’s rolling into the session with a fresh maple DW or a custom-built Yamaha Hybrid. Most of us are playing well-loved kits, rehearsal room rigs, or hand-me-down drums that need a bit of TLC. The good news? You don’t need a new drum kit to get a new drum sound.

With a few small upgrades, your drums can go from cardboard to crisp, boxy to booming — and the best part is, it won’t cost you your next gig fee.

Here are 5 super effective (and affordable) upgrades every drummer should consider — all in stock at Musicmaker, and all tested by drummers who actually gig and record in real-world Irish conditions.




1. Swap Your Heads – The Most Important Change You’ll Ever Make

If your heads are older than your Spotify playlist, it’s time. Worn-out heads are dull, ringy, inconsistent and basically rob your kit of any character.

Upgrade to:

Choose coated heads for a warm, slightly drier tone or clear heads for brightness and attack. Either way — new heads = instant glow-up.

Pro tip: Don’t forget your snare head. The centrepiece of your kit deserves attention too. A new batter head can totally reshape your snare’s voice.

Get yourself some new Skins Here.

Bonus: Don’t Forget Your Musicmaker Logo Drum Key!

Let’s be real: every drummer needs at least three drum keys. One for the stick bag. One for the pocket. One that’s mysteriously vanished on the carpet here somewhere.

So why not make one of them absolutely class?

The Musicmaker Logo Drum Key isn’t just a tuner — it’s a statement. With a smooth chrome finish, our iconic logo etched in, and the perfect balance for quick tuning, it’s the key we use every day in the shop and on the road.

Why We Love It:

  • Solid grip and smooth rotation (no more slipping off lugs mid-tighten)
  • Sleek enough to hang on your keyring or lanyard
  • It just looks... cool. And we’re not sorry about that.
  • Pro tip: Keep one in your gig bag and one in your car. You’ll thank us during your next last-minute setup.

Available now at Musicmaker — because even your drum key should have style.



Get a whole new set of skins and it will change everything for the better

2. Control The Ring – Without Killing The Tone

Too much overtone? Too many unwanted over-rumbles every time you hit your toms? Enter the world of dampening — the drummer’s best friend.

Try these:

The beauty is, you can move these around depending on the room, genre, or whether you're in a studio or live setting. Ringy for jazz? Drier for rock? Sorted in seconds.



Fast Cheap and Effective.

3. Reinforce Your Kick – Power, Protection and Punch

Kick drums take a beating — literally. But with a few key upgrades, you can tighten your low end and protect your gear at the same time.

Add these to your kick game:

Combine both for that tight, punchy, fat kick sound without boom or flab

Bonus: You’ll extend the life of your kick head massively.




4. Tune Smarter – Keep Your Lugs Locked In

You've dialled in the perfect tuning… and then halfway through the gig, your floor tom’s a floppy mess. Sound familiar?

Enter:

  • Available in multiple colours because… why not look class and sound tight?

They’re easy to apply, non-permanent, and especially essential for hard hitters or vintage lugs that drift.




5. Don’t Forget the Little Things – They Matter More Than You Think

Your drum tone isn’t just about the shells. Sometimes, the small stuff makes the biggest difference.


Bonus Tip: Always Tune After Every Upgrade

Don’t expect miracles from a head change if your drum’s tuned like a wheelie bin. Take the time to seat new heads properly, tune evenly, and use your ear.

Not sure how? Drop into Musicmaker Dublin, and we’ll show you. Our crew will happily talk tuning, demo different heads, and even help you get the best sound out of your existing kit.

Browse some of our Skin Accessories Here.

Drum Kit Upgrade FAQ – Answered by Musicmaker

Q: How often should I change my drumheads?

A: If you play regularly, change your batter heads every 6–12 months. If you're gigging or recording, swap sooner. Resonant heads last longer, but don’t ignore them forever!

Q: What’s the easiest way to control drum ring?

A: Use Evans EQ Rings or Vater Buzz Kill Gels — they’re reusable, adjustable, and work instantly. No tape, no tissues, no drama.

Q: Are lug locks really necessary?

A: If your tuning drifts during gigs or rehearsals, Tuner Fish Lug Locks are a game-changer. Especially handy on snares and floor toms.

Q: What’s the best way to upgrade my kick sound?

A: Combine a kick patch (Evans or Remo) for durability and an EQ Pad to dampen excess boom. You’ll get punch, clarity, and a longer-lasting head.

Q: Can I upgrade my whole kit on a budget?

A: Absolutely. Start with a head pack (Evans or Remo), add dampening gels, and use lug locks to lock it all in. Small changes = massive results.

Q: Do you offer help with tuning and installation?

A: Yep! Swing by Musicmaker Dublin, and we’ll guide you through fitting new heads, applying gels, tuning tips and tricks.




Ready to Level Up?

All of these upgrades are available now at Musicmaker Dublin, and we’ve got heads, and hardware in-store so you can hear the difference before you buy.


Got questions? We’ll walk you through what suits your kit, your style, and your sound.

Better heads. Better tuning. Bigger tone. Let’s make your kit sound like it means it.