If you own drums, it is important that you protect them. While any drum bag or case, is better than no protection at all, it’s important to be clear on the type of protection that your drums need. If you believe that your drums will never leave the room that you have them set up in, you still want to have protection for your drums just in case.

To protect my Gretsch Catalina Club Jazz Kit, Gretsch Renown Maple Kit, Gretsch Classic Maple Snare Drum, I generally use Gator Artist Series drum bags for local gigs. I feel confident knowing that my drums will be safe in my car. The Artist Series drum bags also assure that my drums won’t get wet when transporting them to and from my car in rain or snow. These bags are also contain a fleece lining which gives my drums added protection, just in case I accidentally drop one.

Speaking of accidentally dropping a drum, I hate to admit it to myself, but it’s happened more frequently than I would of hoped when I first took my drums out of the boxes. Although my drums have suffered no visible or audible damage, I am curious to know if dropping them has had any effect on the smaller, hidden parts of the drum and/or causes cracks on the inner plies of the drum shell. Even the sturdiest car can obtain hidden structural damage from a small collision that doesn’t show much visible damage.

Gator has taken the next step to protect drums with it’s Gator Evolution case. This case has an internal suspension system that allows the drum to stay snug on the just the hoops. Any impact from dropping a drum or hitting the case with a wooden bat (yes, I tried it), will only be on the hoops. Ironically, the hoops take them most abuse from the act of drumming (heavy rim shots anyone?). In addition to the suspension system, the sturdy plastic and structural design make this case ridiculously durable.

The Gator Evolution cases are perfect for people who occasionally drop their drums (like me) or transport them in a commercial vehicle (tour bus). The highest level of protection comes from airline (ATA) cases. Unless you’re flying with your drums each week, these cases are unnecessary for most drummers.

Whatever cases you decide on for your drums, I encourage you to invest in them ASAP. Notice that I said ‘invest’ instead of ‘buy’. Your drums are an investment – PROTECT THEM!

– Artist Review by Mike Veny

Learn more about the Evolution Series Snare Case:

About Mike

Drummer, entrepreneur, speaker, consultant, Mike Veny has been able to parlay his love of music, and of drumming in particular, into multiple successful career paths and charitable endeavors. Mike is the founder and owner of FastDrumSkills.Com, MusicLessonBusiness.Com, and SupportMusicEducation.Com. His entrepreneurial skills, leadership skills and people skills have made him an in-demand speaker and a consultant to some of the top businesses in the world. As for charitable endeavors, Mike is on the Board of Directors for the Fender Music Foundation and a member of the NAMM Foundations SupportMusic Coalition, which seeks to strengthen community commitment and support for quality music education in schools.