7 Best Drum Set Mounts For Auxiliary Percussion For Drummers

Watching a child transition from a basic drum kit to a more complex, personalized setup is a milestone in musical development. Adding auxiliary percussion—like cowbells, tambourines, or woodblocks—allows young drummers to explore textures and rhythms beyond the core beat. Choosing the right mounts ensures this gear stays secure without overwhelming a student’s limited reach or budget.

LP Everything Rack: Best for Expanding Your Setup

When a child starts wanting to integrate multiple percussion accessories, the floor space around the kit often becomes cluttered. The LP Everything Rack provides a centralized solution, consolidating several items onto one stable mount.

This is ideal for the intermediate drummer, aged 10–14, who is beginning to incorporate Latin rhythms or complex effects into their repertoire. It keeps the “choreography” of their playing tight and manageable.

• Best for: Students adding more than two auxiliary items.
• Bottom Line: Invest here if the child is showing consistent, long-term dedication to their practice routine.

Pearl PPS-37: Sturdy Choice for Cowbells and Blocks

A common frustration for parents is watching a child’s cowbell or block spin or droop during a practice session. The Pearl PPS-37 is a classic, heavy-duty solution that locks firmly onto existing cymbal stands.

Because it uses a reliable gear-tilter system, it won’t budge even when a drummer is striking with significant force. For the 8–12 age bracket, this durability prevents the mid-song adjustments that often derail a child’s focus.

• Best for: Mounting single cowbells or high-pitch woodblocks.
• Bottom Line: A high-value, buy-it-once piece of hardware that will easily move to a larger drum kit later.

Gibraltar SC-GCMAMC: Versatile Multi-Angle Support

As children grow and their reach extends, they often need to adjust the height and angle of their percussion gear to maintain good posture. This mount offers extreme flexibility, allowing the player to place an accessory exactly where it feels most natural.

This versatility is key for younger drummers (ages 7–10) who might have shorter arms and need equipment positioned closer to the center of the kit. Ensuring ergonomic placement now prevents bad habits and physical strain down the road.

• Best for: Customizing reach and positioning for smaller or growing players.
• Bottom Line: An excellent choice for parents looking to maximize the ergonomics of a smaller starter kit.

Meinl MC-1: Reliable Connection for Hand Percussion

Sometimes a child wants to experiment with hand-held percussion like a tambourine or shaker mounted to their kit. The Meinl MC-1 is a straightforward, non-intrusive clamp that attaches to most drum hoops or rods.

It is simple enough for a 6-year-old to understand, yet robust enough to handle the daily usage of a dedicated student. Its compact footprint means it won’t interfere with the drum heads or the child’s natural stick motion.

• Best for: Beginners adding subtle textures to their beats.
• Bottom Line: An affordable, “low-commitment” purchase that introduces the world of auxiliary percussion without the bulk.

DW SM700: Compact Percussion Mount for Tight Spaces

Drum sets for younger children often have limited hardware space, making it difficult to find room for new additions. The DW SM700 is designed specifically for tight quarters, utilizing a small footprint to mount accessories directly to existing tension rods.

It eliminates the need for extra cymbal stands, which saves money and prevents the “forest of hardware” look that can be intimidating for younger learners. It is a clean, professional-looking choice for any stage of development.

• Best for: Keeping a small bedroom drum kit organized and clutter-free.
• Bottom Line: Highly recommended for families with limited practice space.

Tama MC61: Compact Solution for Tight Drum Setups

The Tama MC61 is a masterclass in efficiency, offering a multi-clamp design that grips both thin rods and heavy tubing. This versatility is helpful when a child is mixing and matching hardware brands, as is common with used or “hand-me-down” kits.

For the student aged 11–14, this piece of gear is a reliable workhorse that will likely find a place in their kit for years. Its durability means it can handle the transition from a home studio to school band or garage rehearsals.

• Best for: Connecting disparate pieces of gear from different manufacturers.
• Bottom Line: A professional-grade clamp that justifies its price through sheer compatibility.

Roland MDH-Standard: Best for Hybrid Digital Pads

For students incorporating electronic pads or hybrid elements into their acoustic kits, a standard metal clamp simply won’t fit. The Roland MDH-Standard is the gold-standard mount for holding electronic pads firmly in place without slippage.

If a child shows an interest in sound design or electronic music production, this mount is a foundational piece. It securely supports the sensitivity of digital triggers, ensuring every electronic sound is captured accurately.

• Best for: Young producers or students experimenting with hybrid (acoustic/digital) kits.
• Bottom Line: Essential for the tech-focused drummer, though unnecessary for traditional acoustic-only setups.

How to Choose Mounts That Fit Your Child’s Drum Set

Selecting the right mount starts with identifying the diameter of the hardware the clamp will grip. Most drum hardware is standardized, but it is always wise to double-check if the kit uses metric or imperial sizing.

Consider the child’s height and reach when determining where to mount new items. Accessories should be placed where the child can strike them with the same arm posture used for the rest of the kit to avoid repetitive motion fatigue.

• Key Factor: Does the mount tighten with a standard drum key, or does it require a specialized tool?
• Bottom Line: Always prioritize mounts that use a standard drum key, as it keeps the child’s toolkit simple and unified.

Understanding Clamp Compatibility and Hardware Sizes

It is common for families to purchase used kits that contain a mix of different hardware brands. When choosing a clamp, look for “multi-purpose” jaws that can accommodate various tube diameters, typically ranging from 1/2 inch to 1 inch.

Avoid over-tightening gear, as younger drummers often struggle with the fine motor control required to loosen “stuck” screws. Choosing high-quality wing nuts and tension bolts ensures the gear stays put without needing excessive force to tighten.

• Developmental Tip: Teaching a child to properly set up their own hardware is a core part of their musical education.
• Bottom Line: Teach the child to maintain their own gear to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility.

Balancing Sturdiness with Ease of Use for Students

When choosing between entry-level and professional gear, look for the “middle ground” of durability. You do not need top-of-the-line touring hardware, but avoid ultra-lightweight components that feel flimsy or plastic-heavy.

If your child is in the 8–12 age range and shows genuine enthusiasm, a mid-range mount will last through their teenage years. If the interest is still experimental, look for durable, used gear from reputable brands; it retains resale value and is usually built to survive years of enthusiastic practice.

• Checklist: Is the metal finish smooth? Does the clamp grip securely without scratching the stand?
• Bottom Line: Buy once and buy well by opting for established hardware brands; they are virtually indestructible and hold their value for future trade-ins.

Supporting a young drummer’s curiosity with the right equipment can significantly enhance their learning experience and comfort behind the kit. By focusing on durability, ergonomic placement, and compatibility, you provide a stable foundation for their musical journey. Choose pieces that grow with them, and you will find that these investments pay off in years of reliable, inspired practice.