DrumKit is a ‘New Thing’ 

The modern drum kit, as we know it, is indeed only about 100 years old. 

While drums have existed for millennia, the concept of a single musician playing a set of interconnected drums is a relatively recent development.

Traps

 The "traps kit" emerged in the vaudeville era of the 1920s, combining elements like bass drum, snare drum, and smaller percussion instruments into a more compact configuration. 
Here's a more detailed look at the drum kit's history:

Early Development:

In the past, musicians played various percussion instruments separately. The need for a more compact and versatile setup, especially in small venues, led to the creation of the "traps kit". 

Evolution:

Over the years, the drum kit has evolved, with innovations like the bass drum pedal, hihat pedal, stands, and mounting systems…as well as vast arrays of cymbal designs.

Genres putting DrumKits front and Centre

 Jazz and rock 'n' roll inherently put the drummer at the centre of the ensemble and expand the role of the drum from time keeper to groove creator and momentum creator and conductor…a musician/athlete indeed !  

Modern Kits:

Today's drum kits are highly diverse, ranging from smaller, more compact setups to massive, multi-drum configurations used by Simon Phillips, Neil Peart, Terry Bozio, Danny Carey and Thomas Lang.

Also…the limitations of the simplistic early pedals and hardware have been reduced and refined and continue do do so…

The functionality of hardware is the key… now the drum kit, with modern manufacturing and materials,  can be built to suit the drummer and the way their body works rather than the drummer contorting to fit the limitations of the hardware on the kit!  

Latest Developments

Symmetrical Drumsets are the most human friendly and are most suited to life long drumming. 

The nature of drumming…that of both musicianship and athleticism combined into one has pushed developments in drumming toward more ergronomic systems. The hump back and dropped shoulder of Buddy Rich are long gone!

Symmetrical Kits…not limited by the mechanics of the old pedal designs

https://SymmetricalDrummingAustralia.org

Stewart Copeland ON DRUMs

Stewart presents and excellent BBC documentary on the history of drum kit drumming from DeeDee Chandler to Taylor Hawkins and beyond.  

https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x7x7vr0

Drumming on a ‘kit’ is but one development of drumming over the millennia…the innovation of allowing one drummer to play multiple percussion parts is now morphing into allowing that drummer to play for their entire lives without contortion.

Symmetrical Drumming makes the multi-limbed ambidextrous task much more ergnonomic and natural.  It takes the ‘handedness’ out of the hardware!!!!

DD Chandler led the way…and drumkit innovation continues a century later!   

Symmetrical layouts are a natural outcome of a century of development!

Mark