The sock cymbal is one of those innovations that just seem to never go out of style. It looks great as a practice instrument or a great addition to a set up for a drum band. Sometimes it is even a great introvert solo instrument. Most of the time, a sock cymbal is used in jazz, pop, and other popular music genres.
Sock cymbals are typically double basses with a ride cymbal added on for variation. They are also sometimes referred to as bass shoes, although drummers do not play “drum hats” with them. Double basses are generally much heavier than a normal double stick and they offer more support and stability than regular hi-hats or kickdrums. Double basses are perfect for playing rhythm guitar due to their weight and the fact that they can be tuned and played at different speeds.
Many acoustic drummers prefer to use double-basses or a double sock cymbal for practice mainly because they are easier to swing around and give the drummer more versatility. Sock cymbals mounted on drums have also become increasingly popular among percussionists due to their ease of use. They require less training than kickdrums but require more dexterity to play than hi-hats and overheads. The more advanced kickdrum player might also prefer a hi-hat mounted cymbal for functionality as well as visual aesthetic reasons.