The Best Drum Sets
Beats are the foundation of most modern music, from the digitally-created rhythms of hip-hop to the driving drum grooves of rock. Drums are undoubtedly an important piece of musical gear, but the sheer number of options when buying a new kit can be overwhelming. If you’re unsure where to start, we’re here to help. We’ve narrowed down the best drum kits on the market so you can spend less time shopping and more time rocking.
What to Look For
When narrowing down the best drum kits on the market, we considered size, price, quality, and potential use. For example, if you’re in a gigging band and want something with professional specs, the PDP By DW Concept maple-shell kit is your best bet. But if you practice at home and don’t want to bother your roommates, the Alesis Drums surge mesh kit is an incredible electric kit for quieter playing. Keep reading to see all our top picks and find the drum set that’s right for you.
Mendini By Cecilio Kids Starter Drum Kit
It's play time
If you have a young drummer at home who’s looking to get their own kit, it helps to start with something that’s built for people their size. This kids’ drum set from Mendini does just that. It comes with all the same features as a full-size kit but in a miniature design. It has a 5-piece set, a hi-hat, a cymbal, drum throne, kick pedal, and sticks all in one package. Just open the box, set it up, and you’ve got everything you need to rock.
Pros:
- It comes in different finishes, so you can pick the color and style that suits you best.
- The price is very affordable, making it a reasonable gift for beginners without committing to something expensive.
Cons:
- It’s closer to a toy than it is to a professional drum set, but it’s still great for starting out.
Gammon Percussion Full-Size Drum Set
If you’re an adult that’s looking to pick up drumming for the first time, this may be the kit for you. Instead of going straight for a top-of-the-line kit, this entry-level drum set can be a great way to get your feet wet. It’s a full-size kit, and it comes with everything you need to get started, including a kick drum, toms, snare, hi-hat, cymbal, cymbal stands, drum throne, and sticks. On top of all that, the price is almost too good to be true. For first-timers and home-jammers, this kit is a great bargain.
Pros:
- This is a compact drum set, so it will fit in a basement or practice room easier than a larger set.
- This set comes with a high-gloss finish, giving it a dazzling, performance-ready appearance.
Cons:
- It isn’t as high-quality as other drum sets, but it’s a great starter kit.
PDP By DW Concept Maple Shell Kit
When bigger is better
If you’re a gigging drummer and looking to take your kit to the next level, this may be the one for you. This 7-piece kit comes with five toms, a kick, and a snare. They’re made with thicker wood than most entry-level kits, with 7-ply on the kick and toms and 10-ply on the snare. It may be fairly expensive, but professional drumming equipment can get pretty pricey. Sometimes you get what you pay for, and this kit proves it. If you want a great kit that’s fit for both amateurs and professionals, it’s worth every penny.
Pros:
- PDP By DW also offers other sizes, designs, and prices in this line, so you can choose the specific model to fit your style and budget.
- The maple wood gives it a distinctly warm and resonant sound.
Cons:
- Like most professional-level kits, this doesn’t include cymbals or cymbals stands.
Pearl Roadshow Complete Drum Set
Don't break the bank
If you’re looking to make your drum set purchase a one-stop shop, look no further. This minimalist kit from Pearl comes with everything you need and nothing you don’t. It features the standard 5-piece setup, as well as a drum throne, cymbals, cymbal stands, sticks, and even a stick bag. Right out of the box, you have everything you need to start jamming. What makes it even more impressive is the price. For a kit that literally comes with all the gear you need to start playing, it’s incredibly affordable. All things considered, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better first-time kit at this price.
Pros:
- This kit is compact, so it can fit in spaces where bigger kits can’t.
- It comes in several different finishes and has options for different kit configurations as well.
Cons:
- Assembly may be difficult since you’ll have to install the heads and put all the hardware together.
Alesis Drums Surge Mesh Kit
The future is now
If you’re tired of waking the neighbors with your late-night drum sessions, this may be the drum set for you. This fully-electric kit comes with three toms, kick, snare, hi-hat, and two cymbals for a full 5-piece kit. In addition to being quiet and having a headphone output, you can connect an MP3 player or phone and jam along to your favorite tunes. You can even alter the tone of your drums with 40 simulated kits and 385 different sounds to choose from. When it comes to convenience and versatility, this electric kit is number one.
Pros:
- These drums have mesh heads for a more realistic feel that some electric kits lack.
- These aren’t only for practice. With the right amplifiers, you can easily use this kit in live performances.
Cons:
- It lacks the power and depth that an acoustic drum kit has, but it makes up for it with convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many toms do I need in my drum kit?
Most players use at least two toms, meaning there’s one floor-tom and one rack-tom. However, many rock drummers prefer two rack-toms and one floor-tom for a traditional 5-piece set. There’s no limit to the number of toms you can have, but space fills up quickly. For most practical uses, three is enough.
How can I make my drums quieter?
Many drummers use dampening tools to alter the tone of their drums and make them quieter. These can come in the form of foam pads that rest on the drums and cymbals. Some drummers also use hot rod sticks for a lighter touch. If all else fails, you could get a drum cage to absorb the sound or invest in an electric drum set.
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