How Much Is a Drum Set

If you’re shopping for your first drum set, you might be wondering how much you should spend. The truth is, there’s no easy answer. The price of beginner drum kits depends on a variety of factors, including the quality of the materials, the brand, and the size. In this blog post, we’ll break down some of the things you need to consider when setting a budget for you or your child’s drum set.

How Much Does a Drum Set Cost?

The cost of a drum set varies depending on the type, quality, and brand. Generally speaking, you can expect the price range to be anywhere from $200 to $5,000 for a new drum set. Of course, there are always cheaper options available (secondhand drumsets or lower-quality brands), but we recommend avoiding these if possible. A good rule of thumb is to budget for at least $500 if you’re looking for a decent quality starter kit.

What Drums Are In a Typical Starter Kit?

A typical beginner drum set includes a bass drum, snare drum, hi-hat, and one or two tom-toms. The bass drum is the largest drum in the set and is usually played with a foot pedal.

The snare drum is a small, high-pitched drum that makes the sizzling sound that is played with sticks.

The tom-toms are medium-sized drums that are played with sticks.

The hi-hat is a pair of cymbals (one right side up, one upside down) that are played with sticks.

Most beginner sets also include a cymbal stand, a hi-hat stand, and a bass drum pedal. Some sets may also include a stool or throne for the drummer to sit on.

Junior Drum Kits

There are junior kits and an intermediate kits. Both are great options for beginner drummers, but there are a few key differences to keep in mind when making your decision. One of the biggest differences between junior and intermediate drum kits is size. Junior drumsets are typically smaller in size, which makes them more suitable for younger players or those with smaller stature. Kids age 3-10 should use a junior drum kit. Intermediate drumsets are full-size sets, which means they may be too large for some younger players. If you’re unsure about which size to choose, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and go with the smaller option. You can always upgrade to a larger set later on if needed.

Features to Consider

Another important thing to keep in mind is that not all junior and intermediate drum kits are created equal. Some sets come with more features than others, so it’s important to compare your options before making a purchase. Here are some things you’ll want to look for:

-Number of drums: Junior sets typically have 3 drums (bass, snare, and one tom), while intermediate sets have 4 drums (bass, snare, two tom). 

-Number of cymbals: Most junior sets come with 2 cymbals (hi-hat and crash cymbal), while most intermediate sets have 3 cymbals (hi-hat, crash, and ride cymbal). 

-Pedals: Both Junior sets and intermediate sets usually come with 2 pedals (bass and hi-hat), but the quality in an intermediate set may be higher

-Stands: Make sure the set you’re considering comes with all the necessary stands (cymbal stand, hi-hat stand, snare stand, etc.). 

-Throne: A comfortable throne is essential for any drummer, so be sure to choose a set that comes with a ergonomic throne that’s easy to adjust. 

-Hardware: Most junior and intermediate drum kits come with all the necessary hardware (cymbal arms, tom holders, etc.), but it’s still worth double-checking before making your purchase. 

Drum heads: It’s always a good idea to choose a set that comes with high-quality drum heads for optimum sound quality. 

When choosing between a junior or intermediate drum kit, there are a few key factors to keep in mind. Size is an important consideration—junior drumsets are typically smaller in size, which makes them more suitable for younger players or those with smaller stature. Intermediate drumsets are full-size sets while still being affordable for beginner drummers. Additionally, make sure to compare features between different models before making your purchase as not all junior or intermediate drum kits are created equal—some come with more features than others. By taking all of these factors into consideration, you’re sure to find the perfect beginner drum set for your needs.

Materials Make a Difference

Another factor that affects the price of a drum set is the materials used to make it. Different woods can produce different sounds, so it’s important to know what each type of wood is typically used for. Here are the most common types of wood used to make drums and how they affect both sound and cost.

Maple

Maple is a hardwood that is typically used for snare drums and tom-toms. It is considered to be a classic drum-making wood because it produces a warm, round sound. Maple is also very strong and durable, which makes it ideal for withstanding high- impact playing. As a result, maple drums tend to be on the more expensive side. 

Birch

Birch is another hardwood that is commonly used for making drums. Unlike maple, birch has a tighter grain structure, which gives it a brighter sound. Birch drums are also known for being very punchy and responsive, making them ideal for high-energy genres like rock and metal. Birch drums are typically less expensive than maple drums. 

Mahogany

Mahogany is a softer wood that is typically used for bass drums. Mahogany produces a deep, resonant sound that is perfect for providing the low end in any band or ensemble. Mahogany drums are typically the most affordable type of wood drum. 

When shopping for your first drum set, it’s important to know the different types of wood used to make drums and how they affect both sound and cost. Maple drums tend to produce a warm, round sound but are on the more expensive side. Birch drums have a tighter grain structure which gives them a brighter sound; they are also less expensive than maple drums. Mahogany drums produce a deep, resonant sound perfect for providing the low end; these drums are typically the most affordable type of wood drum. So, what’s your budget? And what kind of sound are you looking for? Answering these two questions will help you narrow down your options and find the perfect drum set for you!

Brand Name Does Matter

When you’re shopping for anything—from clothes to cars—you’ll notice that there is often a big difference in price between name-brand items and generic items. The same is true for drum sets. Brand-name sets tend to be more expensive than non-brand-name sets. But keep in mind that brand names often come with better quality—so it’s worth paying extra for a name-brand set if you can afford it. In my personal experience, another benefit of buying name-brand is that it makes it easier to sell your drums later if you are looking to upgrade. My first drum set actually was a no-name brand, Westbury, which I bought in Canada. After I got to know more about drums, I worked on them and saw what cheap drums were like. The edge on the top and bottom is not even, so you can’t get a good sound no matter what drum heads you put on it. But I did end up re-covering my black drums with a beautiful turquoise glass glitter wrap, and they’ve had a long and useful life on the photo booth at the Harefest music festival.

I guess that’s part of the drumming journey, starting out with a bad basic kit, then upgrading to a higher quality kit later. So if you don’t want to start with a bad kit like me, then consider one of these top drum brands:

1. Pearl Drums

Pearl is one of the most well-known and respected brands in the world of drums. They have been making high quality drumsets since 1946, and they show no signs of slowing down. Pearl’s drumsets are known for their great sound and durability. If you are looking for a top-of-the-line drum set, then Pearl is definitely a brand to consider. Pearl Roadshow Series is great for beginner drummers.

2. Yamaha Drums

Yamaha is another well-known and respected brand in the world of drums. Like Pearl, Yamaha has been making high quality drumsets for many years, and their sets are known for their great sound and durability. Yamaha also offers a wide range of drum sets to choose from, so you are sure to find one that meets your needs and budget.

3. DW Drums

DW is yet another well-known and respected brand in the world of drums. DW has been making high quality drumsets since 1972, and their sets are known for their great sound, durability, and attention to detail. If you want a top-of-the-line drum set that will last for many years, then DW is definitely a brand to consider.

PDP is the entry level brand by DW, and it is much more common for beginners that like DW to purchase a PDP drum kit first.

4. Tama Drums

Tama is another company that has been making high quality drumsets for many years. Tama’s sets are known for their great sound and durability, and they offer a wide range of different types of drum sets to choose from. If you are looking for a top-quality drum set, then Tama is definitely a brand worth considering.

5. Ludwig Drums

Ludwig is yet another company with a long history of making high quality drumsets. Ludwig’s sets are known for their great sound and durability, and they offer a wide variety of different types of drum sets to choose from. If you want a top-notch drum set that will last for many years, then Ludwig is definitely a brand worth considering. 

As you can see, there are many great brands out there when it comes to high quality drum sets. All of the brands mentioned above have a long history or making great sounding and durable products. When choosing a brand, it is important to consider your budget as well as what type of music you will be playing with your new set (e.g., jazz, rock,etc.). No matter what your specific needs may be, one of these five brands is sure to have the perfect drum set for you!

Types of Drum Sets

There are two basic types of drum sets available on the market: acoustic, and electronic. Acoustic drum sets are the most popular type; they are typically made from wood and other natural materials and produce an authentic sound when played. Electronic drum sets are powered by electricity and often include pre-recorded percussion sounds that can be customized to create unique beats.

Acoustic Drums

Acoustic drums have been around for centuries and are the classic choice for most drummers. They are made entirely of wood and metal, which gives them a unique sound that is difficult to replicate with electronic drums. Acoustic drums are also heavier and more difficult to transport than electronic drums, which is something to keep in mind if you plan on gigging frequently. 

The main advantage of acoustic drums is that they offer a more natural feel and sound. If you’re looking for a traditional drumming experience, then acoustic drums are definitely the way to go. 

Electronic Drums

On the other hand, electronic drum kits have only been around for a few decades but have become increasingly popular thanks to their versatility. Unlike acoustic drums, which are made entirely of wood and metal, electronic drums usually have plastic shells with sensors that trigger sounds when they are struck. They have mesh heads, and the bounce of them is a bit different than playing on an acoustic drum. Playing an electronic drum set allows you to create a wide range of sounds that would be impossible to replicate with an acoustic set, so it’s fun to try out the different sounds.

For any parent who has ever been woken up in the middle of the night by their child practicing drums, electronic drums may seem like a godsend. Unlike acoustic drums, which can be quite loud, electronic drums produce a much softer sound that is less likely to disturb the peace. In addition, electronic drums are often more portable than their acoustic counterparts, making them easier to transport and set up in different locations. For parents who want their children to be able to enjoy playing the drums without disturbing the whole household, electronic drums are a great option.

Alesis Nitro Mesh

The Alesis Nitro Mesh is the best electronic drum set for beginners. It is a complete 8-piece electronic drum kit that includes everything you need to get started playing. The centerpiece of the kit is the next-generation Alesis Mesh head drum technology, which delivers an ultra-realistic drumming experience. The mesh heads are ultra-responsive, and theglide pad makes it easy to play rolls and other intricate patterns. The kit also includes a kick pedal, hi-hat pedal, snare stand, and cymbal stands. All of the drums connect to the included Nitro Module, which features 60 built-in drum kits and visual metronome. With its custom-designed cones, the Nitro Module provides superior sound quality that will take your playing to the next level.

When deciding between an acoustic or electronic drum set, it’s important to consider your budget, musical style, and where you plan on playing your drums. If you’re looking for a traditional drumming experience or want the classic acoustic sound, then an acoustic set is the way to go. However, if you’re looking for versatility and low volume, then an electronic set might be a better option for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference, so it’s important to try out both types of sets before making a purchase.

Shell Packs

A shell pack is a set of drums, with no cymbals, cymbal stands, drum throne, etc. Basically it’s just the drums, including drum heads (usually crappy quality, so some people will replace right away). Shell packs usually include a bass drum, a snare drum, and a floor tom, but can also include additional tom-toms. Shell packs are an easy way to get started playing the drums. Usually, only beginner level kits include everything you need to get started, so all intermediate and advanced-level drums come as a shell pack. However, shell packs can also be quite expensive, so it is important to do your research before making a purchase. In addition, shell packs often do not include all of the hardware or accessories that you will need to get started playing, so be sure to factor in the cost of these items when considering a shell pack. I actually had sticker shock the first time I bought drum hardware and cymbals individually. Building your own drum set with shell packs is a good option for those people who want to customize their drum set. With a little bit of research and planning, you can find the perfect shell pack to start playing the drums today.

Drum Heads

A drumhead is a surface that spans a drum shell and is attached to the drum shell’s bearing edge. The major function of a drumhead is to provide an area on which the drummer may strike the drums to produce sound. The term “drumhead” is most often used to refer to the round membranous surface of a drum, such as a snare drum or tom-tom. Drumheads are usually made from animal skin or synthetic materials such as plastic or nylon. Animal skin heads were once the standard on all drums, but they have been largely replaced by synthetic heads in recent years. Synthetic heads are generally considered to be more durable and easier to tune than skin heads. All drum sets will come with drumheads already on the drums, but sometimes they will be of low quality, and you may want to replace them in the future. If you buy a used drum set, then the drumheads might be quite beat up, and you may want to consider buying new heads.

Drum Throne

A drum throne is the padded stool that you sit on. Not only does it provide a comfortable seat, but it also helps to keep the drummer in place while playing. There are a variety of different styles of drum throne, and each drummer will have their own preference. Some common features include adjustable height, backrests, and padded seats. In addition, many drum thrones come with built-in holders for sticks and other accessories. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, investing in a good quality drum throne can make a world of difference in your playing.

This is also an area where you have a bit of your own personality and style. My Pork Pie drum throne has zebra print and sparkles on the side. But you could also just go for classy quality, like this comfortable Donner throne here.

Conclusion

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how much a drum set costs. The price of a drum set will vary depending on the type of drums, the quality of the materials, and the brand. In addition, the cost of accessories such as sticks, cymbals, and hardware can add up quickly. However, with a little bit of research, you can find a quality drum set that fits your budget.

I hope this article was helpful in answering the question of how much a drum set costs. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to leave a comment below. Happy drumming!