Complete Buyer’s Guide: How Much Is a Drum Set (2024)
Whether you’re a beginner drummer or ready to move to the professional level, there’s a great option available for every budget.
So how much is a drum set? The pricing varies widely from beginner kits to pro setups.
Below are my Top 4 choices:
Mendini by Cecilio
Excellent choice for junior drummers. It’s the perfect size for young children and comes with all they’ll need to get started immediately.
Gretsch Catalina Club
A fantastic option for beginner drummers. It’s known for its sturdy hardware and it’s priced moderately so it won’t break the bank.
Pearl Decade
Great option for an intermediate drum set that offers excellent value and quality. Great for drummers looking to upgrade their sound and equipment.
DW Design Series 5
If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line set for professional drummers then look no more. This DW kit delivers, and it’s a great investment in your musical career.
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In this post, I’ll cover your best options for cheap drum sets, different sizes, and price ranges from entry-level to professional drum kits.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Entry-level kits are a fantastic choice for those just starting out.
The price for professional drum kits can stretch significantly higher, reflecting the quality and features that cater to more advanced players.
How Much Is a Drum Set: Navigating a Complex Landscape
In this article, we’ll look at the various drum sets available today, catering to different skill levels and preferences.
The market is brimming with options, from junior drum sets designed for young learners to beginner, intermediate, and professional drum sets aimed at different stages of expertise. Electronic drum sets, too, have gained popularity in recent years, offering a versatile and space-saving alternative.
There are also important accessories like shell packs, snare drums, drum heads, and cymbal stands that you need to take into account when evaluating the price point of a complete drum set.
A diverse range of drum sets is available from major manufacturers that do a great job balancing quality, features, and cost. Choosing the right kit will ensure a long-lasting and satisfying drumming experience.
At the end of the day, that is what you want – an instrument that fits your needs and experience level so well that it will inspire you to practice and develop your skills to the next level.
1. Mendini by Cecilio Kids Drum Set
Tero’s Thoughts
The Mendini by Cecilio Kids Drum Set is an excellent choice for junior drummers. This kit features a 16-inch bass drum, a 10-inch snare drum, two rack toms (8 and 10 inches), and one floor tom (12 inches), making it the perfect size for young children. The set also comes with a 10-inch crash cymbal and a drum throne, so your child will have everything they need to start playing immediately.
4 / 5
Best For
Young children
Price Range
Low biudget
Build Quality
Druable construction
Additional Features
Great sound
Junior drum sets are designed for young children to learn and enjoy drumming. The smaller size makes these kits suitable for young drummers and small practice spaces.
The average cost for junior drum kits is relatively lower than other drum sets, making them an excellent way for parents to introduce their children to this musical instrument without breaking the bank.
Key Features:
User Experience:
Great starter kit for young children.
Pricing:
Low budget price range
What I Like/Dislike About the Product
Like:
Dislike:
Get Started with Mendini by Cecilio Kids Drum Set.
2. Gretsch Cataline Club
Tero’s Thoughts
For beginner drummers, the Gretsch Catalina Club is a fantastic option. This kit features a 14-inch snare drum, a 20-inch bass drum, two rack toms (10 and 12 inches), and a floor tom (14 inches). The maple shells produce warm tones, making this kit perfect for various musical styles.
The Gretsch Catalina Club is known for its sturdy hardware and high-quality drum heads.
4.5 / 5
Best For
Beginners
Price Range
Affordable
Build Quality
Sturdy hardware
Additional Features
Great investment
Beginner drum sets are perfect for those just getting into playing drums, providing an outstanding balance between affordability and quality.
Entry-level kits, like the Pearl Roadshow and Yamaha Stage Custom, offer a complete drum setup at an attractive price point.
These sets usually come with poplar or birch shells, delivering warm tones and excellent tone projection. Beginner drum sets may not have the higher-quality hardware or shell materials in professional kits, but they offer a solid foundation for learning and refining drumming techniques.
Key Features:
User Experience:
Amazing kit for those getting started in drumming. Still affordable but build quality is high enough that a beginner drummer can start getting a feel for correct techniques.
Pricing:
Affordably priced for the quality.
What I Like/Dislike About the Product
Like:
Dislike:
Get Started with Gretsch Cataline Club.
3. Pearl Decade
Tero’s Thoughts
The Pearl Decade is a fantastic intermediate drum set that offers excellent value for its price. This kit features 100% maple shells, providing a rich, full sound perfect for various musical genres. The set includes a 14-inch snare drum, a 22-inch bass drum, three rack toms (8, 10, and 12 inches), and two floor toms (14 and 16 inches).
The Pearl Decade also boasts durable hardware and high-quality drum heads.
4.5 / 5
Best For
Intermediate
Price Range
Higher
Build Quality
Durable hardware
Additional Features
100% maple shells
Intermediate drum sets cater to drummers who have outgrown their beginner kits and are looking for an upgrade in sound and build quality. These kits usually feature better wood types, such as maple shells, providing a richer and resonant sound.
Intermediate sets, like the Tama Imperialstar, come with more durable drum hardware and better-quality drum heads. The price range for intermediate drum sets is wider than entry-level kits. However, investing in an intermediate kit is good for those committed to their drumming journey.
Key Features:
User Experience:
A really great kit to play! Feels more like a professional level instrument, and sounds amazing.
Pricing:
More expensive, but reasonably priced for the quality of the instrument you get for the money.
What I Like/Dislike About the Product
Like:
Dislike:
Get Started with Pearl Decade.
4. DW Design Series 5
Tero’s Thoughts
The DW Design Series 5 Piece Drum Set is a top-of-the-line choice for professional drummers. This kit boasts high-quality maple shells that produce a powerful, punchy sound. The set includes a 14-inch snare drum, a 22-inch bass drum, and three toms (10, 12, and 16 inches).
The DW Design Series also features top-notch hardware and premium drum heads.
5 / 5
Best For
Professionals
Price Range
Expensive
Build Quality
High end
Additional Features
Highest quality drums
Professional drum sets offer top-notch quality in terms of sound and construction. They often feature high-quality wood types like maple or birch shells, allowing for a more refined and powerful sound. Professional session players and drummers for major touring acts use these as their tool of choice.
DW brand drums showcase the best craftsmanship and materials, making them the ideal choice for professional drummers. That’s probably why a drummer genius like Neil Peart used DW towards the end of his career.
The price of a professional drum set can be considerably higher than other categories because, typically, they don’t include the cymbals and other hardware. The investment is worthwhile for those dedicated to their craft.
Key Features:
User Experience:
If you’re looking for the best, this is it. DW builds these to the highest professional standards.
Pricing:
Expensive.
What I Like/Dislike About the Product
Like:
Dislike:
Get Started with DW Design Series 5
Electronic Drum Sets: Versatility and Space-Saving Solutions
Electronic drum sets have gained popularity as they provide a versatile and space-saving alternative to traditional acoustic drums. These kits allow easy volume control, making them perfect for practice sessions in apartments or shared spaces.
Prices for electronic kits vary greatly, with entry-level options starting around $300 and high-end models reaching up to $5,000 or more.
Shell Packs: Customizing Your Drum Set
Shell packs are an excellent option for drummers who want to customize their drum set. A shell pack typically includes only the drum shells, allowing you to handpick your preferred drum heads, cymbals, and hardware.
Pricing varies based on the quality of materials used and the brand, ranging from a few hundred dollars for entry-level options to several thousand for high-end models.
Cymbals: From Entry-Level to Pro Choices
Cymbals are essential to any drum set, and their quality can significantly impact the overall sound. Beginner cymbals are often made of more affordable materials, while professional cymbals use higher-quality alloys for better sound and longer-lasting performance.
Prices for cymbals can range from under $100 for a basic set to over $1,000 for high-end models.
Used Drum Sets: Finding the Right Deal
Used drum sets can be an excellent option for those looking to save money while acquiring a good quality kit. Inspect the drum shells, hardware, and cymbals for any signs of damage or excessive wear when shopping for used drums.
You should definitely play the kit before purchasing so you can make sure the sound and feel are what you’re looking for.
The price range for used drum sets varies wildly, depending on factors such as the brand, age, and condition of the set.
Checking your local music store, online marketplaces, or classified ads can help you find the best deals on used drum sets. Patience and research are crucial to finding the right set at the right price.
Choosing the Right Drumsticks
This one is actually a more important decision than you might think! The weight and feel of the sticks directly affect your ability to play, and it also affects the tone of the drums.
There are a range of standard drumstick types and sizes available. The 5a and 5b types are most common, and you’ll probably find a comfortable pair between those two.
I recommend trying both to decide which feels more natural in your hand. You can read more about this in the 5a vs 5b drumsticks article I wrote to help you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average drum set cost for a beginner?
The average cost of a beginner drum set ranges from $300 to $700. These entry-level kits typically include basic hardware and a decent set of cymbals. Prices can vary depending on the brand, materials, and features included.
How do I choose the right drum set for my skill level?
Consider factors such as your budget, the type of music you play, and your experience level. For beginners, a basic, affordable kit is suitable for learning the basics. Intermediate drummers may benefit from a higher-quality kit with better wood and hardware. Professional drummers often invest in top-of-the-line kits for optimal sound and performance.
What is the difference between a shell pack and a complete drum kit?
A shell pack includes only the drum shells (bass drum, snare drum, and toms), while a complete drum kit comes with additional hardware like cymbal stands, drum throne, pedal, and cymbals. Shell packs are an excellent option for drummers who already have hardware or want to customize their setup.
Are electronic drum sets an excellent alternative to acoustic drum sets?
Electronic drum sets can be a great alternative to acoustic kits, especially for those living in apartments or practicing in noise-sensitive environments. They offer adjustable volume control, built-in metronomes, and the ability to connect to recording software for easy tracking. However, electronic drum sets may not provide the same feel and sound as an acoustic kit.
What should I look for when buying a used drum set?
Inspect the shells for damage or warping, check the hardware for signs of wear or rust, and test the sound of the drums to ensure they meet your expectations. Used drum sets’ prices vary widely, so be patient and diligent in your search.
How important is the material of the drum shells?
The material of the drum shells can significantly affect the tone and resonance of the drums. Common materials include maple, birch, and poplar, each offering unique sound characteristics. Higher-end kits often use better wood materials for improved sound quality.
How do I maintain and care for my drum set?
Regularly clean and polish your drum shells, tighten and lubricate hardware, and replace worn drum heads. Proper care and maintenance will prolong the life of your drum set and ensure optimal sound quality.
What are the differences between beginner and professional cymbals?
Beginner cymbals are often made of brass or sheet bronze, offering decent sound quality at an affordable price. Intermediate and professional cymbals are typically cast bronze, providing better sound quality and durability.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect drum set can be exciting yet overwhelming at the same time, especially with today’s wide range of options.
Investing in a drum set is not just about the initial cost but also about the long-term enjoyment and growth potential it offers. You won’t want to spend time learning and developing your craft if the kit doesn’t sound and feel right.
Take the time to research and try different sizes, materials, and brands to ensure you find the best match for your musical style and aspirations. Your local music store can be an invaluable resource in your search, offering expert advice and the opportunity to test various drum sets in person.
Keep in mind you can also customize a drum kit using drum wraps. So if you find a used kit that is perfect for you but doesn’t have the right look, with a little work, you can make it your own.
Our Top Picks
- Junior: Mendini by Cecilio
- Beginner: Gretsch Catalina
- Intermediate: Pearl Decade
- Pro: DW Design Series 5
