Buyer's Guide To the Best Drums for Beginners.

Choosing the right drum set (known as a drum kit) as a beginner is an exciting yet important decision. Whether you're looking for an acoustic or electronic kit, understanding what you need can help you make the best choice. This guide covers essential topics like the differences between drum kits and electronic kits, the cost of beginner options, and recommendations on the best gear for new drummers.

The biggest question you may be asking yourself is what the difference is between an acoustic drum kit and an electronic one (Which you may know as an e-drum set). There’s lots to consider here but we’re going to look at it from the eyes of the beginner.

Acoustic Drum Kits are traditional sets made of shells and cymbals. They offer some of the best sounds for drums with the ability to learn how to tune and maintain them, as well as having the best feeling for playing with sticks due to their response. However, they are very big and loud (Depending on how hard you hit them), so these may not be the best choice for small spaces or in a flat where noise could be a big concern.

A beginner E kit will save you a lot of space when compared to the acoustic counterpart and will significantly cut down on noise as you can play through headphones, they won’t offer the best sound, but with today’s technology, they still pack a very convincing punch! Best for learning we would recommend a good acoustic drum kit; however, for practice, electronic drum kits are likely the better option. It comes down to your situation but will be great for learning.

Something to consider, especially with an electronic drum kit, is the pads. These are what you’re going to be playing 99% of the time with a kit, so you need them to be good and you have two choices, Rubber or Mesh heads. Rubber pads will offer fantastic longevity, and you will have to go out of your way to break them, their mesh head counterparts offer much better playability, the stick bounce is more in line with that of an acoustic kit so transitioning between the two will be much easier.

Roland V-Drums & Percussion make the best E drum sets money can buy and represent the best in the industry, they’ve made a range of affordable kits suitable for beginners to get you kickstarted on your drumming adventures.

Alesis make excellent E drum sets perfect for the midrange drummer. They offer excellent value for money and are a great investment to the beginning of your drumming lessons.

Most drummers will at some point have played on a Pearl Export. It’s Pearl drums drum kit for the masses, a modestly priced workhorse and a school music room staple – a kit that is versatile, durable and always gets the job done.

Tama are something of a household name in the drum world, producing top-class kits, hardware and accessories! Tama is a brand that you’ll frequently encounter as a musician; whether it’s in the studio or at a stadium concert, there’s a chance you’ll spot some Tama gear somewhere!

Mapex drums is one of the leading global drum brands. A company that prides itself on producing instruments built and designed by musicians, for musicians. The high calibre of artists that use Mapex are testament to the quality of the instruments.

Not all drum kits come with cymbals, so check if your kit includes them or if you'll need to purchase them separately, if you do need to purchase them, many top range brands such as Zildjian Cymbals, Sabian Cymbals and Paiste Cymbals all make beginner friendly cymbals so you can begin with the same brand as the pros!

A few pairs of drumsticks are a must-have. Starter kits often include basic sticks but investing in a few different sizes and materials can be beneficial, some of the most popular are 5A due to their weight and size and Vic Firth and Promark Drumsticks are some excellent choices.

Can't lie, drums are a loud instrument. You want to be able to get the most out of the time you do get on your instrument. Practice Pads can be a useful addition as you're able to practice rudiments without disturbing others.

If you're using an electronic drum kit, an advantage of a E drum set is that you're able to plug in a pair of headphones, some headphones also offer hearing protection if you want to practice with an acoustic kit along with a song.

You only have one pair of ears and you must protect them. Drums are not only loud but they produce very sudden volume spikes, good quality ears are paramount, specially when having fun with an acoustic kit so some hearing protection are a must.

Q: Are drum pads good for beginners?

A: Yes, drum pads are excellent for beginners. They provide a quiet way to practice drumming techniques and improve stick control without needing a full drum set.

Q: How much does a beginner drum kit cost?
A: Beginner drum kits typically range from $300 to $800, depending on the brand, number of pieces, and included accessories. Electronic kits may be priced similarly, depending on features.

Q: How do you set up a drum kit for beginners?
A: Start with the bass drum in the center, add the snare drum and hi-hat to the left (if you're right-handed), and position the toms and cymbals around you. Adjust the height and angle of each piece for comfortable access.

Q: What drums do I need for a full set?
A: A full beginner set usually includes a bass drum, snare drum, two mounted toms, a floor tom, hi-hat, and one or more cymbals (crash and ride).

Q: Do drum kits come with cymbals?
A: Not all drum kits include cymbals. Some beginner sets come with basic cymbals, but you may need to purchase higher-quality cymbals separately.

Q: Do you ship outside internationally?

A: Yes we do ship all over the world with some restrictions on certain brands and larger items, for more information please check out our international delivery FAQ.

Finding the right drum set as a beginner involves considering whether you want an acoustic or electronic kit, how much space you have, and your budget. With top brands like Yamaha, Roland, and Pearl offering excellent options, there’s a perfect drum set for every aspiring drummer. With the right equipment, you'll be well on your way to mastering the drums and enjoying your musical journey.

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