So you or your child has started taking drum lessons and now you need to buy some gear. Not sure which set is the best one for you? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Here, drum teacher Maegan W. shares her tips for buying your first drum set…
Are you a beginner drummer looking to buy your first drum set? If so, you’ve come to the right place! In this blog post, we’ll give you a rundown of everything you need to know in order to find the perfect set of drums for your needs.
Keep reading to learn more!
What Should a Beginner Drummer Start With?
It is important to remember that quality should always take precedence over quantity. With that in mind, here are four essential pieces of equipment that every beginner drummer should start with:
- A good quality drum kit – The heart of any drummer’s setup is their drum kit. When choosing a kit, it is important to consider the size, material, and configuration. For beginners, it is often best to choose a smaller sized kit with fewer pieces. This will help to keep things simple and allow you to get the hang of basic drumming techniques before moving on to more complex arrangements.
- A practice pad – A practice pad is an essential tool for any drummer, regardless of experience level. They provide a convenient and portable surface for practicing rudiments and other basic exercises. In addition, they help to muffle the sound of your playing, making them ideal for use in apartments or other noise-sensitive areas.
- A metronome – A metronome is an invaluable tool for developing a sense of timing and rhythm. When first starting out, it is often helpful to practice with a metronome set at a slow tempo. As you become more comfortable with the basic concepts of timing and rhythm, you can gradually increase the speed until you are able to play along with songs at their native tempo.
- Drumsticks – Last but not least, you will need a good pair of drumsticks. When choosing sticks, it is important to consider the size, weight, and material. For beginners, it is often best to choose lighter sticks made from wood or bamboo. These sticks are easier to control and are less likely to cause pain or injury when struck incorrectly.
With these four essential pieces of equipment, you will be well on your way to becoming a successful drummer!
Ready to start practicing? Sign up for drum lessons today – and check out the video below to get an idea of the many benefits of doing so:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwKF7LiXW3I
What Kind of Drums Should a Beginner Buy?
Here are a few considerations to keep in mind as you start shopping for your first drum set.
Acoustic or Electric?
One of the first decisions you’ll need to make when shopping for a drum set is whether you want an acoustic or electric set. Acoustic sets are the more traditional option and are typically made of wood. Electric sets, on the other hand, are often made of synthetic materials and can be plugged into an amplifier to make them louder. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference. If you’re not sure which type of set you want, we recommend doing some research online or talking to a more experienced drummer before making your final decision.
Size Matters
Another important consideration when buying a drum set is size. You’ll want to make sure that you choose a set that is somewhere between 18″ and 24″ in diameter. Anything smaller than that may be too small for most adults, while anything larger may be too big and bulky. Once again, it’s all about personal preference—some people prefer a smaller set while others find them more comfortable to play on a larger one. Try out different sizes at your local music store before making your final decision.
Budget Accordingly
Finally, you’ll need to set a budget for your new drum set. Drum sets can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, so it’s important to have an idea of how much you’re willing or able to spend before beginning your search. Once you’ve done that, you can start looking at sets that fall within your price range and narrow down your options from there.
How Much Should I Spend on a Drum Set?
Any seasoned drummer will tell you that the best drum set is the one that fits your budget.
Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, there’s no need to break the bank on a top-of-the-line set.
However, it’s important to strike a balance between quality and price. Cheap sets may be tempting, but they often lack the durability and sound quality that serious drummers need.
On the other hand, expensive sets often come with features that most players will never use. As a general rule, it’s best to spend around $500 on a mid-range set. This will give you the quality and features you need without breaking the bank. Of course, the final decision is up to you.
Ultimately, the best drum set is the one that makes you happy – regardless of the price tag.
How to Buy Your First Drum Set: Tips to Follow
“Which drum set should I buy?” is such a common question for new drummers. Whether it’s for yourself, your child, or someone you know, the first drum set can make a world of difference in a beginning drummer’s journey.
There are a few things to consider when deciding which drum set to buy. I’ve been asked over and over, and the answer remains the same: none! Yes, this may be surprising, since drums seem like they’re essential when you’re learning to play, but the bottom line is that it’s too early on to make an informed decision when you first begin playing and learning.
When you’re just starting out, there’s so much work to do on a practice pad alone. I recommend postponing buying a drum set for at least a few months. If there’s still an interest in playing and learning after a few months on a practice pad, which can run anywhere from $20 to $100, then you should look into investing in a drum set. A practice pad can be helpful throughout your entire drumming career, so it’s a great place to start.
Another reason to hold off on buying a drum set is that you, or whoever you’re planning to buy the set is for, will start to develop personal preferences. Drum sets are unique in style and sound, just like any other instrument, and need to be selected according to your goals and tendencies, and these will change as you evolve as a drummer.
If you feel like you have already made up your mind to buy a drum set for yourself or your child, than here are some things to consider.
Practice Environment
What is your practice situation? Do you need to keep quiet? Do you have a lot or a little space? Are there stairs ( easy load in and out?) An electric drum kit may be a good option If you need to play quietly or have limited amount of space. An acoustic drum set with muting pads may also be a good option if you have unsatisfactory practice conditions.
Budget
Of course, we musicians like to think money doesn’t matter, but it does. An electric kit may also be a good option If you’re still trying to figure out if you or your child will continue playing. Electric drum kits are less expensive and generally include everything you need. When you buy an acoustic drum, you usually have to buy everything (cymbals, stands, throne, pedals, snare, etc.) separately. Also, the base price for a low-end acoustic drum will usually be at least couple hundred dollars more than an electric drum kit.
Intention
If you or your child are in love with the drums, and you know it’s going to be a main focus, than it may be worth investing in a nice kit right away. If this is the case, then acoustic is the only way to go in my opinion. There are so many things like dynamics, finesse, rebounds, feel, and hi-hat technique that can’t be learned or applied on an electric drum kit. Also, playing a live show with electric drums is like driving a go kart vs. a real race car.
No matter which way you go as far as acoustic vs. electric, or high end vs. low end, it’s important to do some research. Go to music stores and try out different sets. Look online at the drummers you admire or the style you’d like to play and see what they use. You will notice most drummers in a particular style or genre generally use similar drum kits.
Best Drum Set Brands
While there are many factors to consider when choosing a drum set, the brand is an important place to start. Some brands are known for their quality craftsmanship, while others offer a wide range of sizes and styles to choose from. With so many options on the market, it can be tough to decide which brand is right for you. To help narrow down your choices, here are three of the best drum set brands on the market today.
Pearl is one of the most trusted names in drums, and for good reason. Pearl drums are made with high-quality materials and construction, ensuring that they will last for years to come. In addition, Pearl offers a wide range of sizes and styles to choose from, making it easy to find the perfect set for your needs.
DW Drums is another top choice for drummers of all skill levels. DW drums are known for their exceptional sound quality and durability, making them a great choice for both studio and live performances. With a wide variety of sizes and finishes available, DW has a drum set to suit every player’s style.
Yamaha is another excellent option for those in the market for a new drum set. Yamaha drums are known for their superior sound quality and build quality, making them a great choice for both beginners and professionals alike. Yamaha also offers a wide range of sizes and styles to choose from, ensuring that you can find the perfect set for your needs.
Buying Your First Drum Set is Easier Than You Think!
Finding the right drum set is like falling in love, when its meant to be, you will know!
We hope this guide has been helpful as you begin shopping for your first drum set! Remember to take into account factors such as size, price, and type (acoustic or electric) when making your purchase. And if you’re still not sure what to look for, be sure to ask your drumming teacher for advice.
Happy drumming!
Maegan W. teaches drums, songwriting, and more in San Diego, CA. She earned a degree in Percussion from the Musician’s Institute, and has been teaching private lessons since 2004. Learn more about Maegan here!
Photo by Peter Sawatzky
Maile Proctor