Drumming is an exhilarating and fulfilling musical pursuit that can bring joy and satisfaction to both the performer and the audience. Whether you’re a budding musician looking to express yourself through rhythm, or someone who simply enjoys the thrill of beating out a beat, choosing the right drum set is crucial for your journey.
Understanding Drum Sets for Beginners
Before diving into the specifics of which drum sets to buy, it’s essential to understand the basics. Drum sets, also known as drum kits, typically consist of several components:
Bass Drum (Kick Drum): The largest drum in the set, played with a foot pedal.
Snare Drum: Positioned centrally, it’s the most prominent drum in the kit and played with the hands.
Tom Toms: Smaller drums mounted above the bass drum, played with sticks.
Cymbals: Metal disks that produce a bright, shimmering sound when hit.
Hi-Hats: A pair of cymbals that can be opened and closed with a foot pedal, creating a distinctive sound.
Stands and Hardware: These include stands for the snare, toms, and cymbals, as well as pedals for the bass drum and hi-hat.
Acoustic vs. Electronic Drum Sets
Beginners have the option of choosing between acoustic and electronic drum sets. Each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages:
Acoustic Drum Sets: These produce natural, organic sounds and are widely used in various musical genres. They offer a more authentic drumming experience and are ideal for those who want to play in live performances or recordings. However, acoustic drums can be louder and require more space and maintenance.
Electronic Drum Sets: These use sensors and midi technology to produce sounds that can be amplified, recorded, or played through headphones. They are quieter, more portable, and offer a wide range of customizable sounds and effects. Electronic drums are perfect for practice sessions in confined spaces or for those who want to explore different musical styles without investing in multiple acoustic instruments.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Drum Set
When choosing a drum set as a beginner, several factors should be taken into account:
Budget: Drum sets can range from budget-friendly options to high-end, professional-grade instruments. Setting a budget will help narrow down your choices and ensure you get the best value for your money.
Quality: Investing in a good-quality drum set is essential, as it will provide a better sound, last longer, and be more enjoyable to play. Look for sets made from durable materials with well-crafted hardware.
Sound: The sound of a drum set is influenced by various factors, including the type of wood used, the thickness of the drum shells, and the quality of the cymbals. Consider the type of music you want to play and choose a set that matches your preferred sound.
Size and Portability: Acoustic drum sets can be bulky and heavy. If you plan to transport your drum set frequently or have limited space, consider the size and portability of the instrument. Electronic drum sets are generally more compact and easier to move around.
Additional Features: Some drum sets come with additional features, such as built-in metronomes, recording capabilities, or extra cymbals and toms. These can be useful for beginners who want to enhance their practice sessions.
Top Beginner Drum Sets
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into some of the top beginner drum sets available on the market:
Tama Imperialstar
Description: The Tama Imperialstar is an impressive set that includes quality Meinl cymbals, including a crash cymbal. It has a lightweight construction, stable tuning, and is easy to assemble. The tom holder systems offer flexibility and stability, while the stands and hardware are made of good quality.
Pros: Excellent sound quality, includes everything needed for a beginner, good value for money.
Cons: May be slightly pricey for some budgets.
Best Choice Products 5-Piece Drum Set
Description: This budget-friendly option is a good mid-range 5-piece drum set suitable for beginners. It has a reasonable price tag and includes all the essential components for a beginner drum set.
Pros: Affordable, includes everything needed to start drumming, good quality for the price.
Cons: May not have the same sound quality as higher-end sets.
Pearl RS525SCC706 Roadshow
Description: The Pearl Roadshow is a very popular entry-level drum set that offers a great mix between price and quality. It has a sturdy construction and includes all the necessary hardware and cymbals.
Pros: Durable, great sound for the price, popular choice among beginners.
Cons: May require some additional tuning and adjustment upon arrival.
Ashthorpe 5-Piece Complete Full Size Adult Drum Set
Description: This drum set features Remo Batter Heads, known for their durability and sound quality. It’s a good value set that includes all the essentials for a beginner.
Pros: High-quality drum heads, complete set, good sound.
Cons: May be slightly heavier than some other sets.
Yamaha Stage Custom Birch 5pc Drum Shell Pack
Description: The Yamaha Stage Custom Birch is a high-quality beginner/intermediate drum set that offers excellent sound and durability. However, it does not include hardware and cymbals, so you’ll need to purchase those separately.
Pros: Very high quality, great sound, durable construction.
Cons: Requires additional purchases for a complete set.
Pearl EXX725S/C 5
Description: The Pearl EXX725S/C 5 is part of the reliable Pearl Export series, known for its durability and sound quality. It’s a popular entry-level kit that includes all the necessary components.
Pros: Durable construction, great sound, popular choice.
Cons: May require some additional tuning and setup.
Ludwig Accent 5-piece Complete Drum Set
Description: This mid-range drum set from a respectable brand offers good quality and sound for beginners. It includes all the necessary hardware and cymbals for a complete set.
Pros: Good quality, complete set, respectable brand.
Cons: May be slightly more expensive than some other entry-level options.
Additional Considerations for Beginners
In addition to choosing the right drum set, beginners should also consider the following:
Lessons and Practice: Taking drum lessons can be a great way to learn the basics and improve your skills. Whether you choose to take private lessons, join a drumming class, or learn from online tutorials, consistent practice is key to becoming a proficient drummer.
Drumsticks and Accessories: Investing in good-quality drumsticks and other accessories, such as a metronome, drum throne, and headphones (for electronic drum sets), can enhance your drumming experience and improve your skills.
Joining a Band or Drumming Community: Playing with others can be a rewarding experience and a great way to improve your drumming skills. Consider joining a band, drumming community, or attending drumming jam sessions to meet other drummers and collaborate on music.
Conclusion
Choosing the right drum set as a beginner is an exciting and important step in your musical journey. By considering factors such as budget, quality, sound, size, and additional features, you can find a set that meets your needs and helps you achieve your drumming goals. Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy the process and have fun while learning to play the drums. Happy drumming!
