You’re either a drummer or want to learn drumming, right? There are so many factors that you will have to consider when it comes to buying a traditional drum set. Like where are you going to put it? Let’s review the best drum set and what goes into getting one.
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Benefits of Getting a Drum Set
Playing the drums is a great outlet for kids and adults alike. Or it can be a great teaching activity for your interested kids. With so many benefits associated with playing the drums, its no wonder that the best drum set brands have made their goal to provide a wide variety of sets for amateurs and seasoned musicians alike.
- Relieve Stress – Playing the drums can be a great way to alleviate anger and frustration. It’s so liberating to be able to hit the drums and hear music come out at the same time. There are so many different beats and rhymes to discover it can be a great way to focus on something other than the problems that you are facing. Having a hobby is also essential for your well being, so you have time to do something that you enjoy.
- Excel in Academics – The National Center for Biotechnology Information has done multiple studies showing that students who play a musical instrument, including percussion, tend to do better in subjects like math and science. Compared to students who didn’t play an instrument. Learning to play the drums requires an understanding of patterns, beats, and rhythms which correlate to subjects like math and science, which can make it easier to understand when you’re doing school work.
- Create Structure – Learning to play the drums requires discipline and practice. It helps students learn how to commit to showing up every day for practice. They have somewhere to go that is helping to improve and develop their skills. Helping to create structure in their lives and doing something they enjoy every day. It’s a win-win situation.
- Easier to Learn a Different Instrument – The drums are a great segway to learn how to play another instrument as they can be one of the most difficult to learn. Consider trying out multiple instruments before purchasing a drum set, if possible, or look for the best drum set under $500. You don’t want to spend a large amount of money if you later discover that you prefer to learn how to play something else. It’s an expensive hobby to give up you on shortly after starting.
- Get in a Workout – If you ever watch a professional drummer, they move at what feels like a hundred miles an hour. To play the drums, you have to be quick on your feet and able to move your entire body around to the various drums as you play. It’s one of the only instruments that require physical endurance unless you’re in a marching band. When you play the drums, you must stay somewhat fit so you can keep up with the physical demands required, without having to stop and take frequent breaks.
What to look for in a Drum Set
There are many variables that the best drum set companies look at when they make each type of drum set that they sell. Every drummer has a unique set of skills and preferences. Take the time to have a good understanding of drum basics before looking at the best drum set brands. This way, So you can make sure you’re getting one that best suits your needs when you’re ready to shop around.
Shell Kit – These only come with the drums. You won’t be getting any hardware, cymbals, or other accessories in the kit. Typically mid-range and high-end sets are sold as shells only. Professional musicians usually prefer to buy each piece of equipment separately from various companies; however, if you’re a beginner looking for the best drum set under $500, you should avoid purchasing a shell only kit as you won’t be able to stay under budget.
When you decide to upgrade your drum set, always purchase new drums first. They control sound more than any other piece to the set, so invest the most in them. There are a few things to consider when purchasing a shell.
- Type of Wood – This has a huge impact on the tone of the drum that you choose. Each type will produce a different tone. Maple is the most popular wood to make drums with, partly because it’s one of the most affordable options, and it provides a well-balanced tone. If you’re a professional drum player, consider purchasing birch shells. They are the best to use in recording studios.
- Finish Type – What your drums look like on the outside doesn’t affect the sound. However, it does have an impact on the durability of the drums and how long they will last. It’s also part of the experience of being able to choose a drumset that has a unique design and that you can customize to be one-of-a-kind if you’d like.
- Shell Construction – How the drum is made is what makes the sound of each one unique. Take into consideration the grain orientation, the shells bearing edge, and the type of tonewood the drumset is made of. Consider testing out or listening to the sounds of a variety of sets, so you have a good idea of the type you like best.
Complete Drum Set – If you’re a beginner and are looking for an affordable option, this may be your best bet. A complete set can include drums, hardware, cymbals, and other accessories. Always read the fine print before purchasing a drum set, so you know exactly what will be included and if there are any pieces that you’ll need to purchase separately. Starting with a simple bundle will help give you the full effect of playing the drums but not breaking the bank in the process. Read the reviews of the specific drum set you buy to make sure there aren’t any significant faults in the quality of the product.
Number of Drums Included – Each set includes a range of 4-7 drums. When you’re a beginner, consider purchasing a smaller set. The primary purpose of a starter kit is to learn the basic beats and rhythms. Having too many drums from the start may confuse or overpower you. Starting simple will help you to focus on perfecting your technique. You can always purchase additional drums if you’d prefer to add on to your original drum set or can go out and buy a more extensive set once you’re more experienced.
Single vs. Double Bass Drum Kit – As an amateur drum player, you only need a single bass. Learn to play with one foot peddle before moving on to two. It can create unnecessary confusion and frustration if you try to move to fast in the learning process. For professionals, the double bass drum kit provides the ability to play double bass rhythms. And they will need to find a double bass option when they buy their next drum set.
Consider Electric Drums – If you have a small home or live with people who don’t like noise consider looking into the best electric drum sets. They offer the ability to control the volume of the drums, so on occasions when you need to respect someone’s eardrums, you can quickly turn down the noise.
It’s excellent for beginners to see if they even like playing the drums or aren’t planning to make it a full-time career. You can also change the sound of our drum kit. Adding the element of percussion and sound effects that you might not otherwise be able to afford or manage during a show or practice.
Electric drum sets are portable. This is great if you need to easily transport them from one place to the next regularly. You won’t have the hassle of lugging around heavy equipment.
Upgrades to Consider
Extended Shell Packs
If you purchased a basic 4 or 5 piece drum set, chances are you may eventually want to expand. Most drum companies allow you to buy additional shells (single drums), so you add to your collection as you refine your skills on the drums.
Drum Throne
As you start to play the drums regularly, you’ll quickly discover that having a comfortable chair is very important. If you purchase basic kit chances are it won’t come with a drum throne, and if it does, chances are it will be low quality. So if you’ll be spending hours practicing a day, invest in a quality drum throne that is sturdy and comfortable for you to sit on so you can get back to focusing on playing the drums.
Bass Drum Pedal
This should be one of the first upgrades that you make to your drum set and is one of the cheapest. You’ll use this regularly, and it is difficult to operate the bass drum with a wobbly pedal that can’t move up and down as quickly as you need it.
Recommendations
Basic Drum Set
If you’re just starting out playing the drums, chances are you’re looking to save money or want to try out a basic set before upgrading. If that’s the case, you’ll want to consider purchasing an affordable complete set that comes with cymbals, hardware, sticks, and additional pieces of hardware. There are a few options that are better than most. Not only are these affordable but also are high-quality sets that will last for years and that you could add on to as you progress in your drum playing skills.
- Tama Drum Set, Stain Blonde
- Ludwig Accent Series Complete Drum Set, Red Foil
- Pearl Roadshow 4-Piece Drum Set, Charcoal Metallic
Mid Level Drum Sets
Once you’ve learned the basic fundamentals of playing the drums and have decided you’d like to continue playing, it may be time for an upgrade. Your basic kit might not be cutting it anymore. Most importantly, you’ll need to make sure that you buy a kit with excellent hardware that will last the wear and tear. You’ll also need to look for a new set that provides a better tone, depth, and range of sounds than you’re basic kit did. There are few excellent options that shine above the rest that you should consider when looking to upgrade. Keep in mind that some of these options are drum shell packs only. You’ll have to purchase the cymbals and hardware separately but will give you the ability to customize your set to ensure better quality sound.
- DW – PDP 7-Piece Concept Maple Shell Pack with Chrome Hardware Pearlescent White
- Yamaha Stage Custom Birch 5pc Drum Shell Pack – 20” Raven Black
- Gretsch Drums Catalina Maple – 5 Piece Drum Shell Pack, Walnut Glaze
Professional Grade Drum Set
When you’ve been playing the drums for years and are ready to purchase a professional-grade set, it can be nerve-racking, especially when you plan to spend thousands of dollars. Most expert-level sets only come with the shells, or you can purchase each one separately if you’re looking to combine brands or a variety of sounds.
- Pearl Masters Maple Complete 4 Piece Drum Shell Pack, Absinthe Sparkle
- DW Design Series Acrylic 5-Piece Shell Pack with Chrome Hardware Clear
- PDP By DW 7-Piece Concept Maple Shell Pack with Chrome Hardware
Conclusion
There are so many variables to take into consideration when purchasing a drum set. First and foremost, decide how much money you’re willing to spend and how often you’re willing to practice. This will help to give you a better idea of the type of drum set you want to invest in. With all the relevant information, you’re now ready to go out and get the best drum set for you!
