Manuel is a passionate, driven, and techsavvy AV technician, 
So, you’ve decided to learn how to play drums and want to buy your first kit. As mentioned in a previous post, you don’t need to purchase a complete drum kit to start learning. You can begin by working on proper grip and technique, which only requires a pair of drumsticks and either a single snare drum or a practice pad. However, let’s assume you’ve decided to invest in a full set of drums. As you shop around, you’ll find a wide range in the price of the sets you’re looking at, including beginner level kits, mid-range kits, and high-end kits.
- Beginner Level Kits: These kits are suitable for starting your drumming journey. The downside is that they often come with thinner, single-braced hardware, which is less durable than double-braced hardware. However, if you’re on a budget and just starting to learn, a beginner level kit is acceptable. Expect to pay $250-$500 for a beginner kit.
- Mid-Level Kits: These kits usually come with more durable, double-braced hardware and better-designed drum shells than beginner level kits. If you can afford it, starting with a mid-level kit is recommended, as they are more durable if you start traveling with your drums (in which case, invest in protective cases). Expect to spend around $1,000-$1,500 for a good mid-level kit.
- High-End Kits: Aimed at professional drummers, high-end kits often have handcrafted drum shells, are very durable, and have a broader tuning range than lower-end kits. You’ll spend more money on fewer components with high-end kits, which can cost $2,000 or more (some even reaching $10,000+).
How big should your drum kit be? This is a matter of personal preference. A basic 5-piece kit, consisting of a bass drum, snare drum, hi-hat, two mounted toms, and one floor tom, is recommended. Most 5-piece kits also come with two cymbal stands, but you’ll need to buy your cymbals separately. Start with 2-3 cymbals, including hi-hat cymbals, a ride cymbal, and a crash cymbal. If adding a third cymbal, consider a splash cymbal. It’s not the size of the kit that matters, but how you use it.
Shop around and compare prices. Once you’ve found a kit you like, look for the same brand and model at other stores. Don’t be afraid to negotiate and mention better deals found elsewhere. Some salespeople may lower the price or throw in extras to earn your business.
The bottom line is, don’t spend more than you can afford. If you buy a basic kit but invest time in learning proper techniques, you’ll sound better than someone who buys an expensive kit without focusing on technique. Enjoy your journey learning how to play drums!
Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME
