15 Best Beginner Drum Sets [Guide & Reviews]

Are you a beginner, enthusiast, or you are improving on your drum lessons, and you need one of the best acoustic drum set for practice with confidence. Usually, a quality drum kit doesn’t make you too perfect but help you get the best out of your money. Getting yourself a drum that fits your style is another thing entirely if you need to improve on time. You’ll need a drum that is durable less expensive for beginner lessons that can be played for a few more years. Lately, the best gears don’t make the best drummer. 

On the other hand, as a fast learner on the pads, you want to move on to a real drum for better understanding and or personal recording. Making a plan, you have a specific amount say $400, and you have to get a drum kit with quality. Stick around.

As a professional drummer with students under you, trying to make a career out of the drums, you’ll consider many things before choosing a durable drum kit for your students as beginners. Perhaps, you’re looking into specialties like the tone of the drum, shell sizes, type of configuration, and maybe custom options. All of these don’t come easy especially when there’s a budget for the purchase.  

On this list, you’ll find a range of best acoustic drum sets, majorly for beginners. Other players can jump on one of these too. These drum sets have been shortlisted after so many deciding factors, they have all the necessary accessories you will need, plus they are less than $400.

TOP 15 Best Drum Sets Reviews

This guide is a critical review of the best beginners acoustic drum set. It contains all you need to know as a beginner and the best brands of drum sets around.

1. Rise by Sawtooth Full Size Student Drum Set with Hardware and Cymbals

Rise by Sawtooth Full Size Student Drum Set with Hardware and Cymbals, Crimson Red Sparkle

Without a doubt, a large number of students don’t know much about a drum set. Some haven’t laid hands on a drum kit before. This does not encourage steady progress to some extent. Whenever students in this category come to a practice session,  classes are longer than usual and severe because they take time to learn and acquire knowledge.

A more reason why this drum set was produced is for the students so that they can grab the practice faster.  It is best for them. This model is made to withstand the daily beating as it comes with a higher degree of durability. The cymbals hardly crack even when you hit them intensely.

If you’re going for this drum, you have the upper hand as you can play and practice with various genres on this five-piece set, consisting of three toms, and a crash ride. They all come with their stands, except for the double front toms relaxing on the mount.  With this arrangement, the drum kits are stable. All the drums are packed with necessary assembling and adjustment tools.

2. Pearl RS584CC31 Roadshow 4-Piece Drum Set, Jet Black

Pearl RS584CC31 Roadshow 4-Piece Drum Set, Jet Black

You don’t have to spend $400 on a second-hand drum kit when you can get a top-notch set for the same price.  A complete drum kit built for practice and recording; this is not a toy or least option choice. It is a durable kit and has everything you need to improve on your drumming skills. You’ll see how your hands can be so fast and precise when you take your practice seriously with this drum kit.  

This model of Roadshow’s four pieces has a tripod stand for the cymbals,  hi-hat, and snare. The tripod stand is keen to keep the drums against the pressure of performance. It also dual reinforced and can be adjusted in angle and height. Their hardware is sturdy, and the woodwork is quality,  dispensing excellent sounds and making you feel like a pro. If you love hitting the drum massively,  Roadshow 4 piece stumbling is for you.  All the legs are double braced for serious pounding.  

The snare gives the drum a voice and can capture whatever loud or soft notes. As little as it is,  it is filled with power and can be beaten at any volume. Beat it how you want. Its shell and finishes are matching. The bass, on the other hand, is the heartbeat of the kit. It serves as the foundation of the groove for the rest of the instrument. Included in the package are tunning knobs for locking, loosing and mounting the toms and other accessories.

3. Mendini by Cecilio Complete Full Size 5-Piece Adult Drum

Mendini by Cecilio Complete Full Size 5-Piece Adult Drum Set with Cymbals, Pedal, Throne, and Drumsticks, Metallic Black, MDS80-BK

This model of Medini by Cecilio has proven that you don’t need to save up for that expensive drum kit. An expensive drum does not make a professional drummer; instead,  it is how you can adapt to a low budget drum set with quality. It is suitable for beginners and enthusiasts alike.  A novice can easily derive the enthusiasm to play the drum if he gets too familiar with the Medini drum kit.  

Fortunately,  it is a five-piece full drum set.  You need no extra cost for cymbals and drum sticks. It comes with almost everything you need as an amateur to master the basics of drumming. It has an expensive look, and the sounds dispensed from hitting the drum heads are rich in tone. As well, It is certified for practicing various genres of music too and for recording if you have acquired some experience.

Another reason you’d be considering this choice is that it comes with a round padded drum throne plus one year warranty on all of its accessories. Usually, you’ll go from place to place looking for a cheap drum throne and quality sticks that fit you. In the long run, you may have a hard time setting things up for your comfort. All of Medini drum set has been built together and packed to help you adapt quickly.

4. Gammon Percussion Full Size Complete Adult 5 Piece Drum Set

Gammon Percussion Full Size Complete Adult 5 Piece Drum Set with Cymbals Stands Stool and Sticks, Black

Gammon should not be a new name on the list; many users can attest to the fact that they excel in production nothing less than quality. Drums like this are comfortable to hit; you’ll hardly develop aches in your hand because it has been custom made for people of average height (5 feet and above). Some other models of drum kits lack balance, the drums and stands may seem too low or too high. This cannot be attributed to Gammon percussion full-size complete adult five-piece drum set.

It is easy to practice with if you’re making it a career and is made from natural wood, not from synthetic. Hence, it can withstand pressures that cause wear and tear if it is being used continuously. The drum heads are also durable, complimenting the woodwork. The cymbals, toms, and hi-hat are worth insurance. You can quickly tell from these features that the snare drum will do wonders when stroked with the sticks. The stands are high enough to receive the rods and can be adjusted to another height or angle,  depending on your choice.  

As a beginner, drums like this one improves learning skills. With drum sets like this, you’re not wasting your money if you cash on it.

5. Ludwig Accent Drive Black 5-Piece Drum Set

Ludwig Accent Drive Black 5-Piece Drum Set

This quality brand has made massive sales amongst top-notch brands. No doubt it appears in this list. Ludwig Accent Drive Black Drum Set, is no new name among professional drummers, for amateurs you’re getting a good deal with a balance between their hardware, price, and excellent sound. This brings about a solid foundation and quick learning for some amateurs turned professionals.

The bass drum,  snare, and toms are of standard sizes and make the drum hitting stress-free.  Whenever you’re drumming during rehearsal, you’ll make a hit, and the tone it produces will sound convincing. That is the importance of the stable balance this quality brand gives. Even the drum throne is balanced with the pedal, so you’ll have an excellent time on the bass. Unlike some other toms,  the two high toms of the Ludwig Accent Drive Black 5 Piece Drum Set do not need an extra tuning.

For teens aspiring to become a Pro on the drum sets, begin your career with this quality hardware and drum headpiece, enthusiasts alike can also jump on it. It produces a fully coordinated sound with a proper balance in high and low tunes. Make no mistake of abusing the drum because it causes wear and tears to the hardware.

6. LAGRIMA 5 Piece Full-Size Drum Set for Adult

LAGRIMA 5 Piece Full Size Drum Set for Adult with Stand, Cymbals, Hi-Hat, Pedal, Adjustable Drum Stool and 2 Drum Sticks

I’ll describe this powerful drum as a Black Excellence model.  All of the five full sets are compatible for adults that fancy drumming as a hobby.  It is not limited to the purpose mentioned above. It consists of the bass drum, snare, three toms, and crash type cymbals. All built with sturdy structure. The shell that carries the drum heads is natural and enhances your sound that much that you’ll be impressed.  The cymbals stand are made from an upgraded metal and can be played any adult with average height.

You’re getting extra drumsticks in this box, and the throne is good enough for a while. Low budget drum sets like this are not too familiar with other brands’ design. If you also need it for recording purpose, it can cook some excellent beat in the meantime. You need no additional cost for quality. Lagrima covers everything required for a starter kit to learn and record your music with.  

7. Ashthorpe 5-Piece Complete Full Size Adult Drum Set

Ashthorpe 5-Piece Complete Full Size Adult Drum Set with Remo Batter Heads

All of the lessons you’ll learn from playing this powerful drum set sticks to your brain. The five pieces complete full size and are packed with solid poplar wood and shell. Usually, some cheap drum sets of lesser standards are made of synthetic, and they wear quickly. The balance is something you can trust, regardless of the pounding force you’re striking the drum heads, it hardly shifts, and the flow from high pitch to low pitch is soft.

The sound is generally lovely and cannot be compared.  All stands are of average heights,  an adult specification. It serves a good kit for hobbyists but is highly recommended for beginners that need to learn fast. Every feature of this Ashthrope’s product without a doubt is an added advantage for beginners. You’ll find this is an exciting gear for practice, with the cymbals made of premium brass. It hardly cracks r get bent easily.

8. Pearl Drum Set Gloss Deep Red Burst inch

Pearl Drum Set, Gloss Deep Red Burst, inch (DMP927SPC261)

The only thing separating you from having the best drumming experience on one of the suitable pro drum sets is purchasing the seven pieces drum set. It is an amazing and affordable kit simultaneously. It is a ready-made set withal seven-piece drums packaged. You’ll want to fall in love with this, first with the deep red burst and secondly, the suburb durability.  Every drummer that has come across this Pearl 7 piece has a testimony to share.  

Apart from its affordable feature, it helps a beginner pick up faster if you’re considering this as a beginner, but would be best irises by a pro drummer. It helps you understand and pick your tonal variations when you need to. The sounds are heavenly, and the shells are from maple wood, there’s no cause for alarm. You can also trust the drum stands to them firm. Interestingly, you’re getting the Opt Loc mounting system if you purchase one of these.  

Included in the kit is a bass drum, snare drum, two-floor toms of different sizes, and three suspended toms with varying sizes. The whole drum weighs about 38 pounds, and it is a standard size drum.

9. Pearl RS525SCC31 Roadshow 5-Piece Drum Set

Pearl RS525SCC31 Roadshow 5-Piece Drum Set, Jet Black

Another fantastic option from the Pearl brand. This is a five-piece full kit acoustic drum that’s ready to step up your drumming lessons. With this Roadshow edition, learning never stops, and the show always gets lit up. The drum shells come from poplar wood, adding to its durability. The drums also come with triple flanged hoops and are of standard dimensions. All the toms and snare drum have been finely pre-tuned from the factory; you only need to look for your best sound in the Bass drum.  

 

One thing people don’t consider is the drum stands. Without these, your drums are helpless, and as such, Pearl Roadshow 5 pieces have made their stands from a rigid metal and are double braced, including the drum throne. You don’t get a drum throne in every drum kit, and all of these stands have longevity assurance.  

The drum throne included in this kit has been made adjustable for young professionals and aspiring producers or sound engineers. This means that everyone can jump on the drums if the two hands and legs are present. And arguably,  you don’t need extra lessons to play on this. There’s no cause for alarm invade your neighbors don’t love noise,

 

10. Yamaha Stage Custom Birch 5pc Drum Shell Pack – 20″ Kick, Honey Amber

Yamaha Stage Custom Birch 5pc Drum Shell Pack - 20 Kick, Honey Amber

Arguably one of the best brands for gear lovers if not the best. Yamaha has carved a niche for quality and longevity in all their models, and this five-piece drum kit is not an exception.  You’re getting core values off your money if you cash on this birch shell sets. You’re a potential stage rocker with these drums under your control. The sound of the snare drum is always productive in any pitch.  

This drum set is solely made for professionals, and without a doubt, there’s always an improvement when you play on it. Making a drum is different from making a productive drum; that’s the reason why this brand has invested heavily in the drum shell that produces a unique vibration alongside a clarified tone.  There’s resonance in every bit of the drum, and it can endure wear and tear for a long time.  So the shell is a multifunctional proof.  

This edition from Yamaha also offers Air Seal System that adds up to an excellent tone. Without exaggerating, this product was never considered twice before making this list.  See experienced drummers like the brand, while others love this model in particular.  

11. PDP By DW 7-Piece Concept Maple Shell Pack

Starting with the backbone and support the maple shell gives,  you’d not think twice before making a purchase. Configured to make a substantial vibration and enhance your music sound, you are getting enough from this model.

The concept series has recently won many drummers over with the fresh looks and customized she’ll sound.  This is a seven-piece drum kit made for professionals and music producers to express themselves while having the sticks in their hands. There’s never a downtime on this instrument. This model comes in an attractive and elegant gloss finish that adds finesse to the hardware. It is a suitable model for many genres.

Unfortunately, it does not come with cymbals,  you’re spending few bucks on that, but all other sets are complete and trusted to last longer. DW 7 piece concept comes with outstanding features like the True Pitch tension rods; MAG throws off that are rare in other models. The snare is a significant selling point of this model, made of 10 ply maple, and every color variation never disappoints.  

12. MAPEX ST5045FIK Storm 5 Piece Fusion Drum Set with Chrome Hardware 

MAPEX ST5045FIK Storm 5 Piece Fusion Drum Set with Chrome Hardware, Ebony Blue Grain

One more solid invention from Mapex drums; It is a five-piece professional drum,  made available for all. Enthusiast alike can jump on this edition to improve lessons. It is more of a low budget scheme but can be impressive if utilized with care. To complement its durability, the maple and walnut shell can endure stress and hard vibrations.  

The Saturn series places more focus on the toms and bass, to deliver subtle sound.  The two hi-hat Toms connected to the bass drum are of rigid support that does not wear out the bass drum. All the bass drums heads have Remo Emperor batters features. This helps the drums get tuned easily for a beautiful sound. You are not getting any cymbals with the drum kits; you’re getting one separately, and this almost common to top brands out there.

The Saturn series from Mapex drums isn’t a joke like other drum types, the features they carry makes them sound like there’s another drum in the rehearsal ground or on stage whenever you’re playing. Another feature is that they are hand-painted and that’s almost perfect.

13. Tama Imperialstar Complete Drum Set

Tama Imperialstar Complete Drum Set - 5-piece - 18 Kick - Midnight Blue

Tama is a household name establishing their stay amongst top brands of drum makers. The Imperialstar is an edition that brings fun to the player. It is a five-piece drum kit that helps entry-level drummers pick up faster,  although, it is a drum for professionals.  Almost every bit of the drum is interesting to analyze without exaggerating. From the bass drum, toms, and snare drum. They help to project your sound just the way you want it. The drum throne in the kit is also a bonus and saves you a few bucks.

This edition from Tama is a sophisticated kind that becomes comfortable when you get more familiar with it. From hip hop,  funk, rock, jazz, and many other types of grooves and genres,  you can make any music with the Imperialstar 5 piece drum.

The drum shell is made from poplar wood, you should expect fine sounds and moderate vibrations, the glued wrap finish helps the drum resonate without affecting other vibrations and helps to prevent unwanted sounds from imbalance. The drum mounts, pedals, and drum throne are made from materials that can endure tension. You’re getting a cray cymbal in this kit. That’s some good news for budget drum buyers.

14. Ludwig Drum Set LCE

Ludwig Drum Set (LCE)

An excellent choice and an ideal drum set to rock your performance, the Ludwig LCE never disappoints even during rehearsals. This drum comes with a low price, unlike some expensive junks in a pack. You don’t have to be reminded that maple woods are one of the best f0r making these drums nowadays. Hence, the sound this drum dishes out never disappoints.

As a young professional, you won’t make a wrong choice with this Dum kit. It comes with every essential part you need. Additionally, you don’t have to buy an extra thing to play your drum with. Included in the box are the bass drum,  snare drum, toms, and floor toms, hi-hats, cymbals, an adjustable drum throne, a pair of drum sticks and drum keys for adjustment and tightening. It is also one drum on a low budget end to kick start a drumming career.

Generally, the drum sounds are warm and also have a nice sustain. You should expect a booming sound from the bass drum and can be adjusted if need be.

15. Gretsch CM1E824SWG Catalina Maple CM1 4-Piece Shell Pack with 22 Bass Drum – Walnut Glaze

Gretsch CM1E824SWG Catalina Maple CM1 4-Piece Shell Pack with 22 Bass Drum - Walnut Glaze

This is the only four-piece drum on this list. Nevertheless, it shouldn’t be considered the least of all options.  It consists of the bass drum, tom,  floor tom, and the snare. No added cymbal or extra Tom.  Interestingly, few drummers love to rehearse quickly with the four-piece drum because it is of standard size and the sound never disappoints. This edition comes with an ultra-low profile GTS mount system, basically because of the number of drums and to balance the stability of in-between drums.

This Catalina series is singled out because of its maple shell and has 30 degrees bearing edges with natural shell interiors. One advantage of this drum set is the superb hardware it comes with, despite being a four-piece drum. All the drums included in this kit have their basement of support, and you can trust the mounting system. No matter how finely tuned a drum is,  you should not underestimate the value of the hardware.

If you prefer electric over acoustic, take a look at the best electronic drum sets for beginners.

Buyers Guide

What is an acoustic drum set?

A true definition of an acoustic drum kit is a specific arrangement of sets of drums and cymbals that can be played as a single instrument. Typically, a drum kit consists of the bass drum, made drum, and some tom-toms, hi-hat cymbals played together. The sounds are produced when a stick beats the drums. All the different arrangements of the drum kit are configured to be played by one person.  

A drum set can be made up of different drums at a time; each drum in the set produces their separate sounds; the genre of music you’re playing on can also determine your arrangement. The number of drums also varies from drummer to drummer.

What to consider when choosing a drum set?

Before stepping into a gear store, you should have it at the back of your mind that the drum you pick will not last forever, and as such, you need to be very careful selecting the best piece. This stage may sound confusing because you’ll find many brands with attractive wood designs, and colors. These are additives to the quality you’ll get from the drum set. Before picking a drum set, consider these;

1. Purpose

As a beginner, dreaming of playing at tours worldwide, you’ll need an instrument for constant practice almost every day. You might even play with your low budget drum and entertain people; drums generally do not have practice models. Your level of training may determine the arrangements too. If you are pursuing a career in this niche, your most preferred choice should be a long-lasting drum kit that is price friendly. You should be able to record your music with your practice drum as well. Your purpose should come first before other factors.  

2. Setup

These drum kits come in a different piece, but as a beginner,  you should be considering a 4 or 5 piece arrangement. For improvement, you shouldn’t believe the three pieces set up unless otherwise, you’re shopping for a kid. A 5 piece arrangement with cymbals is one of the best if you’re going to learn faster. It is also easy to set up. If you find a drum set giving you a hard time to set up, then you should move on to another available drum set.

3. Drum Size

The size of the drum is essential When choosing a personal drum set. If you want to enjoy playing on your drum set, it’s size would be a determinant. Fitting well on all the drum arrangements gives easy access to the pedals, cymbals, and the likes. If you have an average height above 5 feet, a beginner drum set will fit you well.  People below that height would instead opt for kids drum set. At times, when you’re not comfortable playing a drum set and your hand aches, the size of the drums are part of this cause.

4. Drum Heads

A drum set, built to last should not lack the right or quality drum heads.  They dish out fine sounds when hit with the stick. Apart from that, durable drum heads shouldn’t get torn easily. All of the drum set in this review do not lack an inch of quality. You’re at the right place if to use looking for a beginner drum kit with nice drum heads.

5. Cymbals

Cymbals add value to your music and are therefore crucial in the drum kit arrangement. Some brand doesn’t add cymbals to their full drum kit. Some sets have the crash,  hi-hat, and ride cymbals. Others have neither the ride nor crash cymbals. As a beginner,  you’ll need a full set including the cymbals.  This helps you play all the sounds a drum set produces at once. These cymbals can be bought separately, but the beauty of it is that you don’t spend much acquiring a practice drum set.

Acoustic drum sets can be very loud, so be prepared and get good sound isolation in your working space. We have a quick guide and tips on how to soundproof your room.

People Also Ask:

  • How much is a good drum set?

A good drum set can go anywhere between $500 to $1,000 on average. The number of drum pieces, the quality of shells, hand-made or not, and the quality of the brand, are the factors that determine the final price.

  • Are expensive drum sets worth it?

All our picks above are on the mid-range tier $500 to $1,000. More expensive drum sets can go up to 2,000-3,000$ and worth it only when the time and place is set on a big stage or recording studio.

Conclusion

Pursuing a career and performing wonders with the sticks would require adequate knowledge from the beginning of the profession in pursuit. Your drum set defines who you are whenever you play. Before selecting the best acoustic drum set for amateurs, the balance, size, and cymbal types are essential things to consider.

You are free to pick one of the top brands on the list. They have proven to be durable and trusted. None of them is of lesser quality, do not mind the arrangement. Instead, check the number of drums, how strong the hardware can last, how the cymbals can serve you for long, and if the balance will not easily be lost.  All seven products have a high standard.

Whether you are a drum player or a music producer, you will eventually need to record your piece. Check out the best studio microphones under $300, and some great affordable audio interfaces of 2020, to achieve excellent recordings. 

If you own any of the above acoustic drum sets and want to share your experience, drop your comment below.

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