Perfect drum sets for beginners

There are several types of drum sets on the market. Beginner sets are sold fully equipped – including hardware and cymbals. Just assemble them and play. Always keep a few factors in mind when choosing. Look for models with good value for money. If your situation allows, consult a professional.

Acoustic drum set for beginners

First, it is good to clarify whether you prefer a larger acoustic set or a smaller electronic one. Acoustic drums are perfect for beginners, but require a lot of space.

However, if space is not a problem, your options are wide open. Affordable, reliable and quality include the brands TAMA, YAMAHA, SONOR or TORNADO.

Top 3 acoustic drum sets for beginners

1. A popular and affordable drum set is Yamaha SBP2F5-CR Stage Custom Birch Cranberry Red. This set is made of 6 layers of birchwood (the bass drum even consists of 7 layers), which is standardly used in the highest model series of drums due to its exceptional sound and resonance. However, cymbals and stands are not included.
2. If you'd prefer a piece in a lower price range, choose the Tama LJK44H4 Club Jam Flyer Flyer Candy Apple Mist drum set. It's perfectly compact and suitable for smaller spaces. In addition to the Candy Apple Mist finish, there's also a bass drum riser, a tom-tom stand and a cymbal stand.
3. If the price is not an issue, and you want a truly premium product, the ideal choice is Tama MBS42S Starclassic Performer Piano Black. However, this set is more suitable for more experienced and demanding drummers.

Build your own set

If none of the complete sets appeal to you, you can build your own from individual essential components. Your set should include: a bass drum, snare drum, tom-toms, floor tom and a set of cymbals.

Snare drums in drum sets

Snare drums in drum sets are the cornerstone of rhythm (along with bass drums and hi-hat cymbals). Pay special attention when choosing these. Among the most important parameters that determine the sound of snare drums are: dimensions (diameter and depth), materials used, type of wire and drumheads.

These are drums of smaller dimensions. On the top of the drum is the so-called batter head, and the bottom head is called the resonant head. Underneath it is the previously mentioned wire. The shell of the drums is usually made of wood or metal and metal alloys.

Each type of material has its own specifics. It always depends on what sound you are looking for. Snare drums with a wooden shell have a typical "warmer" sound, while metal ones sound punchier and sharper. A snare drum cannot be missing in any drum set. It is placed on the left side of the bass drum (between the hi-hat pedals and the kick).

The snare drum is a huge contributor to the drummer's character, uniqueness and overall sound. So don't be afraid to experiment and don't pinch pennies if you don't have to. It is the drum you will use the most often out of the whole drum kit.

How to choose cymbals

As a beginner drummer, you have a wide selection of cymbals in front of you. Cymbals differ from each other in terms of material, type or manufacturing method. The basic parameter of a quality cymbal is its thickness and size.

Each cymbal set for drums includes: ride, crash or hi-hat. The basic set of cymbals can be supplemented with effect cymbals as needed. These are called china cymbals, splash cymbals or bell cymbals.

However, choosing cymbals is much more complex. The diameter of the cymbals is given in inches, their thickness is called in words: thin, medium and thick.

There are many possible combinations of cymbals, so don't be afraid to experiment and combine.

Accessories for drums

If you plan to build your own drums, don't forget the drum accessories you'll need when playing:

1. Hardware: An indispensable part of a drum set is hardware. This accessory includes various instrument stands, instrument holders or pedals, which you can't do without. You can also reach for complete hardware sets.
2. Tuning accessories: For precise tuning of the instruments, we recommend using drum tuners. When tuning, you will need a tuning key, which you can use to adjust the tension of the drumhead.
3. Practising accessories: It is essential for any drummer to practice with a metronome. Very popular (and most suitable for beginners) are modern digital metronomes, which are affordable, have a full spectrum of programmable settings and other useful functions.
4. Drum cases and mats: As a drummer, you should protect your instruments with protective cases. A useful addition is the drum mat. It is used to prevent your drum set from moving on the floor.
5. Drumsticks and replacement drumheads: Since drumsticks and drumheads are among the basic equipment of a drummer, they may get damaged from time to time. Therefore, think of spare drumsticks (or 3A%3ASitemapNodes%3A%3AFilterSitemapNode&LINK_ITEM_ID=565">brushes if you're into jazz music) and spare drumheads. Every drummer should have both in stock.

When to choose electric drums

Don't forget that if you don't have room for an acoustic drum set or there may be problems with the neighbours, you can always reach for electronic drums. They are storable and you can connect them to headphones. Many also have different functions. Their price ranges from 100 to 8 000 euros.

Muziker TIP:
If you have decided on electric drums, pay attention to the set Roland TD-1DMK. This set contains everything you will need to get started.

How to learn to play the drums

Does playing the drums seem like a rocket science to you? We have prepared all the basic recommendations for beginners that will make playing the drums a great experience for you from the very beginning.