Beginner drum sets provide the foundation needed to learn to drum professionally. Many professional drummers began on an inexpensive kit.
Ludwig offers several beginner drum sets with maple shells and name brand cymbals that make this kit an excellent example of a starter drum set.
Setup
Selecting the proper drum set is an important decision and should not be taken lightly. A wrong set can have lasting negative repercussions for drummers, so it is wise to be strategic when selecting one and consider what their goals and preferences may change over time – it would be unwise to purchase an unadjustable kit as they grow into intermediate or professional drummers.
Beginner drum sets are extremely affordable and provide young drummers with a good way to start learning their craft. Most starter kits will include all of the components necessary for starting, such as drums, cymbals, stands, pedals and hardware; or may come as all-in-one bundles which contain everything including more expensive all-in-one kits but may feel less robust; these may still work perfectly well as learning tools for young drummers just starting out!
At a slightly higher price, you can purchase a drum set which includes both bass drum pedal and throne seat to ensure maximum comfort and playability for drummers. Making sure their posture and position don’t restrict them when performing is of vital importance; making their experience with practicing easier! Providing comfort means more practice!
There are a variety of beginner drum sets to fit any budget, but one popular choice among new drummers is Ludwig Classic Maple kit due to its quality and affordability. The warm sound produced by its birch shells draws many drummers in. Additionally, this package comes equipped with kick pedal and throne seat which make this complete package suitable for beginners.
The Alesis Command Mesh kit is another excellent beginner option, featuring mesh heads that allow drummers to adjust the feel of each head, helping them learn how to control the beat rather than hitting random drum hits. Furthermore, silicone cymbals on this set allow you to customize its firmness or softness compared to unadjustable rubber pads that cannot be adjusted accordingly.
Hardware
Beginner drummers know there’s no greater moment in their musical development than transitioning from practice pads or snare drums to their very own kit. Graduating to your very own kit sends a powerful statement of dedication, care, and commitment – as well as investing in yourself for future performance opportunities. That’s why many beginner drummers opt for complete-package drum sets that include cymbals, hardware, and sticks as a good start; later you can build customized versions as part of their future journeys if desired – choosing an affordable kit now is key.
Full-size starter drum kits range in price from $100 to $200 depending on quality and features, with cheaper models typically featuring cross-laminated poplar shells that don’t match up well to traditional acoustic drums; higher end beginner kits typically utilize birch or mahogany shells for richer tones that include built-in resonators to improve tone and volume.
Most full-sized beginner drum sets include a snare, bass drum, toms and hi-hats as well as cymbals and hardware. Some models such as Best Choice or Pearl Roadshow include stock hi-hats with crash cymbal while Tama Imperialstar includes everything mentioned plus an extra crash cymbal. Before choosing one of these models be sure to verify whether cymbals are included or what additional cost there might be to add them later.
Beginner-level hardware packs tend to be quite basic but still comprised of durable materials and designed for long-term use, with prices typically ranging between $150 and $300 and featuring accessories like thrones and kick pedals. To experience an accurate representation of an acoustic drum set, higher-end kits like Alesis Command Mesh offer adjustable mesh heads with technology that enables drummers to grab cymbals to stop them ringing – much like traditional acoustic sets do!
Cymbals
As you begin playing drums, cymbals will quickly become an essential component of your setup. They provide the sound that sets a drum kit apart from other instruments; most commonly seen are pair of hi-hats and one crash cymbal. Some kits may even include an additional ride cymbal positioned between high tom and right hand crash to provide a steady beat that complements playing the other two cymbals.
Beginner drum sets often include low-quality cymbals that will serve you until you progress enough to create your own kit. Your choice will depend on what genre or style of music you wish to play; bright and loud ones should allow for easier hearing above other pieces in your kit.
Your options for an intermediate drum set range from complete sets that include all hardware and cymbals to shell packs containing only drums; full sets will typically cost about $1500 while shell packs cost only approximately $600. Cymbals in these kits tend to be of higher quality than brass-coated beginner kits; you’ll often find Meinl and Zildjian brands here.
Mapex’s intermediate kit is an ideal option for drummers stepping up from a cheaper beginner set or newcomers looking to begin drumming altogether. Crafted from 9-ply poplar shells with double-braced hardware and the latest lug design, its genuine Remo drum heads offer superior sound compared to those found on beginner kits and its 22″ bass drum comes complete with 10″, 12″, and 16″ floor toms in addition to 14″, snare drum, 14″, hi-hat cymbal, and 16″ crash cymbal.
Tama Imperialstar Drum Set offers one of the finest starter kits available to beginner drummers, featuring some of their Imperialstar Cymbals such as 14″ hi-hat and 16″ crash. These can easily move around while playing.
Accessories
An ideal beginner drum set should include everything a drummer needs to start playing immediately, including cymbals and hardware as well as basic heads for practice purposes. Furthermore, it should be sufficiently affordable so as not to become obsolete too soon.
Major drum companies such as Ludwig, Yamaha, Gretsch, and Pearl offer exceptional beginner kits. These typically feature maple shells with multiple frequencies for warm tones with good sustain; birch or mahogany shells often offer bright sounds with shorter sustain that make rock and jazz music much easier to play on them.
When selecting a starter kit, it is essential to consider what style of music the drummer wishes to perform. This will dictate which types of cymbals and hardware will be needed as well as whether or not large or small drums are needed; typically an acoustic starter set will typically be lighter and smaller in comparison to its electric equivalents.
Another key consideration when purchasing a starter kit is whether to go for new or pre-owned. While buying used can be much less expensive, make sure that any used drums have not been damaged through misuse or abuse if displayed for sale – particularly those which have been displayed publicly for display – cracks or scratches should be checked carefully prior to any purchases being made.
As it’s essential for long-term comfort when playing drums for extended periods of time, be sure to find a set with both cymbals and thrones – many shell packs don’t include these essential pieces – it is possible to find one, however. Just ensure the cymbals are brand name rather than generics; and add in an extra cost to cover this necessity of comfort.
Premium materials tend to produce the most expensive drum sets; however, these high-end kits may not always be best for beginners. Instead, more versatile sets that can adapt as your playing skills progress may be better suited.