Best
Young Beginner Drum Kit
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Overall: Compact size makes it perfect for younger players
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Best Feature: 9-ply poplar shells provide a warm and resonant sound
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TedScore™: 8/10
Best
Overall Beginner Drum Set
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Overall: The affordable price point for an entry-level drum set
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Best Feature: Durable construction for long-lasting use
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TedScore™: 9.5/10
Best
Adult Beginner Drum Kit
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Overall: Hardwood shells produce punchy beats with a short sustain
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Best Feature: Perfect for various genres, especially rock
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TedScore™: 8.5/10
Finding the best drum sets for beginners is essential to make your first beats memorable.
Whether you prefer an acoustic or electronic set, choosing the right drum set can significantly impact your learning experience and enjoyment. From sturdy birch shells that resonate with every hit to electronic kits packed with training features, there’s a drum set for everyone.
Ready to find the perfect drum set that matches your growing skills and enthusiasm? Let’s explore the best options and help you become the next drumming sensation!
Best Drum Sets for Young Beginners
Pearl Roadshow Junior
The Pearl Roadshow Junior is a high-quality drum set for young drummers. It features a 16″ bass drum, 10″ tom, 13″ floor tom, and a 12″ snare drum, all made with durable poplar wood shells.
The drum set comes with cymbals, hardware, and drumsticks, making it a complete package for young drummers looking to get started.
FEATURES: Cymbal and hi-hat stands are included, making it a complete drum set package
OTHER INFO: 9-ply poplar shells provide a warm and resonant sound
Pearl Roadshow Junior 5pc Drum Kit, Jet Black
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Compact size makes it perfect for younger players or those with limited space
- Affordable price point makes it accessible for beginners
- Limited sound options compared to larger, more advanced drum sets
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Ludwig Questlove Pocket Kit
The Ludwig Questlove Pocket Kit is a compact, portable drum set for young and small beginners. It features a 16″ bass drum, 10″ tom, 13″ floor tom, and a 12″ snare drum, all made with durable poplar wood shells.
The set also comes with cymbals, hardware, and drumsticks, making it a complete package for young drummers looking to get started.
FEATURES: Easy to assemble and disassemble for quick setup and storage
OTHER INFO: Compact 4-piece drum set with poplar wood shells for durability
Ludwig LC178X025 Questlove Pocket Kit 4-Piece Drum Set
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Lightweight and easy to transport
- Comes with cymbals, hardware, and drumsticks
- Not suitable for advanced players
Gammon Junior Starter Drum Kit
The Gammon Junior Starter Drum Kit features a 16″ bass drum, 10″ tom, 13″ floor tom, snare stand, and a 12″ snare drum, all made with durable wood shells.
The set also comes with cymbals, hardware, and drumsticks, making it a complete package for young drummers looking to get started.
FEATURES: Adjustable hardware for a comfortable playing experience
OTHER INFO: Includes drumsticks, cymbals, and hardware for a complete package
Gammon Percussion 5-Piece Junior Starter Drum Kit
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Affordable price
- Durable construction
- Limited sound range only
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Best Drum Sets For Adult Beginners
Pearl Roadshow
This 5-piece drum set is perfect for beginners, complete with cymbals and hardware to get you jamming in no time.
With its top-notch sound quality and sturdy construction, the Pearl Roadshow is the perfect choice for any wannabe rockstar! And yup – you’ve guessed it – this is the instrument that is my favourite drumset for beginners!
PERFECT FOR: Beginners and intermediate drummers
FEATURES: 9-ply poplar shells for a warm and punchy sound
OTHER INFO: Double-braced hardware for durability and stability
Pearl Roadshow 5pc USA Fusion Drum Kit w/Sabian Cymbals
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Cymbals included: 16" crash/ride and 14" hi-hats
- The affordable price point for an entry-level drum set
- Comes with everything you need to get started
- Durable construction for long-lasting use
- Great sound quality for the price
- Available in multiple finishes to suit your style
- Not as high-quality as more expensive drum sets
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Yamaha Stage Custom Birch
The Yamaha Stage Custom is perfect for beginners who want to rock out in style!
With 100% birch shells, this mid-range flagship drum set delivers a quick attack, tight sound, and short decay that’s perfect for any style of music.
And with its traditional ball mounts and clamps, you can customize your setup to suit your needs and style.
PERFECT FOR: beginner to intermediate players
FEATURES: 6-ply birch shell construction provides cutting drum tones
OTHER INFO: Yamaha Enhanced Sustain System ensures clear drum sounds can be achieved
Yamaha Stage Custom Birch 20'' 5pc Shell Pack
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Ball mount and clamp deliver a secure playing experience
- With a large range of technologies and features to improve your overall drumming experience
- Provides playing stability with an equally professional sound
- This Yamaha shell pack does not include cymbals or hardware
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Ludwig Accent Drive
The Ludwig Accent Drive is the perfect drum set for beginners who want excellent value for their money! With a 5-piece configuration that includes a bass drum, snare drum, two rack toms, and a floor tom, this set has everything you need to get started.
And with poplar wood shells that produce a warm and balanced tone, you’ll be rocking out in no time! Plus, with cymbals, drum thrones, and drumsticks included, you’ll have everything you need to hit the ground running.
PERFECT FOR: beginners
FEATURES: With a 45-degree bearing edge for a healthy combination of attack and sustain
OTHER INFO: Hardwood shells produce punchy beats with a short sustain
Ludwig Accent 22'' Drive 5pc Drum Kit, Silver Sparkle
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Deep 22" bass drum projects depth and volume
- Perfect for various genres, especially rock
- A drum kit with plenty of volume
- The cymbals included in the kit may not be of the best quality.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Alesis Nitro Mesh
The Alesis Nitro Mesh is an electronic drum set with mesh drum heads for a realistic and comfortable playing experience.
With its 40 preset drum kits and hundreds of sounds, the Alesis Nitro Mesh is a versatile and affordable option for drummers of all levels.
I’ve done a full review of the Nitro Mesh here.
PERFECT FOR: Beginner drummers
FEATURES: Mesh drum heads for a realistic playing experience
OTHER INFO: 8" dual-zone snare pad for rim shots and cross-sticks
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Three 8" tom pads and three 10" cymbal pads
- Hi-hat controller pedal and kick pedal included
- Quieter than traditional acoustic drum sets
- Realistic playing experience with mesh drum heads
- Nitro drum module offers a wide range of sounds and features
- May not be suitable for advanced drummers who require a more complex and customizable drum set
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Tama Imperialstar
This drum set has everything you need to get started, including drums, hardware, and Meinl HCS cymbals.
With poplar wood shells that produce a warm tone and double-braced hardware for stability during heavy playing, this set is perfect for drummers of any genre.
The matching wood hoops on the bass drum add a stylish touch that will turn heads.
PERFECT FOR: professionals and beginners alike
FEATURES: Omnisphere tom holder offers optimum positioning
OTHER INFO: Poplar shells deliver power and versatility
Tama Imperialstar 22'' 5pc Drum Kit
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Accu-tune bass drum hoops deliver tuning accuracy
- Delivers a dynamic response with powerful attack and bright tones
- Comes with chrome hardware that perfectly complements the overall quality aesthetic
- The drum throne included in the kit may not be comfortable for extended playing sessions.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Choosing the Right Drum Set Size
When choosing a drum set, size is one of the most important factors. The drum set’s size will affect the kit’s sound, playability, and portability.
Here are some things to remember when selecting the right size drum set for you.
Full-Sized Drum Sets
Full-sized drum sets are the most common and popular option for beginners. They usually come with a 20” bass drum, the standard size for most drum sets.
A full-sized drum set typically includes a snare, bass drum, two rack toms, a floor tom, hi-hat, crash cymbal, and ride cymbal. This size is perfect for those who want a traditional drum set sound and feel.
Compact Drum Sets
Compact drum sets are a great option for those who have limited space or need a kit that is easy to transport. These beginner drum kits usually have an 18” bass drum and fewer drums and cymbals than a full-sized kit.
While the sound may not be as full as a full-sized kit, compact drum sets can still produce a great sound and are perfect for practice or small gigs.
Drum Sizes
When selecting a drum set, it’s essential to consider the sizes of the individual drums. The size of the drum will affect the sound and playability of the kit.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
Bass Drum: The larger the bass drum, the deeper and more powerful the sound. A 20” bass drum is the standard size for most drum sets.
Snare Drum: A 14” snare drum is the most common size and produces a versatile sound.
Toms: Rack toms are usually 10”-12” in diameter, while floor toms are usually 14”-16” in diameter. Larger toms produce a deeper sound, while smaller toms are more focused and articulate.
Best Drum Sets for Beginners
Summary
Choosing the best drum set for beginners can significantly impact your drumming journey. Whether you’re a child needing a smaller kit or an adult beginner, there’s a perfect set for you.
My top picks for beginner drum sets offer high-quality sound and durability, which are ideal for learning and growing as a drummer.
When choosing a set, consider your budget, the music you want to play, and its size. A smaller set may be easier to learn, but a larger one offers more options as you progress.
Ultimately, the best beginner drum set is a personal choice based on your needs and preferences. Trust your instincts and choose the set that resonates with you most.
I hope this guide has helped you find the perfect set to start your drumming journey. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep at it and enjoy!
Before you go…
Are you ready to rock out without breaking the bank?
I’ve scoured the market to bring you the ultimate drumming experience that won’t leave a hole in your wallet. Jump into the next article for the big reveal!
Really appreciate the section on drum sets for young beginners. It’s overwhelming trying to find something suitable for my kid without breaking the bank. The Pearl Roadshow Junior and Ludwig Questlove Pocket Kit both sound promising. Gonna look into these more. Thanks for making this daunting task a bit easier!
The Ludwig Questlove is a solid choice. My kid loves it, and it’s not too loud for the house.
I think there’s a bit of a misunderstanding in the hardware section. The stands and pedals can make a huge difference in playability and sound. Wouldn’t it be better to emphasize investing in higher-quality hardware, especially for beginners? This could prevent the need for costly upgrades down the line.
Guess it’s time to annoy my neighbors with a new hobby, haha. Which beginner set is the least likely to get me evicted?
Hey Sam Jowett , nice article! Just wondering how the compact drum sets compare in sound to full-sized sets? I’ve got a small studio space and thinking they might be the way to go.
Compact sets can actually surprise you with their sound quality. Just make sure you invest in a good brand!