Best
Drum Set for Beginner Drummers
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Overall: Silver Sealer Interior Finish. Die-Cast Hoops
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Best Feature: Maple Wood Shells With A 30-Degree Bearing Edge
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Intermediate Drummers
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Overall: Available In Various Shell Packs And Individual Drums
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Best Feature: 7-Ply Maple Shells. Mini-Classic Lugs
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TedScore™: 8/10
Best
Professional Drummers
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Overall: Equipped With Pearl's SuperHoop II Hoops
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Best Feature: Feature 6-Ply, 5.4mm Thick All-Maple Shells
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TedScore™: 8/10
I recall the first moment I sat at a drum kit, gripping the sticks, my heart thumping with excitement. There’s something enchanting about discovering top drum set brands that sends my adrenaline soaring.
A quality drum set isn’t just about looks; it’s the soul of a drummer’s craft, setting the stage for years of rhythmic adventures. Whether you’re a newbie looking to start your drumming journey or a seasoned pro seeking the ultimate sound, I’ve got you covered.
Keep reading; by the end, you’ll be well-versed in navigating the symphony of options to find your perfect beat.
What Are the Best Drum Set Brands?
Pearl
Pearl is possibly the best drums brand and has been around for over 75 years. Formally known as Pearl Musical Instrument Company, the drum company headquartered in Chiba, Japan, after being founded by Katsumi Yanagisawa in 1946.
They’re known for their high-quality construction, innovative designs, and excellent sound quality. Pearl drum set offers the drummer’s needs, from beginners to professionals.
Tama
Known for its innovative hardware, such as the Iron Cobra pedal and Starclassic performance series drum kit.
Tama drums are praised for their robust construction, reliability, and rich sound.
The Tama Starclassic Performer and Starclassic Maple series are popular choices among drummers.
Yamaha
A well-respected brand in the music industry, and their drums are no exception. Yamaha drums are known for their high-quality sound and innovative features, and they offer a wide range of drum sets to suit different styles and playing preferences.
DW
It’s a high-end drum brand known for its high-quality sound and innovative features.
DW drums are often used by professional drummers and are known for their durability and versatility.
DW’s drums alone are worth considering if you’re looking for a top-of-the-line drum set.
Ludwig
Ludwig is a legendary drum brand with a long-standing history in the industry. Known for their iconic sound and classic design.
Ludwig drums have been favored by many notable drummers across different genres.
The Ludwig Classic Maple series is highly regarded for its warmth, versatility, and timeless appeal.
Mapex
It’s a drum brand that offers a wide range of drum sets to suit every drummer’s needs, from beginners to professionals. They are known among drum companies for their high-quality construction, innovative designs, and excellent sound quality.
Most of the Mapex drum kit offers stage and studio-ready sound.
Gretsch
It’s a famous drummers’ brand that has been around for over 130 years. They’re known for their exceptional craftsmanship, innovative designs, and excellent sound quality.
Gretsch offers a wide range of drum sets to suit every drummer’s needs, from beginners to professionals.
Sonor
Drum brand that has been around for over 140 years.
Sonor drums are known for their high-quality construction, innovative designs, and excellent sound and build quality.
Sonor offers a wide range of drum sets to suit every drummer’s needs, from beginners to professionals.
PDP
PDP is a subsidiary of DW Drums, offering high-quality drums at more affordable prices.
It provides excellent value for money, with solid construction and good sound quality.
The PDP drums are popular among drummers seeking reliable and versatile drum sets.
Premier
Premier is a British drum brand with a rich history from 1922. Known for their craftsmanship and attention to detail. It offers a wide range of tonal options and is favored by drummers in various genres.
Top Drum Set
Pearl Masters Maple Complete
It’s a professional-level drum set series known for its high-quality craftsmanship and exceptional sound. It is designed for drummers who seek a versatile instrument capable of delivering a warm, balanced tone across various musical styles.
Pearl Masters MCT 22'' 5pc Shell Pack
PERFECT FOR: any drummer in all playing situations
FEATURES: Includes a 22'' bass drum, 10'' tom, 12'' tom, 14'' floor tom and 16'' floor tom
OTHER INFO: 6-Ply, 5.4mm North American maple shells provide incredible tonal purity
Pearl Masters MCT 22'' 5pc Shell Pack
- Triple flanged 2.3mm SuperHoop II hoops for optimal resonance and articulation
- OptiMount suspension system offers increased resonance and endless sustain
- Provides optimal resonance and articulation
- Includes an additional floor tom
- May not have the same level of customization options as drum sets
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
Sonor SQ1
It’s a series of drum kits made of Birch wood shell construction and a Sound Sustainer mount. It is designed to provide a balanced sound with high-end frequencies and clearly defined low-end.
Sonor SQ1
PERFECT FOR: All levels of drummers
FEATURES: Birch wood shell construction
OTHER INFO: Balanced sound with high-end frequencies and clearly defined low-end
Sonor SQ1
- Sound Sustainer mount
- Comes with a high-end hardware setup
- Beautifully crafted and finished state-of-the-art instrument
- Affordable compared to Sonor's higher-end bespoke format kits
- Easy to set up
- Clear and full sound
- Only set sizes and finishes are available
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
Tama Starclassic Performer B/B
It’s a series of drum kits made of birch and bubinga wood shells. It is designed to provide a balanced sound with good attack and low-end response.
Tama Starclassic Performer B/B
PERFECT FOR: Professional drummers
FEATURES: Combination of birch and bubinga wood shells
OTHER INFO: Star-Cast Tom Mounting System
Tama Starclassic Performer B/B
- Quick-Lock tom brackets
- Die-cast hoops
- Balanced sound with good attack and low-end response
- Wide range of finishes available
- Heavier
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
Ludwig Classic Maple
It’s a series of drum kits made of 7-ply maple shells. It is designed to provide a warm and full sound with a wide tuning range.
Ludwig Classic Maple
PERFECT FOR: Beginner to Intermediate
FEATURES: 7-ply maple shells. Mini-Classic lugs
OTHER INFO: Available in various shell packs and individual drums
Ludwig Classic Maple
- Warm and full sound with a wide tuning range
- Keystone badges
- Wide range of finishes available
- It may require more maintenance due to the wood shells
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
Mapex Saturn V
It’s a series of drum kits made of hybrid shells consisting of maple and walnut. It is designed to provide a balanced and versatile sound for various genres of musical instruments.
Mapex Saturn V
PERFECT FOR: Professional
FEATURES: Hybrid shells consisting of maple and walnut
OTHER INFO: SONIClear tom suspension system. SONIClear bearing edges
Mapex Saturn V
- SONIClear bearing edges and tom suspension system for improved resonance and tuning stability
- High-quality hardware
- It may require more maintenance due to the hybrid shells
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
Gretsch USA Custom
It’s a series of drum kits made of maple wood shells with a 30-degree bearing edge. It’s designed to provide a warm and full sound with a wide tuning range.
This drum set is my top choice for beginners and also a great option for advance drummers!
Handcrafted in the USA, this drum set features 6-ply North American maple/gum shells, which deliver a warm, resonant tone with excellent projection.
What sets the USA Custom apart from other models is its meticulous attention to detail and the use of high-quality materials, resulting in a drum set that is not only visually stunning but also delivers a rich, full-bodied sound.
When I played this drum set, I feel like I’m surrounded by these amazing, rich tones and the drums respond so well to every hit, giving me this incredible sense of control and musical freedom that’s just so inspiring.
Although the USA Custom has a higher price point compared to other drum sets on the market, the USA Custom’s exceptional build quality, tonal versatility, and timeless aesthetics make it a worthwhile investment for serious drummers and professional musicians who demand the best in performance and durability.
Gretsch USA Custom
PERFECT FOR: Beginner
FEATURES: Maple wood shells with a 30-degree bearing edge
OTHER INFO: Silver Sealer interior finish. Die-cast hoops
Gretsch USA Custom
- Wide range of finishes available
- Customizable with various shell packs and individual drums
- Made in the USA
- Limited configuration options compared to other Gretsch series
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
Premier Genista
It’s a series of drum kits made of a combination of maple and birch wood shells. It is designed to provide a warm and versatile sound for various genres.
Premier Genista
PERFECT FOR: Professional drummers
FEATURES: Combination of maple and birch wood shells
OTHER INFO: Available in various shell packs and individual drums
Premier Genista
- Isolated tom mount system
- Warm and versatile sound suitable for various genres
- Wide range of finishes available
- Customizable with various shell packs and individual drums
- Heavy
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
What to Look for When Choosing a Drum Brand
Quality
When it comes to the Best drum brands, look for brands that use high-quality materials and have a reputation for producing durable and reliable drums.
Sound
Different brands will have different sounds, so choosing one that matches your preferences and playing style is important. Some brands may have a brighter or more resonant sound, while others may be muted or mellow. I recommend trying different brands to see which one produces the sound I’m looking for.
Price
Some brands may be more expensive than others, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re better. Look for a brand that offers good value for money and fits your budget.
Availability
You want to choose a brand readily available in your area or online, so you can easily purchase replacement parts and accessories if needed. Some brands may be more difficult to find, which can be frustrating if you need to replace a broken drumhead or cymbal.
Reputation
Look for brands that have a good reputation among drummers and music professionals. You can read reviews online or ask other drummers for their recommendations. A brand with a good reputation is more likely to produce high-quality and reliable drums.
Drum Set Components
Drum Set Shells
They’re the foundation of your drum set. They’re responsible for producing the sound and tone of your drums. When choosing drum set shells, you want to consider the material, size, and thickness. Common materials used for drum set shells include maple, birch, and mahogany.
Each material has its own unique sound characteristics. Maple shells, for example, are warm and punchy, while birch shells are bright and focused.
Hardware
It refers to all the metal components of your drum set, including tension rods, tom mounts, lugs, and more. The hardware is responsible for holding your drum set together and ensuring that it stays in place while you play.
When choosing hardware for a bass drum pedal, you want to consider its durability, ease of use, and adjustability. Look for hardware that is well-built and easy to adjust, so you can quickly make changes to your drum set as needed.
Cymbals
An essential part of any drum set. They add depth and character to your sound and can be the instruments used to create a wide range of different tones and effects. When choosing cymbals, you want to consider their size, weight, and material. Common cymbal materials include bronze and brass, each of which has its own unique sound characteristics.
Snare Drums
It’s responsible for producing the sharp, crackling sound that is so characteristic of drum sets. When choosing a snare drum, you want to consider its size, material, and tension. Look for a snare drum that is well-built and easy to tune, so you can quickly make adjustments to your sound as needed.
Drum Set Materials
Shells:
The shells are the core of any drum set, responsible for producing the primary tone and resonance of percussion instruments. Here are some common shell materials:
Maple is a popular choice for drum and percussion shells due to its warm, balanced tone and excellent projection. It offers a rich, full-bodied sound that works well in a variety of musical genres.
Birch Shells are known for their bright and focused sound. They provide excellent attack and clarity, making them suitable for genres that require punch and articulation, such as rock and pop.
Mahogany Shells deliver a warm and deep tone with enhanced low frequencies. They provide a rich, vintage sound often favored in jazz, blues, and soul music.
Oak Shells offer a powerful and resonant sound. They provide strong projection and increased volume, making them ideal for drummers who require a loud and punchy sound.
Acrylic Shells are transparent and offer a unique visual appeal. They produce a bright and cutting sound with strong projection, making them suitable for live performances and studio recordings.
Drumheads
Drumheads directly influence the tone, attack, and response of the drums. The most common materials used for drumheads are:
Mylar is a synthetic material widely used for drumheads. It is durable, versatile, and offers a balanced sound. Different variations of Mylar drumheads exist, such as single-ply, double-ply, and coated, each providing distinct tonal characteristics.
Calfskin Drumheads have a rich history and were commonly used in vintage drum sets. They produce a warm, organic sound with a natural feel. However, calfskin heads require more maintenance and are sensitive to temperature and humidity changes.
Hardware
The hardware components of a drum set, including hoops, lugs, tension rods, and mounting systems, can be made from various materials. Here are a few commonly used materials:
Steel is a popular choice for hardware due to its strength and durability. It provides stability and robustness to withstand heavy playing and touring conditions.
Aluminum is lightweight yet strong, offering a balance between durability and portability. It is often used for hardware components to reduce weight without compromising structural integrity.
Die-cast Zinc is a sturdy and reliable material known for its stability and resonance control. It is commonly used for hoops to provide enhanced rim shots and tuning stability.
Chrome plating is applied to hardware components to provide an attractive and polished appearance while offering protection against corrosion.
What Makes a
Good Drum Set Brand
Drum sets are the backbone of any great band, and choosing the right brand is crucial to your sound and style. So, what makes a good drum set brand?
First, quality is key. You want a drum set built to last and withstand the rigors of touring and performing. A good drum set brand should also offer a range of sounds and tones, from warm and mellow to bright and cutting.
And let’s not forget about innovation – the best acoustic drum set are always pushing the boundaries and coming up with new and exciting designs. So, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, choosing the right drum set brand is essential to your success as a musician.
Best Drum Set Brands
Summary
In this article, we’ve covered some of the best drum kit brands that you should consider if you’re in the market for a new drum kit. These brands have been chosen based on their reputation for quality, durability, and sound.
Here’s a cheeky little breakdown before I wrap up:
- Top Picks: Tama, Ludwig, Gretsch, Yamaha, Sonor, DW, and Pearl make the list for their unparalleled quality.
- For the Studio Aficionados: Yamaha’s Recording Custom Series, designed with Steve Gadd, ensures recording sessions are nothing short of legendary.
- Masterful All-Rounders: DW and Pearl are your go-to for kit customization and excellent acoustics.
- The Show-Stealers: Mapex impresses with its performance-ready sound right out of the gate.
- Practice Perfect: Premier provides a peerless, low-volume option for practice.
Cutting to the chase, the best drum set brands blend innovation, craftsmanship, and performance, ensuring every drummer finds their perfect rhythm partner. So, musicians, what are you waiting for? Get out there and make some noise!
And if it’s useful – don’t forget to read our Acoustic Drum Set Buyer’s Guide.
wow, thanks for breaking it down with what to look for. Feeling way less lost now, cheers!
Glad it helped you, Tina! Drum shopping can be overwhelming, but fun. Enjoy the journey!
Pearl’s always been a go-to for me, robust build and killer tones out of the box. Pearl Masters Maple Complete is a beast, trust. If you’re serious about drumming, that’s one kit that won’t let you down.
idk why everyone always goes gaga over DW. Ive played on a Mapex and it beats DW hands down in both sound and feels. Seems like its just a brand thing to me.
Really appreciate the comprehensive list, Sam Jowett! It’s refreshing to see lesser-known brands like Premier getting some recognition alongside giants like Pearl and Yamaha. I’m currently weighing up my options for a durable, good-sounding kit that won’t break the bank. Could you possibly expand on the sound qualities of the Gretsch USA Custom compared to the Ludwig Classic Maple? I mostly play jazz and blues, so I’m looking for something that can deliver a warm, rich tone.