Drumming is an exciting and engaging musical pursuit that many people would love to get into, but often don’t know where to start. If you are just starting out, the first thing you’ll need is one of the best drum kits for beginners. 

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best drum kits for beginners to help you get started on your drumming journey.

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The Best Drum Kits for Beginners: Expert Reviews (Top 12)

1. Eastar – Drum Set 22-inch 5-piece (Cheapest beginner set)
2. Gretsch – Catalina club 7-piece (Most premium)
3. Pearl Roadshow 4-Piece (Intermediate)
4. Alesis Drums Nitro Mesh Kit (Electric kit with MIDI)
5. Ludwig LC178X Questlove Pocket Kit (Best Drumset for Children)
6. Yamaha stage custom (Intermediate)
7. Tama Imperialstar (Intermediate – Professional)
8. Gretsch Energy (Intermediate – Professional)
9. Ludwig – Breakbeats (Kids Drumset)
10. Mendini by Cecilia kids drum set (Cheap Beginner Drumkit for Kids)
11. PDP concept maple (Premium)
12. PDP – New Yorker – 4-Piece Kit with low weight (16″ Bass Drum)

1. Eastar Drumkit 22-Inch

The Eastar kit is one of the best drum kits for beginners on Amazon that also comes at a low price. It is the exact definition of one of the best beginner drumkits in the entry-level category and it is guaranteed to last you for many years of practice and performance.

Firstly, it is a 5-piece drum set which means you be practicing with a standard-size set. You also get stands, drum throne (seat), cymbal, and drumsticks included.

Also, this kit comes with a 12-month warranty from Eastar, which helps to keep your mind at ease. If you are looking for one of the best beginner drumkits and are on a tight budget, then this Eastar kit is a safe choice. 

2. Gretsch Catalina Club

One of the best options for new drummers is the Gretsch Catalina club drum kit. This is a serious drum kit that is well made and will last musicians for many years if looked after properly. 

The Gretsch Catalina Club Series blends a classic tone with sleek, contemporary hardware innovations, and is one of the best beginner drumkits available in 2023.

Catalina Club 4-piece configurations are built around the foundation of the beloved 14-inch deep bass drum that gives each of these setups a warm and punchy vintage tone

The mahogany shells are built with a natural shell interior and a 30-degree bearing edge. Bass drums include telescopic spurs and matching wood bass drum hoops.

Toms and snare drums feature 1.6mm triple-flanged hoops and all Catalina Club drums are equipped with Remo drum heads.

The Catalina Club drum kit is one to check out in a music store if you get the chance, as the sound is sure to impress. It is a premium drumkit that will last for years to come!

3. Pearl Roadshow Drumkit

The Pearl Roadshow is an excellent intermediate five-piece kit that includes everything you need to start playing. It features a 22-inch bass drum, 10-inch and 12-inch toms, a 16-inch floor tom, and a 14-inch snare drum. 

This kit also comes with cymbals, stands, and a throne, making it a comprehensive package for new drummers.

The drums are made from poplar, which offers a warm and punchy tone, ‘formed from six plies of bonded Asian White Poplar to deliver optimum tonal power for the rising student drummer’.

This kit is well-suited to various musical styles making it an excellent choice and one of the best beginner drumkits.

4. Alesis Electric Drumser

If you are looking for one of the best drum kits for beginners and home practice, you may want to consider an electric kit. This electric kit is also one of the best available, and is worth a look!

This drumkit can be used with headphones which helps to minimize the grief for family, partners, and neighbors when you inevitably give some heavy metal playing a go.

The Alesis Nitro kit features an all-mesh design that delivers a realistic, responsive, and immersive playing experience. This is an 8-piece kit that features the Nitro Drum Module.

There are 40 ready-to-play classic and modern drumkits, 60 play-along tracks and 350 plus expertly curated Acoustic / Electric drumset sounds.

This is also the perfect kit to use with DAW software and record drum parts for your original music, or for composers and producers who have home studios. The kit features a sequencer, metronome, AUX input, and performance recorder.

It also comes with a 4-post aluminum rack, connection cables, drum sticks, drum key, and power supply.

Incredibly, this kit also comes bundled with 60 Free Virtual Lessons from Melodics to hone your skills for any genre or technique you want to master on the drums!

5. Ludwig LC178X Questlove Pocket Kit (Best Drum Kit For Kids)

The Ludwig LC178X Questlove Pocket Kit is a compact drum set designed in collaboration with Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, the drummer from The Roots. This is one of the best beginner drumkits for children. 

The kit features a 16-inch bass drum, a 10-inch rack tom, a 13-inch floor tom, and a 12-inch snare drum. The drums are made from hardwood, which gives them a bright and punchy sound.

You can purchase the pocket kit in black, silver, and wine red. The kit also includes cymbals, hardware, and a drum throne.

This compact kit is an excellent choice for small practice spaces and for children who are developing their drumming techniques. 

6. Yamaha Stage Custom Birch

The Yamaha Stage Custom is a high-quality drum set that offers excellent value for money. The kit includes a 22-inch bass drum, 10-inch and 12-inch toms, a 16-inch floor tom, and a 14-inch snare drum. 

The drums are made from birch, which gives them a bright and punchy sound. The kit also includes cymbals, hardware, and a drum throne.

The Stage Custom Birch is a versatile kit that can handle a wide range of musical styles, making it a great choice for beginner drummers.

It is on the premium end cost-wise, but the quality of the kit is reflected in the kit. An even higher quality version of the kit is available with 780 hardware.

The Stage Custom 5 Piece Kit is $749 at the time of writing and comes in Honey Amber, Cranberry Red, Pure White, Natural Wood, Raven Black, and Cranberry Red 780 series.

Kits with 20-inch Bass drums are also available, as are 4-piece kits, and individual drums.

7. Tama Imperialstar

The Tama Imperialstar is a well-regarded drumkit and one of the best beginner drumkits that features a 22-inch bass drum, 10-inch and 12-inch toms, a 16-inch floor tom, and a 14-inch snare drum.

These drums are made from poplar, which gives them a warm and resonant sound. The Imperialstar is an excellent choice for drummers who want a high-quality kit.

The Imperialstar kit comes with a complete set of stage-ready TAMA hardware and quality Meinl cymbals. The drums have 6-ply poplar shells and sound ‘remarkably balanced and responsive’.

This is the sort of drumkit that may not just be your first beginner kit, due to its quality and price. it may in fact last you through intermediate and professional-level playing, and be the only kit you ever need.

The Imperialstar comes in Black Oak Wrap 5 Piece Hairline Blue 5 Piece, Coffee Teak Wrap 6 Piece

8. Gretsch Energy

The Gretsch Energy is an excellent entry-level drum set that offers great value for money. This is one of the best beginner drumkits that features a 22-inch bass drum, 10-inch and 12-inch toms, a 16-inch floor tom, and a 14-inch snare drum. 

Gretsch energy drums are made from poplar, which gives them a warm and resonant sound. The kit also includes cymbals, hardware, and a drum throne.

The Energy is an excellent choice for beginners who want a kit that can handle a wide range of musical styles. The studio model has chrome drum shell hardware, stands, and a drum throne.

9. Ludwig Breakbeats Drumkit

Another fantastic beginner drum kit for children. The Ludwig Breakbeats drumkit by Questlove is one of the best beginner drumkits and includes:

• 4-pc Hardwood Shell Pack with 10″ Tom 
• Nylon Carrying Bags – Silver Sparkle 
• 16″ Bass Drum 
• 13″ Flo Tom 
• 14″ Snare

10. Mendini By Cecilio (Kids Drumkit)

This is the cheapest drum set on our list and is aimed solely at children. The Mendini kit is a high-quality drum kit for children ages 6 and up.

This drum kit features a bass drum, 2 mounted tom drums, 1 mounted snare drum, 1 Hi-Hat, 1 Floor Tom, 1 cymbal, and drumsticks.

The drums do not arrive assembled, but assembly is ‘very simple’ and instructions are included.

11. PDP Concept Maple

The PDP concept maple drum kit is a premium drum kit at an affordable price point.

You are getting incredible value for money here with this drum kit, and if you are a beginner looking for a kit that will last you many years, the PDP is a great choice. 

The Concept Maple kit features maple shells which give you many tonal options, and several elements that are described as ’boutique’.

The drums have a real lacquer finish, premium mounting hardware, true pitch tuning, proportional counter hoop sizing, and Remo drum heads. Other features include:

• Graduated Counter Hoops 
• 7-ply Tom/Kick Shells and 10-ply Snare Shells 
• MAG Throw-Off and Fully Chromed Snare Wires w/ Carbon Steel Coils and Brass End Plates 
• Stands and Cymbals Not Included
• F.A.S.T. tom sizing
• DW-style STM mounting systems on the rack toms
• DW MAG throw-off and boutique-style copper wires on the snare
• The bass drum has die-cast claw hooks
• All drums feature PDP’s new retro-styled dual-turret tube lug

Concept Maple comes in both 5-piece and 7-piece configurations and a variety of finishes.

Sweetwater 5-Piece:

Red to Black Sparkle Fade / Silver to Black sparkle fade / Natural Lacquer / Satin Seafoam / Satin Black  / Twisted Ivory

Sweetwater 7-Piece:

Pearlescent White / Charcoal Burst / Satin Charcoal Burst / Satin Olive / Red to Black Spark/ Natural Lacquer / Twisted Ivory / Satin Seafoam / Satin Pewter

12. PDP New Yorker

The PDP New Yorker Drumkit is a small 4-piece kit that is ideal for small practice spaces, intimate gigs, and busking.

This kit would be ideal for Jazz background gigs as it has a smaller 16″ Bass Drum, a 13″ Flo Tom, a 10″ Tom, and a 14″ Snare, all with Poplar shells. Although this is not a full-sized kit it still produces a stellar sound that won’t overwhelm a smaller space.

You get a fantastic tone out of the box thanks to the high-quality Remo drumheads, and there is even a Bass Drum Riser to elevate the smaller bass drum into the ideal striking zone.

The New Yorker is also extremely low in weight thanks to teardrop mini turret lugs, which would certainly help busking musicians.

Sweetwater:

Black Onyx Sparkle / Electric Green Sparkle / Pale Rose Sparkle

FAQ

1. What Brand of Drums Are Best for Beginners?

1. Eastar – Drum Set 22-inch 5-piece (Cheapest beginner set)
2. Gretsch – Catalina club 7-piece (Most premium)
3. Pearl Roadshow 4-Piece (Intermediate)
4. Tama Imperialstar (Intermediate – Professional)
5. Gretsch Energy (Intermediate – Professional)
6. Ludwig – Breakbeats (Kids Drumset)
7. Mendini by Cecilia kids drum set (Cheap Beginner Drumkit for Kids)
8. PDP concept maple (Premium)
9. PDP – New Yorker – 4-Piece Kit with low weight (16″ Bass Drum)
10. Pearl Export EXX – (Pro-Kit)

2. What Should a Beginner Drummer Start With?

You should start with a simple four-on-the-floor beat. This is an easy rhythm to learn and involves striking the bass drum on each beat.

From there, you can add in other elements such as hi-hat, snare, and cymbals. Start to experiment with other rhythms and grooves once you’ve nailed this one. ‘Superstition’ by Stevie Wonder is another basic drum groove that is ideal for beginners.

3. How Much Should a Beginner Drum Set Cost?

The cost of a beginner drum set can vary widely depending on factors such as brand, quality, and included accessories. Here are some general price ranges for drum kits:

1. Entry-Level Sets (around $300-$500): These are typically basic drum sets suitable for beginners. They may include drums (bass drum, snare drum, tom-toms), cymbals, hardware (stands), and sometimes a basic throne (drum stool).
2. Mid-Range Sets (around $500-$750): These sets often offer better build quality, and more durable hardware, and may include additional cymbals. The drums may be made from better materials, enhancing sound quality.
3. Higher-End Sets (above $750): As you move into higher price ranges, you’ll find drum sets with more advanced features, higher-quality materials, and possibly more pieces. Professional drummers may choose sets in this range for better sound and durability.

Related:

Complete Guide to Jazz Drumming: Best Drums & Drum Books

The Best Drum Cases and Bags – Full Drumset Protection!

Conclusion

Today we looked at 12 of the best drum kits for beginners in this article and no doubt several of them have taken your fancy!

Once you have decided on the size of the drumkit you need (3,4, or 5-piece set) you should then look at your budget and figure out the best combination of quality and price for you.

If you are looking for a home practice kit as a beginner, you may also want to consider an electric kit, which will allow you to practice silently without disturbing friends and family. I hope this guide to the best drumkits helped you to choose. Happy practicing!