5 The Best Beginner Drum Set in 2024

February 4, 2024

Let me guess: You’re thinking that finding a quality drum set on a budget is nearly impossible. It’s a common challenge for beginners and parents alike. 

It’s important to remember that in the $200 to $800 range, you’re looking at entry-level kits.

I delved deep into researching more than 20 beginner drum sets, spending over 25 hours evaluating numerous models to find a drum set for new drummers that balances cost and quality.

The Yamaha Stage Custom emerged as a best drum set for beginners. This kit offers a solid foundation without draining your wallet. 

5 The Best Drum Sets for Beginners

  • Best for beginners and under $800 – Yamaha Stage Custom Birch 
  • Best for juniors and under $500 – Pearl Roadshow Jr.
  • Also great for juniors – Ludwig Questlove Pocket Kit 
  • Best for toddlers and under $150 – Mendini By Cecilio Kids 
  • Most affordable drum kit – Easter Drum Set
Best drum set for beginners

9.3

Best drum kit for juniors

9.2

Also great for juniors

7.8

Best drum set for toddlers

Mendini By Cecilio Kids

8

Most affordable drum kit

Easter Drum Set

8.3

9.3Expert Score
Yamaha Stage Custom Birch

Best for beginners and under $800

Built quality
9.5
Sound quality
9
Value for money
9.5
Pros
  • Beautiful finish and design
  • A great durability
  • Amazing value compared to the price
Cons
  • Cymbals might need a replacement

These drums have been really praised by their users. However, it is obvious that Yamaha knows how to make drums, and there is no doubt that they are not quality ones. 

This kit is made of birch wood, resulting in a beautiful, nice tone. Many consumers stated that their mounting toms and leg toms are top-notch. With the great quality comes a stunning honey amber color that is loved by many, many drummers! 

Another big advantage of these drums is defensively its hardware. It is manufactured really well and does not sacrifice quality.

There were complaints that these drums were hard to pull any resonance or flavor out of, but that’s not common nor confirmed. If you do the proper tuning and have good drum heads, these drums have a better sound than many similar-price drum sets.

The one and the only valid complaint was about the snare drum. However, a few drummers were not satisfied with its sound, so you might want to consider changing it.

WHAT COMES IN THE BOX?

Drum sizes:

  • 22” x 17” Kick drum
  • 10” x 7” Rack tom 
  • 12” x 8” Rack tom 
  • 16” x 15” Floor tom 
  • 14” x 5.5” Snare

Hardware include: 

  • TH-945B 3-hole receiver 
  • YESS tom mounts
  • Floor tom legs

Cymbals include:

Unfortunately, this drum kit does not include cymbals, stands, kick pedals, nor drum throne.

9.2Expert Score
Pearl Roadshow Jr.

Best for juniors and under $500

Built quality
9.5
Sound quality
9
Value for money
9
Pros
  • All-in-one junior drum set
  • Great value for the money
Cons
  • Cymbals might need a replacement

This drum kit is made out of poplar. As a result, it can be quite robust, but it will serve you well for quite some time. This is why the kit has different sonic characteristics than the, e.g. maple kit, but it is barely audible to a beginner or even an intermediate drummer.

This pearl drum set has a very cool design and, according to newbies in the drumming world, they are really easy to play.

The weak spot is, as per usual, the cymbals. They provide the basic feel, but they lack the dynamism, nor do they possess the quality material necessary to meet the drummer’s future needs.

WHAT COMES IN THE BOX?

Drum sizes:

  • 6″x10″ bass drum 
  • 13″x8″ floor tom
  • 10″x5.5 and 8″x5″ toms
  • 12″x4″ snare drum

Hardware include: 

  • Tripod base
  • Bass drum pedal
  • Chain drive
  • Two cymbal stands
  • One snare stand 
  • Hi-hat stand

Cymbals include:

  • 13” crash
  • a set of 10” hi-hats

 

7.8Expert Score
Ludwig Questlove Pocket Kit

Also great for juniors

Built quality
7
Sound quality
7.5
Value for money
9
Pros
  • Affordable price
  • Durable and long-lasting kit
  • Delivers a great sound
  • Easy for transportation
  • All-in-one hardware package
Cons
  • Feet are not that stable
  • Drumsticks are sometimes too heavy for a child

Overview

It is pretty normal to expect a quality drum kit from Ludwig. However, the sound it produces shows that it is more than satisfactory for young, future drummers. 

Many users were shocked at how good that snare sounded since it is a budget drum kit. The build quality is also great since it is a drum kit originally intended for children. The big advantage is its convenience. It is very compact since it takes up a relatively small practice space.

According to the drummers, you will probably want to swap out the cymbals since they are not the best feature of this drum kit. However, they are not that terrible; they will do the job just fine initially. 

For some, the tuning part was a piece of cake, while some had some trouble with it. But, overall, when you consider the quality and the price, the sound it produces is remarkable.

WHAT COMES IN THE BOX? 

Drum sizes:

  • 16” x 14” Kick drum
  • 13″ Floor tom
  • 12″ Snare drum
  • 10” x 7” rack tom

Hardware include: 

  • Kick Drum/ foot pedal
  • Hi-Hats stand
  • Snare stand
  • A drum throne 
  • A pair of drumsticks
  • Drum key

Cymbals include: 

  • Ride/Crash Cymbal and cymbal arm
  • Hi-Hats

 

8Expert Score
Mendini By Cecilio Kids

Best for toddlers and under $150

Built quality
7
Sound quality
8
Value for money
9
Pros
  • Easy to assemble
  • Includes everything a kids need to start drumming
  • Available in six colors
  • Height adjustable kit
Cons
  • A lot of buzzing and rattling from hardware
  • Kick drums and cymbals don't produce high-quality sounds

Obviously, this is not a professional drum kit, so you must be reasonable in your expectations. On the other hand, it is not a cheap, plastic-made drum kit. It is built from real wood and has a mediocre material quality. 

There were a few complaints from Cecilio Kids set users, and pedal squeaking was one of them.

Since a loud squeaking chain can be somewhat annoying, try using a spring or tether system to eliminate this problem.

There are no instructions included, but if you follow my instructions later in the text about how to set up a drum set you should be fine.

Bear in mind that assembly is not as complicated either. So even if you are a total newbie in this world, it should be pretty easy to set it up.

When it comes to hardware, you can’t expect the highest quality, of course. However, it is a pretty standard grade, and you should not have any issues tightening things down.

The only thing you can consider changing is cymbals. However, a few users were not satisfied with the overall sound due to the unpleasant tones. 

In the end, the kick drum was also qualified as the con in this kit. One thing you can do to improve its sound is simply by placing a towel inside as a dampener. However, this will influence the sticks and their bounciest. 

WHAT COMES IN THE BOX?

Drum sizes:

  • 0” x 5” and 8” x 6” tom toms
  • 12″ x 10″ Floor tom
  • 16″ x 11″ Bass drum
  • 10″ x 6″ Snare drum

Hardware include:

  • Chain-driven pedal
  • A drum throne

Cymbals include:

  • 10” Crash cymbals
  • 8″ Hi-Hat
8.3Expert Score
Easter Drum Set

Most affordable drum kit

Built quality
8
Sound quality
8
Value for money
9
Pros
  • Affordably priced
  • Great sound when tuned correctly
  • Solid built quality
  • Comes with a 12-month warranty
Cons
  • Comes with only one cymbal

Overview

Many users agreed that even though this is a kid’s drum set, it is built of great quality. It does not resemble cheap plastic toys for toddlers. Plus, the sound it produces is comparable to the actual adult drum set. Hence, it’s completely playable for adults, although it is made for youngsters, so it’s pretty small. 

A big advantage is that this set is very easy to assemble. So you won’t feel like you need forever to set it up. 

The pair of drumsticks they come with are perfectly made for small child hands. Even though it is made for kids, the set is very sturdy, making it a great deal compared to its price range.

The con of this drum set that a few consumers have complained about is the foot pedal. People had some trouble putting it together, and it’s not unusual for the pedal to come loose often. Overall, it needs some tweaking.

WHAT COMES IN THE BOX? 

Drum sizes:

  • 16” x 10” bass drum 
  • 10” x 5” snare drum
  • 8” x 6” tom

Hardware include: 

  • Bass drum pedal 
  • 3-section drum throne
  • Comes with the stool 

Cymbals include: 

  • 10” cymbal with cymbal arm

Unfortunately, the set only comes with one cymbal, so you might need to purchase others. However, considering the price, it is more than enough. 

What to Know Before Buy?

You must be wondering about the long-term costs of owning a drum set. Let’s break this down for you.

Firstly, consider the replaceable parts:

  1. Cymbals: Budget sets range from $100 to $200, but for durability and sound, aim for at least $300. They typically last 5-10 years.

  2. Drumheads: These often need replacing every six months, but the timeline can vary based on usage. Expect to pay $15 to $50 per drumhead, or around $80 for a full set.

  3. Drumsticks: The most affordable part, with prices around $10, or up to $15 for higher quality. They usually last 3-5 months before needing replacement.

Each component, from cymbals to sticks, plays a role in maintaining the quality of your drumming experience. Remember, these aren’t one-time purchases; they’re part of the drumming journey.

Check out my full guide on "How to Set Up a Drum Set."
denis owner of drum that with jojo mayer at drum festival
Denis Loncaric
Owner of Drum That

Frequently Asked Questions

Buying used drums vs new

Purchasing a used drum set can be a good option as there’s often little difference in quality compared to a new set, provided the drums are not damaged. It’s common to replace drumheads, as they tend to wear out and may be scratched or beaten up in used sets. 

When selecting a used drum kit, it’s crucial to check that the drums have been well-maintained and not stored in damp conditions like basements, since moisture can negatively impact the wood and the sound quality of the drums. For finding used drum sets, consider browsing listings on eBay and Craigslist, where you can find a variety of options.

Reasons to opt for a more expensive kit:

  1. Better Sound Quality: Higher-end kits offer a richer, more nuanced sound, crucial for advanced playing and recording.
  2. Increased Durability: More expensive kits are built with higher-quality materials, ensuring they last longer and withstand regular use.
  3. Enhanced Playing Experience: Premium kits often have better hardware and build quality, making them more enjoyable and easier to play.
  4. Investment Value: High-end kits maintain their value better over time, making them a wiser long-term investment.
  5. Adaptability: As skills improve, a higher-quality drum kit can continue to meet the evolving needs of the player without requiring frequent upgrades.

What is the best age to start drumming?

Your kid can start as early as 6 years since this is the period when kids can fully concentrate from 12 to 30 minutes.

As the kid gets older, their concentration will increase. Finally, around the age of 10, the child should be able to concentrate for up to 45 minutes, which is exactly needed for a drumming lesson. 

How much space does a drum set take up?

Acoustic drums usually take up to 4 square meters of space.

If you live in a home where every inch matters, go with an electronic drum set. Acoustic drums are also much louder than electric, but fortunately, there are few ways to quiet them down. 

As a drummer and percussionist with over 15 years of experience, I’m deeply passionate about drumming. My insights and writings have earned recognition in Drum Magazine, reflecting my commitment to the drumming community. 

I focus on providing authentic advice and well-researched recommendations, drawing from extensive hands-on experience. My aim is to deliver relatable and informative content that supports drummers of all levels in their musical journey.

Denis Loncaric
Denis Loncaric

My name is Denis. I am a drummer, percussionist, music enthusiast, and blogger. Drums have been my passion for 15 years now. My idea is to write about the things I like and I am interested in. I want to share my drum passion with fellow musicians who walk, talk, and breathe drums.

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