A Beginner's Guide to Choosing Your First Drum Kit: Brand Recommendations and What to Look For
Crucial factors to consider when buying your first drum kit, plus top brand recommendations to help guide your decision.
I have students asking me all the time what the best drumkit to buy is. There are many factors to consider when purchasing a drumkit. Things like space, if you live in an apartment close to neighbors, your budget, and if you are going to be playing gigs with your drumkit.
I would like to look at several options including both acoustic drumkits and electric.
1. Space
This is commonly the most overlooked aspect when buying a drum kit. People might not realize how big an acoustic drum kit is by looking at a picture online.
If you were to buy a standard 5-piece acoustic kit with a 22-inch bass drum and cymbals it would take up a good percentage of your bedroom or garage.
Roland TD-02KV V-Drums Kit see price
If you live in a small apartment this electric kit would be perfect.
Millenium MPS-850 E-Drum Set see price
If you have a little more space, this might be better for you.
2. Budget
I always tell people to push their budget when buying their first drum kit. This is because if you have the money to start with a mid-level drumkit you may not have to upgrade for a while.
Mapex Comet Pro Pack 18" Indigo Blue see price
A kit at this level like this Mapex Comet Pro Pack 18" Indigo Blue will be great for practicing in your room but also for rehearsals and gigs.
The hardware is also strong enough to take a beating without breaking.
Millenium MX420 Studio Set BL see price
If you want an instrument to practice on without taking your house, I recommend the Millenium MX420 Studio Set BL.
3. Differences in Electric Kits
The most important thing to remember when buying an electric kit is what the pads are made of. I always recommend mesh-head pads. These feel way nicer to play mimic and acoustic drum surface and won’t cause any damage on your hands like cheap rubber pads.
The good news is, that even entry-level electric kits now come with mesh heads. Check these out.
Millenium MPS-750X E-Drum Mesh Set see price
Alesis Nitro Max Kit see price
4. What Do You Want to Learn?
Knowing what you want to learn on the drums is also important when picking out your first drum kit.
I have students who play Rock music. For that style, I would suggest buying acoustic drums with a snare drum that is large in depth.
Tama JT147 John Tempesta Snare see price
This snare drum is super versatile and sounds great for funk also!
Tama CB1465 Charlie Benante Snare see price
I found the signature snare from Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante is also super versatile. It has great depth for rock and metal but also a solid crack for funk and pop.
5. What Are Your Neighbors Like?
When I was a kid, I had the neighbors call the police on me a few times for ‘excessive noise’. I failed to see how they thought my rendition of ‘Enter Sandman’ was noise but that’s another story for another time.
If you live in an apartment, I suggest an electric kit. Simply because of the control you have over the volume. Also wearing headphones will make it easier on the people who live with you.
6. Are You Practicing or Playing?
There is little to worry about if you are not planning on taking your drum kit out of your house. However, if you are doing lots of rehearsals and gigs there are certain things you should know.
Top-of-the-range kits have very strong and durable hardware. Their shells are also less likely to go out of tune when the drums are going in and out of a hot van.
Ludwig Classic Maple 5pcs V. Black Oy see price
DW Satin Oil Rock Set -NT-SC SSC+ see price
7. Sizes
Drum sizes are almost always overlooked when beginners buy a drum kit. Always remember that the louder the music the larger the drums will be!
If you will be playing metal, go for a 22-inch bass drum or above.
DW Design Shell Pack Black see price
If you are learning to play jazz, smaller-sized drums are for you. This is simply because the volume will be lower and the drums will require more tone.
The advantage of having a smaller bass drum is it is easy to fit in an Uber!
Sonor AQ2 Safari Set WHP see price
8. Creating Your Own Parts
The one thing electric kits have over acoustic kits is you can record what you are creating.
Also, electric kits usually have preprogrammed songs you can jam to as soon as you unwrap your drums. The cheaper kits usually have cheesy songs, that being said they are fun to play along with.
Millenium HD-120 E-Drum Set see price
Millenium MPS-150 E-Drum Set see price
In conclusion, remember that buying your first drumkit doesn’t just come down to your budget. Please consider the points I raised so that hopefully you can have fun on your new instrument and not have your neighbours call the police!
Keep practicing!
About Magesh Magesh
Magesh is a musician and producer who has worked with Rihanna, Lionel Richie, Ricky Martin, Chris Brown, The Pussy Cat Dolls, Nelly Furtado, and Vernon Reid of Living Colour.
He released an instructional drumming DVD called "Unique Beats" where he mixed the drum kit with electronics and Indian hand percussion. He recently moved from Australia to the UK to explore new musical opportunities.
Website: mageshdrumteacher.co.uk
Contact Magesh Magesh at magesh.magesh7@gmail.com
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