Congratulations on picking one of the best instruments ever! If you’re a young person still living at your parents’ house, I only hope they’re as excited as I am about your choice of instrument.
All jokes (and also mean references to loudness) aside, drums bring great value to any music genre, from soft ones like jazz and classical music to hardcore metal and dead metal. Whoever disagrees with that hasn’t heard his favourite track without the drum part –spoiler alert– it sounds nothing like the original version. To get the idea, you can watch some of the Drumeo videos on YouTube in which famous drummers who hear a song for the first time without the drum part are challenged to write their composition.
So, whether you’re picking the sticks for the first time or have been practising for some time now and are ready to buy your first drum set, getting the correct kit is essential. Moreover, starting with the right gear can help you reach your goals more quickly. Here’s what you need to know to make the right pick, regardless of the genre you’re playing or whether solo or in a band.
How Do I Know What Drum Kit to Buy?
There are two types of drum kits: acoustic and electric, varying in size, from the basic two-piece setups simply including “kick and snare” to the most expansive nine-piece setups. Learning more about the differences between the two varieties and the different parts, and considering other factors, such as floor space and size, versatility and your sound, can help you choose the ideal set for your drumming needs.
Types
Although acoustic drums are still the most popular option, the growing selection of inexpensive electronic kits offers appealing substitutes in this market niche.
Acoustic Kits
A classic acoustic kit is the perfect musical foundation for any beginner drummer if sound control and ease of recording aren’t critical considerations. One of its biggest benefits is the ability to keep up with an entire stage of amplifiers or a full concert ensemble without amplification is one of its biggest benefits. The raw power and immediacy of an acoustic kit, as perceived by the player, can inspire performances in ways that electronic kits cannot match. Additionally, there are no cables to plug in or sounds to adjust.
The acoustic drum kit is as essential as the electric guitar in modern music. A set of vintage drums–in tune and ready to rock–encourages creative music-making. An acoustic set of drums will undoubtedly facilitate sweet jams and make it easier to perform live anywhere you can put it, from churches and schools to practice spaces and music venues. Indeed, acoustic drums are heavy and unwieldy, and setting them up takes time and multiple trips back and forth. Once set, however, there are no power outlets to locate, no cables to plug in, and no stage levels to adjust. It's the closest thing to throw-and-go gigging in a live setting.
Another benefit of honing your skills on an acoustic drum is the dynamic control you acquire from adjusting drum sounds with your hands and sticks. A skilled drummer with the appropriate instruments (rods, brushes, and mallets) and strong dynamic control can create a nearly infinite dynamic range to fit any musical style or application. You can use an acoustic drum kit for various styles, from expansive classic rock to the most charming holiday jazz.
Electric Kits
Electronic drum kits are fantastic for keeping the peace at home, making them ideal for apartment residents or musicians in close quarters. Unlike acoustic drums with booming bass tones that easily travel through walls electronic kits use rubber or mesh pads that minimise ambient noise. So, you can jam in your living room or a small stage setting without disturbing the neighbours. While these kits still transmit some vibrations, especially from foot pedals, adding isolation pads or a drum platform helps reduce the noise even further.
Electronic drums shine in simplicity when it comes to recording. Most kits allow you to directly connect to a computer or audio interface, easily capturing your beats for later use. Many models also support MIDI so you can edit and experiment with different sounds after recording. Plus, their built-in sound libraries let you switch styles instantly, making them incredibly versatile for any music genre.
Choose Your Pieces
The classic five-piece drum kit is the go-to setup for most beginners. While drum kits can range from minimal ‘kick and snare’ setups to elaborate nine-piece configurations, a five-piece kit strikes the perfect balance, offering enough variety to get creative without overwhelming you.
The five-piece kit typically includes a kick drum, snare drum, two rack toms, and a floor tom. This core setup provides everything you need to learn the essentials, whether practising beats or jamming, along with your favourite tunes.
Cymbals aren’t usually included with the kit, so you’ll want to add a hi-hat, a ride cymbal, and at least one crash cymbal. Each cymbal type has its distinctive sound, thanks to the size, shape, and metal composition differences, allowing you to customise your kit's tone. Altogether, this setup covers the basics for exploring various musical styles.
Other Factors to Consider
Make sure you have enough space for your kit; drums have a way of sprawling across a room! A full-sized kit can take up a surprising amount of floor space, so let your family or housemates know your plans—it’s best to break the news near the door, perhaps with a helmet on. If space is tight, electronic kits are a compact, flexible option that can fit in a corner and are easy to pack up after practice.
When it comes to sound, each drum type and material affects its tone, so you’ll want to experiment. Acoustic kits allow drummers to swap out components like toms and cymbals to create unique sounds, while electronic kits give you hundreds of preloaded sounds, from maple to metal kits. Quality matters, so choose a kit you can grow with as you master your craft. And above all, try before you buy! A good kit should feel just right, inspiring hours of practice.
