Buying a drum set is not just a purchase; it’s an investment in your musical journey. However, when choosing which drumset to buy, the price can be as intricate as a drum solo in a jazz ensemble.
Drum kit price vary significantly: Entry-level kits can range from $300 to $1,000, while high-end models from premium brands can cost between $1,500 and over $5,000, reflecting their superior materials and craftsmanship.
This article serves as your guide, helping you understand what to expect when buying drum sets.
Factors that influence the price
The initial drum pricing is influenced by several factors. It’s not as simple as picking a set and paying the price on the tag.
Let’s explore some of the key elements that determine the cost of buying drum sets.
Quality and Brand
As with any product, the brand and quality of the drum set play a significant role in its price.
Renowned brands with a reputation for high-quality drums often have higher prices.
However, this doesn’t mean that less expensive brands can’t deliver good quality. It’s about finding a balance between cost and quality that works for you.
For those just starting their drumming journey or working with a tighter budget, entry-level brands such as Pearl, Yamaha, and Tama offer quality kits that don’t break the bank.
While these sets might not have the same prestige or nuanced sound as high-end kits, they are a cost-effective investment, typically ranging from $300 to $1,000.
If you haven’t gotten your first drum set yet, consider reading an article about how to improve drumming without a drum set.
Electronic or Acoustic
Electronic drum sets typically can be more expensive than their acoustic counterparts due to the technology involved.
However, if you compare both entry-level acoustic and entry-level electronic drum sets, electronic drum sets seem to be cheeper.
Also, custom-made sets (like SJC) will cost more than standard ones due to the personalization process (custom finish, and etc.)
Size and Components
It is pretty clear, that the more pieces in a drum set – will typically cost more than a smaller, simpler set.
One of the main components are cymbals. Cymbals could take more than half pric of the total worth of set – we will discuss it later in greater detail in this article.
Some seasoned drummers might also use sampling pads like Roland SPD SX, which could inflate the cost of drum set drastically.
Size
Generally, larger drum sets are more expensive. This is due to the additional materials used in their construction and the more complex manufacturing process.
A five-piece drum set will typically cost more than a three-piece set, assuming all other factors, like materials, are equal.
Also, take in consideration that it could be pretty hard and pricy to find a 24″ bassdrum head or 18″ floortom drumhead.
Configuration
The configuration, or in other words – the number and type of components included, also impacts the cost.
More complex configurations with additional components like cymbals, toms, or double bass drums will increase the price.
It’s essential to consider what components you actually need.
For instance, a jazz drummer may not need as many toms as a rock drummer.
By tailoring your drum set configuration to your style and needs, you can manage costs effectively while still getting a set that serves you well.
Drum Material
The materials used in a drum set significantly influence its cost, sound, and durability.
High-end kits often use robust woods like maple, walnt, birch, or mahogany, renowned for their resonant sound and longevity.
Sets made from these materials tend to be more expensive, but the superior sound and durability often justify the higher price.
Let’s dive a little deeper in to perks of some wooden materials in drums:
Maple
Maple wood is quite a popular choice for drum shells. It’s known for its rich, warm tones and good resonance.
These drums are denser and often provide a more profound sound compared to birch wood, which suggests that these type of drums are more used in studio environement.
However, since you get what you pay, the high-quality sound and durability come with a higher price tag.
If you’re after a drum set with a robust, full-bodied sound and don’t mind paying a little extra, then a maple wood drum set might be the ideal choice for you.
Birch
These drums are bright and punchy with excellent attack and shorter sustain. Which resonates being great in Rock or Metal music.
They are most of the time less expensive than their maple counterparts but still offer a quality sound, making them a popular choice for many drummers.
Hardware and construction
High-quality drums are often handcrafted, ensuring precise assembly and attention to detail.
This labor-intensive process contributes to the higher cost of drum kits from premium brands.
On the other hand, entry-level kits are typically mass-produced, resulting in a much lower price point.
However, this doesn’t mean that they lack in quality or sound.
Many entry-level brands have mastered the art of mass production, ensuring their kits are both affordable and reliable. To name a few: Premier Cabria, Pearl Export, Pdp and etc.
Drum Pedals
The drum set would be incomplete without a bassdrum pedal – they are an integral part of any drum set.
A basic, entry-level pedal may cost around $50, while a professional-grade double bass drum pedal can run into several hundreds of dollars.
However, it is worth to mention to try a pedal yourself before actually buying it, especially an expensive one.
Many of bassdrum pedals I have tried were feeling weird and did not fit my playing style at all.
Drum Throne
Comfort is key when playing the drums, and that’s where the drum throne comes in. You must have a good posture and control the balanc at all times.
Without a good drum throne it will be hard – it provides the necessary support and comfort.
It really expose the importance of a comfortable drum throne when you play extended sessions.
Expect to pay anywhere from $30 for a basic model to over $200 for a high-end, ergonomic design.
Other Hardware
While other hardware such as cymbal stands, snare stands, and tom mounts are not that super important, the key is to make sure they are solid.
I have had numerous of time cymbal stands falling to the side from the forc I sud to strike a crash cymbal.
As long as you buy pretty solid, semi heavy hardware stands, you are sorted.
Also, make sure the snare drum stand is high and stable enough if you consider yourself a heavy hitter!
Depending on the quality and brand, these can add several hundreds of dollars to your overall drum set purchase.
Sticks and Accessories
Beyond the drum set and its hardware, there are also recurring costs associated with drumming. Often overlooked, these are the costs of drumsticks, brushes, and various other accessories.
Drumsticks are a recurring expense for any drummer. Depending on the type of music you play, and how hard you play, a pair of sticks can last anywhere from a couple of hours to a few weeks.
It is important to focus on your technique while hitting with drumsticks!
In the very beginning when I was a rookie, I was hitting hard and my technique was poor.
I was constantly breaking sticks – few hours of intense playing and they would be done! Once I have mastered the required and proper technique, my drumsticks started to last way longer – up to weeks.
Usually, my drumsticks break at the point wher I hit the rim. I have used some duck tape on such spots to even prolong its durability slightly.
On average, a decent pair of sticks costs around $10, and I recommend to stay to well known brands like ProMark and Vater – they are the most reliable.
If you’re venturing into jazz or orchestral music, you’ll need to invest in brushes and mallets.
Brushes provide a softer, more textured sound compared to sticks, while mallets are used for a variety of percussive sounds.
The cost of brushes and mallets can range from $20 to over $50 per pair.
Practice pads
Additional accessories like practice pads, drum keys, and stick bags also add to the ongoing costs of drumming.
Although these are not as costly as the drum set itself, they’re important to consider in your overall drumming budget.
Cymbals
Cymbals are a critical part of any drum set and definitely most valuable!
They add flavor, variety, and depth to the sounds you can produce and are often seen as an extension of your drumming voice.
Cymbals are made from various alloys and come in different types like ride cymbals, crash cymbals, and hi-hats, each adding a unique tonal quality to your kit.
But what kind of costs are we talking about here?
When it comes to entry-level cymbals, you’re looking at a price range from around $50 to $200.
These are usually made from sheet metal and can be a good starting point for beginners. However, it’s important to note that these may not offer the best sound quality or durability.
Mid-range cymbals usually cost between $200 and $500. These are often cast cymbals, providing a much better sound and durability than their entry-level counterparts.
They can withstand more wear and tear, making them a popular choice for intermediate drummers.
If you’re an advanced drummer looking for professional-grade cymbals, be prepared for prices that can range from $500 to over $1000.
These cymbals are crafted with high-quality alloys and intricate processes to deliver superior sound.
In general, cymbals might increase your initial investment, but the sound quality and durability they offer are well worth it.
Remember, your drum set is an investment in your musical journey. Choose wisely.
Drumheads
Drumheads – the part of the drum that you strike on, are a crucial component of your drum set’s sound.
The cost of replacing drumheads depends largely on the type and brand.
There are two main types of drumheads – coated and clear.
Coated drumheads offer a warmer, more resonant sound and are typically used for jazz, gospel, and R&B.
They are generally slightly more expensive, averaging around $15-$30 per head.
On the other hand, clear drumheads provide a brighter, more aggressive sound, making them a popular choice for rock and pop drummers. These are usually a bit cheaper, with prices ranging from $10-$25.
Brand also significantly impacts the cost of drumheads.
Renowned brands like Remo and Evans offer high-quality drumheads that can cost between $15-$40 each, depending on the type and size.
However, less expensive brands like PDP and Sound Percussion Labs offer drumheads for as low as $10, however I would not recommend it.
Remember, while cost is an important consideration, the choice of drumheads should primarily depend on the sound you’re after. Higher cost doesn’t always equate to a better fit for your style.
Tips to save money
While the cost of buying and shipping drums can add up, here are a few tips to keep costs low:
- Buy Used: Opting for a used drum set instead of a new one can significantly reduce the cost. Check out online marketplaces, local music stores, or forums for used drums. Just make sure to thoroughly inspect the condition of the drums before purchasing.
- Bundle Purchases: Some retailers offer bundle deals when you buy a complete drum set, which includes the drums, cymbals, and hardware. This can be more cost-effective than buying each piece individually.
- Shop Around: Prices can vary greatly from one retailer to another. It’s worth the time to do some comparison shopping to ensure you’re getting the best deal. Don’t forget to factor in shipping costs into the total price, especially for international purchases.
- Wait for Sales: If you’re not in a rush, waiting for sales events like Black Friday or end-of-year sales can net you significant savings.
Take the time to do your research and consider all potential costs, including international shipping, to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.
To sum up
Understanding the cost of drum kits is crucial for making an informed purchase decision.
Drum sets represent a significant financial investment, and as a prospective buyer, you want to ensure that you’re getting your money’s worth.
Firstly, understanding these costs helps set realistic budget expectations.
By comprehending the price differences between basic, mid-range, and high-end drum sets, you can better determine what you can afford.
Secondly, knowing the typical costs associated with different drum configurations can help you assess whether a deal is too good to be true or if you’re potentially overpaying.
This knowledge is particularly useful when buying drum sets second-hand.
Lastly, understanding these costs can inform your decision on whether to buy a complete set or build your own by purchasing individual pieces over time.
If you’re a beginner, a basic kit might serve you well, but as you improve, you might want to upgrade to higher quality pieces, which can be a more cost-effective approach in the long run, so be prepared for it!
