Choosing drums is quite a challenge. Fortunately, this article will tell you about the Top 12 Acoustic Drum Sets/Kits in 2023 for any budget.
It can be pretty tricky to choose a drum kit, especially if you are a beginner. It is all because they consist of many components with their characteristics. So please stick with us to learn about the best kits to satisfy all tastes and wallets. But first, let’s understand the differences between acoustic drums and electronic.
Acoustic drums are built with particular components that allow them to produce sound. The most important ones are the shells of different diameters that produce different notes. For example, the lowest would be the bass drum, and the highest would be the snare. Also important here are the cymbals, which give high frequencies.
The electronic drum kit is the same, but the fundamental components have been replaced by sound modules and pads, which, when touched, produce the sound of samples. These samples can be based on the pre-recorded sounds of acoustic drums, or they can be entirely synthetic.
What’s the main difference between electronic & acoustic drums?
Electronic drums are not so loud and allow you to practice at home and with headphones. On the other hand, the acoustic drums are authentic and give the best experience in interaction with the instrument. But, unfortunately, real drum sets are loud and not suitable for lessons at home.
In addition, they take up quite a lot of space. So you will most likely need a separate room or just a large enough house. As for volume, you can use different accessories to muffle the drums, but they will still be loud enough.
Of course, you can hone your skills on an electronic drum kit at ease. But still, many drummers say that if you’re serious about reaching the top of your game, there’s nothing better than actual acoustic drums.
Before we jump into the list, if you need to practice quietly, check out this great resource from Drumming Review on the best electronic drum sets available.
Top 12 Acoustic Drums 2023 (Best Kits/Sets On Any Budget)
1. Millenium Youngster Drum Set Green
If you want a children’s drum set at the best price possible, the Millenium Youngster Drum Set would be the perfect option.
Millenium is a brand of Thomann, one of the most popular musical instrument chains in Europe. Like their other brand Harley Benton, Millenium products have very democratic prices, if not even crazy ones. Now we will talk about one of those products, or rather the whole set, which is the Millenium Youngster Drum Set Green.
It is a drum set for children ages three years and older. And you’ll see it right away since the pieces are pretty small. Nevertheless, it has all the parts you need for a professional drum set. In addition, the creators made sure that the cymbals do not sound too annoying, both for children and their parents. So let’s take a look at it.
Key Features:
- A Whole Drum Set
The Millenium Youngster Drum Set will give your child all the drum kit parts: kick drum, pedal, snare, tom-tom, hi-hat, crash, seat, and even a couple of sticks. So basically, all you have to do is assemble the drum set, and it’s ready to play. - LowNoiz Cymbals
The cymbals of this drum set are made with LowNoiz technology. It means that they make considerably less noise than conventional ones. Therefore, it is crucial not to harm children’s hearing and not annoy their parents and neighbors. - Metal Pedal
The bass drum pedal of this drum kit is made of metal. Therefore, it promises to be sturdy and able to withstand intermittent children’s beats. By the way, it is made in a stylish black color, just like the other hardware. - Hardwood And Metal Brackets
Also, the kick drum and toms are made of hardwood, which is just as authentic as a children’s drum set. In addition, they have metal tuning brackets as well as tension hoops. So you can even tune your drums which is pretty awesome. - Stylish Look
And, of course, these drums look pretty cool. The particular model we’re talking about is in green. The body of the drums is covered with a strong film. By the way, if you don’t like this coloring, you can easily find other options.
Character & Sound:
This drum kit is not designed to surprise you with its sound quality, but we must say that it does sound pretty good. For example, the bass drum will give you a good foundation because its size is relatively big – 16″ x 12″. The tom and snare drum has a pretty good contrast with each other, which is also vital for the overall picture.
Pros:
The Millenium Youngster Drum Set Green is a great drum set for kids and beginners that only costs about $100, which is crazy as a whole set. However, you get all the components that professional drum sets need, a metal pedal and low cymbal noise. Plus, it comes with a stool and drumsticks.
Cons:
Some users say its quality is relatively poor even though the kick drum pedal is metal. It is also advised to use additional protection for children’s ears, as the cymbals can still be noisy.
Great For:
The Millenium Youngster Drum Set is great for children ages three and up. It can be helpful for those who seriously want to learn the drums and those who want to fool around with their favorite song. At any rate, it’s not a shame due to the price of the set.
2. Startone Star Drum Set Studio
The Startone Star Drum Set Studio is perfect for beginners who don’t want to spend money on their first kit.
Let’s say you want to buy a drum kit for a teenager who is just beginning his journey into the world of music. Or a beginner – you and you don’t want to rob the bank to be able to practice on the drums just for fun. In that case, you’ll want a ready-made kit at the most affordable price possible. And that’s what the following product on our list is.
The Startone Star Drum Set Studio is a beginner’s kit. But unlike children’s drums, the dimensions are precisely the same as a standard set. It contains almost everything you need: bass drum, snare, two toms, floor tom, hi-hat, and crash. Let’s try to break down the features of this setup.
Key Features:
- Complete Drum Set
You get a 5-Piece drum set with all the necessary components. It also includes all the necessary stands, including cymbals, a bass drum pedal, and a drum stool. So you’ll have to put everything you need together and play right away. - Drum Shell Dimensions
The shells of these drums have the perfectly standard dimensions of other regular pieces. For example, as for the bass drum – it is quite large – 20″ x 14″, as is the floor tom – 14″ x 14″. The other two toms will be 12″ x 09″ and 10″ x 08″. And the snare drum is 14″ x 5 1/2″. - Poplar Wood Drums
Also, the primary material used to make these drums is Poplar Wood. Yes, it’s known to be quite economical. But its advantage is that it can give a full and warm drum tone with a minimum of attack. As for the bass drum, it’s 9-Ply, and the toms and the snare drum are 6-Ply. - Nice Black Look
This particular model is made in black wrap finish. It doesn’t show well in the photo, but this rig starts to sparkle in the sunlight, which isn’t bad either. By the way, as for the hardware, it is made in chrome.
Character & Sound:
The sound of this drum set can be called quite normal. However, you have to understand that you won’t get an extra fantastic sound here based on the relatively low price. On the other hand, both the shells and the cymbals sound pretty good.
Pros:
The Startone Star Drum Set Studio is a complete drum kit for under $200. You get all the shells and cymbals you need, plus a drum stool. In addition, these drums have a stylish black look.
Cons:
Some users argue that the foam chair is of poor quality and sags, and as a consequence, it feels like you’re sitting on a hard piece of wood. Also, some do not like the quality of hardware and heads. As for the latter, they are very thin.
Great For:
The Startone Star Drum Set Studio is perfect for beginners who do not plan to stop at one drum set. However, you won’t be sorry to try what drumming is all about for this money. This kit might be a good fit for teenagers.
3. Ludwig Pocket Kit (For Children)
The Ludwig Pocket Kit is a more premium children’s drum set with an excellent price.
Ludwig is one of the most well-known drum brands that has been on the market for decades. Among those who have used these drum kits have been some of the greatest bands in music history.
These include The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, The Eagles, The Beach Boys, etc. We’re going to talk about their kit for kids, which will surprise you with its quality and price.
The Ludwig Pocket Kit is a ready-made drum kit designed for children from 4 to 10 years old. It was created in collaboration with Amir “Questlove” Thomson and includes all necessary parts like a bass drum, snare drum, and two toms. In addition to that, you also get a pair of hi-hats, crash ride, and drum throne.
Key Features:
- All In One Box
If you decide to get this drum kit, know that it will come to you in one big box. It will include all the necessary components that will make up a complete drum set. In addition to shells and cymbals, you will get a pair of sticks, a stool, and a key to tune the drums. - Compact Drums
Since this is a children’s drum set, its size is smaller than usual. These include the 12″ snare, 10″ TomTom, 13″ Floor Tom, and 16″ bass drum. But despite this, it can also be used by adult drummers who don’t want to mess around with big drums. - Beautiful Appearance
The makers of this drum kit took care to make it look cool. For example, this model comes in a Silver Sparkle finish. The black hardware also makes it look cool. By the way, you can find these kits in two other colors – Black and Red Sparkle. - Designed with Questlove
Interestingly, Ludwig created the Pocket Kit in collaboration with Amir Questlove Thomson. If anyone doesn’t know, he is a famous American musician, actor, producer, and filmmaker. You may also know him as the drummer of the band Roots. - Online Goodies
A nice bonus is that you also get access to online resources when you get a drum set. In particular, there will be video instructions on how to assemble the drum kit and set it up. In addition, you will also receive several video tutorials for children. Pretty good, right?
Character & Sound:
The Ludwig Pocket Kit has a pretty excellent and high-quality sound at a child’s level. Still, you might want to dampen the drums so that they are not so loud. It is especially true for the bass drum to make it tighter.
Pros:
The Ludwig Pocket Kit is a quality drum kit for kids priced at over $300. However, it’s pretty cheap since you get everything you need to play right away. Other than that, these drums have a pretty good look and extra tutorials.
Cons:
Some users complain about the low quality of accessories. In addition, people argue about the usability of the bass drum pedal.
Great For:
The Ludwig Pocket Kit is well suited for children and adult beginner musicians. Also, it is a good option for music schools, as the drum kit is relatively high quality and attractive.
4. Mapex Tornado Studio Zildjian Set
The Mapex Tornado Studio with Zildjian cymbals is a great budget option for beginners and more experienced drummers.
Founded back in 1989 in Taiwan, the Mapex brand is one of the most popular drum manufacturers for beginners and professional musicians alike. These guys are known for pretty good quality at a relatively affordable price. An example of a few musicians who have played on Mapex is Russ Miller, Chris Adler, and Josh Devine.
Now we will talk about the Mapex Tornado Studio Zildjian Set BK. It is quite a complete drum set, which includes all the necessary shells and, as you understand from the name, is equipped with cymbals of the famous Zildjian brand. This kit has a pretty affordable price and excellent sound quality. Let’s talk about the features in more detail.
Key Features:
- Complete Drum Set
With the Mapex Tornado Studio, you get five shells: bass drum, snare drum, two toms, and floor tom. Also, you will have a P200 Foot pedal, H200 Hi-hat, C200 Straight cymbal stand, S200 Snare stand, and Mapex B-200 Cymbal boom stand. In addition to all this, the kit also includes a T250 Drum throne. - Basswood Drum Shells
All the shells of this drum kit are made of basswood. It is an inexpensive but well-sounding material, and many musicians find it quite similar to other more expensive woods used to make musical instruments. - Zildjian Planet-Z Cymbals
As for the cymbals here, it’s the Zildjian Planet-Z series. You will have a pair of hi-hats, one crash, and one ride. As you know, they are made in the USA, and their material is brass. Overall, we can say that these cymbals have a focused and bright sound. - Solid Black Finish
This drum kit is done in a black wrap finish, which looks pretty stylish. You can find other colors such as Brown Woodgrain, White Woodgrain, and Red, but there are different packages, and the price can be different.
Character & Sound:
Overall, the Mapex Tornado Studio sounds pretty high quality as a beginner’s rig. The bass drum isn’t as big here, but it still provides a good foundation. As for the snare drum, it’s pretty punchy. Also, the shells work well with the bright sound of the Zildjian cymbals.
Pros:
The Mapex Tornado Studio is a great beginner’s drum kit that costs over $500. However, it includes all the necessary components, which will give a good experience for your first lessons. A nice bonus of this set is the availability of Zildjian cymbals with a pretty good sound.
Cons:
Some users say that the drum hardware could have been better. Also, there is an opinion that these drums will seem challenging to tune, especially for beginners, because of the coarse threads.
Great For:
The Mapex Tornado Studio is a good fit for any beginner, whether you’re a teenager or older. Some users claim that these drums can also be an excellent option for professional players who can’t afford expensive rigs.
5. Gretsch Drums Energy Studio Black
Gretsch Drums Energy Studio will surprise you with good quality, superb sound, and features.
Gretsch Drums is one of the oldest drum brands in the world. This American company was founded in 1883 in Brooklyn, New York. Today Gretsch drums can be one of the most popular as their sound has won the hearts of many musicians. If we are talking about the most famous fans of the brand, they are Taylor Hawkins, Phil Collins, Max Roach, and many others.
As for the Gretsch Drums Energy Studio model, it is a beginner-level drum set. Nevertheless, it has all the shells and cymbals you could ever need at the beginning of your musical journey. Plus, it looks cool and sounds just as good. So let’s take a closer look at what’s here.
Key Features:
- 7-Ply Poplar Shells
You get a 5-piece shell set, which is a 20″ x 16″ Bass Drum, two 10″ x 07″ and 12″ x 08″ toms, a 14″ x 14″ Floor Tom and a 14″ x 5.5″ Snare Drum. They are all made of 7-ply poplar, considered a budget material, but still sound pretty good. - “Fast” or “Quick Size” Drums
The design features of these drums, especially the toms, allow them to be lower than most other models. It is so that children can play the drums and reach the desired parts of the kit more easily. However, if you are an adult, you can always raise them at ease. - Fully Adjustable Kick Drum Pedal
A remarkable feature of the bass drum pedal is that you will have the ability to rotate the beater. It’s felt on one side and plastic on the other, so choose the best side that suits your taste. Also, this pedal is fully adjustable because you will be able to change the beater’s distance. - Set of Cymbals
The Gretsch Drums Energy Studio package also includes a set of Paiste 101 Special cymbals. These include the 20″ Ride, 16″ Crash, and 13″ Hi-Hat. Of course, you’ll also have all the necessary stands for them: a Hi-hat stand, a Straight cymbal stand, and a Cymbal boom stand.
Character & Sound:
The snare drum here has a nice crack, and the kick is pretty beefy sounding. As for the toms, they have good contrast in sound between them. However, you can make a more significant difference in the sound if you change the drum heads and play with the tuning.
Pros:
The Gretsch Drums Energy Studio is a beautiful beginner’s kit that can surprise you with excellent sound quality. It has sturdy mounts and drum hardware, and all the necessary components of a professional drum set. In addition, the price is pretty nice – it’s about $700.
Cons:
There is no drumstick in the set, so you have to buy it separately. For more nuances, check out the reviews online.
Great For:
This drum kit is great for beginners in their teens and older. In general, it can be used by amateurs of any age. Gretsch Drums Energy Studio would be an excellent option for music schools and rehearsal bases.
6. Pearl Decade Maple Standard
You should check out the Pearl Decade Maple Standard drum kit if you are an intermediate-level drummer.
It’s probably hard to find a drummer who hasn’t heard of Pearl. It is an international company based in Japan, producing professional drums for over 70 years. They are known for their beautiful look and the technology that makes the shells resonate well, which has made them one of the leading manufacturers in the world.
As for the Pearl Decade Maple Standard, this set is designed for intermediate to professional-level drummers. In essence, it is a set that consists only of shells, which have a mind-blowing color.
You also get all the necessary cymbal stands and a bass drum pedal. Let’s break down their features.
Key Features:
- Shells Made of Maple
As the name itself declares, the shells of this unit are made of maple. This material is considered more expensive and provides good resonances, a warm tone, and a longer sustain. It is one of the first woods that drums were made of. - 5-Piece Drum Kit
In all, this set consists of five pieces, including 14″ x 5.5″ snare, 22″ x 18″ kick, 10″ x 07″, 12″ x 08″ and 16″ x 16″ toms. Also included is a 2x TH-900 Tom holder. By the way, there is also the OptiLoc tom mounting system. - Remo Kick Drum Heads
As for the Kick drum, it has two drumheads which are Remo Ambassador UT and the Remo Powerstroke 3. The outer one will already have the necessary soundhole, so you don’t have to fiddle with it. Also, a bass drum damping cushion is included. - All Necessary Stands
You don’t have to worry about buying additional racks because they are all included in this kit. These are the H-830 Hi-hat stand, C-830 Straight cymbal stand, BC-830 Cymbal boom stand, and S-830 Snare stand. As for the bass drum, you would have the P-930 Single bass drum pedal. - Satin Brown Burst Color
The color of these drums also deserves special attention. It is Satin Brown Burst, performed in a matte lacquered finish. Together with the chrome hardware, it all looks pretty rich. Of course, you can also find the Satin Black Slate matte model, which is just as impressive.
Character & Sound:
The bass drum here doesn’t have much low end but has a good attack and will cut through the mix wonderfully. Likewise, the snare drum has excellent articulation and a clean sound. As for the toms, they have remarkable resonances. In a word – the creators took care of the sound quality.
Pros:
The Pearl Decade Maple Standard is a wonderful-looking mid-range drum kit with excellent sound quality. In addition, its price, while not cheap, is quite democratic for this level – it’s a little over a thousand dollars.
Cons:
As you may have realized, this set consists only of uprights and shells, so the cymbals and drum throne will need to be purchased separately. Also, while this kit looks lovely from afar, if you look closely at the wood, you may notice some aesthetic flaws.
Great For:
The Pearl Decade Maple Standard is excellent for those tired of their beginner drum kit and want to take it to the next level. It’s also great for professional players who don’t want to spend money on high-end drums.
7. Yamaha Stage Custom Studio Set HA
The Yamaha Stage Custom Studio Set may be the best value for your money.
Now we will talk about the product of another iconic Japanese corporation, Yamaha. Their drums have been produced since the 60s and are known for their excellent quality and reliability. So if you want a drum kit that should last you a long time, Yamaha might be just the place to start looking.
In general, this brand is associated with expensive products. But fortunately, there are some pretty good exceptions.
Yamaha Stage Custom Studio drums can safely be called one suitable for mid-level musicians. It is a standard set consisting of five pieces of shells and cymbal stands. The most important thing here is the material from which the shells are made: birch wood. It is this and other features that we will talk about below.
Key Features:
- 5-Piece Shell Pack
You get the standard drum set, which consists of a 14″ x 5.5″ snare, 20″ x 17″ kick, 14″ x 13″ floor tom, 10″ x 7″ and 12″ x 8″ toms. In addition, there is a TH945B double tom holder on the bass drum and the necessary pedal. As for stands, there are hi-hat, cymbal boom, and snare stands. - 100% Birch Drums
These drums are made of birch wood, which is already associated with a somewhat high-class instrument. It is a kind of standard for drums, as it is a very musical material that provides a lot of projection, round and full sound. Plus, you’ll find that the shells are pretty thick, as they consist of 6 plies. - Yamaha Enhanced Sustain System
As for the toms of this drum kit, there is YESS technology, which stands for Yamaha Enhanced Sustain System. It means that the snares have minimal contact with the hardware and do not interfere with their vibrations. So you get the best sustain possible. - Drummer-Friendly Mount
Also, the creators of this drum kit promise that it will be elementary for you to adjust the position of the toms because of the original ball mount and clamp. Thus, you will be able to rotate the shells as you like. In addition, the titanium thumbscrews will also provide ergonomics. - Honey Amber Color
Another feature worth pointing out is the beautiful color. In particular, this unit has a color called Honey Amber. You have to agree it’s pretty eye-catching. There are also other Yamaha Stage Custom Studio varieties with Raven Black, Pure White, Cranberry Red, and Natural Wood options.
Character & Sound:
As for the character of the sound, the bass drum has a relatively bright attack and a short decay. Consequently, it is very focused and cuts through the mix well. The same focus can be seen in the rack toms, which also have a crisp and loud attack. And the snare drum boasts dynamics and good articulation.
Pros:
The Yamaha Stage Custom Studio Set is a drum set that deserves more than the $800 price tag. It has a top-notch look, strong mounts, and excellent sound quality. It is actually what makes them an excellent value for money option.
Cons:
As you may have already understood, this is a set that consists only of shells and the necessary struts. Therefore, you will have to use your own or buy cymbals and a drum throne. As for the bass drum pedal, it has no base and can be somewhat unstable.
Great For:
The Yamaha Stage Custom Studio Set is suitable for intermediate and professional drummers alike. In addition, it is also safe to use for beginners who want to start their way with good quality.
As for the sound, these drums will satisfy fans’ needs of different music genres – from pop to rock and metal.
8. Pearl EXX725BR/C Export
A quality drum kit that will have everything you need – Pearl EXX725BR/C Export.
The Pearl Export series is one of the best-selling drums in the world. And this is not strange, as it is a complete set that can also surprise you with an excellent price-quality ratio. It is a versatile drum kit that will last a long time and is suitable for all styles.
In addition to the standard five-piece shell set, you also get three cymbals, the necessary stands, a pedal, and even a bass drum muffler pad. Also, you should like the color of the drums, as this specific model is chrome. But let’s discuss it in a little more detail.
Key Features:
- Standard Drum Shell Set
This drum kit has a standard set of shells, and this is all you might need. Specifically, there is a 22″ x 18″ Kick drum, two 12″ x 08″ and 13″ x 09″ toms, a 16″ x 16″ Floor tom and a 14″ x 5.5″ Snare drum. - Mahogany/Poplar Drums
The main feature concerning the material of these drums is that it is combinable. The shells are made of Asian mahogany and poplar wood. It helps to provide a loud sound on one side and depth on the other. - Sabian SBR Cymbals
A nice bonus of the Pearl EXX725BR/C Export set is that you also get the cymbals. The Sabian SBRs are made of brass. In particular, the set includes a 14″ Hi-hat, a 16″ Crash, and a 20″ Ride. So you’ll have just about everything you need to play right away. - Kick Drum Damper Included
If you think your bass drum is too loud or loose, you can quickly drown it out. That’s because these drums come with a special damping pad. That’s a great bonus because almost any kick drum requires that kind of damping. - Smokey Chrome Color
And of course, this Pearl EXX725BR/C Export has an excellent Smokey Chrome color. That’s because the shells here are foil-wrapped. By the way, you can find a lot of other colors like Aztec Gold, Jet Black, Matt White, and many others.
Character & Sound:
The bass drum sound character of this drum kit is pretty neutral. You won’t get much low-end here, but it still sounds usable. As for the toms, they are easy to tune and also give a great sound. And, of course, the snare drum will give you a warm tone and woody attack. Speaking of cymbals, it’s not a high-end set, but it’s still great for practice.
Pros:
Pearl EXX725BR/C Export is an excellent drum set that has won the hearts of many musicians worldwide. It includes not only shells but also cymbals. As a result, you get decent sound quality for a reasonably democratic price, which is a little over $700.
Cons:
Some musicians didn’t like the sound of the floor tom, but that could be because of the stock head. Also, you may not stick with this cymbal set, but they are pretty good for the price.
Great For:
Almost anyone can use pearl EXX725BR/C Export. This drum kit is suitable for beginners and experienced drummers alike. You can use it at gigs, rehearsals, studios, or music schools. At any rate, it is a solid mid-level drum kit.
Related Readings:
Top 10 Plugins For Mixing Drums (And 3 Best Free Plugins)
Should Drums Be in Mono or Stereo? (Kick, Snare, Clap and Percussions)
How To Clip My Drums? Here Is How & Audio Teasers (Before/After)
Top 7 Drum Libraries For KONTAKT (And 4 Freebies)
9. Tama Rhythm Mate Standard -CCM
The Tama Rhythm Mate Standard would be an excellent option for beginners when moving up to a higher quality level.
Let’s say you are a beginner who plays a cheap drum kit. Time passes, and you want to get a better instrument, but finances do not allow you to buy high-end drums. In this case, we can assume that the following product on our list would be an excellent solution for you.
The Tama Rhythm Mate Standard model comes in a complete set, including cymbals and a drum throne. In addition, you’ll find a whole bunch of useful features here, from easy toms position adjustment to the bass drum pedal. Let’s talk about it all point by point.
Key Features:
- A Complete Drum Set
The cool thing about this model is that you don’t have to buy additional items – everything is included here. Specifically, you get 22″ x 16″ Kick Drum, 10″ x 07″ and 12″ x 08″ toms, 16″ x 15″ Floor Tom and 14″ x 05″ Snare. The kit also includes all the necessary stands and cymbals. - Meinl Brass BCS Cymbals
You get the brass cymbal set from Meinl here, including 20″ Ride, 16″ Crash, and 14″ Hi-Hat. That’s all you might need for an entry or intermediate level. The stands are pretty solid, and they are Straight cymbal, Cymbal boom, and Hi-hat stands. - HP10 Drum Pedal
The Tama Rhythm Mate Standard has an HP10 model bass drum pedal. It is somewhat similar to another bestseller from this company, the Iron Cobra. Here you can change the angle of the beater and achieve added acceleration at the edge position. - Omnisphere Tom Holder
There’s also the Omnisphere Tom Holder, which will allow you to adjust almost any angle or position of your toms. All you have to do is loosen one bolt. All in all, this system has been popular with drummers for over 30 years. - Kick Drum Accu-Tune Hoop
Another feature of this drum kit is the presence of Accu-Tune hoops on the bass drum. First, this hardware is quite ergonomic because of the lightweight GFRP material. Second, it uses rods instead of bolts, making it easy to change the heads.
Character & Sound:
The sound of this drum set is quite excellent for an average level. The toms have good articulation and variety between them. The snare drum sound is quite focused and can cut through the mix nicely. It is also true of the bass drum, which is quite punchy. Speaking of the set of cymbals here, they give a pleasant tone and sustain.
Pros:
The Tama Rhythm Mate Standard is a pretty good drum kit that includes everything down to the cymbals and seat and will cost you a little over $600. You also get many features that make it easier to tune and play the drums.
Cons:
Some users were not happy with the sound of the snare drum. Also, the drum throne is pretty basic, but it’s not strange since this model can still be called a budget one.
Great For:
The Tama Rhythm Mate Standard should work well for rehearsal bases and music schools. Beginners can safely practice on this drum kit, and those who have decided to take a step towards better instruments. When it comes to genres of music, this is one of those rigs that can satisfy almost any preference.
10. DDrum JR22 Journeyman Rambler Kit BK
The DDrum JR22 Journeyman Rambler Kit has a beautiful rock look and a friendly price.
If you are a newcomer and a rock and metal music fanatic, maybe the following product on our list is just right for you. It is a drum kit from Ddrum, a Swedish company based in the United States.
It makes both acoustic and electronic drum kits and accessories. And the list of fans of this brand includes Vinnie Paul of Pantera and Hellyeah, Paul Mazurkiewicz of Cannibal Corpse, and Kent Diimmel of In This Moment.
Unlike the other models we’ve listed, the JR22 Journeyman Rambler Kit includes two-floor toms and only one rack tom. All in all, this kit consists only of shells and the necessary stands. Let’s take a look at it in more detail.
Key Features:
- Shells Made Of Basswood
The DDrum JR22 Journeyman Rambler includes five positions – it’s 22″ x 18″ Kick, 14″ x 6.5″ Snare, 12″ x 8″ Rack Tom, and two 14″ x 14″ and 16″ x 14″ floor toms. All of the shells are made of basswood, which is not expensive, but still good material for drums. - Full Hardware Set
You won’t have to worry that you won’t have any drum stand or hardware, as this kit includes everything you need. Specifically, you’ll get a Bass drum pedal, Snare stand, Hi-hat stand, Straight cymbal stand, and Cymbal boom stand. In addition, there are also two Tom holders. - Rack Tom Is Mounted On The Stand
Since there is only one rack toms in this kit, the makers decided not to attach it to the bass drum. Because of this, it is mounted to the crash stand. It is quite an unusual solution for the eye, but apparently, it frees the kick drum from unnecessary noise and vibrations. - Cool Rock Look
It is impossible to ignore the appearance of these drums. The shells are foil-wrapped in black, which provides a fantastic look suitable for rock and metal music. So this drum set is sure to improve any room.
Character & Sound:
Despite its beginner status, this drum kit has an excellent high-quality sound character. The toms have sufficient depth and difference between them, even though the two are pretty low. The snare drum has a pretty good attack and punch. As for the bass drum, it is well-focused.
Pros:
The DDrum JR22 Journeyman Rambler is a great-looking drum kit that only costs $500. You will get the best possible sound quality for the money. Also, there are two floor toms, which might appeal to fans of heavier genres of music.
Cons:
Some users have noted that the bass drum screws are too short. However, we don’t see any more cons, so we advise you to read the detailed descriptions on the internet.
Great For:
The DDrum JR22 Journeyman Rambler is good for rock music fans starting on their musical journey but doesn’t want a low-quality drum kit. This model would be an outstanding solution for a rehearsal base or even your first gigs.
11. Mapex TND5294FTC Tornado Standard BL
The Mapex TND5294FTC Tornado Standard proves that cheap drums can sound good.
The Mapex Tornado series is quite popular among beginners. And it’s not strange because, with this particular model, you’ll have everything you need, including shells, cymbals, and a seat.
In addition, Mapex claims that despite their cheap status, these drums were created on the same equipment as other bigger models, which is noticeable in the sound quality.
All in all, Mapex TND5294FTC Tornado Standard is made of basswood and equipped with all necessary hardware. In addition to the 5-piece drum set, you also get two cymbals, without which it is hard to imagine any kit. But let’s go over everything in order.
Key Features:
- Basswood Shell Material
The shells of this drum set are made of nine layers of basswood, which is a popular material and provides an excellent warm punch. The basswood also provides a somewhat similar sound to more expensive woods. - Any Shell You Need
You get the standard set of drum shells in this set, namely 14″ x 5.5″ Snare, 22″ x 16″ Bass Drum, 10″ x 07″ and 12″ x 08″ Toms, as well as 16″ x 14″ Floor Tom. So this set will be quite enough for you, especially if you are a beginner. - Full Hardware Set
In terms of hardware, the TND5294FTC Tornado Standard consists of all the necessary components, including a Snare stand, Foot pedal, Hi-Hat, and Straight cymbal stand. On top of that, you’ll have a Drum throne and a couple of sticks. - Cymbals Included
The cymbal set here is not impressive, but it will still be enough for beginners. It includes a 16″ Crash cymbal and a 14″ Hi-Hat. Over time, you can upgrade them anyway or get additional cymbals.
Character & Sound:
The Mapex TND5294FTC Tornado Standard can give you a rich sound with a pronounced attack. And that goes for almost every component in the kit. So you can use it to start your musical journey if you are a beginner.
Pros:
The low price and relatively good sound are the main advantages of the Mapex TND5294FTC Tornado Standard drum kit. The second is that this kit includes everything you need to assemble a drum kit, sit down at it, and play.
Cons:
Some users claim to have had problems with hi-hat stand spring tension when they put other cymbals on it. Also, some have complaints about the sound quality of the cymbals that come in the kit.
Great For:
Overdone, the Mapex TND5294FTC is suitable for beginners of all types, whether you are a child or an adult. In addition, this drum kit can satisfy those who want to try what drumming is all about and decide if it’s worth continuing. Of course, you won’t get top quality, but it will be enough nonetheless.
12. Millenium Focus 18 Drum Set Black
The Millenium Focus 18 Drum Set lets you play your grooves right out of the box.
Who would have thought about 15 years ago that we would be able to buy a drum kit with all the accessories for a few hundred dollars? Fortunately, we live in a time when music practice is more affordable than ever. We’re going to talk about another affordable option from Millennium, which is the in-house brand of Thomann.
The Millenium Focus 18 Drum Set is great for beginners who want to play normal-sized drums.
Here you’ll have everything you need to assemble your kit and play it right away. Plus, you’ll also get a set of drum muffler accessories. Let’s take a look at what’s in here.
Key Features:
- 5-Piece Shell Pack
The Millenium Focus 18 Drum Set includes five shells. For example, you get 18″ x 14″ Kick, 13″ x 05″ Snare, 12″ x 08″ and 10″ x 07″ Toms, as well as 14″ x 14″ Floor Tom. These components are made from poplar, which we know is durable and economical. - Brass Cymbals Included
You also get a set of cymbals here, consisting of a pair of 14″ Hi-Hats and a 16″ Crash/Ride. As you will see, the last one is combined. So it can save space in your rehearsal room without the need to bring a separate ride. - Double-Braced Hardware Set
The creators of this set also made sure that you have all the stands and hardware you need. For example, there is a Kick drum pedal, Straight cymbal stand, Hi-Hat Stand, and Snare stand. In addition, you get a drum throne as well. - Muffling Accessories
A nice bonus of the Millenium Focus 18 is that you also get separate Muffling Accessories. These include a cushion for the kick drum to provide a more focused and percussive sound and control rings. So you can use the latter on toms and the snare. - Solid Look
Even though this is a beginner’s drum set, it has a pretty solid look. The shells have a black wrap finish and stylish Millenium logos. So, this drum kit will complement the interior of any rehearsal space.
Character & Sound:
Since an 18-gauge bass drum is loaded here, this configuration might be associated with a jazz sound. But the thing is, you can experiment with tuning and get a sound perfect for other genres like rock and pop music. As for the toms, they have pretty good articulation. In addition, the snare drum has quite a working sound.
Pros:
The Millenium Focus 18 Drum Set is an excellent option for aspiring musicians. You can hone your skills on this kit until you upgrade to a more professional version. You’ll have everything you need and the ability to muffle the drums somewhat, which will be helpful in smaller rooms.
Cons:
Noname cymbals are installed here, so you may want to change them for more professional and branded over time. Some owners have also changed the drum heads, but this is all at your discretion.
Great For:
The Millenium Focus 18 Drum Set is an excellent budget-friendly option for beginners, teens, and adults. This drum set is suitable for many musical genres. You can use it at a rehearsal facility and even for your first recordings.
Conclusion
As you can see, we live in a time when musical instruments are more accessible than ever. You can buy an actual acoustic drum kit, both for yourself and for your children, without paying exorbitant amounts of money. To conclude this post, let us give you some tips on what to look for when choosing drums.
If you are going to buy a drum set for your child who is still very young, we recommend looking at number 1 on our list – the Millenium Youngster Drum Set. But if your child is a little older, number 3, the Ludwig Pocket Kit, is a great option.
If you’re a drummer who wants to jump off your beginner kit and take it to the next level, check out kits like #5 Gretsch Drums Energy Studio, #7 Yamaha Stage Custom Studio, and #8 Pearl EXX725BR/C Export. These options will be more professional and surprise you with their sound quality.
If you need something entirely budget-friendly to try drumming, you can consider products number 2, Startone Star Drum Set Studio, and number 12, Millenium Focus 18 Drum Set. But remember, no matter how you go about it, you can still get the best playing experience from the more expensive options.
And lastly, don’t forget to go to your local music store and listen to the drums. It’s the only way to be sure of what you like best. Listen carefully and trust your gut. Good luck!
Readings that you may like:
Other Recommended Gear:
Top 12 NearField Studio Monitors On Any Budget
Top 10 Midfield Studio Monitors For Home Recording
Best Biggest Studio Monitors (FarField Monitors)
Top 10 Guitar Pickups for Low Tunings
Top 10 Analog Compressors For Mixing & Mastering (On Any Budget)
Top 12 USB Audio Interfaces Under 150$, 200$, 300$ 400$ (Any Budget)
Top 12 Hardware Equalizers (Analog EQs For Mixing & Mastering)
Top 6 Analog Hardware Limiters
Top 6 Solid State Bass Amps (On Any Budget)
Top 6 Ribbon Mics On Any Budget (For Vocals, Drums & Guitars)
Top 6 Cheap Dynamic Mics For Vocals Under 50$, 100$, 200$ & 300$
Top 6 Chorus Guitar Pedals (On Any Budget)
6 Best 61-Key MIDI Keyboards (On Any Budget)
9 Best 49-Key MIDI Keyboards Under 100$ & 200$
Top 5 Best 25 Key MIDI Keyboards (On Any Budget)
Top 12 Acoustic Drums (Best Kits/Sets On Any Budget)
Plugin Roundups:
Genre Focused:
Top 10 EDM Plugins (And 10 Best FREE Plugins For EDM)
Top 10 Plugins For TRAP Beats (And 5 Best FREE Trap Plugins)
20 Best Plugins For Rock Musicians (+ 6 FREE Plugins)
Top 14 Trance Plugins (Uplifting, Tech, Progressive, Vocal, Dream, Hard)
Top 10 GOA & PsyTrance Plugins (Best Psychedelic Trance Tools)
Top 7 Plugins For Dubstep (With 10 Best FREE Effects & Synths)
Top 20 Synthwave Plugins (+ 11 Best FREE Plugins)
Top 15 Plugins For Techno, House, Electro, Tech House, UK Garage
Top 6 Plugins For Latin Music (And 4 FREE Tools)
Top 12 Plugins For Hip-Hop (+ Best Kontakt Libraries)
Top 7 Plugins For Game & Film Scoring (+ 6 Best Kontakt Libraries)
Top 10 R&B And Pop Music Plugins & KONTAKT Libraries
30 Best Free Plugins For DnB, EDM, IDM & Experimental Music
EQ Plugins
Top 12 Free EQ Plugins For Precise Mixing & Mastering
Top 9 Mid/Side EQ Plugins For Mixing & Mastering (+ 2 Free Tools)
Top 7 Graphic EQ Plugins (With 3 Best Free EQs)
Top 7 EQ Plugins For Mastering In | And Best FREE Mastering EQs
Top 6 Passive EQ Plugins (Klevgrand, SPL, UAD, Waves, IK Multimedia)
Top 11 Plugins For Making Metal (Best Guitars, Drums & Effects)
Metering:
Top 5 Audio Metering Plugins (LUFS, RMS, LRA, True Peak)
Top 6 Spectrum Analyzer Plugins – Spectral Analysis Tools
Top 6 Oscilloscope Plugins To See The Waveforms
Top 5 Key Detection Plugins & Software (+ Best FREE App)
Kontakt Libraries
20 Best Kontakt Libraries For All Categories (Synths, Drums, Vocals)
Top 7 Drum Libraries For KONTAKT (And 4 Freebies)
Top 7 Trap Music Kontakt Libraries (And Best Lo-Fi Kontakt Library)
Top 7 Metal & Rock Kontakt Libraries (Best Guitars & Drums)
Top 10 Guitar Libraries For Kontakt (Acoustic, Electric, Bass & Freebies)
Top 7 Trailer Scoring Plugins & Kontakt Libraries
20 Best Free KONTAKT Libraries For Various Instruments
Top 9 Piano Kontakt Sample Libraries (And 5 Best Free Pianos)
Top 10 Percussion KONTAKT Libraries (And 3 Freebies)
Top 7 Kontakt Libraries For Horror & Thriller Scoring (No VSTs)
Audio Restoration, Calibration & Utility:
Top 6 Noise Reduction Plugins (And 3 Best Free Tools)
6 Best Audio Restoration Plugins & Software
Top 7 Phase Alignment Plugins To Fix Your Bass & Drums
Top 10 Room Calibration & Headphones/Speakers Correction Plugins
Instrument Plugins:
Top 6 Vocoder Plugins (Effects & Synths + FREE Vocoder)
11 Best Rhodes VST Plugins (AND 5 Free Rhodes Plugins)
Top 12 Randomizer Plugins Including FREE Plugins
Top 6 Kick Drum Plugins (Best Kick Designer Tools)
Top 12 Woodwind Plugins (And KONTAKT Libraries)
Top 10 Double Bass Plugins (Best Upright Basses)
Top 5 Strings VST Plugins (AND 4 Best Free Instruments)
Top 6 Sampler Plugins (And 3 Best FREE Plugins)
Top 6 Classical Guitar Plugins & Kontakt Libraries (And FREE Guitars)
Top 12 Sub Plugins (Best 808 & Bass Tools For Massive Low End)
Top 10 Plugins On PluginBoutique (And 7 Best Free Plugins)
Top 11 Plugins On Plugin Alliance
Top 7 Acoustic Guitar Plugins (And 4 Best Kontakt Libraries)
9 Best Bass Guitar Plugins (And 2 Best Freebies)
Top 6 Electric Guitar Plugins (Best PAID & FREE Picks)
Top 10 Arpeggiator VST Plugins (Best Synths, MIDI Effects & Tools)
Top 10 Modular Synth Plugins (And 3 Best FREE Plugins)
Top 6 Choir Plugins & Sample Libraries (And 3 Best Free Plugins)
11 Best Percussion & Drum VST Plugins (And FREE Plugins)
Top 8 Piano Plugins (Best Sounding Pianos & 5 FREE Piano Plugins)
Top 6 Organ Plugins Ever Made (And 3 Best Free Organs)
Top 14 VST Plugins For Beginners (And 9 FREE Plugins)
Top 9 Drum Machine Plugins (And Groovebox Plugins)
4 Best Banjo Plugins (Best Banjo Instruments)
The 5 Best Ukulele Plugins & Kontakt Libraries
Top 13 Synth Plugins (And 5 Best FREE Synths Plugins)
Top 13 Sequencer Plugins (Synth, MIDI & Step Sequencers)
The 10 Best Multi-Effect Plugins (And 3 Best Free Plugins)
Top 12 Plugin Bundles For Musicians (Synths, Mixing & Mastering)
Processing & Sound Design:
8 Best Lo-Fi Plugins (PAID & FREE)
Top 11 Plugins For Mixing Vocals (For Home Studio)
Top 12 Saturation Plugins (Best Mixing & Mastering Tools)
Top 6 Pitch Shifter Plugins (And 3 Best FREE Pitch Shifters)
Top 6 Chorus VST Plugins For Musicians (And 3 FREE Plugins)
Top 6 Limiter Plugins For Precise Mastering & Mixing
The 8 Best Filter Plugins For Precise Cuts & Boosts (+ 5 Free Filters)
6 Best Autotune Plugins To Improve & Enhance Your Vocals
Top 10 Transient Shaper Plugins (VST, AU, AAX)
Top 7 Enhancer Plugins (For Bass, Drums, Vocals & Harmonics)
Top 6 Flanger Plugins (And 5 Best FREE Flanger Emulators)
Top 7 Phaser Plugins (And 3 Best FREE Phasers)
Top 10 Plugins For Mixing Drums (And 3 Best Free Plugins)
Top 7 Bitcrusher Plugins (And 4 Best FREE Bitcrushers + 3 Bonuses)
Top 6 Plugins For Voice-Over & Dialogue Cleaning (Post Production)
Top 10 Stereo Imaging Plugins (Best Old & Modern Picks)
Top 5 Multiband Limiter Plugins
Top 7 De-Esser Plugins For Better Vocals (And 4 FREE Plugins)
Top 7 Clipper Plugins (Best Limiter Alternatives)
Top 6 Chord Generator Plugins That Inspire Melodies (+ FREE Tools)
7 Best Exciter Plugins For Mixing & Mastering
Top 7 Channel Strip Plugins (And 2 Best Free Plugins)
Top 11 Distortion Plugins (And 4 Top Free Plugins)
Top 5 Comb Filter & Resonator Plugins | Melda, Kilohearts, Tritik
The 7 Best Vibrato VST Plugins | Audec, Audiority, Melda
The 7 Best Tremolo Plugins | Eventide, Melda, SoundToys, Kuassa…
The 7 Best Harmonizer Plugins | Eventide, Melda, Aegean Music
7 Best Sidechain Plugins (VST, AU, AAX) | Xfer, Cableguys..
Top 10 Noise Gate Plugins (And 6 FREE Free Gate Tools)
The 6 Best Ring Modulator VST Plugins | KiloHearts, Melda
7 Best Autopan VST Plugins | CableGuys, Melda, Waves, Soundtoys
The 6 Best Frequency Shifter VST Plugins
Top 11 Granulizer Plugins For Future Sound Design
29 Best Sound Design VST Plugins
Compressor Plugins
Top 11 Free Compressor Plugins (VCA, Vari-Mu, FET, Digital)
Top 7 Multiband Compressor Plugins (And 4 FREE Plugins)
Top 5 Diode-Bridge Compressor Plugins
Top 6 Mastering Chain Plugins: Complete VST Solutions
The 7 Best VCA Compressor Plugins (VST, AU, AAX)
Top 11 Mastering Compressor Plugins (And 2 FREE Plugins)
Top 10 Opto Compressor Plugins For Transparent Sound
The 7 Best Vari-Mu Compressor Plugins (And 2 Best FREE Tools)
Reverb & Delay Plugins:
Top 12 Reverb Plugins (And 5 FREE Reverb Plugins)
The 6 Best Spring Reverb VST Plugins | AudioThing, GSi, u-he, Eventide
Top 12 Delay Plugins For Music Production In (VST, AU, AAX)
Top 10 FREE Delay Plugins (VST, AU, AAX)
The 10 Best Convolution Reverb Plugins
Amps & Preamps:
Top 10 Guitar Amp Plugins (And 5 Best FREE Simulators)
Top 10 Bass Amp Plugins (And 5 Best Free Simulators)
Top 9 Preamp Plugins (For Vocals, Guitars & More!) + Free Preamps
Guitar/Amp Focused:
Can I Put Nylon Strings on a Steel-string Guitar?
Do Electric Guitars Sound Good Unplugged?
Buying Your First Guitar: 2 Things To Know
Are Tube Amps Worth It? (Tube vs Solid-State Amps)
How Often Does A Guitar Need a Setup?
Can I Play Classical Guitar On A Steel-String Guitar?
How often guitar necks need reset?
Can You Play Two Guitars Through One Amp?
Can a 6 String Bass Be Tuned Like A Guitar?
Can I leave My Guitar Tuned Down a Step? Yes, But Is It Safe?
Should I Learn 4, 5 Or 6 String Bass Guitar & Why?
How To Know If your Guitar Amp Is Broken?
How To Fix Distorted Bass Guitar Sound?
Do Fender Guitars Appreciate In Value?
Should You Put Stickers On A Bass Guitar?
How Acoustic And Electric Guitars Are Made?
Is Electric Guitar Too Loud for an Apartment?
Does a Preamp Improve Sound Quality?
If I Learn Acoustic Guitar Can I Play Electric Guitar?
How Many Hours A Day Should You Practice Bass Guitar?
Do I need an AMP/DAC To Run Bookshelf Speakers?
How to Record Electric Guitar Into Logic Pro X?
Do headphones get worse with age?
DAW Related:
Best DAWs For Musicians Available (With FREE DAWs)
What’s The Most CPU Efficient DAW? – 5 DAWs Compared
How To Make Music Without Using A DAW?
Pro Tools Guide: How To Use AutoTune & Pitch Correction?
Ableton Review: Is It Worth The Money? (Cons & Pros)
Logic Pro X Review: Is It Worth It? (Cons & Pros)
How To Use Auto-tune & Pitch Correction In Cubase?
How To Fix Ableton Crackling, Crashing & Freezing? Step By Step
Plugin Related:
What Are Audio Plugins? Different Types of Plugins Explained
What Are The Best Tools To Develop VST Plugins & How Are They Made?
Cost of Developing Audio VST Plugin: Several Factors (With Table)
VST, VST, AU and AAX – What’s The Difference? Plugin Formats Explained
Complete Guide To Noise Gate – What It Is, What It Does & How To Use It?
How To Clip My Drums? Here Is How & Audio Teasers (Before/After)
Complete Guide To Limiter: How To Use It (+ Best Plugins & Analog Limiters)
Mixing With Reverb: How To Add Life To Your Mixes
Linear Phase vs Minimum Phase EQ – Full Guide
Difference Between LUFS, RMS & True Peak Loudness Meters
How And When To Use Algorithmic And Convolution Reverb In Your Mix?
Difference Between Active EQ, Passive EQ and Dynamic EQ
Headphones & Studio Monitors:
Do headphones get worse with age?
Monitors vs Studio Headphones For Mixing & Mastering
Top 10 Room Calibration & Headphones/Speakers Correction Plugins
Are Noise-Canceling Headphones Good For Music Production?
Can Headphones Break in Cold Weather?
Why do headphones & cables get sticky?
Can Wearing Headphones Cause Hair Loss?
How Do I know If My Studio Monitor Is Blown?
Side Effects Of Sleeping With Your Headphones On
Do You Need Music Amplifier For Studio Monitors or Studio Headphones?
Do Headphones or Earphones Damage Your Brain?
Can Headphones or Earphones cause Deafness or Toothache?
FarField, MidField & NearField Monitors – Their Uses, Pros & Cons
MIDI & Synths:
Should I Buy A MIDI Keyboard Or Synth? (Are Synths Worth It Anymore?)
Why Is Audio Gear So Expensive? (Especially Synths)
Top 12 Synth Brands – Analog, Digital & Modular Synth Manufacturers
Ilarion Ivanenko is a remote mixing and mastering engineer from Ukraine, a musician with more than 15 years of experience. Specializes in rock, metal, progressive and the other genres. He can’t imagine his life without music, as it is the biggest passion in his life