2023 Drum Kit Buying Guide
- Robert Jane
- Feb 10, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 11, 2023
I want to start off by saying that my advice on this subject has changed considerably over the last few years as I’ve been able to observe how more and more students are either helped or held back by the equipment they have at home. Before diving in to the details, the few main points I would make are;
Buy Now, Not Later
Ultimately, the sooner a student has access to a kit to practice on, the better. Fast-learning students won't be held back by a lack of instrument, and similarly student's struggling more with the basics will be able to really work on the fundamentals and progress much quicker.
Buy Cheap, Buy Twice
Drum gear is already priced really competitively, so while there are some sub-£350 options out there, the quality, longevity and enjoyability all increase exponentially up in the mid-range of prices.
Money Back Guarantee(ish...)
Diving in early-doors for the best option you can afford may sound risky, especially if you or your child decide drumming isn’t for you. However, better quality gear can be sold on again and again without losing too much value, while entry-level kits plummet in value as soon as they're out of the box.
With those main three points in mind, I’ve outlined my three recommended options below. For more detailed advice on each option follow the links at the end of each section.
#1 | Acoustic Drums
By far the best option in terms of enjoyability, an acoustic drum kit is unparalleled as far as promoting best technique and playability. This is also the most easily upgraded option and crucially acoustic kits hold their value much better than an electric kit.
#2 | Acoustic Drums with Low Volume Accessories
In just the last few years drum companies have really leapt forward in terms of the quality and playability of drum mutes to use on acoustic drum kits. I’d still recommend these options above an electric drum kit as you still get the full sizes and the same feel from the hardware (stands and pedals), and a quick head-swap turns your practice kit back in to a full acoustic set.
#3 | Electric Drum Kits
Over the years I’ve started recommending electric kits less and less, but of course they solve the two biggest issues with acoustic drums; noise and space. Perhaps more so than with acoustic drum kits, you get what you pay for here so please don’t go for the cheapest option. As with any electronics, they don’t hold their value as well, especially at the entry level, and can be prone to various hardware/sensitivity issues so make sure you research any kit before buying and ideally stick to the three main brands; Roland, Yamaha and Alesis.
Finally, I just wanted to recommend a couple of stores to either visit if you can or to call up/shop online with - I'm not affiliated in any way with these shops but would definitely steer you towards them for much better service and after-sales help than you'd get from Amazon or other more generic shops.
Graham Russell Drums - Fareham
Apparently the biggest drum store in the UK, they've got a huge range of New and Used Acoustic and Electric Drum Kits in stock to have a go on, as well as great service if you can only buy online/over the phone. They'd also be more than happy to fit any low-volume heads to a kit for you, or help you put together a budget friendly drum kit from their huge second hand stock.
Wembley Music Centre - Wembley
A little closer to home, this store has a wider selection of electronic kits as well as acoustic kits.
