The price of a drum kit can often chase away potential buyers. Many people that are looking to start playing drums discover that drum kits are fairly pricey. However, there are some great kits out there that come at affordable prices.
These kits offer everything you need, especially if you’re a beginner. It’s important to know that even though they’re cheap, they’re packed with high-quality features. So, we’re going to help you get the best value for your money and point you to some fantastic drum kits.
The first kit on the list is the Yamaha Stage Custom. We’ve put this one first as it’s the most expensive. However, it has the most value-for-money out of most kits out there. It’s an intermediate kit that comes in at a hugely affordable price.
The shells are made from birch wood. Birch is typically used in higher-priced kits and gives the drums some seriously punchy tones. The snare drum has a tight crack while the toms sing with force.
The Yamaha Stage Custom shell pack sizes are: 14″ Snare Drum, 10″ ans 12″ Rack Toms, 13″ Floor Tom and a 20″ Bass Drum.
Yamaha’s YESS mounting system makes it incredibly easy to portion the rack toms at comfortable angles. It also keeps them locked tightly, meaning they won’t move around no matter how hard you hit.
Many pro drummers use this kit due to how great it sounds. There really isn’t a better affordable kit out there. If you’re looking for a new kit, you may want to spend a little more than you initially planned and invest in this one.
Just note that it’s just a shell pack, meaning it doesn’t come with cymbals or cymbal stands. Those would need to be purchased separately.
The PDP Center Stage is an exceptional drum set for beginners, combining affordability with quality. Constructed from poplar wood, it delivers rich, resonant tones that are surprisingly mature for a kit in its price range.
This 5-piece set is designed with the newbie drummers in mind, offering a straightforward setup and ease of play, which is essential for those new to drumming.
Despite its many strengths, the Center Stage does have some limitations. The stock heads and cymbals are basic and might not fully satisfy the more discerning or advanced player.
However, this also presents an opportunity for growth. As skills develop, upgrading these components can greatly enhance the drumming experience, making the set more adaptable to a drummer’s evolving style.
The PDP Center Stage drum set is a wise choice for anyone venturing on their drumming journey. Its solid construction, good sound quality, and affordable price make it a reliable and sensible starting point.
If you want to learn more about PDP drum sets check this guide.
The Sonor AQX Micro is a unique drum set that covers specific needs, ideal for drummers with limited space or those seeking a compact, portable kit. Crafted with careful attention to detail, it features smaller-sized drums that still deliver a robust and lively sound/
The main advantage of the AQX Micro lies in its ultra-compact design, making it perfect for small venues, practice rooms, or home studios where space is a premium. The sound is surprisingly full and articulate for the drum sizes, which include a bass drum, snare, and toms, all scaled down for portability. And being a compact drum set the price is beginner friendly, leaving us with very capable drum set on the entry level budget range.
However, the smaller drum sizes may present a challenge to drummers used to standard-sized kits, requiring some adjustment in playing technique. The stock heads and hardware are adequate but might need upgrading for more experienced players looking for a richer sound or more durable components.
The Sonor AQX design and build make it a practical choice for various settings, offering a unique solution for space-conscious and beginner drummers.
The Pearl Roadshow comes in at about 100 or so dollars less than the Stage Custom. It offers a lot more in terms of equipment. This kit is the ultimate option for beginners as it includes drums, cymbals, and drum hardware but no drum throne.
The drums are made of poplar wood, giving them a steady tone that works well in most situations. The stock drum heads don’t sound too great, but you can drastically improve the sound quality of the acoustic drum set by upgrading the heads.
The Pearl Roadshow drum sizes are: 14″ Snare Drum, 10″ and 12″ Rack toms, 16″ Floor tom. and a 22″ Bass Drum.
The entry level kit includes a set of 14” hi-hats and a 16” crash. Along with the cymbal stands, these cymbals allow you to start playing a full drum setup all with one purchase.
The kit is mostly aimed at beginners. Intermediate and advanced players will most likely not like the tones the kit produces.
Not everyone is afforded the luxury of being able to play acoustic drums in their houses or apartments. Sound complaints are a real deal for most drummers. So, you may need to look into getting an electronic drum set. Now is the perfect opportunity to introduce the Alesis Nitro Mesh set.
Alesis struck gold with this kit. Most electronic kits with mesh heads are fairly expensive, yet this kit comes in at just under $400. Most cheaper electronic drum sets have small pads to play on, yet all the pads on this kit are 8”.
It’s a fantastic kit in terms of drum hardware it includes the bass drum pedal. The big limitation is in the sound module. Although there’s a lot to play around with, the sampled sounds aren’t the greatest. However, you can easily get around that by connecting the kit to a DAW and running drum sounds through a computer.
You can see the difference with the Alesis Surge here.
Overall, this is one of the best e-kits on the market for anyone with a small budget.
The Tama Club-JAM is a compact cheap drum set, meaning the shell sizes are smaller than the average sizes on drum sets. This makes the kit a fantastic choice for someone looking for a light kit that they can travel easily with.
Made of poplar and mersawa, the drums produce high-pitched tones that cut nicely through mixes and pack quite a punch. The punchy sounds are thanks to the shallow depths of all the drums like the floor tom.
One thing that sets this kit apart from other compact kits is the fact that the ride cymbal arm is mounted onto the bass drum. This saves a lot of space and aids in providing the small footprint that the kit has.
The kit also works particularly well for children as the small sizes cater well for smaller people. You’d just need to get some hardware and cymbals separately as the Club-JAM only comes as a shell pack.
If you liked the sound of the Tama Club-JAM then you’ll love the sound of the Ludwig Pocket Kit by Questlove. This kit is an all-in-one package that is aimed at children but works perfectly well for adults as well.
The shells have small sizes and the included cymbals are small in comparison to normal cymbal sizes. The black hardware gives the kit a strong appearance while the Ludwig artwork on the resonant bass drum head adds a sense of quirkiness and does not include a drum throne.
The kit is incredibly inexpensive, making it a fantastic choice for children. The sounds may be lacking for more experienced players, but that can be fixed by changing the drum heads out and replacing the cymbals.
The biggest thing that makes a great cheap drum set is the price-to-value ratio that it has. It needs to offer a lot of valuable parts and features, even though it comes at a price that is lower than most drum kits out there.
The other thing that makes a great cheap drum set is longevity. You want to make sure that the kit will last you many good years of use. It should be sturdy and very durable. This will save you money in the long run as you won’t need to upgrade or buy replacement parts.
So, you’re ready to jump into the rhythmic world of drumming but don’t want to empty your wallet? No worries! There are some bang-for-your-buck kits out there that can get your drumming journey kickstarted. Let’s check what you should be keeping an eye out for when hunting down that affordable drum set.
Brand matters, even when you’re on a budget. Companies like Yamaha, Pearl, and Tama have built stellar reputations for good reason. They offer kits that sound decent and won’t fall apart after a few jam sessions. But don’t just get swayed by the name, read reviews, watch videos and if possible, play the kit. The aim is to find a brand that offers a solid balance between cost and quality.
Let’s face it, a cheap drum set isn’t just about the drums. Cymbals and hardware play a huge role in your overall drumming experience. Some cheaper sets come with these included, but the quality may be a bit hit-or-miss. It’s essential to know what you’re getting. Cymbal stands should be sturdy, and the bass drum pedal shouldn’t feel like it’s going to snap. As for cymbals, they can be expensive, so starting with basic hi-hats and a crash is perfectly fine or you can go with cymbal pack to save on cymbals. You can always upgrade later.
Size does matter, especially if you’re tight on space or looking for something portable. A 5-piece set is standard and gives you room to grow, but if you’re in a cramped apartment or you’re buying for a younger player, a smaller 3 or 4-piece kit might be the way to go. Remember, it’s not just about the drums; you’ll need space for cymbals and hardware too!
Ah, the age-old debate: acoustic or electronic? Acoustic kits offer an authentic drumming experience but can be loud and space-consuming. Electronic drum kits are more apartment-friendly and offer a range of sounds but can lack the ‘feel’ of an acoustic set. Brands like Alesis offer some killer electronic kits at budget-friendly prices. Consider your living situation and what you can realistically accommodate.
Set a budget and stick to it. Prices for “cheap” drum sets can vary widely, from as low as $100 for used sets to up to $700 for new ones. Remember, the lowest price isn’t always the best deal. Consider kits that may be a bit pricier but offer better value in terms of durability and sound.
Okay, let’s be real: not everyone who picks up drumming will stick with it forever. So think about the resale value of your kit. Brands with a good reputation and higher-quality components are more likely to fetch a decent price should you decide to sell the kit later on. It’s not just about buying a cheap drum set, it’s about making a smart investment in your musical journey.
There are several reputable brands that offer good quality without breaking the bank. Here’s a brief rundown of some of these brands:
For those starting out, Yamaha’s entry-level kits like the Rydeen series offer durability and solid sound without crippling your finances. Yamaha has been in the game for years and they know how to make a reliable cheap drum set. Sure, it’s not their high-end Phoenix series, but it gets the job done!
Pearl! Their Roadshow series is an all-in-one package that comes with everything a beginner needs: drums, cymbals, and hardware. It’s like a starter pack for aspiring drummers. You can’t really go wrong here, and the sound is surprisingly good for the price.
Ludwig’s Pocket Kit by Questlove is an entry-level kit that’s perfect for kids and smaller spaces. While it’s a compact kit, it doesn’t skimp on quality. Designed by The Roots’ drummer, Questlove, you’re getting a bit of that expert touch in a budget-friendly package.
The Tama Imperialstar is another all-inclusive option that gets you set up with a complete package including Meinl HCS cymbals. They’ve been a rock in the drumming community for years and their budget kits are no exception in terms of quality.
If you’re leaning towards electronic kits, Alesis has some of the best budget options. Their Turbo Mesh and Nitro Mesh kits are apartment-friendly and offer a variety of sounds. While they don’t replicate the feel of an acoustic kit perfectly, they come darn close and are excellent for quiet practice or late-night jam sessions.
Mapex is another brand to consider for the budget-conscious. Their Rebel series is an excellent beginner kit, offering solid shells and a decent hardware package. It’s not going to sound like a $2000 kit, but it’s more than adequate for learning the ropes.
You may be able to find some drum kits for less than $100. However, they’re not going to provide the same quality as the kits mentioned above. Many people who buy the cheapest drum sets they can find will end up needing a new one in just a few years.
One of the best ways to get great kits for cheap is to buy them secondhand. Many people sell drum kits as they realize they’re not too interested anymore. You can find some great deals that way.
Cheap drum sets will cost somewhere between $100 and $700. The drum sets that are in the lower range of that ratio obviously don’t sound as good as the ones in the higher range. For about drum sets pricing check this guide.
The best drum kit for beginners is arguably the Pearl Roadshow. There are many reasons for this. Firstly, Pearl is second to none when it comes to hardware in their lower-tier drum kits. They provide such solid hardware, even in their cheapest sets. The hardware from the Roadshow will last you many years.
Secondly, the kit comes with everything you need to start playing such as hardware and cymbals. Lastly, it sounds really good for the price it comes at.
It’s not cheaper to build your own set as buying cymbals separately can get incredibly expensive. However, it will suit you better in the long run. Most higher-tier kits only come as shell packs, meaning you’ll need to build onto them to have a full kit.
If you’re a beginner or someone looking for a basic set to practice on, then a budget-friendly drum set could be a reasonable option. While they won’t offer the same quality or durability as more expensive sets, cheap kits can serve as an adequate starting point for learning the basics. As you progress, you may find yourself wanting to upgrade components for better sound and playability. It’s a good way to start without making a big financial commitment.
The “best” price for a cheap drum set varies based on your needs and level of commitment. For beginners, sets can range from $300 to $700 for a new, decent-quality kit. If you’re looking at second-hand options, prices can be significantly lower. Professional-level kits will naturally cost more, often running into the thousands. Before making a purchase, consider your skill level, the features you need, and how much you’re willing to invest in your drumming journey.
For someone new to drumming, a starter kit that includes a snare drum, bass drum, and a couple of toms would be ideal. Look for kits that also include hardware and cymbals to avoid the hassle of buying those separately. But be aware that the drum throne will not be included.
Brands like Yamaha and Pearl offer good-quality starter kits that fit this description. In terms of sticks, a pair of 5A drumsticks would serve most beginners well. A drum key for tuning and a practice pad for quiet practice are also useful additions.
Yes, a 5-piece starter drum set is generally a good option for beginners. This setup typically includes a snare drum, bass drum, two rack toms, and a floor tom, providing a range of tones and the opportunity to learn basic drumming techniques. It’s also a standard configuration, which means you can easily add more elements like cymbals or additional toms as you become more comfortable and skilled.
I hope this clears up any questions you might have as you start your journey into the world of drumming.
Don’t let the price of the average drum kit discourage you. As you can see from this list, there are several fantastic drum kits on the market that are decently priced. Drum brands tend to make products for every type of consumer out there and the budget consumer is one of the biggest.
So, get a Stage Custom if you’re looking to become a professional one day or get a Nitro Mesh if you can make a big noise. Get a Roadshow if you need a full setup or consider a Club-JAM or Pocket Kit for the smaller situations.
Once you make your choice be sure to check this guide to make it sound to it’s full potential.
Founder of TheDrumNinja
I’m crazy about drums, it’s been my passion since I was 12 years old. I played in numerous bands going through different styles like Rock, Progressive, Pop & Jazz-Rock. After being featured in major music publications (Drumeo, Guitar Guitar, AudioIssues, MusicThinkTank) I started this website to share my knowledge and create a resource for drummers of all levels.
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