Best Drum Set For Kids and Juniors

Ultimate Buying Guide

Introduction:

Drums are considered to be the most difficult instrument to master, and it’s only obvious why parents urge their children to start practicing at a young age. A big challenge of this process is finding a drum set that will suit your young one.

Don’t worry though, that’s where we come in. We’ve made a list of the best drum set for kids, juniors and toddlers, and all you have to do is browse and take your pick.

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The 5 Best Drum sets for Kids and Juniors

A SHORT OVERVIEW:

The first item on our list is Ludwig’s Accent Drive Drum Set. Now, there’s a manifold of reasons why you should get a good drum set if your young one is starting out the drumming career. First of all, Ludwig is a name of quality, so there’s no chance you get a bad instrument from them.

Secondly, this drum set was specifically crafted by Ludwig  artisans to accommodate the needs of the aspiring young drummers.

In essence, this drum set is very affordable, it’s supplied with good-quality features, and it offers plenty of benefits for the youngest players.

BUILD QUALITY AND DESIGN:

This drum set was manufactured from multiple materials which offer magnificent durability and hardiness. The wooden elements of this drum set provide excellent acoustic properties while being tough and resilient through and trough. All in all, Ludwig’s Accent Drive drum set is capable of withstanding quite a punishment and providing deep, resonating sound.

 

GOOD FOR MONEY?

As Ludwig’s Accent Drive Drum Set belongs to the “medium” price point category, it’s safe to say that it’s more than just a good product. If we take into account all of the great features it comes supplied with, it holds a great value for the money.

For more about Ludwig Breakbits, check out customer reviews.

Build Quality
87%
Performance
90%
Price to Value Ratio
95%
PROS: THINGS WE LIKED
  • Very durable
  • Great configuration
  • Ideal for young drummers
  • Easy to play and maintain
CONS: THINGS WE DIDN'T LIKE
  • Just a tad more expensive than standard kid drum set models

A SHORT OVERVIEW:

Pearl’s Roadshow drum set is supplied with numerous features, which include a fully adjustable cymbal, Hi-Hat, and snare drum stands. So you don’t need to buy extra equipment for your kid to be able to start playing.

Although is a entry level drum set we consider it a proper musical instrument, meaning your kid can use the drum set for a long time before it starts encountering limitations.

BUILD QUALITY AND DESIGN:

This drum set is recommended for children that are at least 3-foot tall, as the configuration will fit them perfectly. Smaller kids will still be able to play it, but they won’t be able to benefit as much. Anyhow, Pearl Roadshow drum set features a bass drum (16″), a floor tom (12″), a pair of toms (10″ and 8″), and a snare drum (10″). The wooden hardware is remarkably durable, as they are made of resilient materials.

GOOD FOR MONEY?

Pearl’s roadshow drum set belongs to the “cheap” price point category, making it pretty valuable on its own. Furthermore, the whole set includes everything a child needs to get drumming right away, which only boosts the overall value. Wrapping it up, if you’re searching for a good kid drum set for a bargain price, you’ve just found one.

For more about Pearl’s Roadshow Drum Set, check out customer reviews.

Build Quality
85%
Performance
92%
Price to Value Ratio
96%
PROS: THINGS WE LIKED
  • Premium-quality features
  • Cheap
  • Ideal for young drummers
CONS: THINGS WE DIDN'T LIKE
  • None

A SHORT OVERVIEW:

Electronic drum sets are a great way for practice, especially if you’re living in a neighborhood that doesn’t tolerate sound pollution. Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit compact electronic drum set offers a great way to learn the basics for a good price.

This electronic drum set offers realistic performance, and you can always utilize it’s headphone feature to practice silently. Furthermore, there’s a feature that allows you to connect this electronic drum set to your PC via USB, allowing MIDI data to be transferred for simplified drum controls.

All in all, this is a great drum set for beginners, but there’s a downfall that you need to know about – electronic drums are great for kids.

Beware that Electric drum sets provide the same sound output regardless of how much strength is put behind each strike, that is when we are talking about entry level sets, off course.  When you go up the chart there are some professional electronic drum sets that can mimic acoustic drum sets in a perfect way. Apart from that, this set holds a massive value for the cash.

BUILD QUALITY AND DESIGN:

Basically, Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit compact electronic drum set is a 8-piece electronic drum set that includes two snares, three cymbals, a hi-hat cymbal, a kick (similar to bass drum), and a hi-hat controller (similar to hi-hat pedal).

The durability of electronic drum kits can’t compare to the hardiness of real-wood drum sets, but Alesis makes drums that are pretty durable on its own.

GOOD FOR MONEY?

Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit compact electronic drum set belongs to the “medium-expensive” price point category, but you’ll have a hard time finding a cheaper electronic drum kit with such features. It’s quite common that electronic drum kit variants come at a higher price, mainly because there’s more hardware. All in all, this electronic drum set holds an good value for the money, in fact it comes with a great pair of headphones.

For more about Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit, check out customer reviews.

Or check the comparison to the Alesis Surge here

Build Quality
82%
Performance
89%
Price to Value Ratio
96%
PROS: THINGS WE LIKED
  • Premium-quality features
  • Cheap
  • Ideal for young drummers
CONS: THINGS WE DIDN'T LIKE
  • None

A SHORT OVERVIEW:

While Ashthorpe is not a well know drum brand. Their 5-piece Junior drum kit, as it’s simply ideal – the configuration features five superb drum pieces, including two timpani, a snare drum, a bass drum, and cymbals (basic ones it would not include a ride cymbal).

Furthermore, your kid will be able to choose from four color variations if the red one isn’t the thing – there are Black , vibrant green, grey and blue.

BUILD QUALITY AND DESIGN:

This drum kit features a high-gloss finish, good woodwork, and chromed rims. In summary, this drum kit is durable. Now, what about functionality and reliability? 

Your kid will easily learn the ropes with the Ashthorpe’s 5-piece junior starter drum kit, as the configuration is absolutely perfect.

Let’s get a bit further into detail – a stool is provided so that you don’t have to purchase it standalone, the crash and hi-hat are there as well. The timpani, snare drum, and the bass drum are considered to be a standard, so there’s literally everything a child can want.

GOOD FOR MONEY?

This drum kit belongs the “affordable” price point category, which is pretty nice if you’re looking to spend a small amount.

Furthermore, most people get dissuaded by high prices, as children usually treat drum kits as toys. Nevertheless, Ashthrope’s 5-piece junior starter drum kit is different – this is a full-fledged drum kit that was built in such a way that it’s able to accommodate youngest drummers.

For more about Ashthorpe Drum Set, check out customer reviews on Amazon.

Build Quality
80%
Performance
72%
Price to Value Ratio
96%
PROS: THINGS WE LIKED
  • Premium-quality features
  • Cheap
  • Ideal for young drummers
CONS: THINGS WE DIDN'T LIKE
  • None

A SHORT OVERVIEW:

Mendini’s Complete Kids drum set is supplied with great features, which include a fully adjustable drum throne, cymbals, a kick pedal, and drumsticks. Although will certainly not be top notch bass pedals or cymbals , they will do the trick for a beginner. On top of that, you’ll be able to choose from a variety of vivid colors, such as Black, Blue, Green, Silver, Wine Red, and more.

BUILD QUALITY AND DESIGN:

This drum set is recommended for toddlers that are up to 5-foot tall, as the configuration will fit them perfectly. Larger kids will still be able to play it, but they won’t be able to benefit as much. Anyhow, Mendini’s Complete Kids drum set features a bass drum (16″), a floor tom (12″), a pair of timpani (10″ and 8″), and a snare drum (10″). The wooden hardware is remarkably durable, as they are made of ultra-resilient materials.

GOOD FOR MONEY?

Mendini’s Complete Kids drum set belongs to the “cheap” price point category, making it pretty valuable on its own. Furthermore, the whole set includes everything a child needs to get drumming right away, which only boosts the overall value. Wrapping it up, if you’re searching for a good kid drum set for a bargain price, you’ve found yourself a bargain.

For more about Mendini Drum Set, check out customer reviews on Amazon.

Build Quality
80%
Performance
72%
Price to Value Ratio
96%
PROS: THINGS WE LIKED
  • Premium-quality features
  • Cheap
  • Ideal for young drummers
CONS: THINGS WE DIDN'T LIKE
  • None

What Makes a Good Drum Set for Kids, Juniors or Toddlers

When we are talking about drum sets aimed at this target age you will probably consider entry level drum sets but you got to be careful. The fact that the drum kit is aimed for beginner doesn’t mean it needs to be crapy (like a lot of options on the market) while it won’t be a professional drum kit for obvious reasons you need to be sure you are buying something than can last. 

Take close attention to the build quality, what kind of materials is the drum set made of.

The second deciding factor is the drum set size. Typically a Toddler won’t be able to play a big drum set but a drum sets like our first choice can be handle by a kid and is a instrument that can last for a long time. 

The bigger drum sets tend to be of better quality than the smaller ones that are almost a toy and nothing more. So if you are able to choose try to pick a drum set that is actually a musical instrument.  

Things To Consider:

DRUM SETS FOR BABIES

Babies and toddlers are usually hyped and full of energy, and most parents don’t know how to handle this excess enthusiasm. If you’ve found yourself in the previous sentence, you should consider buying your baby a toddler’s drum set.

These sets are not as loud as actual drums, and they’re sure to keep your baby occupied. Those outbursts of energy will slowly wither away, so you can tuck your child away for a good night’s sleep in no time.

In essence, baby drum sets are toy-like contraptions that are similar to actual drums in design, but they’re nothing alike when it comes to sound. Some models actually offer realistic sound output (such as Apontus Kids drum set), but most models don’t.

DRUM SETS FOR 10 YEAR OLD

Kids that are 10 years old are big enough to play mini-size actual drum kits. Some brands, such as Gammon and Pearl offer models that would fit this description. What should you know about these drum sets? They are built upon the basic principles of standard-size drum sets, but they’re scaled down so that 10-year old kids can play them.

All in all, these are regular drums that come in 5 to 12-piece variants, and they’re usually more expensive when compared to 5-year old and toddler drum kits.

Best Drum Set For Kids

DRUM SETS FOR 5 YEAR OLD

Five-year-old kids have just surpassed the “toddler” phase, so they’re old enough to jump in something more serious. Even so, the drum kits for 5-year old kids are not “actual” drum sets. They’re usually toy-like instruments that resemble drums in sound in appearance.

Plainly speaking, drum sets for 5-year old kids are petite in size and (usually) flimsy, as the materials used in the construction process are not as good as the ones used to make real drums. Anyhow, there are some models that offer realistic drumming experience, such as Pulse 4000 series. You should know that there are no written rules that forbid 5-year old kids from playing drums that are for older children – the size of the young ones is usually the factor that determines which drum sets are good for them.

WHAT AGE IS GOOD TO HOP IN A JUNIOR DRUM SET?

This is definitely not an easy question. The factor that determines the time to ascend to junior from beginner is usually the innate skill and talent of the drummer in question. Some kids take years, some even take decades while virtuoso drummers often need as much as weeks of practice to hop into their junior drum sets.

If we should consult with statistic info, the average age of transition from beginner to junior drum sets would be somewhere between 10-12.

Conclusion

Beginner drum sets are, basically, standard drum sets that are specifically engineered to accommodate the youngest drummers.

These drum sets are also cheaper and less durable, as it’s safe to say that kids can’t drum as hard as teens and adults. Anyhow, good kid’s drum sets come in different shapes and colors, but the best beginner drum sets are in this review, so enjoy your search.

Brett Clur has a Drum Performance Diploma from Trinity College London  has been playing drums for over 20 years. He is passionate about advanced concepts and uses his years of experience to teach his students about them. While he is a full-time drum teacher, he is also working on growing a YouTube channel where shares his insights. You can see him playing there, or on Instagram where he posts daily videos.

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