Drum sets vary drastically when it comes to price. You can find some high-quality drum kits in every price range and for every level. However, a drum kit that is a bit more expensive is going to have certain qualities that you won’t find in a cheaper set.
Many intermediate and pro drummers will look to buy a drum set that is somewhere between $1000 and $2000. Drum sets in this range will provide everything you’ll ever need while staying moderately affordable.
I’ve taken my kit-playing experience and put together a list of some of the best kits in this price range.
The Pearl Session Studio Select appears as a notable entrant in the line of premium drum kits. Renowned for its exceptional sound quality, this kit is quickly becoming a preferred choice for discerning drummers worldwide. The drums are crafted with a meticulous blend of birch and African mahogany, providing a rich tonal response complemented by a sharp and balanced attack.
Known for their sensitivity, sustain, and remarkable projection these drums are versatile enough to suit a multitude of musical genres. Their profound resonance is ideal for larger venues, while the crisp attack ensures impeccable sound during studio recordings.
Pearl’s notable SuperHoop II steel hoops are integrated into this kit, ensuring the drums punctuate mixes without losing their rich, full-bodied sound. Coupled with the Session lugs, tuning becomes a breeze allowing drummers to achieve their desired tone effortlessly.
This shell pack includes 10” and 12” rack toms, a 16” floor tom, and a 22” bass drum. Note that a snare isn’t included in the pack.
In conclusion, the Pearl Session Studio Select stands out not just for its sonic excellence but also for offering premium quality at an incredibly competitive price.
Having had the opportunity to test various kits over the years, DW’s Design Series particularly in the Cherry Stain finish, stands out as a remarkable blend of visual and sonic beauty. Upon unboxing, the rich Cherry Stain immediately grabbed my attention, it’s the kind of finish that would turn heads on any stage.
When I set them up, the 13” rack tom, 16” floor tom and the impressive 22” kick drum showcased their craftsmanship. Made from select North American maple, they emanated a deep, warm tone that I’ve come to associate with top-notch drum kits. Playing on them I could feel the unique resonance, no doubt a result of DW’s meticulous heating and cooling process. This isn’t just manufacturing, it’s an art form.
The DW’s True-Pitch tension rods were another highlight. Tuning was a breeze, and the drums retained their pitch through extended jamming sessions. For drummers who are sticklers for maintaining their sound, this is a big plus.
The only caveat? This set doesn’t come with a snare. It’s something to consider when weighing your options.
For further insights on the DW Design Series, check our full buying guide.
Tama continues to shine with their Starclassic series, and this Walnut/Birch variant is no exception. Crafted from a combination of walnut and birch, these shells offer a nuanced sound profile, the warmth of walnut complementing the bright punchiness of birch. This kit provides a controlled resonance, perfect for both live environments and studio settings, with a hint of natural dryness that recording artists would appreciate.
The shell pack includes 10” and 12” rack toms, 14” and 16” floor toms, and a commanding 22” bass drum.
Visually, the Starclassic boasts a refined finish, making it a visual centerpiece of any stage or studio. Its aesthetic appeal is undeniably in line with its superior sound quality.
For those considering a more extensive setup, the Tama Starclassic Walnut/Birch would be a fantastic base, just remember to complement it with your preferred snare drum.
Having spent some time with the Gretsch Renown, this 4-piece shell pack offers a blend of practicality and musicality.
The build quality is immediately evident, with a clean finish that both looks and feels professional, something we’ve come to expect from Gretsch over the years.
The hardwood shells are a standout, delivering a sound that’s warm, deep, and consistent. Whether you’re playing jazz in a quiet lounge or rocking out on a bigger stage, these drums have the versatility to fit the bill. The resonance is clear, and the sustain is just right, not too long, but enough to make each hit count.
One of the things I appreciated was the ease of tuning. They not only tune up quickly but also hold their pitch reliably, which is invaluable during long gigs or recording sessions.
However, an important point to note is the absence of a snare in the set. Depending on your needs, this could be a deciding factor.
If you’re on the fence about the Gretsch Drums Renown RN2-E604, I’d suggest diving a bit deeper, check our full guide on this drum kit.
The Ludwig NeuSonic kit exemplifies Ludwig’s dedication to innovation without compromising on their legacy of sound. Known for blending tonal precision with durability, the NeuSonic series offers a crisp and balanced sound, making it harmoniously compatible with cymbals and ensemble setups.
This shell pack features a 12” rack tom, 14” floor tom, and a 20” kick drum. These drum sizes are versatile and apt for a wide range of musical settings, from intimate gigs to larger concert stages.
One of the main takeaways from playing this kit is its adaptability, it sounds equally at home on stage as it does in studio recordings. However, like several other drum kits in this category, it doesn’t include a snare drum.
A great drum set in this price range will provide you with everything you’ll need from a drum kit. It will have a great tone with a wide tuning range. It will also look great as the higher price lends to having more finish options.
Drum kits in this price range will have superior build quality with heavy-duty hardware that keeps everything together.
The best drum set for the money from the above list would be the Tama SLP Dynamic Kapur. It has such a great sound and it comes with two rack toms and two floor toms along with a beautiful finish.
A $2000 drum set will have a sound that will be good enough for absolutely any recording or stage situation. It will be constructed with materials that give it great tone and a versatile tuning range.
A big thing that you can expect from almost every $2000 kit is that it will come in a shell pack. This means that it doesn’t include cymbals or hardware. A lot of kits won’t even include a snare drum.
Many $2000 drum sets don’t have custom drum sizes, meaning you’d need to spend a bit more money if you wanted different sizes.
The drum kit industry is highly competitive, meaning there are several drum brands that are producing top-tier instruments. Each company has its strengths and weaknesses that make it attractive to different drummers.
There are a few drum brands that very popular such as Tama, Yamaha, DW, Mapex, Sonor, Pearl, Ludwig, and Gretsch. These drum companies mass-produce kits and have products that are readily available in every music store.
There are some smaller custom drum companies like A&F Co and Spaun that produce high-quality custom drums.
Intermediate drummers will benefit from drum kits in any price range, meaning most kits would work. However, a solid drum kit with a decent tuning range would be optimal.
The area in which an intermediate player will need an upgrade is in their cymbals. Beginner cymbals sound aggressive with no musicality and intermediate drummers will start wanting better sounds for their kit. You can always tune drums to sound better. You can’t change the sound of a cymbal.
If you’re deciding to get a high-quality drum kit that will last you decades, a $2000 kit would be the way to go. It will give you great sound, sturdy build quality, and a killer finish. Pair the kit up with some good cymbals and hardware and you’ll be ready to take on any gig.
Drum Teacher
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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