So you’ve been hammering away at your first drum kit and are ready to move on to something that offers you a little bit more. While beginner drum sets are great for starting off, you’re skills have progressed and you are looking to enhance the quality of your sound.
While it may be tempting to immediately begin looking for the best professional drum sets, it makes more sense to find a kit that will allow you to continue honing your drumming techniques while searching for a style and sound all your own.
Not only will these intermediate drum kits allow that, but they will give you the opportunity to experience the sound and quality of the best drum brands at a price that fits your budget.
These kits will give you best bang for your buck!
When I got my hand on the Pearl Decade for the first time, I can confidently say I was impressed. It stands as a stellar choice for drummers poised to step up from beginner kits.
Its versatility shines across various genres, delivering a sound quality that could very well be mistaken for professional-tier instruments.
The six-ply maple shells not only give it a sleek, polished look but also contribute to a sound that’s both warm and full-bodied.
The craftsmanship is impeccable, suggesting a drum set that’s built to endure countless gigs and practice sessions.
Playing the Pearl Decade feels intuitive and responsive. Whether laying down solid beats or complex fills, the drums offer an impressive range of tonal expressions.
Its dynamic responsiveness makes this kit a joy to play in diverse styles, from jazz to rock music.
What I particularly appreciate are the Opti-Loc mounting systems, which enhance the drum resonance without shaking things loose at high volumes.
The variety of finishes is also a plus, allowing for a personalized touch that matches your style.
One thing to keep in mind when considering this set is that you are purchasing the shells only. This can be a good thing if you have particular preferences as far as hardware and cymbals go.
Our site offers an excellent guide on choosing the best cymbal pack and double bass pedals.
From my experience, the Pearl Decade is more than just an intermediate drum set, it’s a gateway to professional-level drumming. Its robust build and exceptional sound quality make it a reliable companion for any serious drummer looking to elevate their performance.
Whether you’re practising at home or performing live, this kit delivers consistently outstanding results.
When I heard about the second-gen of the TD-17KV I arranged with my local store to give it a try immediately.
The first time I played it, I knew it was a game-changer for intermediate electronic drum kits.
This set is designed to mimic the feel and responsiveness of acoustic drums, making it an ideal choice for drummers transitioning between acoustic and electronic setups or looking for a practice-friendly option.
The durability of the TD-17KV Generation 2 is notable. Its robust, high-quality pads and cymbals withstand intense drumming sessions, and the sturdy rack system keeps everything securely in place, ensuring stability during the most vibrant performances.
The TD-17KV excels in performance. Its advanced sensor technology captures every nuance of your playing, from the softest ghost notes to the most aggressive rolls.
The sound module, loaded with realistic drum sounds, allows for a customizable experience that can cater to any musical genre.
One of the standout features of this kit is the Bluetooth connectivity, which allows for seamless audio streaming directly to the sound module—great for playing along to your favourite tracks or practicing with online tutorials.
Additionally, the coaching functions and built-in metronome are invaluable tools for honing your skills.
Just be aware you need to consider purchasing some good headphones, in ear monitors or speaker.
In my experience, the Roland V-Drums TD-17KV Generation 2 has proven to be more than just a practice kit.
Whether you’re practicing at home, recording in a studio, or performing live, this kit delivers top-notch sound and versatility, meeting the demands of modern drummers at an intermediate level.
For more about his kit, you can check our in-depth guide about electronic drums.
When I sat behind the Gretsch Drums Catalina Maple set, it was clear this kit was built with the serious drummer in mind.
Known for its warm, resonant tones, the Catalina Maple series is a favorite among those who appreciate its blend of classic aesthetics and modern performance.
The seven-ply maple construction of the Catalina Maple drums provides a robust and resonant foundation for any playing style.
The build quality is top-notch, with durable hardware and meticulously applied finishes that withstand the rigors of regular gigging.
In terms of sound, the Catalina Maple drums deliver deep, rich lows and vibrant highs, perfect for capturing a full spectrum of tones.
Whether you are performing live or in the studio, these drums provide a level of sound quality that can really inspire your musical creativity.
This kit features 30-degree bearing edges and the distinctive Gretsch round badge, which together enhance its sonic qualities.
The tom suspension system is particularly effective, allowing for maximum resonance without dampening the natural vibration of the shells.
Having played the Gretsch Drums Catalina Maple several times, I can vouch to its exceptional performance and versatility.
This kit not only meets the expectations for intermediate drummers but could easily find a place in the arsenal of professionals.
For those looking to elevate their drumming experience, the Catalina Maple offers a compelling blend of style, sound, and craftsmanship.
From the first drum roll, the Ludwig Element Evolution 5-Piece set makes an impression.
Aimed at drummers stepping up their game, it offers a blend of quality and affordability that is hard to match.
The build is sturdy, featuring 6-ply poplar shells that resonate well across various music styles.
The durable, double-braced hardware ensures stability and longevity, even under frequent transport and use.
The kit responds well across the dynamic spectrum. The bass drum punches deep, while the snare offers a crisp snap.
The toms are tuned for clarity, providing a uniform sound that adapts easily from jazz to rock.
This package is notably comprehensive, including not only the drums but also a full set of Zildjian cymbals, a kick pedal, and even a throne. It’s a total package that’s ready for stage or studio right out of the box.
After spending some time with the Ludwig Element Evolution, it’s evident that it was designed for drummers who are serious about drumming.
Its solid construction, versatile sound, and inclusive setup make it an excellent investment.
The Tama Imperialstar 5-Piece drum set immediately stands out as a great solution for a drummer looking to step up on their gear. It’s designed to deliver everything needed to perform at a higher level without the steep price tag often associated with professional kits.
Featuring durable poplar shells and robust Tama hardware, the Imperialstar is built to last.
Its precision bearing edges enhance the drum sound, ensuring that each note is sharp and clear, which is vital for both live performances and studio recordings.
The sound quality of the Imperialstar is exceptional. The bass drum booms with power, the snare snaps crisply, and the toms offer a balanced blend of punch and resonance. This kit adapts effortlessly to any genre, making it a versatile choice for any drummer’s arsenal.
A highlight of this set is its complete “ready-to-rock” package that includes Meinl cymbals, a drum throne, and all necessary hardware. This makes the Imperialstar not just a drum set but a complete set out of the box.
In spite of having a smaller set-up than a full size kit, the hardware allows the positioning of the drums, particular the rack toms, to still have the seem feel and comfort as a larger kit allowing for fluid and comfortable range of motion.
My experience with the Tama Imperialstar has been really positive. It serves as an excellent bridge between beginner and professional-level instruments, offering superb quality and exceptional value.
As we close out our guide to intermediate drum sets, each kit we’ve looked at is designed to boost a drummer’s growth.
Whether you lean towards the nuanced acoustics of the Gretsch Catalina Maple or the versatility of the Tama Imperialstar, there’s a drum set ready to meet your musical needs and push your skills forward.
Choose your set wisely and drum your way to new heights.
If you have any doubt, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
When looking to purchase an intermediate set there are a number of things to look for.
The quality of the shells as well as the components included in the kit are important things to consider.
Drums are considered by many to be one of the more difficult instruments to learn.
Beginner kits are great for that reason, as they offer very basic set-ups that allow you to get comfortable.
But now that you have some experience under your belt, it’s time to find a drum set that will allow you to develop your skills while offering better sound quality.
As always, youtube will be a wonderful resource from a visual standpoint, but we have gone ahead and put together a short list of tips that will allow you to quickly get started or at the very least follow along with any of those videos.
You have a brand new beautiful kit and it only makes sense that you want to keep it looking great. Here are a few basic steps to ensure it stays looking sharp!
As we close out our guide to intermediate drum sets, each kit we’ve looked at is designed to boost a drummer’s growth.
Whether you lean towards the nuanced acoustics of the Gretsch Catalina Maple or the versatility of the Tama Imperialstar, there’s a drum set ready to meet your musical needs and push your skills forward.
Choose your set wisely and drum your way to new heights.
If you have any doubt, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
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.
We specialize in helping drummers of all levels become rhythmic assassins and develop ninja-like skills, quickly. Our mission is to create the best resources for all musicians and build a community where you can learn and share everything related to your musical journey.
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“9 Powerful Tips To Get Faster On The Drums (And The Mistakes To Avoid!)”
