No matter if your old drum set is limiting your playing or you are just stepping up to a newer model.
Whatever your reasons for buying a new drum set are, you need the best that money can buy.
However, choosing the right set can be confusing because there are many brands, and each drum set comes with its perks. Thats why I made this list of drum sets that I consider worthy for a professional use.
Read on to discover their specifications, build, quality, value, pros and cons, and whether they are worth your money.
The DW Collector’s Series 5-piece Shell Pack isn’t just another drum kit. It’s proof of DW’s commitment to top-notch sound and build quality. Designed for professionals, this kit brings a blend of tonal clarity and durability to the stage.
Made from Hard Rock Maple, this kit utilizes DW’s unique HVLT grain direction technique, giving both a unique aesthetic and a specific tonal quality to the drums.
The tuning system incorporates DW’s acclaimed True-Pitch tuning rods, ensuring accurate and consistent sound.
The shell pack is decked out with robust turret lugs. And, to suit individual tastes, DW offers an array of finishes ranging from natural wood to various intricate graphics, that look amazing in person.
The configuration typically includes a kick drum, two toms and two floor toms. But the beauty is in the customization, you can pick the sizes.
The first thing you’ll notice about the Collector’s Series is its impeccable construction. The shells, thanks to the HVLT grain direction, not only look stunning but resonate beautifully delivering a rich, full-bodied sound.
The hardware, comprising of the turret lugs, feels solid and is designed for longevity. As for tuning stability, the True-Pitch tuning rods live up to their reputation. They hold their tune remarkably well, allowing me to focus more on playing and less on constant adjustments.
Now, it’s no secret that the Collector’s Series carries a heftier price tag than many kits out there. But when you break down what you’re getting, it starts to make a lot of sense.
Firstly, the sound versatility is unparalleled. Whether you’re into jazz, rock, funk, or any other genre, this kit has the adaptability to fit right in.
Secondly, the robust construction means that this isn’t a drum set you’ll be replacing any time soon. It’s built to withstand the rigors of regular gigging. And, let’s not forget aesthetics. With the variety of finishes on offer, you’re getting a drum set that doesn’t just sound good, it looks the part too.
In summary, the DW Collector’s Series 5-piece Shell Pack is a powerhouse. It’s a significant investment, no doubt. But for the advanced drummer who’s after a blend of sound versatility, build quality, and aesthetic appeal, this kit checks all the right boxes.
If you’re serious about your craft and are looking for an instrument that matches your passion, give the Collector’s Series a serious look. It’s worth every penny.
The Yamaha Recording Custom shell pack drum set is an excellent choice if you are looking for premium tones and resonance. Behind the creation of the kit was Steve Gadd, a famous and iconic drummer and percussionist. You can tell that the set is indeed ideal for recording and live performances.
The feature specifications include 6-ply birch shells, 10” and 12” Rack Toms, a 16” Floor Tom, and a 22” Kick Drum. There are also 30-degree bearing edges, high tension lugs, die-cast BD hooks, and a TH945B Double Tom Holder.
The 6-ply birch construction of the shells is superb. First, it fosters your kit’s clarity by eliminating interference from other drums that might be mounted nearby.
30-degree bearing ages facilitate speedy response, easy tuning, and bring the best out of your drum heads. The 22” snare is also lifted to produce a punchy sound.
Yamaha’s Recording Custom is also one of the best professional drum kits because of its hardware characteristics. It is of the highest quality and is designed for stability, ease of use, and tone enhancement.
The high-tension lugs are constructed with increased weight to reduce unwanted noises and the ringing from the shells. The Y.E.S.S mounts attach to the shells with the least contact, and the drums can resonate freely. The bass drums also have ‘T’ handle tensioners, and you can tune them easily.
This Custom 4-piece Shell Pack provides all the quality and versatility that you desire in a professional drum set.
The Yamaha Recording Custom is a set you should consider buying for all your professional performances. You can be sure of getting quality sound from this kit.
The Roland Td-50KV2 electronic drum set is a high-level professional drum set that produces incredible sounds. It comes with a digital snare that will make you fall in love with its acoustic feeling.
The tech specifications include 14″ PD-140DS Snare, 3 x 10″ PDX-100 Toms, 12″ KD-120-BK Kick drum, 18″ CY-18DR Ride, 12″ VH-11 Hi-hat, 12″ CY-12C Crash, 13″ CY-13R Crash, TD-50 Drum module, 5 x Reverbs, 25 x Rooms, Compressor, Delay, Master EQ, 14 x 1/4″ (hi-hat & ride use 2 inputs), 1 x 1/4″ TRS (mix in), 1 x 1/8″ TRS (mix in), 2 x XLR (master out), and 2 x 1/4″ (master out), 8 x 1/4″ (direct out)
This is Roland’s flagship and they didn’t take any shortcut while deciding materials and finishes. This is a robust drum kit that mimics the acoustic drum set experience.
Through SDHC cards, you can import personal libraries, and you can also determine the composition and size of every piece. You can also take snapshots of your kits and save them and analyze any changes before committing.
The one-up/two-down tom snare pad set up with multi-sensor technology gives the kit superiority. If you are an acoustic player, this kit is made just for you.
Ronald Td50’s sound modelling engine also increase its performance. You can control the overtones, shell thickness of every drum, and even virtual mic placement. Additionally, you can record ten channels of home recording via USB.
The Roland Td50 brings a new digital experience to the drumming world, and that makes it stand out in the market.
The Roland Td50 comes with a range of excellent features, and you should think of buying it and enjoy its value.
You can also check it’s rival ATV Adrums or our buying guide one Electronic drum sets. Or its hybrid cousin the Roland VAD507.
Or if you want to understand more about the different types of drums check this guide.
The Tama Starclassic Maple 4-piece Shell Pack is a blend of robust and soulful maple shells given an excellent finishing by shell experts that have been behind TAMA’s hardware advancements for 40 years.
The drum specifications include mounted toms 7” x10”, 8” x12”, Floor toms 16” x16”, and a bass drum 16” x22”.
The drum kit comes with a set of Evans heads that increase its value and promise a great tone. Also, its thin multi-ply maple shells make the drums robust and enable for easy tuning.
Light drums have the highest energy transfer from the head to the shell, and that is what you should look for in a drum. The thin cross-laminated shells comprise of six and eight piles and are 5mm and 7 mm thick. They are capable of producing incredible power and resonance. The cross lamination also makes the shells stronger.
The Tama Starclassic is visually appealing as well because of the outer veneers made from movingui. The set is excellent for all needs, from studio to tours.
Other excellent features are the die-cast zinc hoops that offer consistent tuning and quality tones. Tama’s quick-lock tom brackets also make it easy to set up your kit.
This remarkable set is designed to take your drumming experience to the next level.
Overall, the Tama Starclassic Maple 4-piece Shell Pack comes with attractive features and specs, and you should give it a shot.
Ludwig, with its storied history, brings along a kit that embodies tradition while embracing modern nuances. For drummers who crave that classic vibe paired with contemporary performance, this drum set might just be your thing.
The heart of the Classic Maple is its 7-ply, 6mm maple shells. These shells are crafted with precision to give a sharp, clear sound that maple is renowned for.
Equipped with Ludwig’s Mini-Classic lugs, the kit exudes a vintage aesthetic without compromising on modern utility. The set typically features a bass drum and a combination of toms, depending on the configuration you choose.
Ludwig offers a variety of sizes, allowing for customization to apply to different playing styles. And when it comes to finishes, the Classic Maple doesn’t disappoint, offering a range from solid colors to lovely sunbursts.
The Classic Maple showcases solid craftsmanship. The maple shells are perfectly rounded and finished, allowing for a consistent tone.
The bearing edges are cut to precision, ensuring that the heads sit perfectly, which translates to easier tuning and a more resonant sound.
The hardware, from the Mini-Classic lugs to the mounts, feels robust and is built for the long haul. This kit has been designed keeping both the studio and the road in mind, making it a reliable companion for any drummer.
Pricing for the Ludwig Classic Maple is reasonable, considering its heritage and performance. Its sound versatility ensures it’s at home in various genres, from jazz and blues to rock and pop.
The construction guarantees that this isn’t just a one-gig wonder, it’s designed to be a drummer’s companion for years. Plus, with the timeless design and finish options, it’s a drum set that always remains visually appealing.
The Ludwig Classic Maple brings together Ludwig’s rich history with modern design elements, offering both nostalgic vibes and contemporary functionality.
For drummers who are seeking a kit that resonates with history while delivering in today’s demanding scenarios, the Classic Maple is a top contender.
Pearl is a heavyweight in the drumming world. Known for quality and durability, they’ve done it again with the Professional Maple 4-Piece kit. This set is designed for both the studio musician and the on-the-go drummer, and it’s pretty evident from the moment you lay your sticks on it.
The drum set is built from 100% maple, giving it that warm resonance that’s versatile across genres. This 4-piece configuration includes a bass drum, two toms and a floor tom.
And let’s talk about the hardware, it’s Pearl. That means it’s tough, reliable, and built to last. Plus, the range of finishes available adds a touch of class to your musical environment.
Build quality is where Pearl shines. The Professional Maple series has precision-cut bearing edges, which not only makes tuning a breeze but also ensures a full resonant sound.
Couple this with Pearl’s top-class hardware, and you have a kit that’s not just ready for your next gig but also many more to come.
The price tag might make you pause, but consider it an investment. The features, the brand’s reputation, and the mere quality of sound and build make it worth every penny. This isn’t just a drum set, it’s a professional intrument.
The Sonor AQ2 Stage Maple drum set is a value-packed set with a professional finish and tone. It is a smart choice if you play rock and its matching hoops and excellent finishes make it suitable for your stage performances.
The tech specifications include a snare 7” x12”, Mounted toms (7” x8”), Floor toms 12” x13”, Bass drums 13” x14” and Maple shell material.
The Sonor’s 7-PLY maple shells emit powerful projection and make you enjoy every drumming experience.
The hardware benefits include the Sonor SmartMount tom suspensions that reduce metal and shell contact. In return, there is greater resonance and sustainability.
The Sonor’s redesigned die-cast lugs also make the set more tunable and tour safe. If you are the type of artist who is always on the move, this could be the right set for you.
The 7-ply maple shells consist of three plies of Chinese maple and Four plies of Canadian maple. The shells can produce different tones from classical rock to fusion making it super versatile.
Besides, their great finish options give you endless variety. The White Marine Pearl is a favorite you should consider as it looks attractive, classy, and professional too.
The SmartMout dual tom suspension also shields the shell from direct contact with other drums maximizing on resonance and longevity. The die-cast lugs are excellent as well as they come in handy for precision tuning.
The Sonor AQ2 Stage Maple drum kit is one of the best professional drum sets in the market and worthwhile too. It is excellent for all your performance needs.
If you want a quality and cost-effective professional kit, the Sonor AQ2 Stage Maple is a great option.
Professional drums are different from other standard sets in terms of quality of materials and build that impacts the final sound. Most professional kits are sold as shell packs.
A shell pack comprises of drums only without hardware. You can buy as many drums as you want, but you have to buy racks and stands separately. Expert drummers can easily pick the hardware they desire, given that they have vast knowledge.
Professional drums are made from high-quality material and have a range of tuning, customizable, and wrap/finish options. This way experienced drummers have control over the components and settings producing the sound they desire.
It is essential to know who is best suited to buy a professional drum set. The kits are ideal for drummers who have some experience.
That is because the drums come with advanced components that require to used skillfully to produce quality sounds. Such skills are only developed after playing the drums for a while, and beginners need to practice more before they can comfortably use them.
Beginners and intermediates are better suited for complete sets that do not require advanced skills to operate. Most drums for beginners and intermediates are less costly as they are made from cheaper wood and they are simple to use.
Drummers typically use pre-set settings when playing and have little to no control over individual drum equipment and final sounds.
Professionals use a variety of drum brands based on their personal preferences, genre, and the specific sound they’re looking for. Brands like DW, Ludwig, Pearl, Tama, and Yamaha are among the favorites. It’s less about the brand and more about the build quality, tone, and feel of the drum kit.
The “best” drum set really depends on what you’re looking for. For beginners, something durable and affordable like the Pearl Export Series might be a good start. If you’re a gigging musician or studio artist, you might lean towards high-quality kits such as the Pearl Professional Maple or DW Collector’s Series. Always consider your budget, musical needs, and the kind of sound you want.
A high-end drum kit typically offers top-notch build quality, premium materials, exceptional tonal quality, and often, a higher price tag. Brands like DW, Ludwig’s high-end series, and Pearl’s Masterworks or Reference Series can be considered in this category. They are often used by professionals in studio recordings and live performances.
A professional drum set can range widely in price. You could be looking at anywhere from $1,500 to over $10,000, depending on the brand, materials, customization, and additional hardware included. Always remember, it’s not just about the price; it’s about the value and sound the kit brings to your music.
With this guide you should now have the advice and knowledge to make a good buying decision.
All the listed drum sets have different features that make them fit various professional requirements. They guarantee top-quality and they can make a difference in your drumming experience.
Don’t forget that these drum sets won’t come with cymbals included. You can go over our specific guides on Hi Hats, Rides, Splash and China’s or decide if a cymbal pack is better choice.
You need to evaluate your needs and budget to pick the perfect drum kit for your specific needs.
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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