blue drum set from kk music

The Beginner's Guide to Buying a Drum Set

Posted by KK Music Store


A drum set consists of several pieces of drums, cymbals, and other instruments set up on a stand and played by one person.

When buying a drum set for the first time, it can be challenging to choose the right one. Probably, you want to tap into your music potential or plan to teach your child about drums early in life. You want to ensure you have all the required equipment to give you or your child the best drumming experience. Below is a guide to buying a drum set for the first time.


Factors to consider when buying a drum set

Check what is Included in the drum set

One of the most crucial things to consider when buying a drum set is the number of pieces you need. This depends on your expertise, experience level, and budget.

You can start small and keep it simple since it is your first time buying a drum set. You can go for a 5-piece or 6-piece kit and upgrade with time. Check the number of core drums, cymbals, and other add-ons.

Consider the drum size

The drum size depends on the space limitations and who will be playing it. There are different types of drums in a drum set with different sizes. Some drum sizes include rock sets, fusion, and hybrids, which are becoming even more popular because they occupy less space.

You can go for a junior set if you need a little drummer option. In short, it is best to weigh your options and purchase a drum set of your desired size.

Determine your suitable sound

When buying a drum set, you want to get a sound that soothes your soul when drumming. Choose the right drum material that can produce your favorable sounds.

Some drums produce a high-frequency sound and a low-end punch, while others are rich in low-end frequencies. Remember, size also impacts the sound. Therefore, consider choosing a size that will give you the sound you need.

Consider add-ons

Not all drum sets come with complete hardware. In most cases, you will need to add more items to your drum set to make it complete. For instance, some sets do not have drumsticks, music stands, ton rings, dampening pads, bag cases, and amps.

Check out the hardware accessories of the drum set you plan to buy and determine what other items to add to enable you to buy the best drum set for beginners.


Is your child or student already interested in the drums?

Teaching your kids or students about drums in their earlier years can boost their physical and mental health, stimulate creativity, sharpen concentration, discipline and make them patient in life.

Before buying a drum kit for your child, you should determine whether they are interested in the drums. Ask the child questions about their interests and what music they like.

There are different drum sizes for children of different ages, and it is best to choose the best drum for beginners for easier learning.


How much should I spend on my first drum set?

Price can play a large role in determining which drum kit you choose. With various brands and models on the market today, consider the following factors:

  • Hardware inclusion
  • Parts of a drum set you need
  • Drum set quality
  • Amount you're willing to spend

If you're reading this, you're likely just getting your feet wet with drums. In that case, you don't want to make a bigger investment than you're comfortable with before you've committed to an instrument. KK Music makings quality music instruments accessible to children and students for an affordable price!

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How long does it take to learn the drums?

Some people take less time to learn drums, while others can take longer depending on multiple factors such as their availability, goals, ability to learn, and the type of drum set.

If you want to play the drums for fun, you can learn within a few minutes. But if you plan to play for an audience, it can take you more time, since you have to master the nitty-gritty of playing the drum well.

Before you embark on learning drums, it is imperative to determine what you want to accomplish in the long run. Think about the time you want to commit to learning types of drums in a drum set and stay committed to achieving your goals.


Will they play in a setting where loud noises won't bother others?

As a drummer, you do not want the cop to come knocking on your door because of noise complaints from your neighbors. The best way is to check how loud the drum set is before buying it. Also, ensure you can always reduce the drum sound to a much lower frequency.


Summary of electronic vs. acoustic drum kits

As more people gain interest in a drum, they want to know what the best drum set is for beginners. Most would prefer acoustic drums, but the electronic kits are also gaining traction like never before. Below is a difference between the electronic and acoustic drum kits.

Electronic drums

  • They are ultra-quiet with volume control edges and bass frequencies to produce a huge volume.
  • They are easy to record with an inbuilt direct auto output and USB features.
  • They have limitless sound possibilities, allowing you to set the sound of your choice.

Acoustic drums

  • You can use different techniques to set various sounds based on your needs, making it the best drum set for beginners.
  • An acoustic drum kit gives you dynamic control to produce the actual sound of the drum set you're playing on.
  • In addition to drum sticks, you can also play an acoustic drum with your hands and fingers using rods or brushes.

What are all the parts of a drum set?

Kick/bass drum

This is the largest part in the drum set that produces the lowest pitch boom and is played using a foot pedal located at the rim of the drum.

Tom drum

These are cylindrical drum parts with no snares, similar to a bass drum but a bit smaller. They have a deeper sound and can be turned into variable pitches. 

Snare drum

A snare drum is among the essential parts of a drum set. It is the central part of the drum kit that can be played in multiple ways.

Cymbals

Cymbals are thin, round plates positioned on a metal stand and often used in pairs, located on the right-hand side of the drum kit.

Hi-hat cymbals

The hi-hats cymbals consist of two cymbals and a pedal mounted on a metal stand, available in different sizes.

Drum throne

A drum throne is the round, padded stool you sit on when playing the drums. It should be at a conformable height to enable you to drum well.

Bass pedal

The best beginner's drum set should include a bass pedal. These are electronic instruments capable of adding new sounds to create a modified sound.


Which type of drum set is best for the style I want?

It is best to have an intro kit to help you learn the components and names of a drum in a drum set. Once you master the nitty-gritty, you can create a personalized style along the line by utilizing the different parts of a drum set.


Choosing a drum set to grow with

There is no limitation to the drum set you plan to buy as long as you continue to develop your drumming skills. Do you want to know more about the different types of drum sets? We are here to help you. Shop around KK Music, and let us help you find the best drum for beginners that resonates with you.

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