Last Updated on May 17, 2021 by Danny
Whether you are planning to give drumming a try, or you’re about to start your first gig with a band, probably the first question you had in mind is, “How much does a drum set cost?”.
While this question seems to be straightforward, different determine the price of a drum set. The craftsmanship, material, types of drum, and quality, shell-sizes, and drum brand are some of the factors that determine a drum kit’s price.
Good quality drum sets, suitable for beginner to intermediate drummers, usually cost between $400 to $1000. As you add and upgrade more components, shell pieces, and hardware, the price also increases. On the other hand, professionally-made drum sets cost from a few thousand dollars to $10,000, depending on the configuration and specifications you desire.
Junior Drum Kits
If you are planning to buy a Complete junior drum set for your kid, or you’re planning to ask your parents to buy you a kit, you might want to consider buying a Junior drum kit first.
Junior kits are usually 4-piece kits that come with 2-piece cymbal sets. Shell sizes are usually a few inches smaller than that of a standard drum set. This is ideal for starting drummers, especially for youngsters below 5ft, to get used in playing drums appropriate for their reach and limb span.
The good thing about buying a drum kit for your small kid is that they would be able to develop proper playing techniques, position, and control since the playing environment of the kit is somehow proportional to their physique.
This is also a great option for testing if your kid would like to pursue drumming at the least expense possible. Several drum sets for kids are less than $100 and will get them started playing drums.
Once you know How much does a drum set cost, you will be able to make a long-term investment for your child. There are more durable junior kits below $300. Some high-end drum brands such as PDP, Gammon junior, and Ludwig Jr offers Junior Drum sets for $400.
Most drum kits come in a bundle with a complete hardware set that is great for kids just starting out so you don’t have to worry about additional expenses, except for the drum throne/seat.
As your child grows and his/her passion for drumming amplifies, it’s time to invest in a larger kit. To answer how much it would cause you, let’s proceed to the next section.
Beginner & Intermediate Drum Set
If you want to pursue drumming as a hobby, or as your primary career, weighing your options well in buying the right kit will greatly impact your development as a drummer.
Beginner to intermediate drum sets has a wide price range, determined by factors such as shell-pieces, material type, drum brand, hardware inclusion, and manufacturing process.
For beginner drum kits, a four and five-piece configuration would start around $400 to $500. Some of these kits include a generic cymbal-set, together with the stands and additional hardware. Some known products at this price range are the Pearl Roadshow (five-piece), and the TAMA Club-Jam (4-piece).
Intermediate drum kits, on the other hand, are designed for more extensive use, ideal for studio and early-stage performances. These kits are made of more durable materials, more exquisite finishes, and higher-quality craftsmanship. For a price between $800 to $1500, you can own of these intermediate kits, which are usually 5-piece/6-piece kits with hardware, and a generic cymbal set.
Products such as the Yamaha Stage Custom Birch, Pearl Export Series, and TAMA Imperialstar are considered intermediate kits, suitable for jumpstarting your early gigs/performances, for as low as $800.
While these kits are proven to be durable and good choices for a performing drummer, there are far better products in the market which are more ideal for professional use. To know more about the drum set price of these professional kits, we encourage you to read in the next section.
Professional Kits
If you want to take your drumming to the professional level, you need to consider investing in a professional drum set. While this might not be practical for some, a professional drum set allows you to define and freely express your identity as a drummer, and as a musician. These kits are considered the top-of-the-line and are much more expensive than intermediate kits.
Most of these high-tier full size drum set costs above $1500 for a 3 or 4-piece kit. Missing items such as Snare drum, hardware stands, accessories, and cymbals are to be bought separately. The reason for this is that most professionals have a personal preference on the snare drum, kick pedals, and cymbals they use.
If you are looking for a drum set with a matching snare drum, there are 7-piece sets that start from around $2000 to $2500. Ludwig and TAMA are some of the most known drum brands to offer such kits. However, like the mentioned kits above, hardware and cymbals are not included in the package.
Hand-made professional kits are usually more expensive, reaching up to $5000 for a five-piece kit, and $6500 for 7-piece kits. Professional kits also vary in price according to their brand. Pearl, for instance, is known to offer more affordable professional kits compared to USA manufactured drum kit from Gretsch, Ludwig, and DW.
If nothing in the market meets your standards, and you have the luxury, you can always go for a fully customized kit with a price range starting from $7500 to more than $10,000. Some known drum brands offering fully customized kits are DW, Pearl, SJC, and Sonor.
Added Components and Accessories Cost
High-end Cymbal set can cost you an additional $1000, from prestige cymbal brands such as Zildjian, Sabian, and Paiste. Entry-level cymbal starts from $300. If you are looking for a decent cymbal set without spending too much, there are good-quality cymbal sets available online for $500.
Entry-level kick-pedals are less than $100. While high-quality single kick-pedals are around $200 to $300. Opting for a double kick-pedal would cost an additional $500.
Drum sticks start from $10 to $30, depending on the quality and size. Durable hi-hat stands can costs you from under $100 to $350. Finally, items such as the drum throne, snare stand, and boom stand, cost $200 each.
Drums produce a loud volume which can often disrupt home and neighborhood silence. To control the volume of your drums, you might want to consider adding accessories such as control rings for $10, mute pack for $50, and a damper for $10. If the sound is still loud enough for you and your neighbors, we recommend soundproofing your room/studio.