Choosing a Drum Kit: Things to Consider

When I was a kid, when it came to choosing drums I was heavily influenced by my what my heroes were playing (“endorsements”, amIright?).

I quickly learnt the worst kept secret in the drumming world that most of these people weren’t actually playing those brands when it came to recording!

I couldn’t afford the models that they were using and ended up with “replicas”, which to be frank, sounded shit!

(Though to be honest, since my preferred style of music involved just making as much noise as possible at that time, it didn’t matter too much to my audience).

So, rather than just yelling “I’ll have what they’re having!”, what sort of factors should we consider when it comes to choosing our perfect drum kit?

Whether you're an aspiring drummer stepping onto the scene or a seasoned pro seeking an upgrade, choosing a drum kit can be an exhilarating but daunting process. It’s important not to get caught up in the excitement and take some time to think and make an informed decision - gear is not cheap and you certainly don’t want to end up with “buyer’s remorse”!

We'll navigate through factors like skill level, preferred music style, budget considerations, and tips for buying used kits.

Assess Your Skill Level

Firstly, your skill level plays a significant role in determining the type of drum kit that will best suit your needs. Be honest with yourself about where you are.

Beginners might look for a more affordable, durable set to withstand early experimentation and learning, while more advanced drummers may require a kit that provides a greater range of tonal possibilities and higher quality craftsmanship.

If you’re a beginner, there’s a couple of ways you might approach things if you’re not sure if you’ll stick with the drums.

You could either buy a cheap set with thoughts of upgrading if you stay the course. Or you could invest more money right off the bat - in that case, you should do some research to check used prices to see if you might get most of your investment back if you decide that it’s not for you.

Understand Your Musical Style

Next, consider your musical style or the style you’d want to play.

Different genres often call for different drum sounds. For instance, if you're into jazz, you may lean towards a kit with smaller, more resonant drums, while rock or metal drummers might opt for larger drums with a more powerful sound.

In general, there are no rules however different styles of music tend to require different characteristics in a drum kit. The sound of a drum is influenced by several factors including the type of wood used in the shell, the shell's thickness, its diameter, and depth, as well as the type of drum heads used.

Let’s take a moment at this point to examine some of those things.

Shell Materials and Thickness

Shell materials: The shell material greatly affects the sound of a drum. Here are some common shell materials:

1. Maple is a common choice for its warm, balanced tone, and is suitable for a wide range of musical styles.

2. Birch produces a brighter sound with good low-end punch, making it popular for rock and pop.

3. Mahogany offers a warm, dark tone with a lot of low-end, perfect for blues and jazz.

4. Poplar is often used in budget kits and offers a sound similar to birch, but not as well defined.

5. Oak delivers a sound with lots of attack and volume, great for louder music styles.

Shell thickness: Generally, the thickness of a drum shell is measured in plies, with each ply typically being about 1/36 of an inch.

More plies often results in a brighter, louder, and more focused sound, whereas fewer plies tend to produce a warmer and darker tone.

Thicker shells can be more resonant and give a louder sound, which can be beneficial for rock and metal, while thinner shells might provide a softer, subtler tone suitable for jazz or acoustic music.

Drum Sizes

The size of the drums can also influence the tone and volume.

Bigger drum sizes produce a deeper and louder sound while smaller sizes give off a higher pitch and quieter sound.

For example, rock music often uses larger drum sizes for a loud and powerful sound. Jazz drummers might prefer smaller sizes for their subtler and softer tones.

Another very important factor here is whether you will be gigging the kit and how often you’ll be doing that.

If you’re regularly lugging gear around, should you choose smaller drums, and fewer of them? Should you choose cheaper or used gear because it’s much more likely to take a bit of a hammering?

Check out our article on reducing your drum kit size for gigging for more tips on that…

Drum Heads

Drum heads also play a critical role in shaping the drum's sound.

The thickness of the drum head can influence its sound: thicker heads are more durable and produce a darker tone, while thinner heads have a brighter tone and are more sensitive to light strokes.

Head thickness is measured in mils - surprisingly, it took me ages to find out that 1 mil is equal to one thousandth of an inch, or 0.001 inches.

The surface of the drum head also affects its sound:

1. Coated heads have a white, textured surface that produces a warmer sound with less overtones, commonly used for jazz, blues, and classic rock.

2. Clear heads provide a brighter, more open sound and are often used in pop, rock, and metal.

3. Single-ply heads are thin and offer a bright, resonant sound. They're typically used in quieter musical settings.

4. Double-ply heads are more durable and have a deeper, focused sound, making them suitable for louder music styles.

Set a Budget

Deciding on a budget is a critical step.

Drum kits can range widely in price. While it's easy to get swayed by a high-end kit, remember that a more expensive set doesn't make you a better drummer and equally “more expensive = better” is not necessarily true - there are some fantastic drum kits for a fraction of the price of the high end kits, and it’s arguable that there are fine margins once you go past a certain price point.

It’s possible to get a great tune out of cheaper gear, often by switching out the heads and using some tuning magic. And there’s definitely truth in the claim that a good player will get a song out of any kit.

Identify what you can comfortably afford and check out the best kits within that range, as well as comparing against some of the cheaper ones.

Most manufacturers cater to all budgets - just check the model range and associated prices from the manufacturers and you’ll see where those models sit.

New vs. Used Kits

Don't disregard the used market when searching for your kit!

Second-hand drums can offer excellent value for money, especially when you're just starting or operating on a tight budget. You could pick up a higher end model for a lot less than you might expect.

However, when buying used, it's important to check the condition of the shells for any cracks or warping, the quality of the hardware, and the condition of the drumheads.

• Condition: Look for any signs of damage such as cracks in the drum shells, bent rims, or rust on the hardware. Inspect the drum heads as well - while these can be replaced, worn-out or damaged heads may indicate heavy use or poor maintenance.

• Hardware? Check that the stands, pedals, and other hardware are functioning correctly. If they're not included, you'll need to factor in the cost of buying them separately.

• Listen to the Sound: If possible, play the kit before you buy. This will give you an idea of the sound quality and whether it matches the style you want to play.

• Ask About Its History: Find out how old the kit is, where it's been stored, whether it's been used for gigging or only home practice, etc. This can give you clues about potential wear and tear.

• Consider the Brand: Some brands are known for their durability and quality. Buying a used kit from a reputable brand might be a safer bet than opting for a lesser-known name.

• Don't Overlook Aesthetics: While it's not as important as sound and condition, the look of a drum kit can influence your enjoyment of playing it. If you dislike the color or finish, consider whether you're willing to refinish it or if you'd prefer to hold out for a kit you like the look of.

• Factor in Potential Upgrades: If the drum heads, cymbals, or other components are in poor condition, factor the cost of replacements into your budget.

• Trust Your Gut: If something doesn't feel right about the kit or the seller, it may be best to walk away. There will be other opportunities.

• Negotiate Price: Don't be afraid to negotiate. Sellers typically expect some negotiation, and you may be able to reduce the price or have extras included.

Research

A lot of the above falls under “research", but there are other resources you can use.

Listen to various drum sounds online (with decent headphones where possible!), read reviews (though read a broad range, for obvious reasons), visit music stores, and try out different kits if you can. 

That last point is probably the most crucial - get behind the kit.

Talk to other drummers, teachers, or even technicians at local music stores.

Gathering information from various sources will give you a well-rounded understanding of what's available and help you find a kit that suits your needs and aspirations.

Remember, choosing a drum kit is a personal journey. Take your time, explore your options, and trust your instincts…