This instructable describes considerations to take when buying a drumkit. Whether new to drumming or just not sure how to begin narrowing options, in this instructable i hope to give advice on choosing a kit. It can be difficult to find the ideal kit to suit your style of music, tastes and playing techniques.
This is my first instructable so dont be too harsh lol. As there are alot of considerations to make, i may miss things out.
This is my first instructable so dont be too harsh lol. As there are alot of considerations to make, i may miss things out.
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Signing UpStep 1: Consideration 1 - The Cost
Undoubtedly, the cost is the most decisive consideration when choosing a kit. Drum kits can cost from as cheap as £50 to as expensive as £4000. The amount you are willing to spend on a kit is entirely down to you, how much you have or are willing to fork out. Some types of kit are listed below-
Beginner Kits:These are considered to cost less than £200. The build quality is generally quite basic and they are manufactured simply and on mass. Mostly they come with cheap hardware (hardware is equipment such as stands for cymbals and drums, footpedals and stools) and alot come also with cheap quality cymbals. They are a good option for people new to the drums who do not want to spend alot of money and just want to start playing, the reason being they come with alot of beginner hardware. They are not considered to be long lasting, probably being needed to be replaced after under 2 years.
Intermediate Kits: Intermediate kits are generally considered to cost between £200 and £500. They have a fairly good build quality and some also come with beginner cymbals. They are good if you want a decent starter kit at an affordable price with an average to good build quality. They are usually a popular choice among people drumming a little while and students who cant afford high end kits. Big brandssuch as pearl, tama, mapex and gretsh make kits in this price range. Some kits in this price range also boast beng made of good woods such as birch.
Semi-professional Kits: These kits are usually priced between £500 and £1000 although some can be more expensive. The build quality is very good and they are usually supplied with very good hardware to match. Woods like birch and maple are common on kits in this range which give good sounds. They also are generally finished well and are nice looking. They are good for people who have been drumming a few years or people who have money to spend on a very good first kit. As they do not tend to come with cymbals, with many starting drummers intermediate kits are preferred.
Pro kits: I regard these kits as £1500+ although they can be regarded as £1000+. They can be found cheaper. They have the best build quality and many are hand built using specialist woods and materials in special factories. The sounds and finishes are second to none, they are used by most professional drummers. They come with the best hardware. All the big brands have at least one series of kit in this price range. They are the best choice for professionals and drummers who have been drumming a very long time and have the money to spend. There are many custom drum manufacturers who only make drums in this range such as Pork pie, SJC, slingerland and orange country.
Beginner Kits:These are considered to cost less than £200. The build quality is generally quite basic and they are manufactured simply and on mass. Mostly they come with cheap hardware (hardware is equipment such as stands for cymbals and drums, footpedals and stools) and alot come also with cheap quality cymbals. They are a good option for people new to the drums who do not want to spend alot of money and just want to start playing, the reason being they come with alot of beginner hardware. They are not considered to be long lasting, probably being needed to be replaced after under 2 years.
Intermediate Kits: Intermediate kits are generally considered to cost between £200 and £500. They have a fairly good build quality and some also come with beginner cymbals. They are good if you want a decent starter kit at an affordable price with an average to good build quality. They are usually a popular choice among people drumming a little while and students who cant afford high end kits. Big brandssuch as pearl, tama, mapex and gretsh make kits in this price range. Some kits in this price range also boast beng made of good woods such as birch.
Semi-professional Kits: These kits are usually priced between £500 and £1000 although some can be more expensive. The build quality is very good and they are usually supplied with very good hardware to match. Woods like birch and maple are common on kits in this range which give good sounds. They also are generally finished well and are nice looking. They are good for people who have been drumming a few years or people who have money to spend on a very good first kit. As they do not tend to come with cymbals, with many starting drummers intermediate kits are preferred.
Pro kits: I regard these kits as £1500+ although they can be regarded as £1000+. They can be found cheaper. They have the best build quality and many are hand built using specialist woods and materials in special factories. The sounds and finishes are second to none, they are used by most professional drummers. They come with the best hardware. All the big brands have at least one series of kit in this price range. They are the best choice for professionals and drummers who have been drumming a very long time and have the money to spend. There are many custom drum manufacturers who only make drums in this range such as Pork pie, SJC, slingerland and orange country.
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Pros:
not too expensive.
Great Modular!!!!
I use it now in combination with my real kit.....very fun
Cons:
Not the best hardware
It does not feel like real drums
not easy to transport quickly
I've been playing for 7 years now, and I'm still using my first set - a really cruddy groove percussion. I've been in search for a new kit for around 3 years now, but I can't seem to commit to anything. Each kit I try is better than the last! (well, the good ones anyway)
You did a great job in covering all of the topics involving getting a new kit, but I really can't stress enough how important it is to try out your kit before you buy! Oh, and nowadays they're starting to sell electronic sets as beginner and pro kits, so you might want to change you title to "How to choose an acoustic drumkit".
Also, the three best/main types of wood are maple, birch, and ash. Some stuff you left out about these is that maple is great for studio recording, birch is well designed for live performances, and ash is pretty much in the middle. (I may have my maple and birch mixed up, it's been a few years since I last visited the drum factory near me (GMS)).
Anyhow, great work!