There's something special about a drum kit with a history.
The worn lacquer on a snare that's been gigged for a decade. The patina on a cymbal that's been played through hundreds of rehearsals. The feel of a kit that's already been broken in by someone who loved it. Pre-owned drums aren't second best — they're often the smartest buy in the room.
At Into Music, pre-owned gear is something we genuinely love. Not as an afterthought or a clearance section, but as a proper part of what we do. We buy pre-owned drums and percussion, we take part exchanges, and we maintain a constantly changing selection of used gear that spans everything from entry-level starter kits to high-end professional instruments.
Why Buy Pre-Owned?
The case for buying pre-owned drums is stronger than most people realise — especially in the current market.
You get more drum for your money. A pre-owned kit at £600 will almost always outperform a new kit at the same price. The depreciation that happens the moment a drum kit leaves a shop means that a well-looked-after used kit from a respected brand — a Yamaha, a Mapex, a Pearl — can be had for a fraction of its original cost, with none of the tonal compromises you'd make buying new at that price point.
Cymbals especially. Pre-owned cymbals are one of the best-kept secrets in drumming. A used Paiste, Zildjian, or Meinl cymbal that's been well cared for will sound identical to a new one — because bronze doesn't degrade with age. It often improves. A cymbal that's been played in has a warmth and openness that brand new cymbals sometimes take months to develop.
Hardware lasts forever. Pre-owned drum hardware — stands, pedals, rack systems — is almost always a smart buy. Quality hardware from brands like Pearl, DW, or Yamaha is built to last decades. Buying it used means you're getting professional-grade gear at a fraction of the new price.
It's better for the planet. Every pre-owned drum kit that finds a new home is one fewer kit that ends up in a skip. Drums are built to last — and keeping them in circulation is the right thing to do.
What We Stock
Our pre-owned selection changes constantly — which is part of what makes it worth checking regularly. We stock across every category:
Pre-Owned Drum Kits — acoustic kits from a wide range of brands and price points, from beginner setups to professional shell packs. Every kit we sell is inspected, cleaned, and honestly described.
Pre-Owned Cymbals — individual cymbals and sets from leading brands. We're particularly selective here — we only stock cymbals that are free from cracks, keyholing, or serious damage.
Pre-Owned Hardware — stands, pedals, thrones, and rack systems. Often the most overlooked category, and frequently the best value.
Pre-Owned Electronic Drums — electronic kits and modules from brands including Yamaha, Roland, and Alesis. A great way to get into electronic drumming without the new price tag.
Pre-Owned Yamaha — we have a particular soft spot for Yamaha drums, and we regularly stock pre-owned Yamaha kits and hardware that represent exceptional value.
We Buy Pre-Owned Drums
Got a kit you're not playing? Cymbals gathering dust? Hardware taking up space in the garage?
We buy pre-owned drums and percussion outright. We're not a marketplace — we'll give you a straightforward offer and, if you accept, we'll pay you directly. No waiting for a buyer, no listing fees, no strangers coming to your house.
We're interested in quality gear across all price points — from well-maintained beginner kits to high-end professional instruments. If you're not sure whether what you have is something we'd be interested in, just get in touch and we'll let you know honestly.
Part Exchange
Upgrading your kit is one of the great pleasures of drumming — and part exchange is often the most sensible way to do it. Rather than selling your old gear privately (which takes time, effort, and comes with its own risks), you can put it toward something new or pre-owned from our stock.
Part exchange works simply: tell us what you have, we'll assess it and give you a value, and that value comes off the price of whatever you're buying from us. It's clean, it's quick, and it means you're not sitting on two kits at once.
We part exchange against new gear as well as pre-owned — so if you're eyeing up a new Yamaha Tour Custom or a set of Paiste 2002s, your old kit could go a long way toward making it happen.
How It Works
Getting in touch is the first step for both buying and selling. We don't have an automated valuation tool — we prefer to talk to people, understand what they have, and give them an honest assessment. Every piece of gear is different, and we'd rather have a conversation than give you a number that turns out to be wrong.
You can reach us by phone on 01507 526517, pop into our showroom in Horncastle, Lincolnshire, or drop us a message online. We'll get back to you quickly — we know that when you're ready to buy or sell, you don't want to be kept waiting.
A Note on Condition
We're honest about the condition of everything we sell. Pre-owned gear is described accurately — we'll tell you about any cosmetic marks, any replaced parts, any quirks you should know about. We don't hide things. If a kit has a ding on the bass drum hoop, we'll tell you. If a cymbal has a small scratch on the bell, we'll tell you. We'd rather lose a sale than have a customer feel misled.
That honesty goes both ways — when you're selling to us or part exchanging, we'll give you a fair and transparent assessment of what your gear is worth in the current market.
Pre-Owned FAQs
Do you offer any warranty on pre-owned gear?
We stand behind everything we sell. If something isn't as described or develops a fault shortly after purchase, get in touch and we'll sort it out. We're a small, owner-operated business — our reputation matters more to us than any individual sale.
Can I try pre-owned gear before buying?
Absolutely — if you're visiting our Horncastle showroom, you're welcome to play anything we have in stock. We'd encourage it. Buying a drum kit you've played is always better than buying one you haven't.
Do you ship pre-owned gear?
Yes, in most cases. Larger items like full drum kits may require a courier quote, but we ship pre-owned cymbals, hardware, and smaller items regularly. Get in touch and we'll confirm what's possible for the specific item you're interested in.
What condition do you accept for buying or part exchange?
We consider gear in all conditions, though the offer will reflect the condition honestly. Complete kits in good working order are always of interest. Cymbals must be crack-free. Hardware should be functional. If you're unsure, just ask — we won't waste your time.
How quickly can you make an offer?
Usually within a day of receiving details and photos. Call us on 01507 526517 or visit us in Horncastle and we can often assess gear on the spot.
Browse Our Pre-Owned Selection
Our pre-owned collection is updated regularly as new gear comes in. It's worth bookmarking and checking back — the right kit at the right price has a habit of appearing when you least expect it.
Not sure which pre-owned drum is right for your setup? Visit us in our Horncastle showroom or call us on 01507 526517 for expert advice, or order online with UK next day delivery available.