Your child has been asking for a drum kit. Maybe for months. Maybe for years. And you've been putting it off — because drum kits are complicated, expensive, and you're not entirely sure where to start.
This guide is written for you. We'll tell you exactly what the Ludwig Evolution is, why it's one of the best first drum kits available in the UK, what else you'll need to complete the setup, and why it makes one of the most memorable Christmas presents a young drummer could receive.
If you have any questions at all, call us on 01507 526517 — our team are experienced drummers who are happy to talk through everything with you, whether you know nothing about drums or just want a second opinion. You can also visit us in our Horncastle showroom in Lincolnshire to see the kits in person.
Why Ludwig?
Ludwig is one of the most famous drum brands in the world. John Bonham played Ludwig. Ringo Starr played Ludwig. The brand has been making drums since 1909 and their instruments have appeared on more hit records than almost any other manufacturer in history.
That heritage matters — not because your child needs to know who John Bonham is, but because it tells you something important about the quality of what you're buying. Ludwig don't make cheap drums. Even their entry-level kits are built to a standard that reflects over a century of drum-making expertise. When you buy a Ludwig, you're buying something that will last, that will sound good, and that won't hold your child back as they improve.
The Ludwig Element Evolution: The Complete Starter Kit
The Ludwig Element Evolution 20" Drum Kit in Copper Sparkle is the most accessible way into the Ludwig Evolution range — and it's the kit we'd recommend for most beginners. At £325.00, it includes everything your child needs to start playing: the drum shells, hardware (stands, pedal, and throne), and cymbals. It's a complete, ready-to-play setup from one of the world's most trusted drum brands.
The Copper Sparkle finish is genuinely striking — this is not a toy-looking beginner kit. It looks like a proper drum kit, which matters more than you might think. A kit that looks good is a kit that gets played.
The 20" bass drum is the ideal size for a beginner — large enough to produce a full, satisfying sound, but not so large that it dominates a bedroom or practice space. The shell pack configuration (bass drum, snare, rack tom, floor tom) gives your child everything they need to learn the fundamentals of drumming and play along to their favourite music.
The Evolution Shell Packs: For When They're Ready to Grow
If your child is a little older, has been playing on an electronic kit, or you want to invest in something they can grow into over several years, the Ludwig Evolution shell packs are the next step up. These are shell-only configurations — they don't include hardware or cymbals — which means you can pair them with the hardware and cymbals of your choice.
The Ludwig Evolution 5-Piece Shell Pack is available in two bass drum sizes — 20" and 22" — and two stunning finishes: Mint Sparkle and Copper Sparkle, both at £629.00. The 5-piece configuration (bass drum, snare, two rack toms, floor tom) is the classic drum kit setup and gives your child everything they need to develop their playing for years to come.
For players who want even more, the Ludwig Evolution 6-Piece Shell Pack adds an additional rack tom to the configuration, available in Mint Sparkle and Copper Sparkle at £699.00. Six drums give your child more tonal options and more room to develop their playing as they progress.
What Else Will You Need?
If you choose one of the shell pack configurations rather than the complete Element Evolution kit, you'll need to add hardware and cymbals separately. Here's what we recommend at the beginner level.
Cymbals
Cymbals are the most important addition to a shell pack — and the good news is that there are excellent beginner cymbal sets available at very reasonable prices.
The Meinl HCS Complete Cymbal Set (£206.70) is our top recommendation for beginners. It includes 14" hi-hats, 16" crash, and 20" ride — everything your child needs to play a full drum kit setup. Meinl are one of the world's leading cymbal manufacturers, and the HCS range delivers genuine quality at a price that makes sense for a first setup. These are proper cymbals, not toys — they sound good, they're durable, and they'll serve your child well as they develop.
If you want to step up slightly, the Zildjian Planet Z Complete Cymbal Pack (£284.05) is an excellent choice. Zildjian are the world's most famous cymbal brand, and the Planet Z range delivers that heritage at a beginner-friendly price. The complete pack includes 14" hi-hats, 16" crash, and 20" ride — the same configuration as the Meinl HCS, but with Zildjian's distinctive sound character. The Zildjian I Family Essentials Pack (£246.05) is another strong option — a more compact two-cymbal setup (14" hi-hats and 18" crash/ride) that's ideal if space is a consideration.
Hardware
Hardware — the stands, pedal, and throne that hold everything together — is included with the complete Element Evolution kit. If you're buying a shell pack, you'll need to add hardware separately. Call us on 01507 526517 and we'll put together the right hardware package for your budget and setup — our team can advise on exactly what you need and make sure everything is compatible.
Is a Drum Kit a Good Christmas Present?
Yes — with a few things worth knowing.
Drum kits are louder than most parents expect. A full acoustic drum kit in a bedroom will be heard throughout the house and potentially by neighbours. If noise is a concern, there are two solutions: mesh practice pads that fit over the drumheads to dramatically reduce volume, or a low-volume cymbal set like the Zildjian L80 Low Volume Cymbal Box Set (£379.05) that reduces cymbal volume by up to 80% while still feeling and responding like a real cymbal. Call us and we'll talk through the options.
Drum kits take up more space than they look. A standard 5-piece kit needs roughly 2m x 2m of floor space when set up. Make sure you have a suitable room before buying.
The investment is worth it. Learning to play drums is one of the most rewarding things a young person can do. It develops coordination, timing, musicality, and confidence — and it's genuinely fun. A quality first kit like the Ludwig Evolution gives your child the best possible start and will last them for years.
We can help with everything. If you're not sure what to buy, how to set it up, or what accessories you need, call us on 01507 526517. We've helped hundreds of parents buy their child's first drum kit and we're happy to walk you through everything — no jargon, no pressure.
The Complete Ludwig Evolution Setup: Our Recommendation
For most parents buying a first drum kit, here's what we'd suggest:
- Kit: Ludwig Element Evolution 20" Complete Kit — £325.00 (includes hardware and cymbals)
- Or, for a step up: Ludwig Evolution 5-Piece Shell Pack — £629.00 + Meinl HCS Complete Cymbal Set — £206.70
Both options give your child a proper, quality drum kit from one of the world's most trusted brands — at a price that represents genuine value for what you're getting.
Ludwig Evolution FAQs for Parents
What age is the Ludwig Evolution suitable for?
The Ludwig Evolution is suitable for children aged around 10 and upwards, and for adults of any age. For younger children (under 10), a junior kit with smaller shell sizes may be more appropriate — call us on 01507 526517 and we'll advise on the right size for your child.
Does the kit come assembled?
No — drum kits require assembly. It's not complicated, but it does take an hour or two and requires following the instructions carefully. If you'd prefer to have the kit assembled before Christmas morning, we'd recommend setting it up in advance and covering it. Alternatively, call us and we can talk you through the assembly process.
Will my child need lessons?
Lessons are not essential to start playing, but they make a significant difference to how quickly your child progresses and how much they enjoy it. A good drum teacher will teach proper technique from the start, which prevents bad habits that are difficult to correct later. We're happy to recommend drum teachers in your area — just ask when you call.
How loud is it?
An acoustic drum kit is loud — comparable to a lawnmower at close range. If noise is a concern, ask us about low-volume drumheads and the Zildjian L80 cymbal range, which can reduce the overall volume significantly while still feeling and responding like a real kit.
Can I try the Ludwig Evolution in store before buying?
Yes — visit our showroom in Horncastle, Lincolnshire, where we stock Ludwig drum kits. Your child is welcome to come in and play. Call us on 01507 526517 to check current stock before making the trip.
Buy the Ludwig Evolution at Into Music
We are an authorised Ludwig dealer and stock the full Evolution range — from the complete Element Evolution kit through to the 5-piece and 6-piece shell packs. As one of the UK's leading independent drum retailers, we carry genuine stock and can offer expert advice on everything from kit selection to accessories and setup.
Order online with UK next day delivery available, or visit us in our Horncastle showroom in Lincolnshire. And if you have any questions at all — about the kit, the accessories, or anything else — call us on 01507 526517. We're here to help.