Drum Kit Buying Guide - Everything You Need to Know
Buying a drum kit is one of the most exciting purchases a musician can make - and one of the most confusing. There are hundreds of options across acoustic and electronic, beginner to professional, and every price point in between. This guide is designed to cut through the noise and help you make the right decision for your situation.
If you'd rather just talk it through with someone, drop us an email or visit us in Horncastle - we've helped thousands of drummers find the right kit and we're always happy to help.
Step One - Acoustic or Electronic?
The first and most important decision is whether you want an acoustic or electronic drum kit. Both are legitimate choices - the right answer depends entirely on your situation.
Acoustic Drum Kits
Acoustic is the right choice if:
- You have space and neighbours won't be an issue
- You want the most authentic playing experience
- You're playing live or recording
- You want to develop proper technique with real rebound and feel
Acoustic might not be right if:
- You live in a flat or anywhere with noise restrictions
- You need to practise at night or early in the morning
- Space is very limited
Electronic Drum Kits
An electronic kit uses rubber or mesh pads and triggers to produce sound through a module and headphones or speakers. Modern e-kits have come a long way and the best ones feel remarkably close to acoustic playing.
Electronic is the right choice if:
- Volume is a concern - e-kits are dramatically quieter than acoustic
- You live in a flat or have close neighbours
- You want to practise with headphones at any time of day
- You want built-in coaching tools, metronomes, and practice features
- Space is limited - e-kits have a smaller footprint than acoustic
Electronic might not be right if:
- You want the full acoustic experience and feel
- You're primarily playing live
- Budget is very tight - a good e-kit costs more than a comparable acoustic beginner kit
Browse our full range of acoustic drum kits and electronic drum kits.
Acoustic Drum Kits - What to Look For
Shell Material
- Poplar - the most common material in beginner kits. Bright and punchy, perfectly adequate for learning
- Basswood - warm and full, often found in mid-range kits
- Birch - bright and cutting, with excellent projection. Popular for live playing and recording
- Maple - warm, full, and balanced. The most popular professional shell material
- Oak - dense and powerful, with a strong low end. Increasingly popular in professional kits
- Mahogany - warm and vintage-sounding, popular in boutique and heritage kits
Shell Configuration
- Fusion kit - smaller shell sizes (typically 10", 12", 14" toms, 20" bass drum). Faster and more responsive, popular for jazz and studio work
- Rock kit - larger shell sizes (typically 12", 13", 16" toms, 22" bass drum). More power and volume, suited to rock and heavier styles
- Standard/Stage kit - a middle ground that works for most styles
Hardware and Cymbals
Hardware (stands, pedals, throne) is often overlooked but matters more than people realise. Cheap hardware wobbles, slips, and breaks - on beginner kits it's usually the first thing to let you down. Most beginner kits come with cymbals included; these are functional but are usually the first thing serious players upgrade.
Acoustic Drum Kits by Budget
Beginner - Up to £500
The beginner kit market has improved enormously in recent years. Key brands to consider: Yamaha Rydeen, Tama Imperialstar, Mapex Comet, Gretsch Energy, Sonor AQX, Natal.
Intermediate - £500 to £1,500
At this level you see significantly better shell quality, hardware, and overall build. These are kits that serious players can gig and record with for years. Key brands: Mapex Mars, Mapex Armory, Tama Superstar, Sonor AQ1, Sonor AQ2, Gretsch Catalina, Ludwig Evolution.
Professional - £1,500 and above
Professional kits use premium shell materials, superior hardware, and are built to last a lifetime of heavy use. Key brands: Yamaha Recording Custom, Tama Starclassic, Mapex Saturn, Sonor Vintage, Gretsch USA Brooklyn, Ludwig Classic Maple, British Drum Company.
Electronic Drum Kits - What to Look For
Mesh vs Rubber Pads
This is the single most important factor in an e-kit purchase. Rubber pads are found on entry-level kits - they work, but the feel is harder and less natural. Mesh pads use a tensioned mesh head that feels much closer to a real drumhead - quieter, more responsive, and significantly better to play. If your budget allows, always go for mesh.
The Module
The module is the brain of the e-kit. A better module means better sounds, more kit options, and more practice features. Key things to look for: number and quality of built-in sounds, coaching tools, USB and aux connectivity, and how well it translates your dynamics.
Cymbal Pads and Bass Drum Feel
Better e-kits have larger, more realistic cymbal pads with choke functionality. Bass drum feel varies considerably too - some kits include a proper bass drum tower or beater pad that feels much more realistic than a basic floor pad.
Electronic Drum Kits by Budget
Beginner - Up to £500
Entry-level e-kits typically use rubber pads and a basic module. A good starting point for learning - look for kits that include a mesh snare pad as a minimum. Browse our electronic drum kits.
Mid-Range - £500 to £1,500
This is where e-kits get genuinely good. Full mesh pad kits, better modules with more realistic sounds, and a playing experience much closer to acoustic. The sweet spot for most home players. Key brand: Yamaha DTX.
High-End - £1,500 and above
Top-end e-kits blur the line between electronic and acoustic. Large mesh pads, premium modules with studio-quality sounds, and a playing experience that professional drummers are happy to use on stage and in the studio. Key brand: Yamaha DTX high-end series.
New vs Pre-Owned
A pre-owned drum kit can represent extraordinary value - particularly at the intermediate and professional level, where a used kit that originally cost £2,000 might be available for £800-£1,000 in excellent condition. At Into Music Store, all pre-owned kits are inspected, restored, and serviced in-house. We have one of the biggest pre-owned drum collections in the UK, with new stock arriving every week. Browse our pre-owned drum kits or visit our showroom to see what's currently in stock.
Don't Forget the Extras
- Drumsticks - you'll get through them
- Drumheads - the heads on beginner kits are often the first thing to replace
- Drum throne - essential for comfort and technique
- Practice pad - great for warming up and practising rudiments quietly
- Hearing protection - drums are loud. Protect your hearing from day one
- Cases and bags - if you're gigging, you'll need to protect your kit
Still Not Sure? Talk to Us
We've been selling drums since 2016 and we've helped drummers of every level find the right kit. Email us at info@intomusicstore.com, call us on 01507 526517, or visit our showroom in Horncastle, Lincolnshire. Honest advice, no pressure.