You’ve decided you want to play drums and signed up for drum lessons and now you need your own drumset so you can start practicing those rock beats at home! You’re ready to make the purchase, but don’t really know where to start. Let’s take a beat and take a few things into consideration before making the jump.

Budget:
What’s your budget? Like most musical instruments, a drumset is a long term investment. They can be a bit pricey up front and need maintenance over time. Don’t let either of these deter you though; there are budget-friendly brands and models that are great to get you started. As of 2025, a budget drumset typically costs around $300 to $600. Drumsets are often sold as “shell packs” only, which means they may not include cymbals or hardware such as stands or pedals. Generally, the higher the price tag, the better the build quality. In other words, in the drum world, you get what you pay for!

Style:
The next thing to consider is your style. What color shells do you like? What kind of music do you want to play? Drums come in all different colors and visual designs, and the style of music you spend most of your time playing may influence the color scheme you ultimately choose. Jazz drummers are often seen playing kits where the paint is mixed with a ton of glitter to give a signature “sparkle”. On the other hand, Rock or Metal drummers may choose a solid color like red, blue, or black to allow their hardware and cymbals to be the eye-catching component. Another classic and safe option is a natural finish or colored wood stain. These designs showcase a natural wood grain in the drum shell, and you can always add a little colorful flair for some personality. Once again, your budget plays a role too, as the more complex or visually stunning paint job often costs more.

Practice Space:
Now that you’ve chosen your perfect drumset, let’s consider your practice space. How much space do you need for your drumset? The standard starter drumset is typically a five-piece shell pack that includes a bass drum, three toms, and a snare. There are some exceptions to this: some kits do not include a snare, or have only two toms instead of three. Higher budget professional kits may come with more shells like extra toms or even a second bass drum. Keep in mind, your hardware takes up the most floor space as you need stands for your cymbals. The bigger the kit, the more space it takes up.

Sound Absorption:
On the topic of your practice space, what will the neighbors think of your new found interest in playing the drums?! If you’re worried about noise complaints, there are plenty of solutions available. First, the more sound absorbing material you have in and around your practice space, the better. Loaded bookshelves and furniture are great for absorbing the low booms from your bass drum and toms. The insulation in your home’s walls also provides a sound barrier. If more sound absorption is needed, you can purchase silencing pads for your shells and cymbals. These don’t sound very good, but they will certainly keep the noise down. Some manufacturers also make “low-volume” cymbals and drum heads, which are a little delicate, but absolutely work. Last but not least, you may opt for an entry-level electronic drum set. These are a great option for silent practice, as you can simply plug in headphones and hear everything! This is also the best choice for people with pets who are sensitive to loud noises.

You can find a brand new drumset through most local or online music retailers. If you’re on a really tight budget, buying a used kit from a local musician is another great way to get started. Be careful though: Drums get beat up! If you buy anything used, make sure to carefully inspect all components before making a purchase, and don’t be afraid to ask for a fair price!