Shopping For Your First Drum Set

Your first drum set purchase is very exciting! You have probably waited a long time to buy your first drumset and have thought a lot about it. Even though it is exciting, it is important to be patient and do your research before you buy a drum set.

Where Do I Begin?

If you are new to drumming it can be pretty overwhelming and confusing when you start looking for a drum kit. The first thing that you need to know is that if you are just starting out, you should buy a starter drum kit. These drum sets are designed with the beginner drummer in mind because they come supplied with all of the drums that you will need to get up and running.

What Comes In A Drum Kit?

The typical starter drum kit comes with all of the drums that you will need to get started. The drums in the kit include:

* A bass drum
* A snare drum
* A floor tom
* Two mounted tom toms

You will notice that there are no cymbals included in the starter drum kit. That is generally because drum manufacturers do not usually make cymbals and vice versa. However you will want cymbals with your drum set as well, and you can also purchase a cymbal kit as well, which is usually called a pre-pack.

What Type Of Cymbals Do I Need?

When you are looking for cymbals, a good set to get you started will include a 20" ride cymbal, a 16" crash cymbal and a pair of 14" high hat cymbals. This is a good set to get you started and should serve you well.

If you are just starting out drumming you can buy a combination crash /ride cymbal and combine the two cymbals into one piece of equipment. This will help you save a little bit of money at the beginning of your drumming career, however as your drumming skills advance you will want to purchase a separate ride cymbal later on.

You will want to purchase your cymbals from a reputable cymbal manufacturer, and some good manufactures that put out some pretty good pre packs are: Zildjian, Sabian and Paiste.

What Else Will I Need?

Be sure to check out the drumkit that you are purchasing to see if it includes the hardware or if you have to purchase the hardware separately. Hardware is the term that is used to describe the stands, the pedals and the "throne" or drum seat that you will need.

When you are looking for a pedal you may want to consider investing in a medium to professional quality bass drum pedal. This pedal may cost a little bit more initially, however it will save you money in the long run as it will out perform and out last more basic, beginner pedals.

Many beginning drummers think that they can save a little bit of money by not purchasing a proper "throne" or drumming chair for their new drum set. However, even a bargain basement throne is a better choice than a kitchen chair or other stool that you have around your house. You need the proper seat to support you and absorb the impact of the drumming.

Can I Buy Used Drum Sets?

You can buy a used drum set and get a good set for a reasonable price. There are a few things that you should be cautious about when you are looking at used drum kits however.

Be sure to check for quality very carefully, check that the drum plastic is firmly attached to the shell of the drum and is not lifting anywhere. Be sure to check for the plastic lifting around the bearing edges and be sure that there are no air pockets anywhere.

It is also important to be sure that there is no chipping at all along the bearing edge. The bearing edge is where the drum head comes into contact with the drum shell. It is important that this is level as well.

Also be sure to check all of the hardware to make sure that none of the rims are bent and the brackets are all able to hold the drums securely. Do not be afraid to pull on the drums and twist them a little bit. You need to be sure that the used drum set will be able to stand up to your drumming.

What Can I Expect To Pay?

When you are shopping for drum sets you should be aware that the prices will range according the region that you are living in. However you can expect to pay anywhere between $400 to $1000 for an entry level drum set. A used drum set may cost anywhere between $200 to $800.

What Brand Should I Get?

You are probably going to want to choose a drum kit that is made from a reputable manufacturer. There are a few really well known makers of drums and it is best to stick with them. They include:

* Yamaha
* Pearl
* Ludwig
* Tama
* Gretsch
* Sonar
* Mapex

Bottom Line

The bottom line is that you should take your time when you are looking at buying your first drum set. Shop around a few different stores and find a dealer that you are comfortable with. It is best to find a store that has knowledgeable sales people who will be able to help you now, and in the future.

© 2005 http://www.drum-sets-now.com

About the Author
Kevin Brown is successful author and publisher of many informative websites including http://www.drum-sets-now.com. His websites offer tips and advice on a wide array of topics including drum sets, electronic drums, and other percussion instruments.

---

Formation of a Song (Recording)

As industry insiders, we sometimes forget that when discussing the... Read More

The Various Countries - A Rant About Country Music

It is no secret that over the past couple decades... Read More

The First Step and Most Important Thing in Learning Guitar

Most of the guitar lovers playing guitar for few years... Read More

Memorizing Music - How Is It Best Achieved?

When memorizing music there are several things you can do... Read More

Five Secrets to Playing in the New Age Style

1. Learn how to ImproviseLearning how to improvise is the... Read More

New Age Music - What Is It Good For?

Let's face it. The world will not end if there... Read More

How To Write A Song

Did you ever wish that it was your song playing... Read More

Guide to Finding Music Online

Are you frustrated because finding your favorite songs on the... Read More

The Life and Music of Beatle George Harrison

Propelled into fame as one of the Beatles, along with... Read More

How Any DJ Can Increase Their Gigs and Profits By This Simple Strategy

The DJ industry is very competitive. There are many DJ's... Read More

Downloading MP3s Made Easy

The MP3 movement started out with a huge audience of... Read More

The Strange Days (mostly nights) of Guns N? Roses

Kenny "Axil" Rose (Lead vocals), D.J. "Slash (Lead guitar), Joshua... Read More

12 Reasons You Should Learn to Play the Piano

All right, folks, here you go: My 12 reasons why... Read More

Where To Download Music On The Internet

Virtually all of you have probably heard of the RIAA's... Read More

Copyright Basics for Songwriters

Should you copyright your song? If you're a songwriter, sooner... Read More

CD Review: Amber - My Kind of World

Pop/Rock Recording Artist Amber, who has scored seven #1 Billboard... Read More

How to Organise a Gig or a Live Music Event - the Budget

Three times in the last month I've been asked the... Read More

Soul Band for a Party

Was the request six months ago, a sixtieth birthday party,... Read More

Yo, is Rap Just Another Four Letter Word?

Flaunting any excessive or anti-social behavior is considered brazen. When... Read More

Piano Lessons For Adults: More Fun, Easier, & Faster Than Piano Lessons For Kids

Piano lessons for adults is generally LOTS more fun than... Read More

Performing, Whats the Big Deal?

Performance anxiety is not something that only happens to musicians,... Read More

How to Make $30,000 with Your Music Before Years End

As an independent musician and/or recording artist, if you did... Read More

Piano Playing is Easier than You Think When You Understand Musical Form

Form is the key that unlocks the musical map of... Read More

What is Piano GHD Syndrome?

Do you remember the movie, Groundhog Day? In this wonderful... Read More

The Music Industry and Its Lack of Talent

So it has come to this... what we see overrides... Read More

Piano Lessons and Perfectionism

Are you a perfectionist? Does every note have to sound... Read More

Self-Expression Without Criticism

When I was 9 years old I played the Saxophone... Read More

New Age Piano Playing and the Sustain Pedal

There are 3 pedals on most pianos. The one on... Read More

MP3 Music Subscription Services. A Good Deal?

There's a reason Apple Computer dominates the legal 99-cents-a-download digital... Read More

Jealous Again - Jealousy Among Musicians

Jealousy ? do you feel it? Do you sense it... Read More

Guitar Buying - The Pros and Cons of Vintage vs. Reissue

To most people, owning the "genuine article" is the only... Read More

Interview With Josh Epstein of Vision Music USA

Vision Music USA is a proactive and progressive music service... Read More

How to Become a Filthy Rich Record Label Mogul

Let me guess, you love music and would do anything... Read More