Playing an instrument is an incredible skill! It’s not just fulfilling, it’s a fantastic way to boost your brainpower and coordination.
“Finding the perfect drum set for your child can feel overwhelming. You want a kit that’s the right size, durable, and won’t break the bank. Whether you’re searching for a ‘kids drum set’ for a budding rockstar or a ‘junior drum set’ for a serious student, we’ve got you covered. This guide breaks down the top drum sets for kids of all ages, helping you make an informed decision and ignite their musical passion
I’ve handled the extensive research, so you can focus on finding your ideal drum set with ease.
In this article I cover:
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- The difference between drumming toys and drums as instruments
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- What’s the best age for kids to take up drumming (Hint: It’s older than most people think!)
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- Whether to choose a junior drum set or a full-size beginner drum kit
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- Whether to choose a budget electronic drum kit or acoustic drums
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- 3 of the best drum sets for kids available today!
Let’s get to it.
Best Drum Set for Kids
Navigating kids drum sets can feel overwhelming. This guide simplifies it. First, consider: are you aiming for a balance of quality and affordability, or prioritizing the absolute best? We’ll cover both. This section offers our top five junior drum sets, carefully selected to provide excellent sound without breaking the bank. The next section showcases our top three premium kids drum sets, where sound and build quality are paramount, regardless of price. We’re here to help you choose the right kit, ensuring your child’s rhythmic journey starts on the right note.
Top Kids’ Drum Sets: Premium Quality, Budget-Friendly
1. VEVOR 5-Piece Drum Set
There’s a great satisfaction in striking a drum and feeling the immediate response – the resonant boom filling the room, the subtle vibration beneath your hands, the raw noise waiting to be shaped into a rhythm, a beat, and ultimately, music. For young aspiring drummers eager to experience this full acoustic immersion, the VEVOR 5-Piece Drum Set rises to the top of our list. It delivers the complete drum set experience without breaking the bank, offering a fantastic entry point into the world of acoustic drumming.
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Sound and Build:
- Sound – Offers a standard acoustic drum sound suitable for learning basic rhythms. Expect decent resonance from the shells, though the included cymbals are more basic in quality.
- Build – Often focuses on affordability, so the build prioritizes functionality over high-end materials.
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Pros
- Affordable price point for a full 5-piece acoustic setup.
- Provides a complete drumming experience with multiple drums and cymbals.
- Often includes all necessary accessories (throne, sticks).
- Good for learning fundamental acoustic drumming techniques.
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Cons
- Sound quality is basic compared to higher-end sets.
- Cymbals are thin and lack sustain.
- Build quality is not be as robust as more expensive options.
- Size might be slightly large for very young children.
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Verdict: The VEVOR 5-Piece Drum Set is a solid entry point for kids who are serious about learning on a full acoustic kit, especially if budget is a primary concern. However, be prepared for basic sound quality and consider the size for younger players.
- Available
- Walmart
- https://amzn.to/3YqXsin
2. Donner DED-70 Electronic Drum Set
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Sound and Build:
- Sound – Boasts a wide variety of 150 sounds, offering versatility for practice and experimentation. Features headphone output for quiet practice and potentially built-in metronome and practice tracks.
- Build – Features a metal or composite frame for stability and rubber or mesh pads for triggering sounds. Donner is generally known for decent quality at its price point.
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Pros
- Excellent for quiet practice with headphone capability.
- Wide range of sounds and learning features can be very engaging for kids.
- Space-saving compared to a full acoustic set.
- Volume control is a major benefit for parents.
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Cons
- The feel of electronic pads do not perfectly replicate acoustic drumheads.
- Sound quality of some of the 150 sounds vary.
- Potential for some noise from the impact on the pads.
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Verdict: The Donner DED-70 is a fantastic option for kids who need a quieter practice environment and enjoy exploring different sounds. The learning features can be a significant advantage for beginners.
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Available
3. Ashthorpe 3-Piece Junior Drum Set
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Sound and Build:
- Sound- Offers a scaled-down acoustic sound suitable for very young beginners. The smaller drum sizes will produce a higher pitch and less volume than a full-sized kit.
- Build – Designed to be appropriately sized and relatively durable for young players. Focus will is on ease of assembly and stability.
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Pros
- Perfectly sized for very young children (typically ages 3-8).
- Less overwhelming for beginners with fewer components.
- Promotes good posture and comfortable reach for smaller bodies.
- A good introduction to the feel and sound of acoustic drums.
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Cons
- Limited sonic range compared to larger kits.
- May be outgrown quickly as the child gets older and more skilled.
- Sound might lack the depth and resonance of larger drums.
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Verdict: The Ashthorpe 3-Piece Junior Drum Set is an ideal starting point for the youngest drummers. Its size and simplicity make it less intimidating and more comfortable for little ones to learn the basics.
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Available
- Ebay Ashthorpe wholesale
4. VEVOR Kids Drum Set 3-Piece
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Sound and Build:
- Sound Similar to the Ashthorpe 3-piece, expect a smaller acoustic sound suitable for early learning.
- Build – Prioritizes affordability, So the sturdiness and longevity of the hardware and shells less than full expensive sets.
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Pros
- Affordable option for a small, beginner acoustic kit.
- Appropriate size for young children.
- Provides a basic acoustic drumming experience.
- Usually includes essential accessories.
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Cons
- Sound quality is basic.
- Durability is a concern compared to more expensive junior sets.
- Limited sonic capabilities for more advanced playing.
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Verdict: The VEVOR Kids Drum Set 3-Piece is a budget-friendly way to introduce very young children to acoustic drumming. It’s a good option if you’re looking for an affordable starter kit.
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Available
Walmart - New on ebay
5. VEVOR Electric Drum Set Electronic Drum Kit 150 Sounds
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Sound and Build:
- Sound – The key feature is the 150 different sounds, offering a wide palette for practice and experimentation. With standard electronic drum kit features like headphone output and built-in lessons.
- Build – Constructed with a frame and electronic pads. Decent construction easy set up and take down.
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Pros
- Large variety of sounds keeps practice interesting.
- Quiet practice with headphones is a significant advantage.
- Often includes learning tools like metronome and practice songs.
- Can be a more space-efficient option.
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Cons
- The quality of the 150 sounds vary.
- The feel of the pads is not be ideal for transitioning to acoustic drums later.
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Verdict: The VEVOR Electric Drum Set with 150 sounds is a versatile option for kids who enjoy exploring different sounds and need a quiet practice solution. The wide sound library can be a great motivator for young learners.
- Available
6. Pyle Kids Drum Set: A Budget-Friendly Bang for Young Beginners
“If you’re looking to introduce your little one to the world of drumming without breaking the bank, the Pyle Kids Drum Set is a good option. Designed with young beginners in mind, this complete kit offers a solid starting point for budding rhythm enthusiasts.
The reason it made the list is it’s cheap, and those drum silencers? Game-changer for parents. If you need a starter kit that won’t break the bank or your eardrums, this is it.
Sound and Build:
Let’s be realistic: these aren’t professional-grade drums. However, for a kids’ set, the sound quality is surprisingly decent. The drum shells produce a respectable tone, and the included cymbal provides a bright accent. The overall build is reasonably sturdy, using a combination of wood and metal components. While it may not withstand the rigors of a rock concert, it’s sufficient for home practice and casual jamming.
Pros:
- Affordability: This is a major selling point. Pyle offers a complete drum set at a price that won’t make parents wince.
- Complete Kit: Everything your child needs to start playing is included.
- Easy Assembly: Many users report that the set is relatively easy to assemble.
- Adjustable Throne: Ensures comfortable playing for growing children.
Cons:
- Foot Pedal: Some users have noted that the foot pedal may not be the most durable.
- Size Limitations: Older children might outgrow the set quickly.
- Hardware Quality: Some hardware components may not be of the highest quality.
The Verdict:
“For parents seeking an affordable starter set for young children, the Pyle Kids Drum Set is a solid choice. While it has limitations, it provides a complete and usable kit for exploring drumming’s basics.”
Available here
Conclusion:
Choosing the right drum set for your child depends on several factors, including their age, available space, noise considerations, and budget. Acoustic kits offer the traditional drumming experience, while electronic kits provide versatility and quiet practice. By considering the sound and build quality, along with the pros and cons highlighted, you can make an informed decision and set your young drummer on the path to musical success.
Choosing a drum kit: Musical Instruments vs. Toys
There’s one key distinction between drum kits for kids: toys vs. instruments.
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- Poor Layout
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- The layout is unnatural and doesn’t compare to a real drum set.
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- Poor Layout
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- Quality isn’t going to last
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- Drum kits need to take a beating! Toys don’t stand the test of time.
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- Quality isn’t going to last
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- Lack of instruments
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- The lack of a hi-hat stand and floor tom means your child won’t build the muscle memory that will help them later on in life.
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- Lack of instruments
My one caveat on the above is, if you’re shopping for a toddler.
A drum set a 3 year old requires is going to be different than what an 8 year old requires.
So if you’d like your child’s energy to start going into something productive early on in their life, a toy drumset can actually be a good option.
But:
Now comes the age old question…
What’s the right age to start drumming?
The results are in.
Generally when your child is around 8 years old they have the concentration and physical ability to learn the drums.
Keep in mind that I’m talking about a traditional drum tuition environment and techniques.
Pierre Hache has written a book called “The Fun Drum Book for Kids” which focuses on other techniques and methods to introduce younger children to drums.
Pierre focuses on teaching kids by using colours and words they’re learning at their current stage in life.
Available here https://amzn.to/3XTzMTL
3 reasons to encourage kids into drumming and music
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- Attention span
- Physical development
- Academic skills
Do you need a junior drum set or a full-sized drum set?
I’ve mainly talked about age but we also need to take into account size.
Afterall some children are going to be larger and smaller than others – so they’ll need a drum kit to match.
We need to make sure that everything from the bass pedal to the crash cymbal is easy-to-reach and comfortable.
Here are the types of kit I recommend:
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- Junior Drum Sets: 2.5 to 5 feet (0.76m to 1.52 metres)
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- Full Size Beginner Drum Kit: 5 feet and taller
If you’re child is nearly 5 feet or already taller, you definitely should look into full-size beginner sets as they’ll quickly outgrow a junior drum set.
Electronic Drum Set or Acoustic
One last thing and very important thing to consider is whether to go electric or acoustic.
Electric kits are great for learning on and can be positioned to resemble an acoustic kit’s layout.
So that’s a not a big issue.
The big issues are the noise that comes with acoustic kits and the space they require.
If these are limiting factors – I strongly recommend picking up a budget electronic kit!
