Are you on the hunt for the best drum set that you can purchase for under $1,000?
If so, you’re in the right place. I’ve done the hard part and extensively reviewed the top drum sets under $1,000 so that you don’t have to.
Simply have a read below to learn more about the main features, downsides, and what customers have been saying about the best affordable drum sets available on the market.
This guide is perfect for parents, grandparents when choosing your first drum kit for your loved ones.
However, if you’re looking to get your children or little ones into drumming, you’ll want to check out this guide on the best drum sets for kids.
Our Top Picks for Drum Sets Under $1000
For a good mix, we’ve included 2 acoustic sets and 2 electronic drum kits – if you’d like a wider selection of v-drums, check out my post on the best electronic kits under $500!
Pearl EXX725S New Fusion Drum Set
Pearl is widely known for creating drum sets of a high standard while still offering them at affordable prices. They manufacture every part themselves, meaning each drum set has a strict quality control process.
Best Features:
- With a 22” bass drum, you can create extremely loud and open sounds.
- Three-way tom mount design enables the shell to create stable sounds without wobbling during performances.
- The double-braced stands are great for beginners looking to level up and become intermediate drummers
Downsides:
- Some were disappointed to find cymbals are not included
Gretsch Catalina CT1J484SWG
This Gretsch Catalina drum set combines modern hardware with configurations of more classical sounds.
Best Features:
- You’re able to play with warmer tones due to the deep bass drums which are 14” in size.
- For added stability, you can rely on the L-arms ball/socket joint.
- The black and silver design with the Catalina badge provides an aesthetic visual appeal.
Downsides:
- Cymbals stand needs to be purchased separately
Alesis Nitro Electronic Drum Set
The Alesis Nitro drum set is electronic and comes with a total of eight pieces. It includes all the parts that you need to start playing right out of the box.
Best Features:
- The rubber pads feel comfortable and natural to use.
- For increased flexibility and stability, there are aluminum
- There is a total of 40 modern and classical kits to play with. You also get the ability to customize your own kit.
Downsides:
- The instructions for assembly could be clearer
Roland TD-11K-S-V- Compact Series Electronic Drum Set
This Roland Electronic Drum Set provides you with natural sounds from a huge range of sounds from the built-in library. It’s great for professionals practicing and performing.
Best Features:
- Customers have been liking how the kickstand feels ergonomic to use.
- Built-in COACH system allows you to develop your skills easily.
- The LCD display and interface are easy to use.
- With a compact size of 2.5 x 1.2 x 2.5” in size, this is a great choice for people who have smaller spaces.
Downsides:
- The cymbals included aren’t as diverse in sound as some had hoped for
Features to lookout for
Buying a drum set involves considering a number of factors. It’s crucial to think about them all before making a purchase.
If you’re not too sure what features to look out for, this section is for you.
The included equipment!
Many drum sets don’t always include all of the parts that you see in the picture.
Therefore, you need to keep a close eye out and be sure that you know all of the parts that are included.
Sometimes, customers become disappointed by having to search around and spend extra on additional parts which they need.
For a beginner you want to make sure you have:
- The full shell-pack (this is just the drums)
- Cymbal stands (2 or 3 are good to start with)
- Hi-hat stand
- Kick pedal
Now, everything that’s not the shell pack can be replaced fairly easily with either new or second-hand gear.
But:
It’s better to start off a bit cheaper and upgrade later on down the line.
Measurements
Checking the measurements of the drum set that you’re interested in is incredibly important. You need to be sure that it fits in your desired space.
Furthermore, it’s important that you find a drum kit that suits your sitting height comfortably. Otherwise, you’ll find that it feels uncomfortable to play.
Pieces
Most standard drum kits have five pieces.
However, it’s not uncommon to find kits that come with as little as three pieces, as well as ones that have seven pieces or more.
What does a 5 piece kit include?
- Bass drum (sometimes called a kick drum)
- Floor tom
- Snare drum
- 2 x rack toms
- Hi-hat (not included in the piece count)
- Cymbals (not included in the piece count)
A 4 piece kit is the same as a 5 piece although it just has one less rack tom (as seen in the first picture!)
It’s always good to keep in mind that you can add different pieces as you go. This is especially the case for beginners who want to start out simple.
