After a few lessons, the same question almost always comes up: should we buy a drum kit now? And if so: which one, and how much should it cost?
Good news first: you don't need to buy a drum kit straight away. But when you do, you don't want to spend money on the wrong thing. In this article you'll read what you really need, roughly what it costs and what to check when buying second-hand. Still torn between electronic and acoustic? Then first read Electronic or acoustic drum kit: which suits you? (in Dutch).
What do you need in the first few months?
Less than you think. For the first weeks, this is enough:
A pair of drumsticks. For most beginners, 5A or 7A sticks are fine. Children often use lighter, shorter sticks.
A practice pad. A rubber pad for quiet, precise practice. This is where you learn the basics of your technique, and it works anywhere: on the table, on a stand or on your lap.
Hearing protection. A drum kit is loud, for young ears too. Good earplugs or noise-reducing headphones belong in the kit from day one.
Together this usually costs between 50 and 100 euros. That way you can find out calmly whether drumming sticks before you spend a bigger amount.
When is it time for a drum kit?
Do you notice you look forward to the lesson every week and play on the pad at home more than you have to? Then it's a good moment. With your own kit you progress faster, because at home you can practise the same things as in the lesson: your feet, the hi-hat, moving between drums.
What does a drum kit cost?
Prices vary a lot. As a rough guide for a beginner kit in the Netherlands:
Electronic kit, entry level: about 350 to 700 euros new. Quiet, compact and handy at home.
Electronic kit, mid-range: about 800 to 1,500 euros. A better feel, especially on the hi-hat and snare.
Acoustic beginner kit, complete: about 450 to 900 euros new, including stands, a stool and a simple set of cymbals.
Second-hand acoustic kit: often 200 to 500 euros, depending on the brand, condition and what comes with it.
With an acoustic kit, also budget for new drumheads if it is second-hand, and for better cymbals as you progress. The cymbals in a cheap set are often the first thing you'll want to replace.
New or second-hand?
Both can be a good choice.
New gives you certainty: everything is complete, you have a warranty and you can compare in the shop what plays nicely. Handy if you don't have much time to search.
Second-hand is often much cheaper. Many drummers sell their first kit when they upgrade, so there is plenty on offer, for example on Marktplaats. You just need to look carefully, because an incomplete kit quickly ends up costing more than you expected.
What should you check when buying second-hand?
If you can, bring someone who drums, or send photos to your teacher. In any case, check:
Completeness. Are all the stands, the stool, the pedal and the cymbals included? Loose parts add up fast.
The shells. No cracks, no loose or missing tension rods.
The cymbals. Hold them against the light and look at the edge. A crack only gets bigger.
For electronic kits: do all pads work, does the hi-hat respond well, and are the module, cables and power supply included?
A more detailed checklist is in the article on electronic and acoustic kits (in Dutch).
And for young children?
For children of about 5 to 8, there are children's drum kits: real acoustic kits, just smaller. The drums sit closer together and the stool goes lower, so your child can reach everything comfortably. Don't choose a toy drum kit: they sound thin, break quickly and teach the wrong posture. An electronic kit is also a good option for young children, as long as you can set the stool and pads low enough.
What can you skip for now?
Don't let everything on sale distract you. All of this can wait:
a double bass drum pedal;
expensive extra cymbals or effect cymbals;
extra drums on top of a standard kit;
a top-quality kit for a complete beginner.
A simple, well set-up kit you play on for a bit every day is worth more than an expensive kit that gathers dust.
Just ask
Unsure about a kit you've seen online? Send me the listing or a photo and I'll take a look. That's simply part of the lessons. Not taking lessons yet? Then a free trial lesson is the easiest way to feel whether drumming suits you before you buy anything.
Try before you buy? Book a free trial lesson.