This is a professional-grade kit, so chances are, if you're interested in buying a set that costs as much as this one does, you'll want to choose your own cymbals and heads. With that said, our new addition to this list, the Pearl Masters Maple Absinthe (ranked #1), is sold as a shell-only bundle. Obviously, this is ideal for beginners looking to make a single purchase that will come with everything they need to assemble and start playing their kit on the same day. Most of our picks are sold as complete kits, meaning they include the shells, heads, hardware, cymbals, and sometimes they even provide a drum throne and kick pedal. If you enjoyed our list and are looking to further explore the world of percussion, be sure to check out our list of the best electronic drum sets. The special honors include the DW Collector's series, a very expensive but amazing selection for serious players as well as the PDP by DW Player 5-Piece which is a top of the line choice for young beginners. The sets listed there are incredible choices that are a bit harder to find and more niche than some of those on the main list.

We would also like to encourage you to take a look at our special honors section. Also, it can be beneficial to choose your own cymbals that better resonate with the rest of the kit and the sounds you're going for rather than use mediocre cymbals just because they came with the kit. Even though the Yamaha does not include cymbals, the birch shells offer a much richer sound than those of the Ludwig. The Yamaha Stage Custom and the Ludwig Accent Drive have been switched. It also can't be ignored that it includes an Iron Cobra pedal, one of the best pedals out there. The Tama Imperialstar has been bumped up to the number three position from number 6 as it is a powerful, yet classically configured rock kit that can be used by players of varying skill sets. It combines classic, tried and tested tone and configuration with modern construction so that it holds up to everything that players have loved about Gretsch for so long while taking advantage of everything that modern innovation has to offer.Ī few kits have been moved around. Gretsch has been making instruments since the late 1800s and the Catalina Club embodies that history. The Pearl Masters series is the product of that constant innovation and is one of the most sought after kits by professionals. In their 50+ years of existence, they have been perfecting their craft, constantly improving on what came before. Since 1966, Pearl has been one of the most popular and coveted drum manufacturers on the market. The Pearl Masters Maple and the Gretsch Catalina Club retain their first and second spots, respectively, as they truly are two of the best kits available today. Not much update was needed with this list.

Vintage drum sets