Drum Set Prices

This post is dedicated to providing a complete list of average drum kit costs from all the major drum manufacturers. The mission of this list is provide prices for all kits, irrespective of the size of the drum brand.  This includes major manufacturers and custom drum shops alike.

By comparing drum set prices side by side, the new or experienced drummer can get an idea of what he or she will expect to pay for that kit brand either online or in a retail environment.

This includes pricing from top brands such as TAMA, Yamaha and Pearl as well as lower priced sets from drum makers such as Premier, Peace and PDP.

Quick Drum Set History: Drums have a 2500 year old history. They were used as a method of messaging in Africa and Sri Lanka for centuries.

Snare drums have a strong tradition in historic military applications dating back over two thousand years. Prior to the advent of electronic communication snare drums were used to call out orders.

Modern drum sets leaped forward when William F. Ludwig created a robust bass drum pedal in 1909. This allowed one person to man an entire drum set.

 

What is the Lowest Drum Set Price?

Low quality, kids and used drum sets can be purchased for a few hundred dollars or less. While top of the line drum sets with dozens of pieces and gold hardware can be over $25,000. Most major drum brands offer drum lines for both the beginner and professional drummer, so there are two distinct categories to consider.

Some of the more boutique or off brand labels cater only to the professional (high-end) or beginner (low cost market).

Intermediate level drums, from a cost and quality / performance standpoint can also be found for most of the major brands.  We however do not cover these prices below.  Just know that they range somewhere in the middle.

It is important to understand what level of quality set you are looking for before you compare prices. If you do not have this information readily available you could find yourself in a situation where you are trying to compare a Kia to a Rolls Royce. For the purposes of this post we are showing the top 20 drum brands. This is the top 20 brands by popularity not quality.

We will add to and modify this list from time to time so be sure to bookmark this page and check back soon.

 

#1 – DW Drums

Price Range: $1K – $5K

Custom Drums: $5,000+

#2 – Pearl

Low End Price: $500 – $1K

High End Price: $1K – $7K

#3 – TAMA

Price Range: $500 – $1K

High End Drums: $1,500 – $5K

#4 – Gretsch

Low End Price: $500 – $1,500

High End Price: $1,200 – $5K

#5 – Ludwig

Low End Price: $500 – $2,300

High End Drums: $1K – $5K

#6 – Yamaha

Low End Price: $600 – $1,300

High End Drums: $2K – $5K

#7 – Mapex

Low End Price: $600 – $900

High End Price: $1,600 – $3K

#8 – Sonor

Low End Price: $500 – $1,800

High End Price: $2,700 – $6,400

#9 – Premier

Low End Price: $500 – $1,300

High End Price: $3,000+

#10 – PDP

Low End Price: $300 – $800

High End Price: See DW (#1)

#11 – SJC

Completely Custom Drums

Starting @ $1,700

#12 – Roland

Electronic Drum Kits

Price Range: $700 – $7,000

#13 – Truth Drums

Completely Custom Drums

Starting @ $3,200

#14 – Crush Drums

Low End Price: $400 – $1K

High End Price: $1,500 – $2,200

#15 – Slingerland

Vintage Drum Sets

Starting at $1,500

#16 – Spaun Drums

Standard & Custom Drums

Starting at $2K+

#17 – Taye Drums

Low End Price: $330 – $770

High End Price: $1K – $1,700

#18 – Orange County Drums

Pre-Made Drums

Price Range: $700 – $1,300

#19 – Pork Pie

Pre-Packaged Kits – $1,200

High End Custom Drums

#20 – Rogers

Vintage Drum Sets

Starting at $1,200+

 

  • Any price adjustments we need to make?
  • Did you get a deal on any of the above brands?
  • Please let us know in the comments section below