The brand of your drum kit can have a profound effect on your playing, which is why it’s important to ensure you choose the correct brand for you. After all, there are so many unique drum characteristics out there that are designed to define your sound.
When choosing a brand, one particular thing to know is its history and which parts of the kit they specialise in. Ludwig, for example, are renowned for their snare drums heard on countless recordings, whilst Gretsch have their distinct and standout rounded bearing edges for “that great Gretsch sound”.
Another varying factor between the brands and different series is the configurations. For example, professional-level kits from brands like Gretsch only feature the shell pack, whereas specific series such as the Pearl Export, which is aimed at beginner drummers, may include shells, cymbals, and hardware.
Here, we have selected the best drum set brands on the market. We’ll explore each brand’s history and suggest a range of kits tailored to various playing abilities and budgets.
In a hurry?
Here are our top 3 drum set brands.
| Brand | USP | Target Audience | Kit Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pearl | Highly durable and quality products with a versatile sound. | Beginner to professional | Pearl Export EXX 22'' Am. Fusion Drums, Jet Black |
| Premier | Have a history in marching percussion and so now focuses on snare drums. | Intermediate to professional | Premier Artist 22" 5pc Shell Pack |
| Ludwig | Renowned for their classic sound and beautiful finishes. | Intermediate to professional | Ludwig Classic Maple 20'' 3pc Downbeat, Vintage White Marine Pearl |
Best drum set brands
1. Mapex
Mapex is one of the most popular drum brands used by drummers, from beginners to professionals. Founded in 1989 in Taiwan, Mapex is known for providing supreme quality kits to various playing abilities.
The brand is perfect for drummers wanting a great all-around kit for stage or studio, emitting versatile tones that suit various genres.
All Mapex kits are made from premium-grade hardwoods, such as maple, walnut, birch, and basswood – along with finishes that are easy to maintain. Some of the most popular series over the many years of Mapex include the Black Panther snares, Tornado starter kits, and, more recently, the Armoury series.
Drummers who use Mapex
- Brook Alexander (Julia Michaels and Miguel)
- Tony Coleman (B. B. King)
- Rashid Williams (John Legend)
Our recommended Mapex kit
We recommend the Mapex Comet Series Compact 22″ Rock Fusion Drum Kit, Infra Red.
- Versatile and perfect for beginners
- Poplar shells delivers a well-rounded tone
- SONIClear bearing edges make tuning up easy
2. Pearl
Pearl drums are a reliable drum brand with over 70 years of experience.
Quality is one of the main features of any Pearl kit. In fact, even beginner kits can easily last well into your playing career until you eventually outgrow it. In particular, the Export and Roadshow series are renowned for offering an ideal sound for live performances.
Pearl are often a go-to for many drummers starting out due to their quality, easy accessibility, and versatile sound.
They also cater to professional drummers with the Decade and Masters series kits, these are aimed at drummers who are serious about the Pearl sound. The Pearl Masterworks series, on the other hand, is completely custom – everything from shells to bearing edges and finish to hardware can be chosen by you.
Drummers who use Pearl
- Matt Halpern (Periphery)
- Dennis Chambers
- Matt Maguire (The Chainsmokers)
Our recommended Pearl kit
We recommend the Pearl Export EXX 20 22″ Am, Fusion Drums, Jet Black.
- One of the best-selling beginner Pearl kits
- Optiloc suspension system provides a clear tonality
- Six-ply mahogany/poplar shells produce rich, warm tones
3. Yamaha
Yamaha are a popular brand among beginners and professionals alike. They started producing drums in 1967 in Japan, with Miles Davis’s drummer, Al Foster, being the first endorsee for the brand.
Some of the most popular series from Yamaha include the beginner kit Yamaha Rydeen, the Stage Custom Birch, and the Stage Custom Hip.
Yamaha kits are a go-to for drummers who are just starting out, whilst the higher-end kits are a great choice for professional-level players who are touring or recording.
Most kits have a range of unique features, including the famous ball clamp which delivers optimal positioning of toms, along with the classic Yamaha sound.
Drummers who use Yamaha
- Jon Beavis (Idles)
- Dave Weckl (Chick Corea)
- Duayne Sanford (Dua Lipa and Christine & The Queens)
Our recommended Yamaha kit
We recommend the Yamaha Stage Custom Birch 20” 5 Piece Drum Kit, Raven Black.
- Includes hardware pack
- Birch shells provide powerful tones with high frequencies
- Yamaha YESS System enhances sustain and resonance
4. Tama
Tama are a popular brand among professional drummers due to their reliability and impressive finishes.
Originally founded in 1974 in Japan, Tama have long been a front-runner in the drum kit industry. Every Tama kit is designed with efficiency in mind – either through space or incredible tones.
Many of Tama’s kits’ features are perfect for any space-conscious drummer. Popular series include the Tama Imperialstar, Starclassic, and Club Jam kits.
Drummers who use Tama
- James Agnew (Jason Derulo)
- Jack Bevan (Foals)
- Sarah Jones (Harry Styles)
Our recommended Tama kit
We recommend the Tama Superstar 22″ 4pc Shell Pack, Aqua Marine.
- Aqua Marine offers an eye-catching aesthetic
- Birch construction delivers a powerful sound with excellent clarity
- Suits a wide range of playing genres
5. Premier
Premier are an iconic drum set brand, founded in 1922. They’re one of the most trusted brands among drumming professionals and have been used by legends such as Keith Moon (The Who), Matt Helders (Artic Monkeys), and Phil Collins (Genesis).
Over the years, Premier have adapted to modern-day trends, ensuring their kits suit any drummer looking for playing comfort and efficiency.
Perfect for drummers who want a traditional-looking kit with a deep-rooted history in the drumming world, Premier produce high-quality kits for beginners and special edition kits for professionals and collectors alike.
Many of Premier’s series are a hint to their past, including the Genista Heritage, which features some stunning finishes, and the Centenary series, a celebration of Premier’s 100-year anniversary.
Premier also produce marching drum hardware and snare drums, and you can see their experience in marching percussion reflected in the quality of snare drums on their acoustic kits.
Drummers who use Premier
- Clem Burke (Blondie)
- Rick Buckler (The Jam)
- Mitch Mitchell (Jimi Hendrix Experience)
Our recommended Premier kit
We recommend the Premier Artist 22″ 5pc Shell Pack, Indigo Burst
- Stunning Indigo Burst finish
- ISO suspension mounts deliver clear sustain
- Birch shell provides projected tonality
6. Sonor
Founded in 1875 in Germany, Sonor are known for their quality drum sounds, robust hardware, and efficient designs. Some Sonor kits, like their SQ2 Series, can be custom-made to suit individual playing needs, putting a unique spin on any performance.
Endorsed by drumming greats such as Benny Greb, Steve Smith, and Jojo Mayer, Sonor kits are tailored to professionals looking for bespoke sound. It’s the ideal brand for professional players looking for a quality kit designed specifically for live performances.
Each kit is made using the finest wood from environmentally friendly resources, making this also a great brand for drummers who are conscious about protecting the environment.
Drummers who use Sonor
- Gavin Harrison
- Emmanuel Capplette
- Danny Carey
Our recommended Sonor kit
We recommend the Sonor Vintage 22″ 3pc Shell Pack.
- Tunesafe system for optimal tuning during performances
- Nine-ply beechwood shells deliver a rich, warm tone
- Redesigned triple-flange Superprofil hoops
7. DW Drums
DW Drums is a brand that focuses on the drummer. Founded in 1972 in Santa Monica, DW Drums started by producing drum hardware before eventually branching out into full drum kits.
Their roots are reflected in the quality of hardware on their existing kits, making this a good choice if you’re wanting a reliable kit with the latest technologies.
Series such as Performance, Design, and Classic all feature signature hardware, such as true pitch tuning lugs and DW Suspension tom mounts. Aimed at professional players, the majority of DW kits are available as a shell pack only – allowing you to add any existing hardware to the kit.
Drummers who use DW Drums
- Roger Taylor (Queen)
- Dave Grohl (Them Crooked Vultures)
- Sheila E
Our recommended DW Drums kit
We recommend the DW Drums Performance Series 22″ 4 Piece Shell Pack, Black Diamond.
- Stunning Black Diamond finish
- Hybrid HVX shells offer optimal resonance
- Quarter Turret lugs for a wide range of tuning options
8. Gretsch
Gretsch are one of the go-to brands among professional drummers in the industry thanks to their drums’ reliable quality and tonal characteristics. Established in 1883, Gretsch is a pioneer of efficient playing, creating the world’s first warp-free hoop.
Popular Gretsch series include the Catalina Club and Brooklyn, each with GTS tom suspension for a unique resonant sound. The classic Gretsch sound is aided by the distinct 30-degree bearing edges featured on each kit, which provide a uniquely warm and rounded tone.
The quality construction and stunning finishes, such as Grey Oyster and Satin Walnut Glaze, produce a vintage look to each kit. Overall Gretsch are a great brand for drummers looking to invest in their playing.
Drummers who use Gretsch
- Charlie Watts (Rolling Stones)
- Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters)
- Antoine Fadavi (King Princess)
Our recommended Gretsch kit
We recommend the Gretsch Catalina Maple 22” 5pc Shell Pack, Walnut Glaze.
- Maple shells produce warm and punchy tonality
- Low-profile GTS mounting system
- The source of that “great Gretsch sound”
9. Ludwig
Ludwig have 100 years’ experience of innovation, with a rich history among drumming legends such as Ringo Starr. Founded in 1909, Ludwig are famously known for its Vistalite series and Classic Maple kits.
A reliable brand for professional drummers and gigging or performing musicians, Ludwig produces kits, snare drums, and hardware with a focus on the kit sound itself.
A popular choice amongst players in the industry, Ludwig is a brand that delivers a vintage and high-quality aesthetic. It’s the brand for you if you’re looking for a quality-sounding kit with a deep history.
Drummers who use Ludwig
- Dash Hutton (Haim)
- Matt Billingslea (Taylor Swift)
- Robert Doyle (Hozier)
Our recommended Ludwig kit
We recommend the Ludwig Vistalite 50th Anniversary 22″ Fab, Blue Clear Blue.
- Moulded acrylic shells with reinforced seams for a powerful attack
- 45-degree bearing edges offer clear, focused tones
- Retro aesthetic
10. Natal
Natal are a reputable drums company, known for creating Latin percussion instruments, such as bongos and tambourines before expanding into drum kits. Natal products have been used by legendary bands over the years, including Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac, Deep Purple, and Ash Soan to name a few.
Their kits are suited to beginners and drummers looking for a kit to gig with, delivering good value for money and an impactful sound.
Most Natal kits come as shell packs, although selected series, such as the Arcadia range, include hardware.
Drummers who use Natal
- James Morrison (Stereophonics)
- Andy Woodward (Adam and the Ants)
- Andy Gangadeen (Massive Attack)
Our recommended Natal kit
We recommend the Natal Zenith 22″ 3pc Shell Pack, Forge Black.
- Vintage tone and aesthetic, courtesy of maple/ash shells
- Maple reinforcement and redesigned chrome hardware for durability
- Tulipwood shell delivers dry and focused drum tones
11. PDP Drums
PDP by DW Drums are a progressive drum brand, founded in 1999. As a great, all-around brand, PDP are the perfect choice for beginners and professionals alike.
Each series has a range of beginner and professional-level kits, all featuring high-quality hardware and reliability throughout. Owned by DW and renowned for their hardware, these quality additions make PDP a solid brand for any working drummer looking for quality.
One of the most popular PDP ranges is the Concept series, with its maple and birch kits. This series features a collection of stunning finishes and setups to suit your own playing genre, from bop-style configurations to seven-piece setups.
A great brand for gigging and professional drummers, PDP are best suited to players looking for stability and a pristine sound and aesthetic.
Drummers who use PDP
- Ben Gordelier (Paul Weller)
- Eric Hernandez (Bruno Mars)
- Daru Jones (Jack White)
Our recommended PDP kit
We recommend the PDP Concept Maple 22″ CM5 5pc Shell Pack, Satin Black.
- A robust, durable shell pack, courtesy of seven-ply toms and ten-ply snare
- Maple shells for a deep, warm sound
- Perfect for a range of music genres
FAQs
What are the best professional drumset brands?
The best professional drum set brands available include Gretsch, Tama, and Ludwig, to name a few. It’s worth noting that shell quality, hardware features, and overall durability contribute to a professional kit and the types of settings they suit. The drum set brand for you comes down to personal preference and depends on what sound you want to achieve from your playing.
What are the best drum sets for metal?
The best drum sets for metal drumming are the Pearl Export and the Tama Starclassic. Both of these kits are incredibly robust and are designed to withstand the force of heavy playing. Similarly, they both deliver loud volume and explosive drum tones, perfect for metal.
What are the best drum set brands for beginners?
The best drum set brands for beginners include Pearl, particularly their Export kits, and the Mapex, namely their Comet kits. They’re both affordable and have the durability and decent sound that beginners require to learn drums to a good standard. The versatility of both of these kits is also ideal for beginner drummers as they suit a range of playing styles.
What we’ve learned
So, there we have it: the 11 best drum set brands, and they’re all guaranteed to add something special to your playing.
Each brand is at a different stage of its development. Some use brand-new, modern technology and some offer trusted, tried-and-tested kits that have a deep history in the musical world – and this variety can provide different benefits.
A brand of a kit is personal to your playing. They help define your sound and allow you to carve out your own drumming legacy.
Surprised that Gretsch USA drums were not mentioned. The are the flagship line of the company due to shell composition, due cast hoops and more. The ‘Great Gretsch Sound’ is attributed to this series which dates back more than 60 years.
My son has worked at DW for 20 years and thus, they are the best!!!
… by far! 😉
This article makes interesting reading to the uneducated. I own a older Premier kit UK built but the offerings since G4m got hold of the name are nothing short of laughable.
Two spots for DW (PDP) but no BDC whose kits and snares are outrageously good and super tough. Ask Iron Maiden Fans