If you’re limited in space and storage, it can be a struggle to find a suitable drum kit. That’s where compact kits come in. These pint-sized powerhouses are perfect for anyone facing space constraints, whether it’s children learning to play, drummers performing on small stages, or those living in apartments with limited room.
They’re especially ideal for young drummers who require a smaller set and students who want to take their beats to university with them. But there are lots to choose from, so we’ll dive into the 9 best compact drum kits on the market today.
In a hurry?
| Tama Club Jam | Small size offers easy transportation – ideal for the gigging drummer. | Check the current prices |
| Premier Artist Heritage | Birch shells provide a powerful and versatile tone. | Check the current prices |
| Yamaha Stage Custom | Floor tom can be transformed into a snare drum with attached snare wires. | Check the current prices |
The best compact kits
1. Tama Club Jam
Specifications
- Shell Construction: 9-ply
- Shell Material: Poplar
- Hoops: Triple-flanged
- Lugs: Sound Arc
- Hardware: Polished Chrome
Configurations available
BD: 18’’ x 12’’, RT: 10’’ x 7’’, FT: 14’’ x 7’’, SD: 13’’ x 5’’ (Club-Jam Shell Pack)
BD: 18’’ x 4’’, RT: 10’’ x 3.5’’, FT: 13’’ x 3.5’’, SD: 12’’ x 4’’ (Club-Jam Pancake)
BD: 18’’ x 7’’, SD: 12’’ x 5’’ (Club-Jam Mini Shell Pack)
Pros
- Lightweight yet sturdy enough for all applications
- Big sound belies its small size
Cons
- Limited configurations
- Some kits are quite expensive and won’t be suitable for tight budgets
As well as being suitably compact, the Tama Club Jam Drum Kits adopt vintage-inspired designs, such as a cymbal holder mounted directly on the bass drum shell and curved bass drum spurs, giving them a unique aesthetic.
For drummers looking for the ultimate kit for gigs or rehearsal sessions, Tama offers the Pancake Drum Kit. No, you can’t eat it on one Tuesday in February, but you can bring it with you wherever you need it. Designed for drummers who need a lightweight, transportable setup, this kit takes portability to the next level with single-headed toms and super shallow kick drums and snare drums.
Even more portable than the Pancake Drum Kit is the Tama Club Jam Mini. This kit consists of just a kick drum and a snare drum, making it incredibly compact and easy to transport. It’s perfect for drummers who prioritise portability above all else and want a stripped-down setup for rehearsals, jam sessions, or performances.
2. Premier Artist Heritage
Specifications
- Shell Material: Birch
- Shell Construction: 6-ply
- Bearing Edge: 45-degrees
- Hoops: Triple-flanged
- Hardware: Chrome
Configurations available
BD: 16’’ x 14’’, RT: 10’’ x 7’’, FT: 13’’ x 13’’, SD: 13’’ x 5.5’’ (Premier Artist Heritage 16’’ 4pc Shell Pack)
Pros
- Portable and extremely easy to transport
- High-quality sound
- Professional-grade materials suit experienced drummers
Cons
- Costly in comparison to other compact drum kits
- Only one configuration available
The Premier Artist Heritage Drum Kits are a testament to Premier’s commitment to quality craftsmanship and exceptional sound. These drum kits excel in various aspects, making them a go-to choice for drummers across different genres and performance settings.
When it comes to materials, the Artist Heritage Drum Kits are crafted from high-quality, hand-selected North American birch. Birch is renowned for its balanced sound, offering clarity, warmth, and resonance.
One notable feature of the Artist Heritage Drum Kits is the bass drum riser. This feature allows for better beater response and enhanced projection, resulting in a powerful and punchy bass drum sound.
3. Yamaha Stage Custom Hip
Specifications
- Shell Material: Birch
- Shell Construction: 6-ply
- Hoops: Triple-flanged / Steel
- Lugs: One piece with Lug Insertion Plate
- Included Equipment: Tom Mount
Configurations available:
BD: 20’’ x 8’’, RT: 10’’ x 5’’, FT: 13’’ x 8’’, SD: 13’’ x 5’’ (Yamaha Stag Custom Hip 20’’ 4pc Shell Pack)
Pros
- High-quality construction for longevity and durability
- Versatile sound options thanks to birch shells
Cons
- Limited number of drums and little space to add extras if desired
The Yamaha Stage Custom Hip Drum Kits are a compact and versatile option for drummers seeking portability without sacrificing sound quality. These kits offer a range of features that make them suitable for various genres, performance spaces, and skill levels.
Material-wise, the shells are made of 100% birch wood. Birch is known for its balanced tone, providing warm lows and crisp highs and ensuring these kits deliver a rich and dynamic sound.
The Stage Custom Hip Drum Kits are suitable for both beginners and professionals. Beginners will appreciate their affordability and user-friendly nature, while professionals will find their quality construction and reliable performance to be just what they’re looking for.
4. Pearl Midtown
Specifications
- Shell Material: Poplar
- Shell Construction: 6-ply
- Hoops: Steel Triple-flanged
- Suspension: OptiLoc
- Hardware Finish: Chrome
Configurations available
BD: 16’’ x 14’’, RT: 10’’ x 7’’, FT: 13’’ x 12’’, SD: 13’’ x 5.5’’ (Pearl Midtown 4 Piece Compact Shell Pack)
Pros
- Versatile sound is suitable for a wide range of genres
- Affordable price
- Solid, durable construction
Cons
- Limited number of toms and cymbals may restrict tones
- Shallow shell sizes may not produce your desired volume
The Midtown Drum Kits are designed to deliver a full and versatile sound while being easy to transport and set up.
The shells of the Pearl Midtown Drum Kits are constructed from 6-ply poplar, a popular wood choice known for its even tone and durability. The use of poplar ensures that these drums produce a warm and resonant sound.
Setting up the Pearl Midtown Drum Kits is a straightforward process, and their compact size and lightweight construction make them ideal for tight spaces, small gigs, rehearsals, and street shows. They’re designed to easily break down into two gig bags for quick and easy transportation.
5. Sonor AQ2 Safari
Specifications
- Shell Material: Maple
- Shell Construction: 7-ply
- Hoops: Triple-flanged
- Hardware Finish: Chrome-plated
- Included Hardware: Cymbal Holder
Configurations available
BD: 16’’ x 15’’, RT: 10’’ x 7’’ FT: 13’’ x 12’’ (Sonor AQ2 Safari 4PC Shell Pack)
Pros
- Ideal for gigging with
- Produces a wide range of tones to suit all kinds of genres and playing styles
- Durable maple and chrome hardware
Cons
- Limited number of drums included compared to other kits
- May not be suitable for professional drummers
The Sonor AQ2 Safari Drum Kit is a high-quality instrument designed to deliver exceptional sound and performance. Crafted with precision and attention to detail, this drum kit is suitable for both beginners and professionals alike.
Made from birch wood, the Sonor AQ2 Safari drum kit offers a warm and balanced tone. The 7-ply shells provide a sturdy and durable construction, ensuring longevity and resilience.
Setting up the Sonor AQ2 Safari drum kit is simple thanks to its user-friendly design. Drummers of all levels will appreciate how easy it is to assemble and disassemble for practice sessions, small gigs, or studio recordings.
The compact size and portable nature of the Sonor AQ2 Safari make it ideal for drummers who need a versatile instrument that can be easily transported and set up in different venues.
6. WHD Portable Busker Kit
Specifications
- Shell Material: Poplar
- Bass Drum Lugs: 8
- Snare Drum Lugs: 6
- Hardware: Chrome
- Tuning: Standard
Configurations available
BD: 18’’, SD: 10’’ (WHD Portable Busker Shell Kit)
Pros
- Ideal for busking with
- Fantastic value for money
- Great for practising technique with
Cons
- Configuration is limited to just two drums
- Sound quality may not be as good as slightly larger portable drum kits
The WHD Portable Busker Kit is a top-of-the-line drum set constructed with high-quality materials, ensuring durability and exceptional sound. The shells are made from poplar wood, delivering an impressive tone and withstanding the demands of professional drummers.
Setting up the WHD Portable Busker Kit is light work, making it ideal for drummers who value convenience and ease of use. Plus, the clue’s in the name: this kit is the best you can get for busking with. It’s easier than ever before to get your drumming sound on the streets.
7. Ludwig Breakbeats Kit
Specifications
- Shell Material: Hardwood
- Shell Construction: 7-ply
- Bearing Edge: 45-degrees
- Drumheads: Remo Pinstripe
- Hardware: Chrome
Configurations available
BD: 14’’ x 16’’, RT: 7’’ x 10’’, FT: 13’’ x 13’’, SD: 5’’ x 14’’ (Ludwig Breakbeats 16’’ 4pc Shell Pack)
Pros
- Beginner-friendly and suits all ages
- Versatile tuning suits multiple genres and playing styles
- 45-degree bearing edge offers tight, controlled tones with plenty of detail on accentuated notes
Cons
- Stands aren’t included
- Hardwood material can be heavy in comparison to other kits of the same size
The Ludwig Breakbeats Kit is a remarkable drum set that offers exceptional sound quality, portability, and versatility.
Its shells are constructed from select hardwood, resulting in a warm and resonant tone. These 7-ply hardwood shells deliver a balanced sound, blending low-end kick punch with focused tom and snare midrange. This combination ensures that the kit plays like a full-sized drum set even at a fraction of the size.
The Ludwig Breakbeats Kit comes with a bass drum riser, allowing for optimal reach and enhancing the bass drum’s performance and sound projection. This feature enables drummers to achieve the desired sound and play comfortably in any setting.
8. PDP By DW New Yorker
Specifications
- Shell Material: Poplar
- Shell Construction: 7-ply
- Bearing Edge: 45-degrees
- Hoops: Triple-flanged
- Drumheads: Remo
Configurations available
BD: 16’’ x 14’’, RT: 10’’ x 8’’, FT: 13’’ x 12’’, SD: 14’’ x 5’’ (PDP by DW New Yorker 16’’ 4pc Shell Pack)
Pros
- PDP are known for their high-quality, durable construction
- Suits beginner and professional drummers
- Compact and easy to set up for any occasion
Cons
- Limited sound projection
- Limited drum configuration
The PDP by DW New Yorker Drum Kit offers a versatile and compact solution for drummers in need of a portable setup.
The shells of the PDP New Yorker drum kit are constructed from poplar wood, known for its warm and full tone. Poplar also offers great durability for all occasions and, with it being an easy material for manufacturers to source, it prevents the drum kit’s price from being out of budget.
One of the advantages of the PDP New Yorker drum kit is its ease of setup, ideal when you’re going from gig to gig and want a quick assembly.
The PDP New Yorker drum kit caters to drummers of all levels of experience. It’s an excellent option for beginners looking for an affordable and reliable kit that doesn’t compromise on sound quality. At the same time, professionals seeking a portable secondary kit will appreciate its versatility.
9. Gretsch USA Brooklyn Micro
Specifications
- Shell Material: American Maple/Poplar
- Bearing Edge: 30-degrees
- Shell Construction: 6-ply
- Throwoff: Gretsch Lightning
- Hoops: Gretsch “302” Double-Flanged
Configurations available
BD: 12’’ x 16’’, RT: 7’’ x 10’’, FT: 12’’ x 13’’, SD: 4.5’’ x 13’’ (Gretch USA Brooklyn Micro 4pc Shell Pack)
Pros
- Versatile tuning options
- Lightweight and ideal for travelling with
- High-quality, fat, punchy sound
Cons
- High price point compared to other similar drum kits
- May have a reduced bass drum volume
The Gretsch USA Brooklyn Micro Drum Kits offer a compact and portable solution for drummers seeking a high-quality kit. These drums are handcrafted in the Gretsch factory in Ridgeland, South Carolina, using premium materials and construction techniques.
The shells of the Gretsch Brooklyn Micro drum kits are made from a combination of North American maple and poplar to produce some of the warmest tones ever made from a drum kit. This 6-ply shell construction also ensures a warm and articulate tonality, giving you an enjoyable drumming experience every time you’re at the kit.
Despite being extremely compact and easily portable, the Gretsch Brooklyn Micro drum kits cater to drummers of all levels of experience. While professionals will appreciate their high-quality craftsmanship and tonal versatility, beginners can also benefit from their portability and ease of use.
Hardware For Your Kit
Flat Base Stand by Gear4music
The Flat Base Stand Pack by Gear4music has everything you need to go with your portable kit.
Tama Classic Hardware Pack With Bag
Featuring a tidy carry bag, the Tama Classic Hardware Pack is a strong contender for the travelling drummer.
DW Drums 6000 Series Ultra Light Hardware Pack With Bag
Also equipped with a bag, the DW Drums 6000 Series Hardware Pack is perfect for hitting the road and provides your setup with exceptional durability and reliability.
Things to consider when buying a compact drum kit
When it comes to buying a compact drum kit, there are several factors to consider that can greatly impact your playing experience.
Some kits feature vintage-style direct-mounted tom holders, while others utilise modern suspension mounts. The benefit of vintage-style direct-mounted tom holders is that they offer increased stability and a more traditional look. On the other hand, modern suspension mounts provide enhanced resonance and isolation, resulting in improved tonal quality and sustain.
Compact drum kits generally have a slight reduction in volume compared to their larger counterparts. However, many compact drum kits still maintain a great stage presence. Additionally, the reduced volume can be compensated for by using microphones and amplification when necessary.
Some extra accessories to consider
Drum thrones
In order to have the best playing experience, you need to be comfortable. Why not check out our range of drum thrones to suit your drumming style?
Kick drum pedals
Kick pedals are also an essential part of an enjoyable drumming experience. Just like compact drum kits, some kick pedals are specifically designed for easy storage and transportation.
FAQs
What’s the smallest drum kit?
The WHD Portable Busker Shell Kit can be considered the smallest drum kit. It features two drums (bass drum and snare drum), allowing the drummer to perform the very basics of drumming as well as rehearse typical rudiments and develop techniques.
Are smaller drum kits quieter?
Smaller drum kits tend to produce a slightly lower volume than larger kits due to their reduced size. However, the difference in volume may not be significant. It’s important to note that drum volume can still be adjusted using techniques such as lighter playing or dampening methods.
Are portable drum kits worth it?
Portable kits are worth it for drummers who prioritise mobility and convenience. They offer a compact size, making them easier to transport and set up. While they may have some limitations compared to larger kits, they can still provide a satisfying playing experience.
Final thoughts
Ultimately, it’s important to note that compact drum kits aren’t for everyone, smaller sizes and reduced volume projection are things that definitely need considering before taking the plunge on buying a new compact kit. However, they revolutionise touring, busking, and gigging for drummers who are in charge of their own gear. If this is you, hopefully, our list of the best compact drum kits has presented the right option for you!
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