7 Awesome Drum Sets for Kids of All Ages and Levels

Description

This one jumped to the top of our list because it’s such a versatile unit. Use a few adjustment options and your kit can be customized for anyone between the ages of 3 & 12. That makes it a practical investment for all the young kids in your family. Once they hit their teen years they’ll know whether it’s something they want to pursue long-term, and then you can invest in a larger kit.

It’s a five-piece set so kids playing in bands can use it as a proper kit. Or simply use some of the components to teach younger children. We were impressed that this set has cymbals included, as that’s not always the case. There’s even a drum throne so your little one can start playing the moment it arrives and is set up. No additional expenses or visits to a music store required.

Setup is pretty easy. The brand should invest in an instruction manual though, as this will make it easier for those new to this instrument.

As it comes from a respected brand you can trust, it’s a quality kit that will last you a while.

Your child will love the striking colors that are available to pick from, so they can love looking at it and playing on it. This also makes for adding some style once they’re part of a band that performs.

What makes it stand out?

• Looks stylish
• Caters for many ages
• Full set
• Throne included

Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?

• No instruction manual

If you want to go portable, this is the set for your kids. They can take it with when you’re on holiday and easily transport it between music classes and home. While most electric drum sets require a power outlet, this one can be powered by batteries too so your child can enjoy his or her talent no matter where you find yourselves.

What impresses about this set is how many options you get with such a compact unit. There are multiple presets and different drum kits already loaded on the device. For beginners this makes it easy to get started and for more experienced children it provides enough options to keep them busy for hours on end. Even if your child has never played drums before this is an excellent option because of the handy training and learning mode. Thanks to the LCD screen, it’s easy to switch between various options.

One drawback is that the pads aren’t very touch-sensitive, so it’s easy for one sound to overpower another—and you can’t make adjustments.

We’re also impressed at the more advanced options such as linking to a PC or Mac. As your child learns more about music he or she may want to start mixing tracks, and with this drum set they have all they need to do just that. Since these features are more advanced, this is another set that will cater for the entire family’s drum requirements.

The sleek silver casing will suit any future star’s preferences. The kit includes drum sticks, so you have everything you need to start as soon as it arrives.

What makes it special?

• Compact
• Battery operated if needed
• Appropriate for all ages

What cons did we find?

• Not touch sensitive
• Child doesn’t get feel of traditional drums

Once your child starts drum classes they will need an appropriate set to practice on – and this is exactly what this Gammon model is for. Although it’s a full set, even including cymbals, a drum throne and a drum pedal, everything is downsized so children can get a comfortable experience of what it’s like to be a real drummer. And since all is included you make one purchase and you have it all!

The brand does produce them in different colors so kids can pick a color they prefer—or perhaps the color that suits their band’s style?

It’s impressive that Gammon can produce such a complete set and still offer it at a very affordable price compared to similar products on today’s market. That’s another reason we rated it high. If your child isn’t sure yet whether this will be a long-term hobby, this makes for an acceptable expense. And if they do pursue this long term, thanks to its size catering for almost any child 10 years or younger it can be used for a number of years before it’s necessary to upgrade.

As it’s not made from expensive wood, don’t expect the best sounds and of course you can’t expect the best quality components – but as a child’s beginner set it’s ideal.

Why did it make our list?

• Affordable
• Full set with cymbals
• Chair included
• Caters for many ages

What is not ideal about it?

• Not the best quality on the market
• Sound isn’t the best

Here is our best beginner drum set for kids. Not only is it a full 5-piece drum set, but Mendini provides a clear instruction manual so a newbie can learn how to set them up. And don’t worry—it’s super easy to assemble.

One drawback is that the toms’ positions aren’t very adjustable. But that’s to be expected from lower end, affordable sets like this.

We do appreciate that the brand specifically gives guidelines for the appropriate height of players if you want them to enjoy it optimally. Height plays a huge role as it determines whether the kid can reach all the components for comfortable play. Here, anyone between 2.5ft and 5ft tall can have an enjoyable time.

The brand manufactures various colors so kids can pick a hue that fits their personal style.

It’s not a high end set, but the components are surprisingly durable as they withstand the extensive force small kids exert while enjoying the noise they can make. You may need to replace the cymbals after a while though. The sound is adequate for practice, but not necessarily performance.

What makes it special?

• Complete set
• Caters for various ages
• Multiple colors available

What cons did we find?

• Not a performance set
• Toms not adjustable

It’s not always necessary to purchase a full set and this is when you turn to these simpler setups. With a three piece like this one from Mendini, you can help your child discover a new talent or passion without it taking up so much room in the house. It’s also easier to set up and transport than a 5-piece set, so your child’s hobby can travel with you if necessary.

The unique cymbal setup also makes sense for small kids: there are no flimsy stands that can fall over and hurt someone as everything is held in place by connecting to the bass drum. That makes it a safe option even for toddlers.

This is another brand that helps your child get started quickly as a set of sticks and a drum throne are included in the kit. The chair is adjustable so children of all ages can feel comfortable playing.

Even though it’s a cheaper set—it won’t last forever—the sound is not too bad and can easily be improved by placing a pillow inside the bass drum as it tends to be too boomy. We appreciate the brand’s effort for improvement as the drum pedal was recently upgraded to prevent squeaking.

Why is it special?

• Sturdy setup
• Many colors available
• Throne and sticks provided
• Takes up less space than full sets

What are the flaws?

• Bass drum is boomy
• Some cheap parts

Our Budget Pick is another 3-piece set that will save you some floor space while still giving kids an experience of banging on a real drum set. As with Mendini’s 3-piece set there are no cymbal stands that take up room or are prone to toppling over. That makes it safe and appropriate for kids as young as two.

It’s impressive that real wood is used even though it’s not a high end model. If you tune the set well you can look forward to some impressive sounds. That makes it quite different from other kids’ sets made of plastic.

It’s also appropriate for children in how easy it is to put together. You may have to help at first but your child can start playing in under 30 minutes. Unfortunately, there aren’t instructions included so you may have to ask an expert if you haven’t put a drum set together before.

The seat is adjustable so it can be customized as your toddler grows and so be useful for quite a few years. We advise: don’t purchase it for kids 5 years or older as they will very quickly outgrow it.

Why is it special?

• Takes up little floor space
• Sets up quickly
• Real wood used
• Impressive sound and quality for the price

What are the flaws?

• No instructions
• Not made for older kids

This isn’t the traditional type of drum set, but take some time and consider it. This electric set gives your child all the options a real set has without the necessity of making a noise the neighbors will hate: a child can practice quietly at all hours and perfect his or her craft without bothering anyone.

But here’s why you need to really consider it: this drum set can roll up! Yes, you can pack up the set and easily store it out of the way or take it with you on holiday to keep kids busy. Since it can operate with batteries your family can enjoy it anywhere. We’re mentioning ‘family’ because it does suit many different drummers’ needs: children and toddlers can learn to play while experienced players can use it to hone their technique. Your child can even put up a concert thanks to the provided speakers or use this to play music games in conjunction with a computer.

Some users noted that the pads may occasionally not react, but since it comes at such and affordable price you can’t expect perfection, right? It’s a versatile buy as it can serve as entertainment, toy or practice instrument for serious musicians.

What stands out?

• Rolls up—easy to store
• Can listen via headphones for quiet practice sessions
• Works for almost any age

What cons did we manage to find?

• Not a traditional drum setup
• Pads’ sensitivity should be improved