Name: Yamaha Stage Custom Hip Drum Kit
Brand: Yamaha Stage Custom Hip Drum Kit

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In today’s fast-paced world, drummers need a drum set that offers both exceptional sound quality and portability.

Whether you’re a gigging musician who frequently performs at various venues or a drummer with limited space for practice, finding the best portable drum set is crucial. We have researched and analyzed some of the top portable drum sets on the market to help you make an informed decision. With our comprehensive buying guide and detailed product reviews, you can find the perfect portable drum set that meets your specific needs and preferences.

Quick Summary

Editor's Choice: Yamaha Stage Custom Hip Drum Kit

"Compact and versatile, this 100% birch shell drum set offers excellent sound quality and adaptability for various music genres and performance settings."
Best Mobility: Tama Cocktail Jam 4-piece Shell Pack

"Ultra-portable and lightweight, this drum set delivers a powerful sound and innovative hardware design for quick setup and stable performance."
Professional Sound: DW Design Series Frequent Flyer Drum Kit

"Designed for gigging musicians, this all-maple shell drum set provides professional sound quality and quick setup features in a portable package."
Compact Design: Tama Club-JAM Flyer Drum Kit

"A compact drum set with unique vintage aesthetic, perfect for drummers who need a reliable, space-saving drum set for small venues or home practice."
All-Around Performance: Pearl Midtown Series Drum Kit

"This portable drum set offers well-rounded performance with its 6-ply poplar shells, delivering a punchy sound suitable for various music styles."

Yamaha Stage Custom Hip Drum Kit – Editor's Choice

Features

Features:

Configuration: Shell pack with snare
Number of Drums: 4
Snare (Depth x Diameter): 5″ x 13″
Mounted Toms (Depth x Diameter): 5″ x 10″
Floor Toms (Depth x Diameter): 8″ x 13″ floor/snare
Bass Drums (Depth x Diameter): 8″ x 20″
Shell Material: Birch

Other features: 4-piece Birch Shell Pack with 10″ Tom, 13″ Floor Tom, 13″ Snare Drum, and 20″ Bass Drum

Price on Sweetwater

Price on Amazon

Price on Guitar Center

9.6

The Yamaha Stage Custom Hip Drum Kit is a 4-piece drum set that features a 20″ x 8″ bass drum, 13″ x 5″ floor tom that doubles as a snare drum, 10″ x 5″ mounted tom, and a 13″ x 8″ snare drum. This drum set offers a compact design and versatile sound options, making it perfect for drummers who need a portable drum set that can adapt to different music genres and performance settings.

Made from 100% birch shells, the Yamaha Stage Custom Hip Drum Kit produces a warm and punchy sound that is suitable for various music styles. The bass drum’s shallow depth ensures a tight and focused low-end response, while the floor tom’s snare wire mechanism allows for a secondary snare drum sound, providing added versatility to your drum set.

This drum set is ideal for gigging musicians who require a portable and versatile drum set that can adapt to different music genres and performance settings. Whether you’re playing jazz, rock, or funk, the Yamaha Stage Custom Hip Drum Kit’s sound options and compact design make it an excellent choice for musicians on the go.

The Yamaha Stage Custom Hip Drum Kit features a unique floor tom/snare drum hybrid that allows drummers to switch between a floor tom and a snare drum sound easily. This versatility expands your sound palette and offers more options for creative drumming. Additionally, the YESS mounting system ensures stable and secure mounting of the toms while allowing for optimal resonance and sustain.

Although the Yamaha Stage Custom Hip Drum Kit is a fantastic portable drum set, some drummers might find the 20″ x 8″ bass drum lacking in low-end response compared to larger bass drums. However, proper tuning and the use of appropriate drum heads can help enhance the bass drum’s sound.

What are its best features?

100% birch shells for excellent sound quality
Compact design for easy transportation
Versatile sound options with floor tom/snare drum hybrid
YESS mounting system for optimal resonance and sustain

What could be improved?

Bass drum's shallow depth may require extra tuning efforts for some drummers

Tama Cocktail Jam 4-piece Shell Pack – Best Mobility

Features

Features:

Configuration: Shell pack with snare
Number of Drums: 4
Snare (Depth x Diameter): 5″ x 12″
Mounted Toms (Depth x Diameter): 5″ x 10″
Floor Toms (Depth x Diameter): 5.5″ x 14″
Bass Drums (Depth x Diameter): 6″ x 16″
Shell Material: Birch

Other features: 4-piece Cocktail Drum Kit with 16″ Kick Drum, 10″ and 14″ Toms, 12″ Snare, Bass Drum Pedal, Drum Bag, Hardware, Drumheads, Kick Drum Sound Focus Pad, and Hardware Bag

Price on Sweetwater

Price on Amazon

Price on Guitar Center

9.6

The Tama Cocktail Jam 4-piece Shell Pack is an ultra-portable and lightweight drum set designed for drummers who are always on the move. The drum set features a 16″ x 15″ bass drum, 10″ x 5.5″ tom, 12″ x 5″ floor tom, and a 12″ x 5″ snare drum. Its innovative hardware design ensures quick setup and stable performance, making it an ideal choice for small venues or tight stages.

Despite its compact design, the Tama Cocktail Jam 4-piece Shell Pack delivers a powerful and punchy sound that can hold its own in various performance settings. The bass drum produces a tight, focused low-end response, while the toms and snare drum offer a sharp attack and excellent projection.

The Tama Cocktail Jam 4-piece Shell Pack is best suited for drummers who frequently perform in small venues or tight stages and need a drum set that is easy to transport and quick to set up. Its compact design and powerful sound make it an excellent choice for drummers who need a reliable and portable drum set for live performances.

The Tama Cocktail Jam 4-piece Shell Pack features a unique bass drum pedal system that allows the bass drum to be played while standing, offering a new level of convenience and adaptability for drummers who perform in tight spaces. The FastClamp Easy Set Up System also ensures quick and easy setup and breakdown, making this drum set perfect for busy gigging musicians.

While the Tama Cocktail Jam 4-piece Shell Pack is an excellent portable drum set, some drummers may find the 16″ x 15″ bass drum size limiting in terms of sound variety. However, experimenting with different tunings and drum head types can help achieve the desired bass drum sound.

What makes it special?

Ultra-portable and lightweight design
Innovative hardware for quick setup and stable performance
Unique bass drum pedal system for playing while standing
FastClamp Easy Set Up System for quick setup and breakdown

What cons did we find?

Limited bass drum size may require additional tuning efforts for some drummers

DW Design Series Frequent Flyer Drum Kit – Professional Sound

Features

Features:

Configuration: Shell Pack with Snare
Number of Drums: 4
Snare (Depth x Diameter): 5″ x 14″
Mounted Toms (Depth x Diameter): 8″ x 12″
Floor Toms (Depth x Diameter): 11″ x 14″
Bass Drums (Depth x Diameter): 12″ x 20″

Other features: 4-piece Shell Pack with 12″ Tom, 14″ Floor Tom, 20″ Bass Drum, and 14″ Snare

Price on Sweetwater

Price on Amazon

Price on Guitar Center

9.4

Tama Club-JAM Flyer Drum Kit – Compact Design

Features

Features:

Configuration: Shell pack with snare
Number of Drums: 4
Snare (Depth x Diameter): 5″ x 10″
Mounted Toms (Depth x Diameter): 6″ x 8″
Floor Toms (Depth x Diameter): 9″ x 10″
Bass Drums (Depth x Diameter): 10″ x 14″
Shell Material: Mersawa/Poplar

Other features: 4-piece Mersawa/Poplar Shell Pack with 8″ Tom, 10″ Floor Tom, 14″ Bass Drum, and 10″ Snare

Price on Sweetwater

Price on Amazon

Price on Guitar Center

9.2

What do we love it for?

Ultra-portable and lightweight design
Innovative hardware for quick setup and stable performance
Unique bass drum pedal system for playing while standing
FastClamp Easy Set Up System for quick setup and breakdown

What were we disappointed with?

Limited bass drum size may require additional tuning efforts for some drummers

Pearl Midtown Series Drum Kit – All-Around Performance

Features

Features:

Configuration: Shell pack with snare
Number of Drums: 4
Snare (Depth x Diameter): 5.5″ x 13″
Mounted Toms (Depth x Diameter): 7″ x 10″
Floor Toms (Depth x Diameter): 12″ x 13″
Bass Drums (Depth x Diameter): 14″ x 16″
Shell Material: 6-ply Poplar

Other features: 4-piece Poplar Drum Set Shell Pack with 14″ x 16″ Bass Drum, 7″ x 10″ Tom, 12″ x 13″ Floor Tom, and 5.5″ x 13″ Snare Drum

Price on Sweetwater

Price on Amazon

Price on Guitar Center

9.1

The DW Design Series Frequent Flyer Drum Kit is a professional-grade portable drum set designed for gigging musicians. It features all-maple shells with HVLT shell technology, providing a warm and resonant tone. The drum set includes a 20″ x 12″ bass drum, 12″ x 8″ mounted tom, 14″ x 11″ floor tom, and a 14″ x 5″ snare drum. The drum set’s hardware is designed for quick setup and easy transport, making it ideal for drummers who need professional sound in a portable package.

The DW Design Series Frequent Flyer Drum Kit offers exceptional sound quality, with all-maple shells and HVLT shell technology producing a warm, resonant tone that is suitable for various music genres. The bass drum delivers a focused low-end response, while the toms and snare drum provides excellent projection and tonal clarity.

This drum set is perfect for gigging musicians who require professional sound quality and a portable drum set that is easy to transport and set up. Whether you’re playing in a small club, a large venue, or a recording studio, the DW Design Series Frequent Flyer Drum Kit offers exceptional performance and convenience.

The DW Design Series Frequent Flyer Drum Kit stands out for its all-maple shell construction with HVLT technology, delivering a warm, resonant sound that is perfect for various music styles. Additionally, the drum set’s True-Pitch tuning rods provide precise and stable tuning, ensuring consistent performance across different performance settings.

Although the DW Design Series Frequent Flyer Drum Kit offers professional sound quality, its price point may be a limiting factor for some drummers. However, considering its exceptional performance and portability, it’s a worthy investment for serious gigging musicians who demand top-notch sound quality.

Why did it make our list?

All-maple shells with HVLT technology for a warm, resonant tone
Quick setup and easy transport for gigging musicians
True-Pitch tuning rods for precise and stable tuning
Professional sound quality in a portable package

What is not ideal about it?

Higher price point may be a limiting factor for some drummers

Things to Consider

Finding the best portable drum set can be a challenging task, considering the numerous options available on the market. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve prepared this comprehensive buying guide that covers essential factors to consider when purchasing a portable drum set. You can choose the perfect drum set that meets your specific needs and preferences with the information provided.

Drum Material and Shell Construction

The material and construction of a drum set’s shells play a significant role in the drums’ overall sound quality and resonance. Some of the most common drum shell materials include maple, birch, and poplar, each offering distinct tonal characteristics.

Maple: Maple shells produce a warm and balanced sound with a smooth frequency response, making them ideal for various music styles.
Birch: Birch shells deliver a bright and focused sound with a strong low end, making them suitable for music genres that require a punchy and aggressive tone.
Poplar: Poplar shells offer a balanced sound with a slightly darker tone compared to maple and birch, making them an affordable option for drummers seeking a versatile sound.

When selecting a portable drum set, consider the shell material that best suits your sound preferences and the music styles you play.

Size and Portability

The size and portability of a drum set are crucial factors for drummers who frequently perform at different venues or have limited space for practice. When evaluating portable drum sets, consider the following:

Drum dimensions: Smaller bass drums, such as 16″ or 18″, are more portable and easier to transport compared to larger bass drums. Additionally, shallower drum depths can save space and make setup and breakdown more manageable.
Weight: Lightweight drum sets are easier to carry and transport, especially if you’re a gigging musician who needs to move your drum set frequently.
Hardware design: Innovative hardware designs, such as quick-release clamps and compact stands, can make setup and breakdown more efficient and save time during live performances.

Versatility

A versatile drum set can adapt to different music genres and performance settings, making it an essential factor for gigging musicians. When selecting a portable drum set, consider the following:

Sound options: Drum sets that offer a variety of sound options, such as floor tom/snare drum hybrids, can expand your sound palette and provide more options for creative drumming.
Tuning range: A wide tuning range allows you to customize your drum sound to suit different music styles and performance settings.

Drum Heads

The drum heads you use on your portable drum set can significantly affect its sound quality and performance. When selecting drum heads, consider the following:

Single-ply vs. double-ply: Single-ply drum heads offer a more open and resonant sound, while double-ply drum heads provide a more controlled and focused tone.
Coated vs. clear: Coated drum heads produce a warmer and slightly drier sound, while clear drum heads deliver a brighter and more open tone.

Experiment with different drum head types and brands to find the perfect sound for your portable drum set.

Cymbals

Cymbals are another essential component of your drum set that can affect your overall sound and performance. When choosing cymbals for your portable drum set, consider the following:

Material: B20 bronze cymbals provide a versatile and balanced sound, while B8 bronze cymbals offer a brighter, more focused tone.
Size: Smaller cymbals are more portable and produce a quicker response, while larger cymbals offer a fuller sound with more sustain.

Selecting the right cymbals for your portable drum set can enhance your sound and help you stand out in various performance settings.

Drum Hardware

The hardware you use with your portable drum set can impact its stability, ease of setup, and overall performance. When selecting drum hardware, consider the following:

Weight: Lightweight hardware is easier to transport and ideal for gigging musicians. However, heavier hardware may provide more stability and durability.
Adjustability: Look for hardware with easily adjustable features, such as memory locks and quick-release clamps, to make setup and breakdown more efficient.
Compatibility: Ensure that your chosen hardware is compatible with your drum set’s shell sizes and mounting system.

Investing in high-quality drum hardware can improve your overall playing experience and make your portable drum set more reliable and efficient.

Price

The price of a portable drum set is an important factor to consider, especially if you have a specific budget in mind. Portable drum sets can vary significantly in price, with higher-priced drum sets often offering better sound quality, durability, and additional features. When selecting a portable drum set, consider the following:

Value for money: Assess whether the drum set offers a good balance between price and performance. Finding a drum set that meets your needs without exceeding your budget is essential.
Long-term investment: A durable and high-quality drum set may initially cost more, but it can be a worthwhile long-term investment that saves money on future repairs or replacements.

Brand Reputation

The reputation of a drum set’s manufacturer can provide insight into the quality and performance of their products. When selecting a compact drum set, consider brands with a history of producing reliable and high-quality drum sets, as this can ensure that you’re purchasing a drum set that meets your expectations.

FAQ

How do I choose the best portable drum set for my needs?

Consider factors such as drum material and shell construction, size and portability, versatility, and price. Assess your personal sound preferences, performance requirements, and budget to select the best portable drum set that meets your needs.

Can a portable drum set produce the same sound quality as a regular drum set?

While portable drum sets might have smaller drums and a more compact design, many still produce high-quality sound. Drum material and shell construction play a significant role in sound quality, and some portable drum sets, like the DW Design Series Frequent Flyer Drum Kit, feature all-maple shells for a warm and resonant tone.

How can I enhance the sound of a portable drum set with a smaller bass drum?

Proper tuning and using appropriate drum heads can help enhance the sound of a smaller bass drum. Experiment with different tunings and drum head types to achieve the desired bass drum sound.

Final Thoughts

After reviewing the top portable drum sets on the market, we have determined that our Editor’s Choice, the Yamaha Stage Custom Hip Drum Kit, offers exceptional sound quality, versatility, and portability, making it the best portable drum set for a variety of music genres and performance settings. The Tama Cocktail Jam 4-piece Shell Pack is another excellent choice for drummers seeking an ultra-portable and lightweight drum set with innovative hardware design for quick setup and stable performance. Lastly, the DW Design Series Frequent Flyer Drum Kit provides professional sound quality and all-maple shell construction with HVLT technology, making it a top choice for gigging musicians who require a high-quality, portable drum set.

By considering the essential factors outlined in our buying guide and evaluating the detailed product reviews, you can confidently choose the best portable drum set that meets your specific needs and preferences. Enjoy your new portable drum set’s convenience and exceptional sound quality as you play at various venues and explore new creative possibilities.