Acoustic Drum Kit Buying Guide.

Choosing the right acoustic kit can be a little confusing at first.  We’ll answer some of the typical questions we hear regularly in the shop, and hopefully get you on the right track.

Components Of A Drum Kit

There can be dozens of configurations for a drum kit, and many accessories that can be added to the basic kit. 

We’ll focus on the main components and most-useful accessories in this guide.

Some kits are sold as complete, coming with everything you need to start playing. Others are sold as 'shell kits', featuring the kick, snare, and toms, but not the cymbals and hardware. This can be a good option for a player who already has favourite components such as cymbals, but is looking to upgrade or alter the tone they get from the shells on their current kit.

A basic kit sold as a pack will include a kick, snare, toms, hi-hats, a ride cymbal (some may also include a crash cymbal), throne (stool), kick drum pedal, stands, and possibly some sticks. 

These can be an ideal place to begin for the beginning player, or with some kits, even an advancing player who wants a decent kit with everything they need included.

A shell kit may or may not include other components such as a throne, kick drum pedal, or stands. If not sure, ask one of our staff and they can help you, and also offer advice as to what else you will need to add. 

Drum Kit Sizes.

The two most common kit sizes are 'Fusion' and 'Standard', which is also called 'Rock'.

The diameters of the shells distinguish the sizes. A fusion kit will typically feature 10" and 12" mounted toms, a 14" floor tom, and a 20" kick drum. 

A rock kit typically features 12' and 13" mounted toms, a 16" floor tom, and a 22" kick drum.

One is not better than the other, but the different sizes offer different tones. A fusion kit will be punchy and articulate, a standard kit will offer more volume and bigger tones.

Junior drum sets are specifically designed for young kids; but these are specially scaled real kits designed to be played and respond as a full kit, not toys as some might view them as. 

Suggested Drum Kits

DXP 3 Piece Junior Drum Kit TXJ3
DXP 3 Piece Junior Series Drum Kit. Includes pedal, sticks and cymbal. Stool not included.

DXP 5 Piece Junior Drum Kit TXJ5
DXP 5 Piece Junior Drum Kit. Includes pedal, drum stool, sticks and cymbals.

DXP TX04 Pioneer Drum Kit
The DXP TX04 is a great entry level, rock size student kit.

Yamaha Rydeen Fusion Student Acoustic Drum Kit
The new RYDEEN (5-piece drum kit) is exactly what any beginner or intermediate player would love to play.

• Fusion Size 5-Piece Shell Pack (20"x16" B, 14"x13" F, 12"x8"/10"x7" T, 14"x5.5" S)
• Double Braced HW680W Hardware Pack
• Paiste 101 Cymbal Package
• DS550 Drum Stool

Yamaha Rydeen Euro Student Acoustic Drum Kit
The new RYDEEN (5-piece drum kit) is exactly what any beginner or intermediate player would love to play.

• Euro Size 5-Piece Shell Pack (22"x16" B, 16"x15"F, 12"x8"/10"x7" T, 14"x5.5" S)
• Double Braced HW680W Hardware Pack
• Paiste 101 Cymbal Package
• DS550 Drum Stool

Yamaha Stage Custom Birch Euro Drum Kit

Stage Custom Birch Euro Kit w/HW780 hardware pack and Paiste PST5 Cymbal Pack | *Drum Throne not included.

Stage Custom Birch kit in euro configuration. Includes 22”x17” bass drum, 10”x7” and 12”x8” mounted toms, a 16”x15” floor tom, matching 14”x5.5” snare drum, HW780 hardware set with an additional CS755 cymbal stand and a BONUS 14" floor tom. Also comes with a set of Paiste PST5 cymbals (14" hi-hats, 16" and 18" crashes and 20" ride).

Yamaha Tour Custom Euro Drum Kit with HW780 Hardware Set

Tour Custom kit in euro configuration. Includes 22”x17” bass drum, 10”x7” and 12”x8” mounted toms, a 16”x15” floor tom, matching 14”x6.5” snare drum and HW780 hardware set.

Yamaha Stage Custom Bop Drum Kit 
Small-diameter 3-piece kit features 100% birch shells which delivers the Stage Custom sound without compromise. This is ideal for jazz, light session work, performances in small venues, and all-around second-kit use. 18”Bass Drum, 14" x 5.5" Matching Snare Drum, 14"Floor Tom, 12" Hanging Tom and HW870 Hardware Package

Need more advice? Ask one of our friendly staff by calling (02) 9520 3044, email us at shop@engadinemusic.com.au, or simply come in, and we'll help you get the right drum kit for you!