Drum kits

[Mrs. K Nolan]

My cousin for Christmas would like a drum kit. Could anyone recommend a make and website where i could find an appropriate one. It would be a present from us so we were hoping for it to be around 350 pounds or there abouts. My cousin is 11 years old but is very disciplined so hopefully this would be something he would continue with.
Thank you.

[Mattk]

you can get starter drum kits for less than �200 and you can also get dampers to quiten them down!
I was going to buy my son a set from ebay but he changed his mind! If you search you will find loads being sold by proper music shops.

[andy-hughes]

If you want a good kit for a beginner which will carry him through, the Pearl Export kist starts at around �380.

They are the 'work horse' of drum kits - well made, will last well if looked after, and they sound great.

Should be ideal for what you want.

That said, any drumer will have his own personal preference, based purely on what 'feels' right, and there is no substitute for trying before you buy.

I'd be inclined to take your cousin along to a reputable dealer in your area who can show him some kits, talk through what he likes, and - most importantly - show him how to assemble and break down his kit for himself.

[spudqueen]

If you can run to it consider an electronic kit. We got one for our son last Christmas. You can set it up to play different drums, but the best bit is you can stick the headphones on, and bang away to your favourite tunes without anyone else being able to hear it!!!!

[andy-hughes]

I understand the points you make spudqueen, but electronic kits are like automatic cars - if you can drive a manual you can drive an automatic, but not vice versa. The essence of drumming is feeling the ressonance and reaction of drum heads, and getting the feel of using sticks for different strengths of beat. An electronic kit will sound the same no matter how hard or softly you hit it, so control is never an issue.

Just a thought for Mrs Nolan to consider.

[lenndrum]

hi I'm a professional drum teacher 25 yrs standing
try a website called idrums they have a starter kit
by Ludwig (top make of kit ) for about 300-350 quid
it looks quite sturdy as far as I can see.