What Are The Best Drum Brands?

It might be tough to decide which drum set is best for you because many variations are available. Each brand has its own set of tiers, features, perks, downsides, and other characteristics.

Drum manufacture has progressed significantly. The competition among the powerful drum brands enables constant research and development into new drumming items.

The good news for consumers is that features found in more expensive entry-level drum set trickle down to more affordable entry-level kits! It’s hard to pick just one drum brand when it comes to the greatest drums.

As a result, we’ve put up a list of the top drum brands. We hope that by looking through this list, prospective drummers and musicians will be able to learn more about each brand and, as a result, determine which one is ideal for them.

This List is Based on the Following Criteria

Hardware

A drum kit is made up of a lot of moving elements. However, it may be divided into two categories: hardware and instruments. Drums, cymbals, and hi-hats are instruments, whereas hardware refers to anything that supports or places them. Drum stands, hi-hat stands, tension rods, cymbal stands, rims, mounts, and other items fall under this category.

Although it is common for drum makers to offer hardware with their instruments, some firms provide shell kits that do not include hardware. When choosing a drum brand, it’s vital to consider whether or not they sell hardware. If you’re buying a shell pack (drums alone), it’s assumed that you already have hardware or that you’ll get it somewhere else.

When choosing a drum brand, be sure to check whether the drum kits come with hardware and if the firm offers hardware to match their products. If getting hardware and drums from the same manufacturer isn’t essential to you, this may not be an issue. If you must stick to a single brand, double-check!

Years in Business

As previously said, some drum businesses date back to the mid-to-late-1800s, while others were founded more recently. Drum brands with the most experience are usually the oldest. These businesses have seen fads come and go and have produced millions of drums throughout the years.

Brands like Noble & Cooley and Gretsch have been around for a long time. They have made drums out of nearly every material imaginable, so they know what they’re doing. That isn’t to suggest that the newest drum brands aren’t worthwhile.

These new drum companies, such as the British Drum Company, are founded by younger individuals who have no official links to any traditions.

These businesses are generally forward-thinking and eager to try new things with materials, settings, and sound. In a word, choose an older brand if you like a well-established brand that has been doing things the same way for a long time. Choose a younger brand if you want a brand that is more inclined to innovate and evolve.

Location

When it comes to geography, some businesses are established in one nation but distributed in another. Brands like the British Drum Company produce and build their drums in another country yet take advantage of distribution in the United States.

When you buy drum kits from Drum Center of Portsmouth, however, you won’t have to worry about this because we have brands from all over the world and can ship anywhere in the United States. International shipping is also available. If you’re considering buying something, contact us for additional delivery information.

What’s Included

The last item to think about when picking a drum brand is what’s included in their drum kits. A snare drum, bass drum, and two toms should be included in a typical drum set. Other drum kits may contain cymbals or hi-hats, but they aren’t always included and must be purchased separately.

Look for manufacturers that include cymbals and hi-hats in their kits, so you don’t have to go out and buy them separately. Additionally (and this goes hand-in-hand with hardware), if you’re simply searching for drums, make sure you get a shell pack. Avoid shell packs in favor of a whole kit if you want everything included.

Specialties

Some companies will focus solely on drums. Others will concentrate on hardware or another aspect of drumming. It’s critical to buy from a company that specializes in the product you want.

For example, if you’re searching for a nice drum, possibly snare drums, in particular, Noble & Cooley drums, which specializes in snare drums, would be the ideal place to look. However, if you’re searching for drum gear, you should check out DW because they specialize in it.

I’m going to share the top drum makers in the world right now in this guide. All of these drum manufacturers provide high-quality goods that you can rely on. These drum companies have all been around for a long time.

Their drum sets are performed by some of the world’s best drummers (Note that these aren’t on a scale from worst to best, or best to worst; I’ll come to a decision on which brand is the best!)

Pearl

Pearl is a well-known name in the world of percussion instruments and drums. The firm is technically called “Pearl Musical Instrument Company.” Still, their drums are simply referred to as “Pearl Drums” since they are so well-known and utilized.

This moniker is well-deserved: their drums are so widely used in the United States that it’s not widely recognized that they’re based outside of the country, though they do have facilities in Nashville, Tennessee.

The Export Series is one of Pearl’s most well-known kits. The EXX72S and EXX725S are the two variants available. Both have 22-inch bass drums, but the former has 12-, 13-, and 16-inch toms, while the latter has 10-, 12-, and 16-inch toms. A snare drum, bass drum pedal, and three cymbals are included on both.

Both feature great, durable hardware and a professional appearance at a reasonable price. Pearl’s drums are generally equipped with Superior Shell Technology, making the shells airtight and resonant, making them an excellent choice for high-end drum enthusiasts.

During their career, every drummer will most likely perform on a Pearl Export drum kit. It is the world’s best-selling drum kit. Pearl has established the industry standard for a durable and trustworthy drum kit that can be acquired at an affordable price with the Pearl Export drum set.

Pearl’s excellence is clearly identifiable throughout their product line, from their entry-level Pearl Roadshow drum kit to the customized Masterworks series. Pearl has a well-deserved reputation as one of the greatest drum manufacturers of all time.

DW

Drum Workshop, commonly referred to as DW or DW Drums, is a drum and drum hardware manufacturer headquartered in Oxnard, California. DW is one of the most well-known brands of drums produced in the United States. It began as a teaching studio in 1972 but quickly grew into a leading manufacturer of drum hardware.

Many musicians and bands, including The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, and Bon Jovi, have sponsored them. Most DW’s drums are bespoke, but the company also sells standard kits and gear, making it a very flexible company.

The Performance Series Drum Kit, which uses HVX maple shells and North American maple toms and bass drums, is one of their most economical drum kits. It comes in five lacquer treatments to show off the wood grain, including red and black translucent lacquers.

The hardware is double-braced and not overly hefty, making it seem professional and robust yet manageable to transport. Overall, this kit and others from DW are a touch costly, but they’re definitely worth it; DW is a genuine drum expert, and we can’t recommend them enough.

In the drumming world, DW drums, pedals, and hardware are the gold standard. They are widely considered as one of the greatest drum brands, and professional drummers prefer them. These drums will undoubtedly be seen on drum risers on festival stages and stadia all around the world!

Quality drums, on the other hand, may be rather costly. DW drums are not inexpensive; they are high-end instruments for the most discriminating drummers. If you can afford it, you should take advantage of the opportunity to own a DW collector’s drum kit.

Ludwig

Ludwig is a well-known drum manufacturer. The firm, founded in 1909, manufactures a wide range of instruments, primarily drums and other percussion instruments.

Ludwig drums are used by or have been used by famous drummers from bands such as Aerosmith, The Grateful Dead, and Fleetwood Mac, making them a popular choice among professional drummers.

The firm became well-known in the United States in the 1960s due to an endorsement from The Beatles’ Ringo Starr. Ludwig’s NeuSonic Series Drum Kit is a fantastic example of the company’s craftsmanship. It’s compact and lightweight, making it ideal for part-timers and traveling professionals.

It’s constructed of American maple. The shells are cast using the same molds as the Legacy Classic and Classic Maple series. The covers are likewise ultra-thin and light, yet they have a strong resonance. Overall, this drum kit exemplifies Ludwig’s high-quality craftsmanship, and we enthusiastically recommend it (along with the Ludwig brand as a whole).

Some of the greatest drummers have used Ludwig drums, including John Bonham, Keith Moon, Ginger Baker, and many others. Ludwig was a pioneer in developing the modern drum set, and many of its older kits are now sought-after collector’s items. The firm was known for making some of the best acrylic drum kits on the market.

Ludwig is one of the most outstanding drum companies on the market, having grown from strength to strength for over a century.

Tama

Like the other great drum companies on our list, Tama is based in Japan but has offices all around the world. As a result, they are not only well-known but also adaptable as a brand. Hoshino Gakki, the company’s founder, began producing drums in 1965. They make beginner to professional drum sets, as well as individual drums and drum gear.

Tama is a fantastic brand since it is used by many professional drummers, and their goods reflect this. Tama drums have been utilized by well-known drummers like Dave Lombardo of Slayer and Lars Ulrich of Metallica, making them a popular choice for seasoned and inexperienced drummers.

They produce kits that appeal to drummers of all skill levels and provide excellent value for money.

The Tama Imperial Star 6-Piece Kit is one of their best-selling kits. It includes two–floor toms, two bass drums, a snare, a set of hi-hats, crash cymbals, and a ride cymbal for an unbelievably low price.

It’s an excellent value for a kit that can be used by both beginners and experts and has excellent internet evaluations. There are also other high-end sets from the Star Series, such as Starclassic walnut and birch drums.

Tama’s drum sets vary from beginner to professional. The firm offers some of the best basic drum sets on the market. The firm has a vast range of goods, including a large selection of killer-sounding snare drums.

Tama also makes some of the most popular drum and bass pedals, such as the Tama Iron Cobra pedals. Because of its dependability, build quality, and value for money, the Iron Cobra line is, without a doubt, some of the most frequently used gear in the industry.

Gretsch

Gretsch Drums has been in operation since 1883 when Friedrich Gretsch started the company in Brooklyn, New York. He began by hand-making drums and continued to do so until his son took over the company in 1916. The firm developed to become one of the most well-known musical instrument makers in the United States.

Guitars, basses, and ukuleles are among the instruments they produce in addition to drums. Looking for a set of high-end Gretsch drums? The Catalina Maple set, or any kit from the Brooklyn series, are our top picks.

These are high-end kits that have been expertly crafted. The Brooklyn kits are available in several colors and finishes. At the same time, the Catalina boasts a warm walnut glaze that seems considerably more costly than it is.

Gretsch drums are dependable, robust, and practical, which is why they’re so popular. The legendary brand provides a wide selection of top-of-the-line Gretsch drum kits with that distinctive rich Gretsch sound.

Gretsch drums are one of the more expensive brands, and they have a unique sound. You can tell the difference when you sit behind a Gretsch drum kit and play it. The drum shells and hardware on which they are mounted are among the best in the industry.

Even Gretsch’s most inexpensive kits have incredible sound quality for the price. Gretsch is a fantastic brand and unquestionably one of the greatest drum brands available.

Yamaha

Yamaha is a well-known name in the percussion business, even though its brand extends beyond instruments to industries like furniture and motorbikes. Yamaha makes everything from drums to pianos and chimes when it comes to percussion. Torakusu Yamaha founded the company in 1887 as a piano and reed organ maker in Japan.

It has grown to become the world’s largest musical instrument maker, with three major manufacturing facilities in Japan. The instruments themselves are transported and utilized by millions of artists all over the world.

I’m going to talk about the drums from the Absolute Hybrid Maple Set, even though the Yamaha stage custom birch 5-piece shell set is a popular alternative and one I suggest. These drums sound forceful and resonant thanks to their high-quality aluminum die-cast hoops and hybrid shell construction.

A bearing edge form is also standard on Yamaha drums; this bearing edge optimizes tonal balance and improves the sound. They’re a lovely pick from Yamaha, and we can’t recommend them highly enough.

All of Yamaha’s drums and components are long-lasting and of high quality. For almost 30 years, the Yamaha Stage Custom drum kit has established the industry standard for excellent sounds at an accessible price.

Higher up the ladder, you’ll discover Yamaha’s top-of-the-line drum kits, which are used by many of the most well-known drummers you’ll ever meet!

Sonor

Sonor is one of the world’s oldest percussion businesses, founded in 1875 and based in Bad Berleburg, Germany. It’s no surprise that their goods are influenced by their experiences. Sonor makes and sells drum sets and gear, and percussion instruments, including congas and cymbals.

Their drums were once noted for being incredibly hefty, earning them the moniker “The Rolls of Drums,” but they grew lighter and slimmer as time passed. They’re now regarded as a firm that keeps up with the times by innovating and evolving. The Sonor SQ1 Series Drums are made entirely of birch and painstakingly constructed with cutting-edge hardware.

Because it isn’t bespoke, it is less expensive than the well-known SQ2. It is, however, constructed with Sonos’ tension-free cross lamination technique and has their renowned TuneSafe technology, which prevents tension rods from loosening and provides maximum tuning capacity. This set is sturdy but not overly so, and the hardware is lightweight.

Sonor is recognized for producing high-quality kits at reasonable rates, making them a great business to check out if you’re looking for a kit.

The SQ2, SQ1, and antique series are just a few of Sonor’s premium drum kits. They don’t make drums for beginners; they are the drums of severe drummers.

Sonor is undoubtedly one of the most famous drum companies in the world today, specializing in custom drums.

Mapex

Mapex is one of the newest drum brands, having been founded in 1989, yet they have had a significant effect in such a short period. Mapex understands how to build great drum sets. Compared to some of the other well-known drum manufacturers, they provide exceptional value for money.

Unlike some other drum manufacturers, Mapex manufactures drum kits using superior and exotic woods at mid-range pricing ranges, such as the Armory Series and Mars Series. The Mapex Saturn drum set is its flagship model, yet it costs half as much as some of its competitors’ top-of-the-line models.

Mapex drums are of exceptional quality and are available at competitive pricing. Mapex drums include high-end features that you will have a lot of fun playing, whether you are searching for an entry-level drum set or a drum set upgrade.

PDP

PDP drums (also known as Pacific Drums) are a subsidiary of the renowned DW brand. These drums are meant to give boutique-inspired features at moderate pricing that most drummers can afford.

PDP is a well-known name in the drumming industry, having been created by DW in 1999. These drums are fashionable and sound fantastic for the price. The maple and birch drums in the Concept line provide a lot of bang for your buck.

Because the pros will be playing DW drums instead, they don’t have many artists. This is logical given that they are their sibling company’s top-of-the-line drum sets. However, DW musicians frequently see PDP equipment on stage, like Chad Smith of The Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Ddrum

Ddrum is a drum company that made a name for itself in the 1980s by inventing drum triggers and electronic drum pads. Ddrum manufactures a variety of acoustic and electronic drum amplifiers. They also make cutting-edge hybrid drum kits!

Ddrum has a smaller following than the other drum makers on our list. Still, they have a strong artist roster and a wide selection of items at reasonable prices.

Canopus

Canopus is a firm headquartered in Japan that provides handcrafted drums and drum kits and wire, hardware, and other accessories. Canopus was created in 1977 by Shinichi Usada and specializes in drum shells constructed of unusual and high-quality materials such as wood, acrylic, and carbon fiber.

Canopus is notable for inventing and producing the world-famous Zelkova solid shell snare made from a hollowed-out tree trunk.

Canopus drums are a good choice for novices because many of their kits come with several extras, allowing them to build their ideal drum set. The Canopus Ash Standard Drumset is one of their most excellent drum sets.

It’s the house kit that many New York City jazz clubs use, but it’s better in terms of quality and construction, as well as sound and looks. It includes a bass, two toms, a floor tom, and a snare drum, all with black satin finishes and ash/poplar shells.

These are deep and resonant, and they’re suitable for drummers of all abilities. Canopus is a fantastic company, and we can’t say enough good things about them.

Noble & Cooley

Noble & Cooley is a law firm headquartered in Granville, Massachusetts, that was founded in 1854. They are one of the oldest (and most significant) drum businesses in the United States and one of the world’s oldest drum companies. Noble & Cooley is unique in that they began by making toy drums and quickly moved into the professional drum industry.

Snare drums are their specialty, but they also produce whole drum sets. The Walnut Classic Series by Noble & Cooley is a shell pack drum set with a distinctive glossy wood finish. We believe it is one of their most excellent drum sets.

It features a high-gloss lacquer finish on the bass, four toms, and a matching snare drum. Because of its external attractiveness, it has a lot of “wow-factor.”

It has a vintage tone, and the walnut adds a distinct, balanced style with boosted lows. It comes in various combinations, making it completely adjustable and ideal for both professional and beginner drummers. Noble & Cooley is a traditional brand that knows what they’re doing, so you can expect high-quality drums from them.

The British Drum Company

As its name implies, the British Drum Company manufactures all of its drums in the United Kingdom, making it one of the top drum companies in the world today. Several award-winning expert drummers and musicians, including Keith Keough and Ian Matthews of Kasabian, founded the business in 2015.

They take pleasure in making one-of-a-kind British drums constructed of creative and tonal materials. The Skye Blue 4-Piece Drum Kit from BDC is one of our favorites, with an undrilled bass drum, two rack toms, and a floor tom made of Scandinavian birch wood. Because they’re all hand-cut and cold-pressed, the sound is vibrant.

The remainder of their drums are made with materials and hardware seldom found in other drums on the market, making BDC a genuinely unique drum brand among its competitors and a contender for the best drum brand.

FAQs

Conclusion

To summarize, there are several things to consider when comparing drum brands. You may believe that the oldest and most well-known brand is the most excellent choice, but the newest and most inventive brand may appeal to you.

You may choose a brand that’s been there for a while but still changes with the times, and you’ll exclusively buy drums and gear from them. Choosing a drum brand to represent you, however, you swing it, is a serious decision that should not be taken lightly.

In my personal opinion, I really enjoy Ludwig and Gretsch’s drums. In all honesty, this is because the first kit I ever owned was a Gretsch, and the second was a Ludwig. I place a lot of personal value on these two brands, and both kits were incredible.

Looking for more interesting readings? Check out:

• Learn to Play the Drums: The Quickest Way to Learn
• Alesis Strike Pro Review and Guide: All you need to know!
• How to Find the Best Snare Drums [2022]