- At a glance: Our top 3 picks
- 1. Mendini By Cecilio Kids Drum Set
- 2. Drum Set Eastar 14 inch Drum Kit
- 3. Drum Set Eastar 16" 5-Piece Kit
- 4. Princess Pink Drum Set with Cymbals Complete Kids Set
- 5. GP Percussion GP55WR 5-Piece Junior Drum Set
- 6. Complete 5-Piece Black Junior Drum Set
- 7. Mendini by Cecilio 16 inch 5-Piece Complete Kids Kit
- 8. Alesis DM6 USB Beginner Electronic Drum Set
- 9. Ludwig Junior Outfit Drum Set Wine Red
- 10. Sound Percussion Labs Lil Kicker - 3-Piece Jr. Drum Set
- There are three types of drums in a drum set.
- Other Drums
- Our Top Pick
- Premium Choice
- Great Value
- What Age Groups are Junior Drum Sets For?
- How Big Are Junior Drum Sets?
- What Should My Budget Be?
There are some key factors that you should consider before going for a drum set for your kid, these factors include the age of your child, the number of pieces that drum kit has, drumsticks and the height of the drum. Also, you may wish to consider buying separate quality drum heads - click here for the top 10.
If all these factors are carefully dealt with, the chances are that you are going to end up buying one of the best junior drum sets that your child can benefit from and master the art of playing drums in a very short span of time. To keep a new drummer in time, you may wish to invest in a metronome to keep in time.
At a glance: Our top 3 picks
Our team's top 3 recommendationsBest Overall 
Mendini By Cecilio Kids Drum Set 
- Great Price
- Perfect for Toddlers
- Includes Drumsticks and Throne
- Bass, Tom, Snare, and Cymbal
- Cool Looks
Premium Quality 
Drum Set Eastar 14 inch Drum Kit
- Great Price
- Perfect for Toddlers
- Includes Drumsticks and Throne
- Bass, Tom, Snare, and Cymbal
- Cool Looks
Great value 
Drum Set Eastar 16" 5-Piece Kit
- Great Price
- Perfect for Toddlers
- Includes Drumsticks and Throne
- Bass, Tom, Snare, and Cymbal
- Cool Looks
The Best Drum Sets for Kids & Juniors
1. Mendini By Cecilio Kids Drum Set
Our top choice for a kids drumkit is this excellent product from Cecilio. This company’s Mendini range is designed for small children who want to start experimenting with a new instrument. This drumkit is a good example of why this range is so popular, delivering a durable, great-sounding product for a very reasonable, low-risk price.
This kit is aimed at smaller children, with it being particularly well-suited to toddlers due to its size. It’s composed of a bass drum, a mounted tom drum, and a mounted snare. It’s also got an 8” cymbal that’s connected to the kit with a cymbal arm. It’s enough components, in our opinion, for a child to have fun playing while also allowing them to learn the basics of the instrument.
It comes with some excellent accessories, such as quality drumsticks made from wood, as well as a comfy, padded stool.
Pros:
+ Great Price
+ Perfect for Toddlers
+ Includes Drumsticks and Throne
+ Bass, Tom, Snare, and Cymbal
+ Cool Looks
Why We Liked It - It’s the perfect kit for a budding, toddler drummer. The price is very affordable, so it can also be bought as a low-risk investment.
Drum Silencers and Pads: It's no secret that the drums are LOUD! If this is a problem for neighbors (or for yourself) then investing in a decent set of muffle pads/silencing pads is an excellent idea. This also means your child can practice freely at unsociable hours. An electric drumkit is another option for the volume conscious
2. Drum Set Eastar 14 inch Drum Kit
If you’re looking for a scaled-down version of an adult’s drumkit, then this is a good product to consider. Made by Eastar, this kit features a professional design for a reasonable price tag.
The drumkit is composed of four pieces. There’s a 14” by 10” bass drum, as well as an 8” by 6” mounted tom, a 10” by 5” mounted snare, and a 10” cymbal. These parts deliver surprisingly impressive sound quality considering it’s a kids kit.
The key reason for the good sound is because the shells have been made from poplar. The drum skins also appear to be high quality, making this anything but a toy set. This is a mini-drumkit so that small children can truly learn the instrument.
If you’re not particularly comfortable with DIY, then this is also an ideal product for you, as the setup is a breeze. It even comes with everything you need to put it together, so you won’t even need any tools.
Pros:
+ Easy to Assemble
+ Great Sound
+ High-Grade Materials
+ Includes Throne and Sticks
+ Affordable Price
Why We Liked It - It’s a quality, mini-drumkit that delivers excellent sound for a very affordable price.
3. Drum Set Eastar 16" 5-Piece Kit
Next up is another Eastar product. This one is a bit bigger than the previous kit that we looked at. It’s composed of six pieces, which are two floor toms, a mounted tom, a bass drum, a snare, a straight cymbal, and a hi-hat. It also comes with a drum throne, bass pedal, and drumsticks.
This kit is a beginner’s dream. Like the previous Eastar product, it is a scaled-down drumkit that performs just like a full-size kit. The compact size makes it ideal for any child who is too small for an adult’s kit. The throne is designed to withstand up to 220lbs, so parents can also have a practice when their child is at school.
Overall, this is a premium kids drumkit that is a good investment if your child is serious about drumming and wants a kit that can be used until they’re big enough for an adult set.
Pros:
+ Six Pieces
+ Very Durable Throne
+ Excellent Bass Pedal
+ Reasonable Price
+ Superb Sound
Why We Liked It - Having six pieces makes this kit feel like the real thing. It’s a quality drumkit for kids who want to stick with this instrument long-term.
Hardware and Stands: The hardware and stands that come with most kids or budget/entry drums are usually pretty good. But, always make sure it's well adjusted for the height of the user. Put some time into arranging the kit well so everything is accessible and within reach - this is important for any drummer.
4. Princess Pink Drum Set with Cymbals Complete Kids Set
Another gem by Gammon Percussion. The Princess Pink Drum Set with Cymbals Complete Kids Set has it all. This complete 5 piece set will help your child to master the drums in no time.
Pros:
+ Comes with the necessary stands.
+ Has great tone for a beginner set.
+ Inexpensive.
Why We Liked It - This starter set is a wonderful way to get your child into playing a musical instrument without breaking the bank.
5. GP Percussion GP55WR 5-Piece Junior Drum Set
GP Percussion is well-known for balancing good quality and price. The GP Percussion GP55WR 5-Piece Junior Drum Set offers your child a first-rate experience in terms of learning the drums, plays well, and you won't break the bank; the price at which you can pick up this little beauty is incredible given the high-quality of its performance.
Pros:
+ A complete 5-piece drum set to give your child the best learning experience.
+ This starter drum kit comes equipped with a bass drum pedal.
+ Comes with drumsticks and a drum key.
+ Clear GP-logos on drum heads and cymbals make this drum kit look great.
Why We Liked It - If you want a fantastic beginner drum set for your budding drummer but are concerned about price, this GP beginner set is the one for you.
6. Complete 5-Piece Black Junior Drum Set
The tone and sound quality of this snare drum set are exceptional for a beginner set and make it a standout option for your child. It's easy to assemble and looks great as well.
Pros:
+ This drum set comes in equipped with cymbal stands.
+ The drum set has an attractive high-gloss black finish.
+ The quality to price ratio is outstanding.
Why We Liked It - With the impressive price and all the qualities you could want in a beginner set, the Complete 5-Piece Black Junior Drum Set is a solid option for your child's first drum kit.
7. Mendini by Cecilio 16 inch 5-Piece Complete Kids Kit
Is your child an entry-level drummer with an eye towards one day going pro? The Mendini by Cecilio 16 inch 5-Piece Complete Kids' Kit is definitely the top choice for your beginner drummer. Think of it as a pro drum kit in a compact size, perfect for just starting out. If you want your child to have a realistic experience and learn the feel of a proper professional drum set, this is the one to get.
Pros:
+ This drum set comes with 5 pieces, making it a fantastic drum set for learning.
+ Has a cymbal, pedal, and drumsticks so that you do not have to buy anything after the initial purchase.
+ There's an adjustable throne for a more streamlined drumming experience.
Why We Liked It - For a realistic experience similar to that of the professional drum set, the Mendini by Cecilio 16 inch 5-Piece Complete Kids' Kit is the drum set you should go for.
8. Alesis DM6 USB Beginner Electronic Drum Set
This electronic drum set is arguably the best available for beginners. Alesis is well-known for making top of the line electronic percussion gear. It's an excellent choice in terms of providing your child with both quality and an easy to use tool when they're starting on their musical journey.
Pros:
+ Equipped with a sound module with 108 quality drum, percussion, and cymbal sounds.
+ High-quality hardware and rack.
+ Excellent feel on the pads of this drum; they are impact sensitive for a more natural response similar to a traditional kit.
Why We Liked It - The Alesis DM6 USB Beginner Electronic Drum Set has a lot to offer and is the preferred choice for many beginners.
9. Ludwig Junior Outfit Drum Set Wine Red
This drum set has all the necessities to make it one of the top line beginner drum sets. Ludwig is one of the best brands that you'll find on the drum market. Since Ludwig Junior Outfit Drum Set Wine Red comes from such a major trusted brand name, you can rest assured that your child will be getting the best quality available.
Pros:
+ Has better playability than a lot of other drum kits on the market.
+ The quality of the drum set is exceptional, allowing your child to focus on his or her playing technique.
Why We Liked It - Although a bit expensive than some of the other kits on this list, this drum set offers the best of the best for a beginner who is committed to mastering the drums.
10. Sound Percussion Labs Lil Kicker - 3-Piece Jr. Drum Set
This starter drum set is the best option available for kids five years and below. As a 3-piece kit, it is easier for younger children to master. The best part is that it's inexpensive, making it a great first kit for a very young child.
Pros:
+ Comes equipped with a kick pedal, drumstick, and drum tuning key.
+ Comes with a cushioned and adjustable drum throne.
Why We Liked It - The Sound Percussion Labs Lil Kicker - 3-Piece Jr. Drum Set is the perfect pick for you if you have a child of five years or younger.
Whilst the cymbals that come with entry-level kits fulfill their purpose, they're probably the first thing in line for an upgrade. Entry-level brass or B8 bronze cymbals represent a big step up in responsiveness, tone, and quality. Similarly, upgrading the drum heads on some kits can get significantly more mileage out of the kit.
Kids Drum Set Buyers' Guide
Before choosing the right drum set for your child you need to learn the basics that make up a drum set. This includes types of drums, drum kit, and types of cymbals. So let’s get started with drum types.
There are three types of drums in a drum set.
Snare drum
The snare drum is the center of the kit. It serves the strongest regular accents and backbone for many fills. For right-handed people, it's played with the left hand. Snare wires are fitted for creating a snappy yet buzzing sound.
Tom drum
These type of drums are also known as tom-tom drums. They are played with sticks and a drum set can have up to three of them. They serve the bulk of most drum fills and solos. There are four roots of tom drums which include double-headed rack toms, floor toms, concert toms, and rototoms.
Drums without snares such as octobans and gong are considered toms.
Bass drum
These types of drums are also called kick drums. They are a low pitch drum and provide the basic beat or timing element with basic pulse patterns. Some people tend to use more bass drums whereas some use double bass drum pedals with a single kick drum. You can record this with a microphone for kick drums.
Double bass drumming is more common in heavy metal songs. Using double bass drum pedals provides more space in performances and reduce transportation issues as well.
Other Drums
Octobans/rocket toms/deccabons were made to extend the upward pitch range by increasing their depth and diameter.
Timbales are tuned higher than toms of the same diameter. They are played with very light, thin, non-tapered sticks. They have a thin head and have a very different tone compared to toms. They are only used by the drummers who tend to extend the tom’s range upwards. They can be fitted with tom heads and tuned like shallow concert toms.
Gong drums are single-headed mountable drums that are similar to kick drums (ranging from 20-24 in diameter), but they have the same purpose as floor toms.
The drum kit is divided into four parts:
Breakables: Sticks, various cymbals, snare drum, throne, and bass drum pedal.
Shells: Bass drum and toms.
Extensions: Cowbell, tambourine, and chimes.
Hardware: Cymbal stands, drum stands, and pedals.
The last, most important element of a drum set is a cymbal. Cymbals are the rounded plates made up of metal alloys. We will discuss the three main cymbals used in drums and what their purposes are.
Ride Cymbal
These type of cymbals are used for keeping a constant rhythmic pattern. Most drummers use a single main ride, which is located in a playable range as it is used fairly regularly. The most common diameter of a ride cymbal is 20”. It's a medium weighted cymbal which cuts through other sounds.
Hi-hats Cymbal
These type of cymbals are made of two parts. Two cymbals are mounted to face each other on a metal pole which is supported by the legs. It has a foot pedal which can be pushed to move them closer. When the foot is lifted off the pedal, the cymbals move apart. They can be played by one or two sticks or by pushing/pulling the foot pedal. Different sounds are created by striking opening hi-hats versus closing hi-hats.
Crashes Cymbal
Crashes cymbals are the strongest accent markers making crescendos and climaxes, vocal entries and major changes of mood effects. They can be played with ride cymbals or hi-hats. Special crash/ride cymbals are designed to produce a good crash at low volumes.
Our Top Pick
People look for affordability and quality at the same time but it seems impossible as stores have a wide range of drums. Some are overpriced and some which are budget-efficient lack quality.
So today, we’ll introduce you to a five-piece junior starter drum kit by Gammon Percussion. Gammon is one of the best in the business.
The package includes hardware, stick, and throne. This kit is available in three attractive colors which have a high-gloss metallic finish and chrome rims. It's made with real wood drum shells giving it that old-school look. The set includes 16” 12 Lug Bass Drums, Two Tom Drums, Snare Drum, Snare Stand, Hi-hat stand, Cymbals, Mounted Cymbal, Bass Drum Pedal, Drum key and Drum Sticks. The products need assembly but it’s as easy as A-B-C.
Premium Choice
Allow us to introduce you to the D120B MB D by ddrum. It’s a fully fledged 5-piece drum kit that isn't necessarily only for beginners. This is a fusion set.
There are three toms that measure 10x8, 12x9, and 14x12, snares which measure 14x5, and the bass drum is a dignified 20x16. Big bass drums, toms, and snares offer a loud sound. It also has one pair of hi-hat cymbals (14” with stand) and a crash cymbal (16” with stand). It comes with a drum throne, with one pair of sticks, a drum key, and an Allen wrench for making adjustments. These drums don’t arrive assembled but they are easy to assemble yourself, without any instruction manual. For achieving even higher quality, the drum heads and cymbals can be replaced.
The set has a professional looking black finish on hardware and stands. In fact, the D120B MB D by ddrums is a popular choice.
Great Value
Do you want to surprise your kid but don't want to break the bank? The GP50BL by GP Percussion is a top choice. It’s a three-piece drum set with a gorgeous blue finish.
The drum set includes 10” cymbal and hi-hat, bass drum pedals, junior throne, drumsticks and drum keys, a snare, a tom and bass drum. It’s the best partner for your child to showcase his talent and practice his skills. The drum set arrives unassembled but has an instruction manual for easy assembly in minutes. No additional tools are needed. This set is best for children between three to ten.
If you're looking for a professional partner for your kid in an affordable budget then the GP50BL by GP Percussion is the one for you.
What Age Groups are Junior Drum Sets For?
As a beginner, you only need three toms, a snare, a kick drum, cymbals, and a hi-hat. You can even add a China Splash or anything else you like. These pieces guarantee that your child will be able to have a better grounding in drumming techniques.
The age group for junior drum sets is variable. Junior set drums are smaller in size, so kids ranging from about three to seven can adjust without any setbacks. Further variations can still occur as all kids are different (ie. size, height, weight), and one of the main considerations is how comfortable your child is with a drum set. There are varying factors that need to be taken into consideration. However, if your children is less than five foot tall, a junior drum set will be ideal.
How Big Are Junior Drum Sets?
A junior drum set can include up to five pieces, three toms, a snare, a kick drum, a cymbal, and a hi-hat. Note that cymbals and hi-hats are not counted as pieces, so three toms, a snare, and a kick drum make up the five pieces. With a junior drum set, you can get drumsticks, where the weight and size can alter the sound. Some manufacturers don’t include them in the package which can be frustrating for consumers.
An average drum size for beginners is about 10” x 5” with a snare measuring about 10”. A good drum depth for beginners is around 5” deep. Junior drum sets can vary as some are three pieces and some are five pieces. Some include three toms or some include only one tom.
Three piece drum sets are good for beginners as they carry less hassle for managing toms. They are also relatively compact. If you're in the market for one of these smaller, more manageable sets, allow us to introduce you to a three-piece drum set by Sound Percussion Labs. The Lil Kicker is suitable for kids aged three and above. The bass drums have a diameter of 16” x 12” which is ideal for producing exceptional bass.
10” x 4” snare promises a good sharp staccato sound. It's equipped with hi-hats and crash/ride cymbal. All the stands, sticks, tuning keys and hardware are included so you don’t have to order anything separately. Single braced hardware also ensures sturdiness and safety.
What about five-piece sets? The Gammon Percussion Y1049 is one of our top picks. This set is a beast for beginners. It includes two mounted toms, one-floor tom, a 16” bass drum, and a snare drum to your child starts off with all the necessities. Along with the essentials, this product is great value for money and is highly recommended for kids ten and younger. They are made with real wood shells so you don’t have to compromise on sound quality. The package also includes a drum stool so you don’t have to look for a separate one.
What Should My Budget Be?
Determine how much you'd like to spend on your child's new drum set before you hit the shops. These junior drum kits come in a variety of price ranges, but the beauty of them is that there's a lot of great value to be found; you can pick up a great quality set for a very reasonable price.
Because you're looking to buy this instrument for a child, it may be better to opt for a less expensive model since there's always the possibility that your child may not want to continue playing the drums as he or she gets older. Do your research then decide what budget range is appropriate for you and will complement your child's interest level and commitment to learning the drums.
We hope that our efforts will help you select the best product and keep your young artist busy as they develop their skills.
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