Beginner's Gear Guides: Acoustic Drums

For first-time players and students, complete kits offer a great value with minimal fuss. A complete kit includes almost everything you need to get started -- drums, hardware, and oftentimes cymbals and drumsticks. Make sure to take a close look at each kit's "what's included" description to find out exactly what you'll be getting.

Shell kits typically offer higher-quality drums than those found in complete kits, and are best suited to serious beginners and intermediate players. Shell kits ship with just the drums themselves, so you'll need to pick out some hardware and cymbals to complete the setup. Read more about cymbals and hardware below.

A basic drum setup includes a crash cymbal, a ride cymbal and a pair of hi-hats cymbals. Premier cymbal makers like Zildjian, Sabian and Meinl offer cymbal packages that feature collections of tonally-matched options. If you prefer variety or just want to expand your kit, try mixing and matching cymbals from our selection.

Drum hardware is important. The cymbal stands keep your cymbals firmly in place, and the throne and bass drum pedal need to be sturdy and comfortable for a good playing experience. A basic drum setup includes a cymbal stand for each cymbal, a snare drum stand, a bass drum pedal and a drum throne. If you've decided on a shell kit, consider an all-inclusive hardware package.