The Top 5 Brands of Drum Kits That Money Can Buy

Looking to get into the drumming scene or just joining a band for the first time There is much to learn about drumming when it comes to keeping rhythm, and some might say even more when it comes to hardware. Drum kits come in all shapes and sizes and are often tailor made to suit a particular genre or style of playing, but by finding the perfect piece for each job you can create the kit of your dreams in no time at all.

Here is a list of the top 5 drum brands that will get you started on the road to drummer’s paradise.

1. Pearl Drum Kits

Pearl is a name synonymous with the drumming world for their glorious history in manufacturing, as well as the iconic kits they have created over the past 60 years. Some of the best drummers in the world have used Pearl kits as their staple touring and studio kits, and with the phenomenal success of the Export Series of drum kit, they are sure to continue on their path of drumming glory.
Check our the Masters Series of Pearl drum kits to see how far drumming has really come in the past 60 years with Pearl. Manufactured using only the finest acoustically matched materials, Pearl drum kits scream quality and acoustic fidelity throughout the kit.

2. Tama Drum Kits

Tama is one of the brands that many touring drummers prefer to use for their versatility in both sound and construction. With a large range of matched kits to choose from such as the Silverstar range that offers versatility throughout the acoustic spectrum, Tama has pushed the bang for buck envelope even further with the Starclassic range that offers sweet fidelity at an even sweeter price.

3. Zildjian Cymbals & Percussion

Zildjian is the foremost authority in the drumming world when it comes to percussion additions and cymbals. With a wide range of cymbals to choose from, you are sure to be able to perfectly match your drumming style and musical tastes with room to spare. Used by just about every professional drummer at some point in their careers, Zildjian carries the excellent ZBT series, A Series and the remarkable sounding K Custom series.

4. Mapex Drum Kits

Mapex is another leader in the drumming industry when it comes to taking advantage of new technologies and materials to create the ultimate sounding kit. With the latest range of Rock Fusion kits becoming the go-to kit for many up-and-coming bands, Mapex is enjoying somewhat of a revival as a professional drum kit manufacturer.

Being specialists in particular hardware, it is best known for the Mapex snare drums, with many pro drummers switching out their standard kit snares for MPML Snare series drums or the rather radical addition of the new ‘Exterminator’ Snare.

6. Sabian Percussion Cymbals & Instruments

Sabian is another big hitter in field of percussive instruments and cymbals. Seemingly just as popular as Zildjian, Sabian has its own range of custom built, hand-made professional cymbal ranges that speak louder than words when it comes to effects. Known for their bright shimmering ride and splash cymbals, Sabian is a mainstay for many a professional drummer on the road.


When it comes to choosing the best equipment money can buy, stick to this list of the top 5 drum kit manufacturers and you cannot go wrong. Mix and match the kits, snares, foot pedals and cymbals to best suit your playing style, and you will find that you can create the individual sound that you are after quicker than Keith Moon’s drumsticks.

Choosing the Right Cymbal to Add to Your Kit

In the world of drums nothing says more about who you are more than the kit you play. Whether it is a classical jazz that you are into that may require the absolute minimum of equipment, or play world music that requires many different implementations of percussive additions, learning about the types of cymbals at your disposal will bring more out of your playing that you might think.

There are several types of cymbal that make up the average kit, and whilst many drummers only tend to use the basic setup of crash, ride and a pair of hi-hats. These cymbals can be interchanged with varying types of similar cymbals to derive a different sound when struck. Additional cymbals can be assembled to a standard kit to provide different tones, accents and pitches when playing.

Additional cymbals called effects cymbals are used to enhance playing by introducing different tones. In most extended kits, the addition of splash cymbals provide a distinct sound and most cymbal manufacturers provide extension packs containing both a splash and a china cymbal to add to an extended kit.

Other additional cymbals are called accent cymbals, which provide a distinctive sound that differs from the traditional groove or pattern usually played on a regular kit cymbal. Many accent cymbals are made up of the huge variety of china, splash and crash cymbals that differ from manufacturer to manufacturer.

The Big Four of Cymbal Production

There are four powerhouses in the world of cymbals that both design and manufacture the most popular cymbals on the market. Zildjian started making cymbals as early as 1623 and was famed for their build quality and clarity. The company has a rich history of cymbal making and design that has made them one of the top names in the industry today.

Sabian is the other popular brand of cymbals that design and manufacture high quality drum kit accessories, cymbals and related gear. Sabian is Canadian and offers a huge range of products from traditional designs to world music percussion pieces. Paiste and Meint complete the ‘big four’ companies in the world of cymbals, and buying cymbals manufactured by either will ensure high quality throughout.

Zildjian offers many different cymbals in its range and has specific series to allow you to choose the best cymbals for your kit. With a range comprising of their custom series that is famous for their refined and classic sound to the Zildjian custom hybrid series that aims to combine traditional finishes with the latest in cymbal technology.

Sabian also offers a range of custom cymbal kits as well as traditional packs that can be the perfect upgrade. With a range of oriental and World Series cymbals to choose from you will surely find the sound you’ve been looking for. With a range to suit all budgets, why not upgrade your existing kit with superior quality cymbals that could make a difference to your playing style.


Image Source: google, musicradar, zzounds