Help your little rockstar march to the beat of their own drums!
Do you have a little drummer running around the house banging anything and everything within their sight of vision? Is a drum set on your child’s wish list? Or are you a parent that wants their child to engage in productive things, rather than spending their days stuck in front of a screen? If you resonate with any of these situations this article is for you. Protect your house, while simultaneously engaging your child in a fun activity by getting them a junior drum set!
According to a study by Northwestern University, to fully avail the cognitive benefits of a music class, kids can’t just sit there and listen to music; they have to be actively engaged in the music and participate in playing the instrument. A set of drums is a scary instrument to go for as no one wants to have a new drummer creating a ruckus around the house, but the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. Not only does drumming develop cognitive skills, but it also provides a productive energy outlet for your child that sitting around on an iPad won’t.
Now that that’s out of the way, another major question that arises is; Which drum kit should I get for my kid? Whether you’re a musician who has complete knowledge about hi-hat, cymbals, bass drum, and tom-toms, etc, or you’re non-musician who gets confused just looking at these terms, we’ve got your back. This article will explain everything that you need to know, ranging from important terminologies to the best drum sets available on the market, to help make your decision easy.
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Junior Drum Sets that We Highly Recommend!
Below listed are five drum kits that we recommend. Each drum set has its specifications, pros, and cons, that make it special. Not only are these products the best quality-wise, but they would also provide your child with great acoustics to produce their very own music.
The Best Drum Set Overall: Ludwig Accent Drive Blue
The very first product on our list is none other than the Ludwig Accent Drive Blue. This kit is the best out there. With a really high customers’ score, one is assured that its high quality. One cannot overlook the fact that it is manufactured by Ludwig, one of the best manufacturers of their kind. This kit will have your kid grooving to the beat of their drums in style!
Unboxing the Magic:
This one-of-a-kind set includes:
- 22″ Bass Drum
- 10, 12, 16″ Toms
- 14″ Snare Drum
- 13″ Hi-Hats & 16″ Crash Included
- All Hardware Included
Live example
*Don’t be fooled by the fact that an adult plays it in this video. The size is good for a kid.
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- Ludwig Accent Drive Blue has a reputation amongst customers to be sturdy and of great quality, with one user saying that “the drums are solid, well built, and will last through several kids”. Many people also said that the sound quality is premium and matches that of a professional drumming set. Other than that, reviewers also agree that it’s worth the price they paid for it. Not only do they like the sound, but they also appreciate the style and paint on the drums. Drum key and drum sticks are included in this kit, a feature not commonly found in others.
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- Many people have complained about the low build and sound quality of the cymbals. While others complained that it was slightly difficult for them to assemble it, as the kit does not come with assembling instructions. Although they found it was easy to set up once they had googled their queries.
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The Final Verdict:
Several customers agree that it’s the real deal and is well-suited for 3-7-year-old children. After all, you do want to provide the best for your little munchkins!
The Best Drum Set for a Toddler: Mendini by Cecilio
Do you have a toddler running around the house, banging pots and spoons? Don’t worry, we’ve got just the perfect drumming set for them. This 5-piece Mendini by Cecilio junior drum set is all your kid needs to begin their journey towards music. So what are you waiting for? Check out everything and more that this set includes within an amazing price range!
You can read more about this drum set here.
Unboxing the Magic:
Inside this drum set, you’ll find:
- 16″ x 11″ Bass drum
- 10” x 5” and 8” x 6” Tom Toms
- 10″ x 6″ Matching Snare Drum
- 12″ x 10″ Floor Tom
- 8″ Hi-Hat with Stand
- 10″ Crash Cymbal with Bass Drum Mounted Stand
- Round padded height adjustable drum throne
- Bass drum pedal
- A pair of wooden drum sticks
- Assembly Instructions
Live example
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- This kit has won everyone’s hearts around the world. Many users agree that it is perfect for a young kid that’s interested in playing. The sound quality has got exceptionally good reviews. More than one user has also praised the quality of the build of the drums as well, with one user, in particular, saying that the quality is much nicer than that of a toy. Others also agree that the set is great considering the price they paid for it.
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- Many of the complaints by the users were regarding the instruction manual which was provided but wasn’t adequate to help in assembling the set and made the entire process slightly difficult. Apart from that, a little percentage of users were disappointed in the quality of the hardware, though the percentage of those that were satisfied is far more!
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The Final Verdict:
In conclusion, this set is recommended by many for children aged 3-7. Your toddler deserves the best, and this is it!
Best for a Parent on Budget: 3-Piece Mendini by Cecilio
Do you want the perfect drumming kit, but it costs an arm and a leg? Can’t find anything that fits within your budget? Not a problem anymore, as we have the solution. This 3- Piece Mendini by Cecilio is a smaller sized drum kit, perfect for the junior musician in your house. It includes everything that the kids need to start, without costing you a fortune.
Unboxing the Magic:
Inside this 3-piece set you get;
- 8″ x 13″ Bass drum with 4 lugs with a bass drum pedal
- 6″x 8″ Mounted tom with 4 lugs
- 4″x 10 ” Mounted snare with 4 lugs
- 8″ Cymbal with cymbal arm
- A pair of wooden drum sticks,
- Padded drum throne,
- Assembling Instructions
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- It has high customers score, with more than 70% of the users giving this kids drum set 5 out of 5 stars. A lot of reviewers praised the quality of the sound of the drums. Many people said that the set exceeded their expectations, as the built is way better than expected to get at such a low price range. Other reviewers were also pleased with how the drums looked, with one user saying that they were pleased with how the drums look, sound, and play. A group of people also appreciated the little amount of time that it took to set up the kit.
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- Many of the complaints about this set revolved around the low quality of the foot pedals- which is quite a common problem with drums falling within this price range. Many users also expressed disappointment over receiving their set with some pieces missing, although this problem was solved once they contacted the seller.
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The Final Verdict:
A significant number of users recommend this product for 3-6-year-olds. One of the best kids drum kit to buy without having to lose a limb!
Best Entry Level Kit: GP Percussion Junior Drum Set
Is your kid just starting drumming? Do you want to get them a drum set to support their newfound interest? Well, right here is the answer to your questions. The GP Percussion GP50MRB Junior Drum Set is what you and your kids need. This 3-piece drum set guarantees the same experience as real drums at a very suitable price. GP Percussion GP50MRB Junior Drum Set is ideal as an entry kit, as it allows your kids to set their hand and leg coordination before they can get rolling!
Unboxing the Magic:
This drum set is a catch at its price, as it includes:
- Bass drum (6-lug) 10″ x 6″
- Tom-tom (5-lug) with holder 10″ x 5″
- Snare Drum
- cymbal with holder
- Junior Hi-Hat Cymbal with Stand
- Bass drum Pedal
- Junior Drummer’s Throne
- Drum key
- Drum Sticks
Live example
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- Almost all reviewers are in love with this product. More than 60% of reviewers giving it 5 stars, whereas the rest of them gave the product 4 stars. Reviewers claim that the sound quality is good considering the price point. Owners also complimented the size of the product, saying that it was the perfect height for their child! Many owners also praised the easy assembly of the set, with one user saying that “the instructions were very clear and really fun to read”. The inclusion of drum sticks is a plus point!
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- Some users had minor complaints regarding the low quality of cymbals and pedal but were overall very happy with the set. Another user had issues with the durability of the product but didn’t regret her purchase as she thought it was perfect for her kids.
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The Final Verdict:
This drumming set is second to none when it comes to entry-level kits. Many parents and grandparents recommend it, claiming their child is very happy with it.
Best for an 8-10-Year-Old: Ashthorpe Drum Set with Remo Batter Heads
This 5-piece drum set is exceptional for 8-year-olds and above. Combining class, beauty, and quality, Ashthorpe Drum Set is ideal to practice new sounds and allowing yourself to move to the beat of the drums. It promises to give your child a professional-grade drumming experience, making them feel like Neil Peart. This drum set is everything a young musician needs to kickstart their journey. Not only does it vouch to give an iconic experience, but it would also make any room that you put in immediately pop with style and elegance.
Unboxing the Magic:
This magnificent set has everything your kids need. It includes:
- 22″ x 16″ eight-lug bass drum with
- Chain-driven Pedal
- 14″ x 6″ snare drum
- 12″ x 9″ Mounted Toms
- Hi-hat Cymbals
- Crash/Ride Cymbal
- Adjustable DrumThrone (stool)
- Pair of Wood Drumsticks
- Drum Key
- Assembly layout
- Tuning guide
But wait, that’s not all, this set also features Remo Brand drum heads which are famous for their heavy-duty build and sound quality.
Live example
*Don’t be fooled by the fact that an adult plays it in this video. The size is good for a kid.
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- This set its famous amongst the reviewers as one of the top choices in the list for drum kits for kids. Reviewers are pleased with the sound quality and think that the price they spent on it was worthwhile. Many users claimed that this was a welcome addition in their collection of drum sets. Owners were pleased with the fact that this kit comes with Reno drum heads, which increases the sound quality from good to great and is the reason why this set is ranked higher than others. The overall response to the caliber and build is highly positive, and users were content with it. Users found that the assembly was fairly easy as the manual came with detailed directions.
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- The most common complaint amongst the users was regarding the low quality of cymbals. Others argued that the drum throne was slightly uncomfortable, though even these reviews recommended this set for beginners.
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Conclusion:
Almost all owners are completely delighted with this product, as are their children. It’s perfect if your child is showing interest in learning how to play!
Important Parts of a Drum Set
A typical drum kit includes the following parts:
- Snare Drum: A snare drum is the most important drum included in the set. It is the central drum that produces varieties of sounds.
- Bass Drum: This is the large drum that usually gives out a low pitch sound. It’s also known as Kick Drum, as it is played with a foot pedal attached to the rim of the drum.
- Drum Throne: Also commonly known as the drum stool, this is where you or your kid will sit to play their drum set.
- Tom-Toms: A pair of drums without the snare, propped on the side of your kit is known as Tom-Tom. Its typically used to produce a special effect in your tunes.
- Cymbals: Cymbals are thin, round plates of percussion instruments.
- Hi-Hat: A hi-hat is a pair of two cymbals placed a small distance apart from each other along with a foot pedal mounted on a metal stand.
What is a Junior Drum Set?
Now to the real question, what exactly is a junior drum set? In the simplest of terms, as the name suggests, a junior drum set is a beginner drum set for your child. Although the size of a junior drum set you would need to buy depends on the height of your child, typically a drum kit for kids has a 16″ to 18″ inch diameter of the bass drum, whereas the ones for adults have a 20″ inch or larger diameter of bass drums.
What age is a Junior Drum Set for?
Essentially, a junior drum set is best for children ranging from 3 to 11 years old. By the way, you may be interested to know What Is The Best Age To Start Drum Lessons?.
How much does a kids drum set cost?
There is no fixed value for this. Ultimately it all depends on your budget and your kids’ experience and interest. It’s suggested to spend less on buying a drum set if you just want to assess whether your kids like playing drums. Sites like Amazon have discounts that help save more. The prices of products listed below go as little as $90, all the way up to $300.
How to set up junior drum sets?
At the beginning of the article we promised to help you with everything you’ll need, and we intend to keep that promise. Don’t feel too overwhelmed looking at all the bits and pieces, just follow these 10 steps and you’ll be done in no time!
- Spot: The very first thing you need to decide on is the location where you want the action to happen. We suggest a place where you and your child would not only be comfortable but also where you won’t be too bothered by the sound.
- Throne: The angle of every accessory will be determined by the height of the throne, which depends on how tall your child is. Loosen the screw on the bottom of the stand, opening it wide so that it has maximum support. Just attach the cushion of your throne on the axle and screw it up. Easy!
- It’s All About the Bass: Take the kick drum out and place it such that one of the flat sides is facing you, a position similar to a rolling wheel. To prevent the bass from rolling, legs will need to be plopped. Point the legs diagonally away from where you will be kicking, and tighten them. Bring the pedal to the center of the kick drum and loosen the knob on it. Attach the kick pedal to the drum’s rim by lifting it slightly. The pedal will fit but will be loose until the knob is tightened. Test the stability of the entire setup by repeatedly kicking on the pedal. If the pedal or the drum moves, adjust the legs or kick pedal until its steadier.
- Mount the Toms!: Two toms must be mounted on top of the bass. First, connect the arms to the toms. Insert the short end of the arm into the toms completely, and tighten the screw. There are two openings on top of the bass. The smaller tom goes into the left opening the larger tom goes into the right, making sure that toms don’t touch the kick drum.
- Set a Snare!: Adjust the angle and height of the snare drum according to your child’s. Open the snare stand wide by loosening the screw, and pull down on the three prongs so that they lay flat. Now simply place the snare drum on top, smooth side up.
- Hit a Hi-Hat: Establish the base of the stand in such a manner that the already attached pedal is facing the throne. Slide off any screws/paddings from the top stand. Insert either of the two cymbals down, concave side up. Remove the bolt and the washer from the holding stand and insert another cymbal, and screw tight the bolt and washer on either side of the cymbal. Determine the distance between the two cymbals according to your preference, although it is suggested that the second cymbal reaches halfway down.
- Cymbals; All cymbals are positioned in the same manner. Unscrew the bottom of their stands so that they are wide open, and then retighten the screws. At the top of each stand, there are several washers and a securing screw. The screw and the top washer should be removed, and a cymbal should be placed on top of the bottom washer.
Also, this video is incredibly helpful to watch before your first time assembling your kit. Goes over how to place everything and why. Tips, tricks and ergonomics.
There you have it! Now your kid is ready to start rocking and banging like Gadd.
Sum-Up
Doesn’t matter if you aren’t a drummer, as now you know as much as any other. Ranging from the ideal drum kit for your child, to how to assemble a drumming kit, you’ve come full circle. For this article we went into great depth about the products that we think will help your child not only enjoy themselves but would also help them develop cognitive skills. We analyzed reviews from customers who own this product and gave you an honest insight into the features of the products. A foolproof solution to being your child’s favorite parent!