Drumming is quite impressive, isn’t it? That’s quite true, and for intermediate drummers, it feels so exciting once you know how to play a good combination of the set from the bass drum pedal to floor toms and the rack toms.
For beginners, you don’t need anything too expensive than a drum set with basic features. But after hammering your first kit for some time, you find beginners moving to something a little more than a drum set with basic features.
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While a beginner drum set is great, they are not good for progress. As your skills progress, so should your kit because of the desire for a great sound. Hence, you are looking for one of the best drum sets with enhanced quality sounds and better usability. The best intermediate drum set is, therefore, not only for practice but for sharpening your skills. Understand that from here; you are moving to professional gear.
What to look for in the best Intermediate drum sets in [currentyear]
The excitement of moving to the be next level can be quite tempting. You may be tempted to start looking for a great professional drum set. However, it takes more than just picking a drum set. If you are looking for something that is better than what you currently have, there are skillsets to identify the right drum shell packs, floor toms, rack toms, and many other features of a proper drum kit that gives you advanced experience with good sound-mix, and at the same time, being budget-friendly.
When upgrading drummers come to me, I like sharing with them exactly what I needed in my set. Here are some ideas.
Advanced features
For a startup kit, it is only the drum, the cymbals, and the drumsticks that are important. But when it comes to advanced kits, you are looking at better drum heads, better-sounding cymbals more accessories. One of the things you will notice about the upgrade is simply more features. In other words, advanced drum kits require proper technical-know of how to keep time, drum for different genres, and more much more.
The brand
There are very many brands for beginner drums. This is because they are cheaper and easier to manufacture. However, best intermediate drum sets for beginners come with better features and knowing which to get makes the brand matters a lot.
Reputably among the brands are the High-end drum manufacturers like DW and Yamaha that focus on intermediate and high-end functionality. These brands are greatly established in reputation.
Your budget
Getting the best drum set means you will need to dig deeper into your pockets. You may have used just a few bucks to get your beginner kit. However, to get intermediate kits, you will need a considerable amount of your savings this time around, although most of them are still in the affordable range while there are some that cost pretty high.
Setup
Again, beginner drum kits are made for easy setup. This may not be true with the best intermediate drum sets. Some of them, for instance, come with more cymbals and drum heads than entry-level solutions. Configuring drum kit with proper positioning of the floor tom, the bass drum can be difficult for beginners to figure out. However, there are instructional manuals for that.
How much is the best drum set?
These kit categories are pretty much more expensive than entry-level drum sets. The entry-level drum is cheap because they are more like drum testing options. Hence, you may want to know the price for the next level.
These drum sets come at varying prices, and there are several factors that determine prices. First, the price depends on the features of the set. For instance, all electronic mesh drums will cost higher than plastic pads. Although there are those that even play as an intermediate option too. Such may be a bit cheaper.
One thing you must know, is they are not cheap. For instance, Brands like Yamaha, DW, and Roland because of their reputation make high-end acoustic and electronic kits that cost a bit more.
I believe you are buying an intermediate drum kit because you are ready to commit, so you can look out for Alesis’ brands, which makes it the most affordable, entry-level, and intermediate electronic drum kit.
Whatever you choose, quality must not be compromised. That’s exactly why prices go higher, so be informed. Generally, get ready with a few hundred to get a decent drum set, and we’ll be considering the top 5 sets.
Top 5 drum kits for intermediate players
For those who are still not sure where to begin, here are some products you can rely on. I have picked them according to price, features, and generally functional.
PDP 7-Piece Concept Maple Shell Pack
If you are upgrading from the beginner level, and you need something that is quite affordable without compromising quality, then PDP by DW may be a great choice. The kit-setup comes with all the features that include a floor tom, bass drum, and just anything you could think of in a decent drum kit.
It comes with high-quality functions while ensuring you don’t have to break the bank for it. The drum sets are boutique-inspired, which made me fall in love with them immediately,
Whether you are playing at home or on stage, this kit will make you feel really good. And since you are looking for better sounds, you can be sure that you will be well served.
It sounds really amazing, which lets you enjoy the best of both worlds. With a bass drum, 7-ply tom, and kick drum, as well as a 10-ply snare drum shell, you’re good on any music genre.
But you will have to buy cymbals and stands separately. Most high-end drum sets don’t come with cymbals anyway. Luckily, these accessories are easily found online.
Note also that the kit claims to come with Chrome mounting hardware. This means there are drum stands or lifts. Also, you can buy this one cheaply from online stores. Nevertheless, you should not expect much from such a low price.
Generally, the kit is excellent in construction. It looks pretty interesting and sounds even better. It is also recommended for playing live on the stage of studios recording.
Drum Workshop is one of the most reputable drum companies in the world and has remained in that top position for long that their qualities should be doubted. It focuses on high-end drum sets, except for PDPs, which are aimed at the lower market.
For this reason, you can expect a budget-friendly price of this kit. And if you want to elevate your drumming experience, I would highly recommend this set.
Pros
- Beautiful and responsive construction with aesthetic looks
- Amazing sounds and tunes
- Features a chrome mounting hardware.
- Good for all playing needs
- Great bass drum feeling
Cons
- You will need to buy cymbals separately.
- It does not also come with a stand, which means you have to purchase them individually too.
Pearl Decade Maple
Who doesn’t know Pearl in the drumming industry? Chances are you are already using their drum sets or accessories. Hence, you can expect nothing but the best from the brand. They have been making some of the most exquisite entry – to mid-level sets.
The Pearl Decade drums feature maple snare drum shells producing warm sounds and epic that only maple shells can deliver. And this is where the incredible sounds of the kit come from. The snare-drum shell is a top-quality wood that produces excellent tones.
I like the Decade DMP927SP for its quality. I would recommend it to those who need the best mid-level playing experience.
One of the main features of this set is its quality. Not very many sets in this price range come with shells and lugs. This is why Pearl Decade gives out clearer resonating sounds. In addition, it comes with sturdy and durable construction. Also, this brand comes with a lifetime warranty.
The fact that its shells are pretty attractive is something you need to keep in mind, the look of it is divine. And as far as hardware and cymbals go, you can never ask for more at such prices.
I will not forget to mention that it is among the 7-piece drum sets in today’s market. This means you will get a bass drum, a snare, two-floor toms, and three suspended toms.
And if you like your drums to stand out, I am sure you will be proud of the stunning lacquer finish. This makes it look sharp and highly attractive. All shells are 6-ply and feature 100% maple. This feature makes it produce the high-quality sound you get.
As if that is not enough, the brand also includes superior-quality mounting and locking systems. This means your rack toms are perfectly set in place.
Lastly, You will be glad it comes with a lifetime warranty. This is just to assure its quality and functionality.
Pros
- The Pearl Decade promises excellent tones. This comes from its construction and the type of wood on its shells.
- The kit comes ready for gigging. Because of its superior-quality sound, even professional drummers will find it useful.
- It comes with sturdy construction. A lifetime warranty means it is very durable.
- It has a warm-sound maple shell
Cons
- These are shell packs only—no stands, cymbals, pedal or double bass drum pedal
The Roland V-Compact Series (TD-17KV-S)
When it comes to the best electronic drums, I would like to believe no company beats Roland. It may be a good idea to try out this e-drum set if you need to get comfortable behind the sticks.
The Roland TD-17KV-S is an excellent choice for intermediate drumming. They are very compact, giving you a realistic and natural feeling. The kit comes with a wide collection of preset samples from real instruments. You can also customize it with kits that make you more comfortable ( about 25 preset kits can be fully customized).
Note, however, it is not built to emulate an acoustic setup. If you want more realistic sounds, I would suggest you go for the most expensive choices.
It comes with everything you need to start playing, including snare, three rack toms, and three cymbal pads with a hi-hat controller. Also, you can plug in your smartphone or stereo to jam along with your best songs.
With the coach mode, you will monitor your drumming progress and improve wherever possible. There is nothing this kit will not do for you.
Pros
- Very portable kit
- Great for silent practicing.
- Realistic sounds and response.
Cons
- An electronic set means you need speakers or an amplification device.
Gretsch Catalina Drum Maple
Many people have asked me for long whether Gretsch drum sets are any good. And my answer is always a reference to the Catalina Maple. This is a five-piece kit that really stands out. This means it is also very portable and compact due to the number of kits. The kit comes built with a 7-ply maple shell. The five pieces include a bass drum, a snare, and three toms. It also comes with Gretsch signature locking and mount system.
If you’re looking for another drum kit from Gretsch, you can also consider getting Gretsch Catalina Club. It’s not only good for intermediate-level but also great for beginners.
Pros
- Easily tuned kit
- Quality sounds and response.
- Recommended for smaller spaces,
Cons
- No hardware and cymbals.
Yamaha Stage Custom Birch 5-piece Drum Shell Pack
If you don’t know Yamaha, then you haven’t started drumming yet. This brand is one of the best quality kits from the company.
It is a 5-piece drum shell pack containing bass drum, a snare, and three toms. It is very affordable too. Also, it comes with mounts and hardware.
You will get three legs for the toms and a three-hole receiver for the rack toms. This makes everything look so easy and straightforward.
It is produced with 100% birch, which is why they are affordable. Birch is of poor quality to maple, yet still functional.
Pros
- 100% birch
- Great mounting hardware.
- Excellent sounding kit.
Cons
- No cymbals and hardware
- Not kick pedal or a throne.
Are PDP drums any good?
Yes. PDP drums are some of the best options on the market today. They are made with high-quality material, ensuring you enjoy constant plating.
Also, they are boutique-inspired. Hence, they will look wonderful, no matter where you play them. The Asian Maple wood that makes them is of the best quality.
What makes a good set?
When it comes to an understanding of the best drum set, I will package every feature into functionality, but with technology taking over the world, it would be hard to tell for sure which is one of the best drum sets that produces quality sound since everyone has their preferences.
However, there are features that should never be compromised. And these include quality material (which brings out quality sound), and sturdy construction (for durability).
Conclusion
When you are ready for the next level of drumming, the gear you get will determine how much output you get. I hope the reviews in this article have enlightened you. If you are looking for something more portable and functional, I would recommend Roland. They have the desired floor tom, and snare shell with effective sound output. You can expect all you desire as a drummer from Roland
