Drum Set Cost

Basic Set: $250-$1,000; $150-$800 used

Typical costs:

A basic beginners drum set runs about $250 -$1,000 new and $150 -$800 used. Better quality sets cost $1,500 -$3,000 and up.
Kid-sized drum sets start around $80 -$150 for an inexpensive three-piece version but can run up $200 -$1,000 or more, depending on the quality and number of pieces.
Some new drum kits don't include cymbals, which can be quite expensive. A basic three-piece beginner set runs about $90 -$200 and a four-piece set is typically $200 -$500, but a three- or four-piece set of performance cymbals (with bag) can easily run $500 -$1,500 or more.
Many instructors recommend starting with a drum practice pad and buying a set only after developing intermediate drumming skills. Practice pads are small, lightweight, and designed to feel and play like a drum without making a lot of noise. They start around $8 -$25 for basic pads, run $20 -$60 for more complex models (tunable, on a stand, playable on top of your drum kit, etc.) and are $100 -$200 or more for a complete practice pad set that simulates a standard drum kit, but is quieter and more portable. RockDrummingSystem.com explains how to use a practice pad effectively.

What should be included:

A standard beginners drum set-up often includes a 22-inch bass drum, 14-inch snare drum, two 12-inch rack tom-toms and a 16-inch floor tom, a set of three to four cymbals (sometimes sold separately), the required hardware (stands, bass pedal, etc.) and an adjustable stool for the drummer. Sizes may vary, but these are typical for a beginners kit -- and not all these pieces are included in every drum set. A three-piece kid's kit usually has a bass drum, snare drum and one cymbal, plus the hardware. DrumDojo.com lists a glossary of basic drum parts and ExpertVillage.com provides a video demonstration of a basic drum set.

Additional costs:

Drumsticks range from $1 -$30 a pair, but average around $4 -$9. Brushes (for a softer sound on snare and cymbals) cost $15 -$30.
Make sure the drum set you are buying includes the "hardware" -- the stands, pedal and adjustable stool (often called a throne). Stands run $50 -$150 or more each; a bass drum pedal can be $50 -$250 or more; and a drummer's throne can run $50 -$200 or more.
If you buy a used drum kit, you might need to replace all the drum heads at an average cost of $90 -$110 for the set.

Discounts:

There are lots of beginner drum sets gathering dust in basements and garages. Publish an advertisement listing exactly what you want, and you may find an unwanted kit at a bargain price.

Shopping for a drum set:

Most experts recommend setting your budget first, then shopping within that price range. And if you're just getting started, you can buy a relatively inexpensive set now and upgrade parts of it (drum heads, cymbals, base pedal) over a period of time, rather than buying top quality pieces all at once. Try several sets to see what you like. Once you know what kind of drum set you want, get prices from several stores -- but be sure you're comparing exactly the same equipment. Prof. Sound provides basic tips for buying a drum set, as well as detailed information on drum woods and drum construction.
Drum kits are available through your local music store; a few of the popular online sites include eBay.com, Music123.com and zZounds.com.