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Beginner's Gear Guide: Drums

Ready to start playing drums? Gear up and get rocking with this guide.

Picking out your first drum set can be a daunting task. Should you get an acoustic or electronic kit? What kind of cymbals will you need? What actually comes with the drum kit...and what additional parts will you need? Check out this guide and find out exactly what you need to get rocking.
Beginner Acoustic Drums
When most people think of drums, they think of acoustic drum sets. There are few things as satisfying as rocking out on a full kit. Acoustic kits can come as complete drum sets with all (or most) of the necessary parts, or as "shell kits," which don't include cymbals and hardware. Make sure to take a close look at each kit's "what's included" description to find out exactly what you'll be getting.
Learn more about Beginner Acoustic Drum Sets »
Beginner Electronic Drums
If you're going to be doing most of your playing in an apartment or bedroom, an electronic kit might be right for you. In addition to being great learning tools, electric drum kits feature a wealth of built-in sounds so you can shift from a stadium-filling rock kit to a jazz combo set at the push of a button. Most electronic kits don't have built in speakers, so make sure you invest in a good pair of headphones or a drum amplifier.
  Roland TD-4KP V-Portable Electronic Drum Kit
or 4 payments of $199.75
Free Ground Shipping Free Ground Shipping
  Yamaha DD-65 Digital Drum Kit
$179.95
Play as You Pay on orders $249+
Free Ground Shipping Free Ground Shipping
  Alesis Performance Pad
Play as You Pay on orders $249+
Free Ground Shipping Free Ground Shipping
Learn more about Beginner Electronic Drums »
Beginner Cymbals
A basic cymbal setup includes a crash, a pair of hi-hats and a ride, but each player's drum set can be customized with an endless number of cymbal combinations. If you're outfitting an entire kit or rounding out a shell kit, consider picking up a cymbal pack that comes with a collection of tonally matched cymbals.
  Zildjian ZBT 3 Cymbal Set-Up Package
Play as You Pay on orders $249+
Free Ground Shipping Free Ground Shipping
  Sabian B8 Medium Crash Cymbal
Play as You Pay on orders $249+
Free Ground Shipping Free Ground Shipping
  Zildjian A Custom Medium Ride Cymbal
or 4 payments of $74.99
Free Ground Shipping Free Ground Shipping
  Sabian B8 Hi-Hats (14")
Play as You Pay on orders $249+
Free Ground Shipping Free Ground Shipping
See more Cymbals »
Drum Hardware
Hardware is important for mounting, supporting and striking the drums and cymbals on your new kit. A basic drum set will require a cymbal stand for each cymbal, a snare drum stand, a bass drum pedal and a drum throne. When selecting cymbal stands, make sure to choose the appropriate stand for each type of cymbal.
  Ludwig 400 Series Hardware Package
Play as You Pay on orders $249+
Free Ground Shipping Free Ground Shipping
  Drum Workshop 3300 Double-Braced Snare Stand
Play as You Pay on orders $249+
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  Drum Workshop 9000PB Single Bass Drum Pedal
$224.95
or 4 payments of $62.49
Free Ground Shipping Free Ground Shipping
See more Drum Hardware »
Drum Accessories
Whether you decide on an acoustic or electronic kit, make sure to pick up the right accessories to complete the package. It's a good idea to have a few pairs of drumsticks -- we like 5Bs for beginners -- as well as hearing protection and a metronome so you're always on beat.
  Vic Firth SIH1 Isolation Drummer's Headphones
Play as You Pay on orders $249+
Free Ground Shipping Free Ground Shipping
  DrumDial Precision Drum Tuner
Play as You Pay on orders $249+
Free Ground Shipping Free Ground Shipping
See more Drum Accessories »
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Need it now but short of cash? All we need is the first payment up front and the rest in easy monthly payments!

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We approve everyone, with very few exceptions, as long as we can verify your identity.
No interest. Ever.
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No application to mail or fax, no bills to pay. We automatically charge the payments to your credit card.

We'll wait on your money so you don't have to wait for your gear!

When you checkout, just click the Play as you Pay checkbox to indicate which installment plan you wish to use.

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on most orders $49+

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Really heavy stuff might cost you a
little more

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Why fight traffic and pushy salesmen when we'll bring your gear straight to your home, free of charge?

zZounds free shipping is really free!
No hidden charges or hassles on returns.
Fast, reliable delivery
We have warehouses on both coasts, so most shipments arrive in 3 days or less.
We don't collect sales tax. Bonus!
Only NJ residents pay tax during checkout.
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