The Most Popular Drum Kit, Ranked

Choose the drum kit you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 16, 2024 07:02
In the dynamic world of music, drum kits play a pivotal role in defining the rhythm and soul of a band's sound. For amateur drummers looking to buy their first set or seasoned professionals considering an upgrade, choosing the right drum kit can be a daunting task. Having a cohesive list of the most popular drum kits, as voted by a community of fellow drum enthusiasts, provides insights and guidance that can be incredibly valuable. This list isn't just a random compilation; it's shaped by the voices and votes of users like you, ensuring that the rankings reflect the genuine preferences and experiences of the drumming community. By participating, not only do you contribute to this useful resource, but you also get to have a say in which drum kits resonate most with players of all levels. Your vote helps shape a resource that guides countless others in making an informed choice.

What Is the Most Popular Drum Kit?

  1. 1
    38
    votes
    This drum kit is well-known for its excellent sound quality, durability, and affordable price. It is a favorite among beginners and intermediate players. [
  2. 2
    28
    votes

    Pearl Export

    Pearl
    This drum kit has been around for over 30 years and is still beloved by drummers for its versatility and affordability. It is often recommended as a starter kit. [
    The Pearl Export is a highly popular drum kit known for its versatility, durability, and affordable price. It is often considered a standard entry-level drum set, suitable for beginners, intermediate players, and even professionals. The Export series has been a consistent favorite among drummers for over three decades.
    • Shell Material: 6-ply Poplar and Mahogany blend
    • Sizes: Multiple size configuration options available
    • Hoops: 1.6mm triple-flanged hoops
    • Hardware: Double-braced stands and kick pedal
    • Tom Mounts: Opti-Loc suspension system
    Pearl Export in other rankings
  3. 3
    24
    votes

    Ludwig Classic Maple

    The Ludwig Drum Company
    This drum kit is famous for its warm and full-bodied sound, making it a popular choice among professional drummers. It is handmade in the USA and is known for its durability. [
    The Ludwig Classic Maple is a highly regarded drum kit known for its rich and versatile sound. It is widely considered to be one of the most popular and iconic drum kits in the music industry. The kit features high-quality maple shells that contribute to its warm and balanced tone, making it suitable for various music genres.
    • Shell Thickness: 6mm
    • Shell Material: Maple
    • Shell Construction: 7-ply
    • Bearing Edges: 45-degree
    • Hardware: Chrome-plated
  4. 4
    21
    votes
    This drum kit is known for its excellent sound quality and versatility. It is suitable for all genres of music and is preferred by many professional drummers. [
  5. 5
    16
    votes
    This drum kit is famous for its vintage look and warm, punchy sound. It is preferred by drummers who play jazz, blues, and rockabilly music. [
  6. 6
    14
    votes

    DW Collector's Series

    Drum Workshop Inc. (DW)
    This drum kit is handmade in the USA and is known for its excellent sound quality and customization options. It is a top choice among professional drummers. [
    The DW Collector's Series is a highly acclaimed drum kit known for its exceptional quality and craftsmanship. It is handmade by Drum Workshop Inc. (DW), a renowned American drum manufacturer. The Collector's Series is highly regarded among professional drummers for its versatility, durability, and rich sound.
    • Shell Material: Various wood options including maple, birch, oak, and mahogany
    • Shell Construction: Vertical grain orientation, proprietary low-temperature curing process
    • Bearing Edges: Variety of options including round, 45-degree, and dual 45/60-degree edges
    • Hardware: Heavy-duty chrome-plated steel lugs and tension rods
    • Finish Options: A wide range of lacquer, exotic veneer, and specialty finishes
    DW Collector's Series in other rankings
  7. 7
    14
    votes
    This drum kit is known for its excellent sound quality and unique design. It is suitable for all genres of music and is preferred by many professional drummers. [
    The Mapex Saturn V is a highly acclaimed drum kit known for its exceptional sound and versatility. It is designed and manufactured by Mapex, a renowned drum company known for producing high-quality instruments since 1989.
    • Shell Material: Maple and Walnut hybrid
    • Shell Configuration: 7-ply shells with SONIClear bearing edges
    • Drum Sizes Available: Multiple options from 8-inch to 18-inch depths
    • Hardware: Chrome-plated sturdy hardware with low-profile design
    • Suspension System: SONIClear Suspension System for enhanced resonance and sustain
  8. 8
    10
    votes

    Sonor SQ2

    Sonor
    This drum kit is handmade in Germany and is known for its excellent sound quality and customization options. It is a top choice among professional drummers. [
    The Sonor SQ2 is a highly sought-after drum kit known for its exceptional craftsmanship, versatility, and top-notch sound quality. It is a professional-level drum set that offers musicians a wide range of tonal options and outstanding performance capabilities.
    • Shell Construction: Handcrafted 100% maple shells
    • Shell Thickness: Multiple thickness options available
    • Finishes: Wide variety of high-quality finish options
    • Bearing Edges: Customizable bearing edge profiles
    • Hardware: Premium-quality hardware components
    Sonor SQ2 in other rankings
  9. 9
    7
    votes
    This drum kit is known for its excellent sound quality and affordability. It is a popular choice among drummers who want a high-quality kit without breaking the bank. [
    The PDP Concept Maple is a highly regarded drum kit that offers professional-grade sound with exceptional quality. This drum set is known for its rich, warm tones, versatile performance capabilities, and sturdy construction. It is a top choice for drummers of all genres and skill levels.
    • Shell Material: Maple
    • Shell Configuration: 4-Piece
    • Shell Thickness: 7-ply
    • Bearing Edge: 45-degree
    • Hardware: Chrome
  10. 10
    3
    votes

    Ludwig Accent

    Ludwig Drums
    This drum kit is a popular choice for beginners who are just starting out. It is affordable, easy to set up, and has a decent sound quality. [
    The Ludwig Accent drum kit is a popular and versatile drum set that offers high-quality sound and durability. It is suitable for both beginners and intermediate drummers.
    • Shell Material: 6-ply poplar
    • Shell Thickness: 7.5mm
    • Bass Drum Size: 22 inches
    • Tom Tom Sizes: 10 inches, 12 inches
    • Floor Tom Size: 16 inches

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Ranking factors for popular drum kit

  1. Sound quality
    The overall tonal quality of the drums, cymbals, and other percussion instruments should be clear and well-balanced.
  2. Build quality
    The construction materials and hardware used in the drum set should be durable to withstand long-term use and the rigors of live performance.
  3. Brand reputation
    Consider well-known and reputable drum manufacturers known for producing high-quality kits with consistent quality.
  4. Versatility
    The drum kit should offer a wide range of sounds and configurations to suit different styles of music and playing techniques.
  5. Size and configuration
    The ideal drum kit size and configuration should be suitable for the intended genre, playing style, and skill level. A beginner might prefer a basic five-piece kit, while more experienced drummers may opt for additional drums and cymbals.
  6. Price and value
    Consider the overall value of the drum kit in terms of quality, features, and included accessories compared to its price.
  7. Aesthetics
    The appearance and finish options of the drum kit should suit the individual's preferences and style.
  8. Ease of assembly and setup
    Good drum kits should be relatively easy to assemble and set up, with clear instructions and necessary hardware included.
  9. Accessories and hardware
    Examine the included hardware, such as cymbal stands, drum thrones, bass drum pedals, and other essential components for quality and reliability.
  10. Customer reviews and recommendations
    Researching reviews and recommendations from other drummers can provide valuable insight into the strengths and weaknesses of a particular drum kit.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular drum kit. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or drum is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1723 views
  • 174 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each drum once every 24 hours. The rank of each drum is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular drum kit

Drumming is an art and a science that has been around for centuries. And with the rise of music genres like rock, jazz, and pop, drum kits have become an essential part of any band setup. Today, there are countless brands, models, and styles of drum kits available in the market, each with its unique features and advantages. However, with so many options to choose from, it can be challenging to determine which drum kit is the most popular among musicians and music enthusiasts. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the most popular drum kits based on the votes and rankings from our StrawPoll community.

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