Best Electronic Drum Kit for Beginners

Best Electronic Drum Kit for Beginners

This electronic drum kit reviews post was long overdue. Below, you will find reviews of the best electronic drum set for beginners on the market.

I have tried to include the top names and makes in these electronic drum review post to give you the most comprehensive choice of kits available. So, whatever electronic drum set you are looking for, you will find it here.

With any review, there will be bits left out. I will constantly be updating this beginner’s electronic drum kit reviews post.

All the electronic drum sets listed here are versatile and customizable to your own needs. The kits listed have their positives and negatives. I have tried to outline both views to help you make an informed decision.

Each drum kit review has a link to Amazon where you can see its full features as well as other customer reviews.

Enjoy this electronic drum kit reviews post.

Which is the Best Electronic Drum Set for Beginners?

There are many electronic drum kits available and deciding which one is right for you is not an easy task. Each one has its own different characteristics and complexities.

By reading the electronic drum set review below, you will have a better understanding of the pros and cons of each drum kit. Moreover, you will be in a better position to make an informed choice as to which set suits you best.

Below and to the right you will see links to the various pages of the electronic drum kits I have reviewed so far. Feel free to explore the relevant pages to find the one you are interested in.

I hope electronic drum kit reviews is of use and interest to all who visit this site.

Best Electronic Drum Set for Beginners

#1. Alesis DM6 USB Kit high-definition drum module

#2. Yamaha DTX 400K Electronic Drum Kit

#3. Roland TD-11K Compact Electronic Drum-kit

#4. Simmons SD7PK electronic drum kit

#5. Ddrums DD1 Drum Kit

Best Electronic Drum Set for the Money: Alesis DM6 USB Kit

Alesis DM6 USB KitThis drum kit, the Alesis DM6 is one of the bestselling electronic drum kits on the market. All reports say it is the best value available and it is easy to see why. The kit is easy on the eye and appeals both to experienced and novice drummers alike. There are a few problems reported by users which we will go into later in this review. Let’s look at the good bits first:

  • Low-noise, natural-feeling rubber pads: dual-zone
  • Snare with rimshot and three Toms with natural feel
  • Large Kick works with single and double pedals (sold
  • separately)
  • Large dual-zone Ride with bell and bow, Crash with
  • choke, and Hi-Hat with continuous-control pedal

The kit itself weighs around the 65lb mark and all reports from users state that it is very straightforward to set up. The Alesis DM6 is very durable can take quite a beating, of good quality build and fully adjustable. The high-hat’s continuous shift is audibly clear and of the highest quality. Users found that the high hat pedal can be positioned where you want it to be, for comfort and ease of use.

The sounds are good and the programmed kits are not just there to add to the cost or dress the kit up with pointless gimmicks. Users report that it is easy to adjust sensitivity in the pads to stop them triggering each other. The built-in equalizer to change sound-wave shape is a nice feature that users liked. The DM6 offers over a hundred kits, and over 750 sounds, as well as offering capabilities like digital delay, reverb, chorus, flanging, vibrato, stereo this and that, compression, EQ, etc.

The majority of reports concerning this kit rave about the quality of sounds that are available and the crisp response from the pads impressed many users. While some report having problems with the firmware most were very impressed. Overall users rate the Alesis DM6 electronic drum kit very highly indeed.

As always there have to be cons to most products and the Alesis DM6 is no exception, purchasers of this drum kit have had problems. Some have reported broken nuts problems with the firmware. Others have found the pads have too much bounce or the kits are not to their liking. How much of this is a problem with the Alesis DM6 or how much is down to the user we can only speculate.

The general consensus among users, is the Alesis DM6 represents good value for money. The manual and firmware if followed correctly is straightforward and makes setting your drum-kit up simple.

Best Electronic Drum Kit Under $500: Yamaha DTX 400K Electronic Drum Kit

yamaha dtx400k drum kitThe Yamaha DTX 400K is the cheapest model they do but that by no means diminishes the quality of this electronic drum-kit. The overall impression given by users is that this drum-kit is of great build quality and is comparable with more expensive kits on the market.

The Yamaha DTX 400K is easy to assemble and customizable to your requirements. The kit is put together with knobs rather than just nuts and bolts and these are of a good quality affording good strength and durability, although as users report it does shake and sway a little while playing. One problem reported is that of the cymbals, being only a quarter circle they do have a tenancy to rotate, which can be a bit of an annoyance.

The sound is a decent, not high end, but you get what you pay for, and the sound format is midi not acoustic so does not offer the best quality. The kit is fully customizable, and there are over 40 kits available, so there is plenty for everyone’s tastes. There are three volume levels and they are pretty accurate depending on how hard you hit. One thing users have found is that you cannot do rim shots.

One thing that most users have found and are full of praise for is the head unit, this is one of the easiest to navigate and is so straightforward. You can play along with songs or just do your own thing.

Specifications:

  • Complete electronic drumming solution at a sweet price
  • Realistic-feeling hi-hat pad with stand
  • Compact and sturdy rack system
  • Snare pad with realistic feel
  • 3 tom pads, 1 kick pad
  • 3-zone hi-hat with remote controller
  • 2 x 3-zone cymbal pads
  • DTX500 trigger module with MIDI output
  • Groove tools and on-board songs for improved practice
  • Aux input for playing along with music player
  • Programmable metronome
  • 50 pre-set kits
  • On-board effects and master EQ
  • 427 drum and percussion voices

Unfortunately you can’t upgrade this kit as you are limited to the number of jacks you have available so you cannot add any more cymbals, which many users have found annoying.

The overall impression of the Yamaha DTX 400K is as with any entry level kit you get what you pay for, and the feedback from users is that this is a good quality kit and while it is a little bit limited offers a good introduction into electronic drum-kits.

Best Electronic Drum Set Under $1000: Roland TD-11K Compact Electronic Drum-kit.

roland td-11k drum kitHow good is the Roland TD-11K kit? Well, first of all, and this may surprise some, it is mainly aimed at the domestic home market, but would not be out of place in studio. This kit comes from a manufacturer with a lot of experience and expertise in this field.

What is self-evident when looking at this e-drum kit is how stylish and elegant the whole compact set-up is. Roland as really considered everything.

Everything about the Roland TD-11K is simple, its construction means very few pieces to put together(less to loose); all the wiring is already in place- just plug it in – and the cymbals and pads are a breeze to adjust, as I said, simple.

One thing that strikes you is the difference between this drum kit and others when it comes to the hi-hat and the bass drum pedal, which users have found very innovative. With most kits the pedal is separate. The TD-11K as it already built into the construction, no positioning problems, although this does give a little lack of bounce.

Further to the set up: The cymbals although the angle cannot be adjusted, you can adjust the height, which is OK and most users have not found this a problem.

The business end of the drum kit the console, brain whatever you want to call it sits facing the player at an angle toward the player, atop the stand unit. This attaches to all the triggers easily by a multi-plug, simple but innovative.

The interface is easy to understand and is clearly labelled and simple to use giving the user many options.

Most users have found the metronome built into the unit to be accurate and so easy to use. Its buttons allow one to increase or decrease the tempo easily. With the aux at the side for CD, headphones or iPod and an output socket to attach an amp, you have all you need.

So, what does this add up to Just an expensive toy, no this is a serious piece of kit, responds very quickly to your input, with some superb layered samples.
Users of all talents have found the crowning glory of the Roland TD-11K to be the snare, this is V-Drum of top quality very realistic and responsive, wonderful samples with each kit.

While this kit may not be Roland’s top of the range as a starter set, is one of the best on the market and gets a thumbs up from those that have used it.

Conclusion:

The Roland TD-11K is compact elegant as a simple interface, some really good samples, layered sounds a great V-Drum snare.
Due to its compactness and construction, the drum set has few positioning options and the built-in bass pedal may not be to everyone’s taste. Moreover, the Tom pads are a little small and no play along tracks included.

In general, the Roland TD-11K is a good quality, value for money drum kit.

Best Electronic Drum Kit for Metal: Simmons SD7PK – Electronic Drum Kit

simmons sd7 pk drum kitThe Simmons SD7PK electronic drum kit is of good construction with very durable and highly responsive pads, which capture every hit very well.
Whatever you’re playing style you will find the adjustable rack placements and angle adjustments easily customizable to your needs.

Users have found the hi-hat pad and cymbal pads (x2) very easy to use and the height and angle adjustments, enable a good tailored fit to your own requirements.

A good feature of the Simmons SD7PK electronic drum set is the hi-hat control pedal, a feature which many drum kits do not include unless you pay extra.

Another good point is the function of the hi-hat, which is very similar to an acoustic drum kit, and functions as a closed hi-hat when you step on the pedal and open when you release the pedal.

What users like about the SD7PK is LED display. This as a multifunction capacity, displaying all your settings on your electronic drum kit giving excellent feedback.

A very impressive sound module with 237 voices, giving lots of sounds allowing you to fully customize your own drum kits is another great feature users liked.

There are 22 preset kits and you can store a further 10 custom kits, giving you a lot of options with the Simmons SD7PK.

A nice little reverb effect is included and the usual built-in metronome, with over 40 preset songs to get you started.
The construction is good, aluminum which is strong and light. The locking hinges add to the strength and make the setting up of the SD7PK easy and straightforward.

Simmons SD7PK Electronic Drum kit Features:

* Ins/outs and pad connections
* MIDI out
* Hi-hat controller
* Hi-Hat pad
* Crash cymbal pad
* Ride cymbal pad
* Snare drum pad
* Tom 1 drum pad
* Tom 2 drum pad
* Tom 3 drum pad
* Kick drum pad
* Line output (R & L/mono)
* Aux In (stereo TRS)
* Stereo headphones output
Package includes
* Drum key
* Drum sticks (1 pair)
* 9V DC adapter
* User manual
* Assembly instructions
* All connection cables
Bass drum pedal not included

Conclusion:

The Simmons SD7PK electronic drum kit is a low priced good quality kit. All users state that for the money you can’t go wrong.

The negatives are the sound is not pro quality. But for the money, the Simmons SD7PK electronic drum kit is a good option.

Best Electronic Drum Pad: Ddrums DD1 Drum Kit

ddrum ddi drum kitThe first thing you will notice about the Ddrums DD1 is the color scheme, very much in your face red. It is a very light kit weighing in at only 35lbs and of good construction, but not outstanding. Most users have found this drum set to be more for the beginner rather than the more accomplished musician.

The Ddrums DD1 is not overly big so does not require a lot of room to set it up, and for the price is a good starter set. All users agree that this particular electronic drum kit is quiet and can easily be played at midnight and no one would know. The module does have a good range of sounds but may end too soon for most users’ tastes and also are a little bit too limited overall.

Another problem that experienced users have found is the pads are a little unresponsive, a bit limiting when it comes to professionals using it. The specs look very good:

  • Complete electronic drum set
  • Perfect for quite environments where space is an issue.
  • USB and MIDI compatible
  • Auxiliary input for MP3 playback
  • Durable, lightweight construction
  • One ride cymbal pad
  • One hi-hat cymbal pad
  • Hi-h at controller pedal
  • Ddrum module
  • One crash cymbal pad
  • Four single-zone drum pads
  • One kick drum stand and pad
  • Rack system
  • 215 Voices
  • 20 Preset Kits, 10 User Kits
  • 50 Preset Songs

It is obvious to most users that this kit is limited. But as a starter kit, the Ddrum DD1 is a good choice. It is ready to use straight out of the box. It comes complete with the DD1 Module that as 30 completely editable kits,  enabling you to move from one music genre to another at the push of a button.

The overall conclusion from most users is that while this kit offers some good features, it is most definitely limited in what you can achieve. However, all users agree that for those working within a strict budget, the Ddrums DD1 offers the beginner good value for money. If you can except its limitations, it  can offer lots of enjoyment for the budding drummer out-there.

Check out the video below of the Ddrums DD1 in action.

 

 

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