Entry-Level Kit Comparison

This week, one of my students asked me if I had any ideas on what kind of kit she should buy. So, after doing some research online and doing some quick price comparisons, I think I found a kit that will give her more bang for her buck! (pun intended)

I started looking at several drum manufacturers including Pearl, Ludwig, Gretsch, Tama, and Yamaha. I tried to find each company's entry-level kits and then compare their features. So, I think I found a few "low end" kits worth looking at from Pearl, Gretsch, and Tama.

Pearl offered the Forum series, which comes with a complete package, meant to entice the aspiring drummer. The package includes a 5-piece kit, set of double-braced hardware, heavy-duty throne, 3 cymbals (Pearl brand 14" hats, 16" crash, and 18" crash/ride), Vic firth sticks, and a DVD with tuning tips and pointers.

The drums feature poplar wood shells, and black hardware that makes these drums very pleasing to the eyes. Configurations on the kits have three variations. The first gives you 10" and 12" toms, 14x14" floor tom, 14x5.5" snare, and 20x18" kick. The second gives you the same as above, but with a 22x18" kick. The third comes with 12" and 13" toms, 16x16" floor tom, 14x5.5" snare, and 22x18" kick. Overall, a nice looking kit with solid features and priced at Guitar Center for $749.40.

The second kit I looked at was the Gretsch Catalina Maple. From the start, I loved the look of these kits. They are professional looking with tasteful lacquer finishes, maple wood shells, and optional 6-piece or 5-piece configurations.

One down side I found was they do not come with die-cast hoops. Although, that is a feature I've been wanting for a long time, it doesn't knock them out of the running.

The 6-piece configuration comes with 14 x6 snare, 10" and 12" toms, 14 x 14 and 16 x 16 floor tom(free and optional), 22x18 kick. The optional 16" floor tom makes this kit a great deal more competitive. Selling at Guitar Center for $749.99 this kit will be hard to beat.

The third and final kit I looked at was Tama's Imperialstar. The name alone is a turn-off for me. Tama has had "star" in their lineups for years and it seems like they won't change it.

That aside, I still liked the look of these kits. They have 100% glued laminate finishes, poplar wood shells, double braced hardware, and accu-tune bass drum hoops. I don't know if I'm a fan of the bass drum hoops. They are made of composite material with the tuning rod holes built into the hoop. It would look the same if your tom hoops were on your kick drum only made of composite material(what's that mean? see the pic below) instead of aluminum. A 5-piece configuration, made up of 10"and 12"toms, 14x14" floor tom, 14x5.5 snare, and an 22x18 kick. The package also includes 14"hats, 16"crash, 20" ride, and a free 10" splash made by Meinl. It will cost you $699.99 at Guitar Center.

While all three kits have similar packages and features that are comparable, is it going to fit your needs? I don't see a clear winner in this category based on price alone. Given that I already own cymbals, I would definitely pick the Gretsch Catalina Maple. It's features are on par with any professional kit on the market. Having played this kit, I think it is very versatile and durable. Gretsch's quality has been world renowned for decades along with their signature sound, which you get for the best price going these days. I have half a mind to sell my Ludwig Classic and get this kit. The optional 16x16" floor tom raises the bar by adding a cool sixth drum to enlarge your kit, but for the same price as the competition. I'll go for Gretsch! Especially in that cool amber color below. Based on package deals, the Imperialstar and Forum kits are looking pretty tasty compared to the Catalinas. This is where practicality has to win out. As I said before, I would probably go with Gretsch, but the Imperialstar has the Forum by the lugs on this one. Offering Meinl cymbals was a tasteful touch on a low-ender that puts the Forums to shame for $50.00 less.

Sources: Tama Drums, Pearl Drums, Gretsch Drums, Guitar Center,