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If you are in need of a drum set especially as an intermediate, then you need to read this article.
For a long time, I searched online for a decent intermediate drum set.
The few ones are saw where all garbage and either of low quality or did not meet the standard of equipment I set for myself
While searching for a decent, quality drum set I spent a lot of money trying different types.
Although there were some quality ones out there, it got to a point where newbie sets are no longer what I needed
I needed something with more grit and endurance that will take my skills to the next level
Hence the need for this article
In this article, I will be showing you the top 5 best intermediate drum sets which I discovered, where you can get them and how to ensure that you get the best from your latest drum set.
At a glance – Here is out top 3 Intermediate Drum Sets
1. PDP By DW 7-Piece Concept Maple Shell Pack [Click for lowest prices on Amazon.com]. Editor’s choice – This is the best drum set for metal. It is a 7 piece drum set with all the right parts.
2. Ludwig Signet 105 Gigabeat 3-Piece Shell Pack [Click for lowest prices on Amazon.com] – This is ideal for beginners. It is lightweight and good sounding.
3. Yamaha Stage Custom Birch 5pc Drum Shell Pack [Click for lowest prices on Amazon.com] – Made by the trusted brand Yamaha. Nothing else to say
Buyers Guide… Things to look for before you make a purchase
Now while buying a new drum set is fun, there are somethings you need to be aware of before buying.
You definitely want to ensure that you are making the right decision and not setting yourself up for a fall
1. Where are you playing?
The first thing you want to ensure is that you know where you are going to be playing.
Are you a beginner? Practicing in your underground basement or an advance drummer who is rehearsing in a studio?
Are you a touring drummer that needs an intermediate drum set that is rugged and can withstand wear and tear?
Your answers to the above questions will go a long way in deciding the type of drum kit that you need to buy
1. PDP By DW 7-Piece Drumset
Kicking things off, we’d like to introduce you to this gorgeous and sleek white PDP drum kit.
PDP is known as the manufacturer of some of the finest mid-level kits on earth, and the PDCM2217PW easily stands out among top representatives.
What we have here is a massive seven-piece kit, and if the amount of components is your primary concert, this is the instrument you’ve been yearning for.
A set of two floor toms, three mounting toms, a snare drum, the big bad bass drum, a hi-hat, and a set of three cymbals with all the stands included – you get it all with this PDP.
The kit’s sound is rich, full, and worthy of pros.
While we’re not saying that this is the ultimate drum set, it is without a doubt one of the best intermediate drum sets, especially a seven-piece drum set.
Among quality features, note that the PDCM2217PW includes copper snare wires, graduated counter hoops, and die-cast claw hooks.
The kit’s specific components include 22″ x 18″ bass drum with a tom mount, 7″ x 8″ tom, 8″ x 10″ tom ,9″ x 12″ tom 12″x14″, floor tom ,14″ x 16″ floor tom, and a 5.5″ x 14″ snare drum.
2. Ludwig Signet 105 Drum Set
This kit from Ludwig may not include quite as many pieces as some of the others on the list, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in sound.
It’s a four-shell set that gives you all the exciting new drums you need and nothing that you don’t, all for a price that should be within the scope of an intermediate player.
These shells have a natural finish that lends the entire kit a simple elegance.
In terms of dimensions, you’ll get a 22” kick drum and three sizes of toms.
All four shells are built of a durable 6-ply maple.
What’s especially cool is that they don’t come fully-assembled.
The player builds the kit, giving them the chance to customize it along the way.
It’s a quick process and great hands-on experience for an advancing player.
Now to be fair, this isn’t technically a complete kit on its own right out of the box.
It doesn’t come with cymbals, or the hardware to go with them—the focus here is completely on the shells.
For most intermediate players, though, this isn’t a problem; you can re-use many of those pieces from your old kit and upgrade as needed to match with your new shells.
If you can keep this caveat in mind, this remains one of the best intermediate drum sets period.
3. Yamaha Stage Custom
As more of a budget-friendly option, a Yamaha Stage Custom kit is an item you can’t go wrong with.
If you’re looking to save a few bucks yet still buy a great intermediate set, get yourself one of these babies.
The sound is very accurate and punchy, and although we’re talking about a five-piece kit, the SC is still capable of delivering tonal versatility in right hands.
The drums are 100-percent birch, giving them the ability to strongly resonate and pack a serious punch, something you simply cannot expect from a beginner kit.
The set’s additional notable features include a YESS Mounting system, and a set of die-cast bass drum claw hooks.
Once again, we have a versatile item at our hands, meaning that the Stage Custom works equally efficient with rock, jazz, pop, and metal.
4. Gretsch Drums Catalina 5-Piece Drum Shell Pack
This is another very affordable drumkit that is perfect for intermediate learners.
It comes with everything you need ensuring that you have an awesome experience playing the drums.
It has a a 16×20” bass drum, 7×10” & 8×12” Rack Toms, 14×14” floor toms, and 5.5×14” snare drum.
The entire drum set is made from the traditional and extremely reliable 7 ply maple wood and comes complete with its iconic Remo drumheads
Included in this set is everything you need to conveniently assemble and set it up.
This includes chrome mounting hardware, all made possible through the ultra-low-profile mounting system that helps to reduce the mass of the kit.
It also helps to minimize the risk of unwanted vibrations that could disturb your sounds.
One draw back about this kit is that it does not have any cymbals and does not come with any stand.
While this might look like a bad thing, it can be easily purchased online, like this awesome review of cymbals I did on my website here.
Apart from this slight downside, this kit really is everything you’d want it to be.
It sounds amazing, and each shell of the drum sounds exactly like you’d want it to.
The Remo heads on the drums is a really nice touch and helps to bring a lot of character to your sound.
Click Here to See Lowest Prices on Amazon
5. Pearl Roadshow 5-Piece Drum Set
Lastly on our list of drum sets for intermediates, is this particular product, the Pearl Roadshow 5 Piece Drum Set.
Awesome name right?
This kit is made from high-density 9-ply Poplar wood, complete with 1.2mm triple flanged hoops.
Included with your kit, you’ll find everything you need regarding shells.
This includes; 22×16 bass drum, 1×8 tom, 12×9 tom, 16×16 floor tom and 14×55 snare drum.
And guess what, to give you the most complete experience, this kit also comes with cymbals! Yaaay
It comes with a 16 inches brass crash cymbal and a 14 inches hybrid Hi hat.
This is ideal for that intermediate drummer that wants to improve his skills and get better.
One awesome thing about buying this drum kit is that it comes with stands and mounting equipment.
How cool is that?
Despite the low cost and the fact that everything is here, this kit still sounds great and is easy to set.
While it might not sound as good as the premium drum kits above, it also holds its own weight and delivers awesome sound each time.
Click here for lowest prices on Amazon.com
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I setup my drum set?
To make things easier, here is a YouTube video showing how its done
If you also need a step by step guide…here it is
2. How do i clean my drum set
- Never use an abrasive cleaner or cleaning device. This will most likely spoil the finish of the drum set. What you want to do is to use cleaners that contain ammonia or to create your own by blending equal parts white vinegar and water.
- For the stands and metal parts make sure you use a cleaner and clean thoroughly so it does not rust
- Coated drum heads can be gently wiped down with a slightly damp cloth. Do not apply water directly to these heads. For clear heads, the same cleaner used on the shells can be used.
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