Topic

Drums

Drum kits, snare drums, sticks and the gear that goes with them, with advice aimed at new and returning drummers.

Start with our buying guides

Buying guide

Acoustic or electronic, what a complete kit includes, and how to buy for a child or an adult.

Buying guide

Shell materials, sizes and sound — how to choose a snare for a kit, concert band or school.

Buying guide

Sizes, tips and woods explained — and why 5A is where most players start.

Comparisons

All drums are percussion, but not all percussion instruments are drums: here is the difference, with examples and drummer vs percussionist explained.

Oct 9, 202613 min read

Five quick questions that map out a percussion path, with matching practice tools and beginner gear.

Tell us about the player, the space and the noise limits, and get a starting instrument that fits.

Turn your goal and your schedule into a realistic weekly practice plan.