Acrylic drums were popular in the 1970s because of their clear, tinted, or frosted drum shells. These sets made for a much more exciting look when compared to standard wooden kits.
Not only are these drum kits huge in size and incredibly eye-catching, but the sound produced is unlike any other. Drummers like John Bonham played sounds that shook walls—you could feel it in the back of any room. Even better, drummers were visible when playing acrylic drum sets!
This material is all the rage, and for a good reason. Fortunately for you, they're still around today.
Are you considering an acrylic drum set? We'll review the best acrylic drum sets in 2022 to help narrow down the shopping decision. Let's dive in!
Our top picks:
- Best looking acrylic drum set: Ludwig Vistalite 5-Piece Zep Drum Set
- Most transparent looking: Tamburo Volume Series 5-Piece Seamless Shell Pack
- Best for live performances and studio recordings: Pearl Crystal Beat Acrylic Drum Set
1. Ludwig Vistalite 5-Piece Zep Drum Set
John Bonham played exclusively on Ludwig drums during his career with Led Zeppelin. The Ludwig Vistalite 5-Piece Zep Drum Set lives up to his name, offering a classic design paired with an iconic sound. It's a one-of-a-kind set that'll shake the walls off any room. And, when paired with the proper tuning and heads, you've got yourself a kit for all occasions.
Ludwig Vistalite drums deliver a thunderous sound so strong your audience will feel it. Pair this with the pink finish, and you will make your presence known. Many buyers share that they like the pink finish's fluorescent orange tone, making it more subtle than hot pink.
This 5-piece acrylic shell pack includes the following:
- 14x26 bass drum
- 6.5x14 snare drum
- Snare drum stand
- 10x14 rack tom
- 16x18 floor tom
- 16x16 floor tom
PROS
- Classic, iconic look
- Acrylic shells are loud
- Snare stand comes included
- Handcrafted in the USA
CONS
- Not cheap
Summary
Prepare yourself for a drum set that offers incredible sounds right out of the box. You can't go wrong with the iconic Zep Set in pink if you're looking for a way to make a visual statement in any live performance.
Don't take our word for it, though. Experience the Ludwig Vistalite 5-Piece Zep Drum Set for yourself today.
2. Tamburo Volume Series 5-Piece Seamless Shell Pack
The Tamburo Volume boasts top-notch Italian methacrylate. The shells are thin, which allows for much more resonance when compared to other acrylic shells. Combine this with the rounded bearing edges, and you've got yourself a unique sound that you, your band, and your audience will love.
Additional features include wood bass drum hoops, chromed brass tube lugs, 2.3mm flanged hoops, tom suspension mounts, and telescoping bass drum spurs. You'll also get absolute transparency with this set giving audiences a perfect view of the drummer.
This 5-piece acrylic shell pack includes the following:
- 20x16 bass drum
- 10x7 tom
- 12x8 tom
- 14x14 tom
- 14x6.5 snare drum
PROS
- Amazing resonance
- Natural clear color provides complete transparency
- Complete 5-piece set offers outstanding value for money
CONS
- Limited supply
Summary
The Tamburo Volume Acrylic Shell Pack offers an attractive and classy design. It's honestly a one-of-kind drum set offering drummers complete transparency. However, their uniqueness also makes them limited, so if you've found this set is for you, get it before it's gone.
Try the Tamburo Volume Series for yourself today!
3. Pearl Crystal Beat Acrylic Drum Set
The Pearl Crystal Beat Drum Set excels in live performances and studio recordings. Its features go beyond the eye-popping visuals that look amazing under stage lights. This set is easy to tune and offers an incredible punchy sound and a full-range tone.
Pearl Crystal Beat acrylic sets are also known for their seamless construction, molded and not rolled. It offers extended durability, making it great for touring.
Note that these sets only include the drums. The snare drums, hardware, and cymbals are sold separately, but at the price for the drums, you'll still get excellent value for money even with the add-ons.
You will feel spoiled for choice with the Pearl Crystal Beat line.
The Frosted acrylic set includes:
- 24x14 bass drum
- 13x9 tom
- 16x15 tom
The Ruby Red set includes
- 20x15 bass drum
- 12x8 tom
- 14x13 tom
And finally, the Ultra-Clear set includes
- 22x16 bass drum
- 4 toms in the following sizes: 10x7, 12x8, 14x13, and 16x15
PROS
- Durable construction makes it great for touring
- Available in three colors: Frosted, Ruby Red, Ultra Clear
- Budget-friendly option
CONS
- Set only includes the drums
- Limited supply
Summary
The Pearl Crystal Beat Acrylic Drum Sets are hard to get a hold of—they fly off our shelves quickly! It’s easy to see why with their solid construction, amazing looks, and cost-effectiveness.
Is the model you want out of stock? Browse our online store regularly for updates, and subscribe for alerts on when it's back in stock.
What You Should Know Before Buying Acrylic Drum Sets
Bill Zickos paved the way for acrylic drums. He was a jazz drummer and American music store owner who began experimenting with this new concept in the 1950s. Using plastic as a drum material was an idea brought to life by Zickos, and fortunately for all of us, it stuck.
It wasn't until the 1970s that large drumming companies began to adopt the idea of acrylic drum sets and produced their own versions of plastic drums. You can still purchase acrylic sets from top brands like Ludwig, Tamburo, or Pearl.
However, to make an informed shopping decision, there are a few things you need to know. We'll cover this below.
Are Acrylic Drums Good?
Acrylic drums wouldn't be so popular if they weren't good. They're great for all types of musical styles, whether that's rock, hip hop, or electronic music. They have an attractive visual, sound impressive, and produce balanced tones.
Many professional drummers, including Eric Moore and John Bonham, chose to play acrylic drums because they look amazing under stage lights, offer iconic sounds, and don't obstruct any views.
Of course, just having an acrylic drum set won't be enough to be the next Eric Moore. You'll also need the proper drum heads, cymbals, and tuning. You'll need hours of practice if you want to be great on any drums.
The Build and Weight of Acrylic Drums
Acrylic drums originally came in clear or blue colors. These were the most popular color choices among drummers. Today, you can find acrylic sets in almost any color, even rainbow designs. You can expect an exciting look from acrylic drums regardless of the color choice.
There are two ways to make acrylic drums:
- Rolling and gluing acrylic sheets together
- Directly molding the plastic into a cylindrical shell
Acrylic drums are a little heavier than wooden ones regarding weight. So, if you find wooden drums too heavy, you may struggle to transport an acrylic set.
The Main Difference Between Acrylic and Wooden Drums
There's a reason drummers prefer acrylic over wooden drums (and vice versa).
For starters, acrylic sets are much louder because of their shells. They offer a bigger punch when struck, while wooden drums absorb more sound. It doesn't mean acrylic sets aren't great for playing softer genres like R&B. You just need suitable drum heads paired with proper tuning.
Another difference worth noting is that acrylic drums are transparent, meaning you'll be able to see the drummer. They look even better when paired with LED drumming lights or colored drum heads.
How To Take Care of Acrylic Drums
Your acrylic drum set was an investment you need to care for if you want it to last you a lifetime.
You'll want to use a soft, dust-free cloth to clean dirt and fingerprints off acrylic drums. Stay away from household glass cleaners since they don't lubricate as they clean.
Instead, dampen the cloth with warm water to eliminate dust and dirt. Consider products like Meguiar's Mirror Glaze for a scratch-free cleaning experience. This product is a favorite among drummers because it is easy to spray and wipe off, leaving a glistening shine.
As for storage, you always want to store acrylic drums in the shade. Keep them away from any extreme heat or cold. These drums are more fragile than regular wooden drums and require extra care.
When it comes to touring and transporting them around, it's best to move them in complex drum cases with padded interiors.
Conclusion
While acrylic drum sets aren't as popular as they used to be, they'll forever be iconic.
The booming sound is memorable, reminding you of icons like John Bonham, who relied heavily on his Vistalite acrylic drums in the '70s. Other drummers who have performed on acrylic kits include Lionel Hampton, Ringo Starr, and Karen Carpenter.
Whether you're a touring drummer who wants visibility when performing or someone who enjoys listening to the sound produced by these kits, you'll enjoy playing an acrylic set.
What are you waiting for? Browse through our collection of acrylic drum sets and find the one perfect for you!