You’ve done your time behind your entry-level drum set. After countless hours of practice and gigs, your old drum set just isn’t up to par anymore. You have made up your mind - it’s time for an upgrade! You’ve saved your pennies, and you’re ready to take the plunge. Let Drum Center of Portsmouth help you choose the best drum set under $2,000!
The Criteria
There are 4 categories by which we judge a drum set. The first is SOUND. At the end of the day, how your drum set sounds is its most important attribute. Second is PERFORMANCE. Do the drums stay in tune? Does the hardware function properly? Third is APPEARANCE. Chances are, you’ll be looking at this kit for a long time. It had better look good! Finally, there’s the PRICE. How much value are you receiving for your drum-dollar? Luckily for you, we’ve done the heavy lifting. Here’s our list of the 5 best drum sets under $2,000.
DW Design Series - 5 Piece - $1,600
This DW Design 5pc Drum kit in gorgeous Steel Gray Lacquer is sure to turn heads at your next gig. Make no mistake, this is a DW kit. No detail overlooked, no corners cut. Every efficiency in their production process to meet this killer price point has no negative bearing on tone or sound. This DW kit will get noticed and most importantly, perform with DW quality. We are big fans of the low-mass mini-turret style lugs on this kit. Other professional level features include STM (Suspension Tom Mounts), True-Pitch Tuning, MAG throw-off, low-mass die cast claw hooks, and HVLT shell technology. Perfect sizes: 22x18, 10x8, 12x9, 16x14 AND a 14x5.5 snare drum! This kit is a steal at this price.
Gretsch Renown - 5 Piece - $1,600
Gretsch Renown Series drums are regarded by many to be the best bang for your buck. The collective sum of its parts just sound better than most drums at this price point. The Renown maple shells are 7-ply with 30 degree bearing edges, and the toms feature classic 3mm, double flanged Gretsch "302" hoops, and the inside of these shells are finished with Gretsch Silver Sealer. The tone projects just the right amount of cut, warmth, and volume, while never being overpowering. This versatile kit will absolutely excel in any genre or style. Sizes are: 22x18 kick (with mount), 16x14 floor tom, 12x8 and 10x7 toms, with matching 14x5.5 snare in Satin Tobacco Burst.
Mapex Saturn - 4 Piece - $1,700
Revered by many for their incredible sound and attainable price-point, The Mapex Saturn Series innovated exploration of hybrid shell sonic properties. By adding interior plies of walnut to more traditional shell formulas, Mapex started a trend that has become an industry standard. This latest iteration of Saturn employs upgraded Black Panther Design Lab features, including their “SONIClear Bearing Edges” which reduce unwanted frequencies and project a strong fundamental pitch and a better tuning experience especially at lower tunings. Whether tuned up high for jazz or down low for rock, these hybrid shells make for clear and focused toms and a bass drum that sounds bigger than it should.
Pearl Masters Maple Complete - 4 Piece - $1,700
If you are looking for a workhorse of a Maple drum set, this Pearl MCT 4-Piece might be the kit for you. Masters Maple Complete's EvenPly 6-layer premium Maple shell delivers the warmth, power, and clear mid-range tone that performs like a dream on stage or in the studio. Road proven hardware like the SuperHoop II triple-flanged 2.3mm hoops and OptiMount Tom Suspension System will give you confidence night after night on the road. Our only gripe is the lack of tom arms with this 4 piece setup, because they are not an insignificant additional expense.
Tama Starclassic Walnut Birch 4 Piece - $1,800
For Tama, Starclassic has represented versatility, durability and continuous sonic evolution using different wood shell materials. The evolution of Starclassic continues with the new Walnut/Birch hybrid shell line. This combination of Birch and Walnut produces a unique quality of low-to-mid frequency warmth blended with clear attack and higher frequency projection. Tama Starclassic W/B shells for toms and floor toms are 6mm thick and constructed using 4-ply European Birch for the outer plies with 2-ply American Black Walnut interior plies. The kick drum shells are 8mm, 5-ply European Birch outer plies with 2-ply American Black Walnut interiors. The biggest standout, however, is the hardware. Starclassic W/B’s die-cast hoops, Star-Cast Mounting System, and Quick-Lock brackets on the toms and floor toms make it feel PREMIUM. The sum and quality of its parts allows this kit to hit WAY above its price point. If you’re looking for an EXTRA special Tama W/B kit, check out our LIMITED EDITION DCP Exclusive W/B in Liquid Charcoal Oyster.
Which Kit Speaks To You?
Any of these drum sets under $2,000 will serve you well at home, in the studio, or on the road. When you’re ready to pull the trigger on your next drum set under $2,000, trust the pros at Drum Center of Portsmouth to help you invest your money wisely!