Kids Drum Set Buyer’s Guide: Frequently Asked Questions

 

Hello Parents, Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles,

Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions we receive about kids drum sets. Be sure to check out our large selection of Kids Drum Sets.

 

*****CHRISTMAS SALE*****

Union UJ5  Union UJ-3

 

Q. What size kid’s drum set is right for my child?

A. We offer a large selection of kids drum sets for children 3 years to teens. Just click the links below to view recommended drum sets in your child’s age bracket. Note: Some models overlap age groups.

3 to 5 years

DeRosa Bridgecraft DRM312, Percussion Plus SD1,  Union DY-UT3 and Cannon Ka-boom.

3 to 6 years

Percussion Plus SD1

3 to 8 years

DeRosa Bridgecraft DRM316, Ludwig LJR-106, Percussion Plus SD5, TKO 99, TKO 101, Union UJ-3, Union UJ5 and DRM 516,  GP50, GP55, Cannon Jammjr300 and Cannon JammJr500.

3 to 11 years

Union UJ5, Union UJ-3  and Cannon Jammer 500.

8 year olds to teens – Medium height range

Union 5 Pc Jazz Rock U5 and Cannon Mid-Size.

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Q. What are the basic parts of a kid’s drum set?
A. A basic “3 piece” drum set has 3 drums: a bass drum, snare drum and small tom plus a bass drum pedal, ride cymbal, drum sticks, tuning key and stool* (UT3-LT model has no stool). Some 3 piece models include a hi-hat stand with cymbals. A “5 piece” drum set has 5 drums: a bass drum, snare drum, 2 small toms and 1 floor tom plus a hi-hat stand with cymbals, stool, drumsticks and a tuning key. To view a diagram of the parts of a kid’s drum set click here.Optional extras are:
  • Junior Cymbal with Stand
  • Junior Hi Hat Stand with Cymbal
  • Instructional DVD

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Q. How can my child benefit from learning to play drums?
A. Countless studies have directly correlated the pursuit of music education with academic achievement. Studies have also shown that a child’s sense of timing—that is, the ability to feel and express a steady beat—dramatically affects speech flow, motor tasks, sports skills, and other important developmental characteristics. Check out our article Kids Drumsets: Beating A Path To Success.
Q. How much floor space does a kids drum set need?
A 3 piece set takes up about 36″ x 24″ and a 5 piece set takes up about 40″ x 26″. You can reduce the space of a 5 pc. set by storing the floor tom in a a closet when not in use.
Q. Is a 3 piece kid’s drum set better to start with than a 5 piece drum set?
A.Depending on the size of your budget, your child can start with either a 3 or 5-piece drum set. If you are planning on drum lessons for your child, a drum instructor will prefer a 5 piece set over a 3 piece set. See 5 piece kids drum sets Derosa DRM 516-DRS, GP55, Cannon JammJr500, Ludwig LJR-106, Percussion Plus SD5, TKO 101, Cannon Mid-Size, Union 5 Pc Jazz Rock and Union UJ5.
Q. What’s the best kids drum set you have?
A. We don’t recommend one specific brand or model that’s “best” for everyone. How well a drum set fits your family’s needs should determine what’s “best”” for you.Here are things to consider:

  • Age of Child: See What size kid’s drum set is right for my child? and Is a 5 pc. set better to start with than a 3 pc. set?
  • Budget: We offer large selection of kids drum sets to fit your budget: 3 pc sets from $79.95 to $129.95* and 5 pc sets from $179.95* and up. Free shipping is offered on selected items. (*prices are subject to change – please check our website listings for current prices).
  • Floor Space: 3 pc. drum sets require less floor space than 5 pc. drum sets. Our DeRosa Bridgecraft DRM312, Percussion Plus SD1, Union DY-UT3-LT and Union DY-UT3 feature all drums mounted to the bass drum and require the least amount of floor space. See How much floor space does a kids drum set need?
  • Sharing: If more than one child will be playing drums at the same time a 5 pc. set would be better than a 3 pc. set.
  • Plan Ahead: If your child is 4-5 years old and you feel he or she will play drums for a few years, see these models 3 to 8 year olds and 3 to 11 years. Sets in these groups will “grow” with your child for 3 to 7 years to come (depends on child’s size and drum model). If your child is 6-7 years old, see 3 to 11 years. This model will “grow” with your child for about 4 to 5 years to come.
    Features: See What features should I look for in comparing brands and models?

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Q. Are your kids drum sets just “toys” or are they working musical instruments as well?
A. Our kids drum sets are fully functional musical instruments in a scaled-down size. They’re not just a toy, like some that are sold in discount stores. Our kids drum sets are durable and feature tunable, replaceable heads. All hardware components are fully operable. Also see in this guide: “How durable are your kids drum sets?”
Q. How fast can you deliver and do you offer express shipping?
A. Website orders received by 12 noon, CT, Mon to Fri usually ship the same day by ground service via UPS or Fed Ex. Usual delivery time for most drum set orders is approximately 2 to 4 business days. (Note: Christmas time can take longer) Since we drop ship direct to you from several different warehouse locations, we regret that we’re are unable to offer express shipping. If your delivery is time sensitive please contact us before you place your order to confirm transit time. Delivery time is determined by the drop ship warehouse location and your shipping address. Below is a list of warehouse locations and the drum set brands that ship from these locations; this information will help you estimate shipping time. Please call us for any assistance you need.

Christmas Ordering: We recommend placing your order as early as possible to avoid the rush!

Model                                                         Ships From
GP50, GP55…………………………………….Texas or Georgia
DeRosa Bridgecraft………………………….California
Ludwig……………………………………………Indiana
Percussion Plus……………………………….Kentucky
Cannon…………………………………………..Ohio
Union……………………………………………..Wisconsin
TKO………………………………………………..Michigan

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Q. Are the stands and seat height-adjustable?
A. Yes, the stands and seats in all of our kids drum sets are height-adjustable to fit your child’s size. We even offer an 3 pc. extended height model and a 5 pc. extended height model for kids 3 to 11 years up to 5′ tall.
Q. How durable is a kid’s drum set and will it hold up over time? The last drum set we purchased was made of plastic and fell apart after 1 month.
A. Our kids drum sets are durable and as long as they’re not abused they’ll hold up just fine. Keep in mind that our smallest drum sets hold up well for kids 3 to 5-6 years old but would not hold up as well – or be the right size – for older kids. All drum sets we sell are covered under a full 1 Year Manufacturer’s Warranty for defects in parts and workmanship.
Q. Is there a picture of the drum set on the outside of the box? It’s a surprise and I don’t want my child to know what’s inside the box when it arrives.
A. Yes, there is an image on the outside of the box. In most cases you’ll receive a tracking number before delivery so that you’ll know when the box will arrive and store it before your child sees it.
Q. Are drum set assembly instructions included?
A. Yes, assembly instructions are included in the box and we’ll email them to you as well. And if you need extra help assembling the drums, our company president and drummer, Ned Ingberman, is ready to assist you by phone. Just call 800-729-3111, Mon- Fri, 9-5 pm CT.
Q. What kind of warranty comes with your kids drum sets?
A. Every kids drum set we sell is covered by a full 1 Year Manufacturer’s Warranty against defects in parts and workmanship.
Q. What is your best sounding kids drum set?
A. It is our opinion that there is no appreciable difference in tone quality between various brands/models of our kids drum sets.
Q. Your website photos of 3 piece and 5 piece kids drum sets show more than just 3 or 5 pieces. Are all of the pieces in the photos included with each drum set?
A. Junior Drum Sets are usually 3 pc. and 5 pc. sets. The “3” and “5” refer only to the number of drums. The other components are not counted but are included with the drums. All of the pieces shown in our kids drum set photos such as cymbals, stands, sticks*, seat and bass drum pedal* are included. However, on some models you can choose a “no seat” option. (*sticks & bass drum pedal might not appear in all photos but do come with all drum sets). To view a diagram of the parts of a kid’s drum set click here.
Q. What features should I look for in comparing brands and models?
A. There are several important features to check:

Ride Cymbal Stands:

Free standing type ride cymbal stand gives the drummer freedom to place the stand anywhere. Mounted type ride cymbal stand attaches to the bass drum. It saves floor space but can’t be moved off the bass drum.

Angle and Height Adjustments:

All of our kids drum sets have angle and height adjustments for the snare drum, floor tom and cymbal(s). All small toms are height adjustable except for two models – see below “Small Tom Angle Adjustments”.

Small Tom Angle Adjustments:

Adjustable tilt – featured on almost all models. Position of tom can be changed to any desired angle. Height is also adjustable.
Non-adjustable tilt – See: Cannon JAMMJR500, DeRosa DRM 516-DRS and GP55. Position of toms is fixed and can not be changed. Height is adjustable.

Size of Drum Set

See in this guide: “What size kid’s drum set is right for my child?” and “Plan Ahead”.

Number of Drums

See in this guide: “Is a 3 pc. drum set better to start with than a 5 pc. drum set?” and “Sharing a Drum Set and Floor Space”.

Hi Hat Stand

This foot operated stand “claps” two cymbals together. When played along with the bass drum pedal, it engages both feet and develops your child’s 4-way coordination. See: DeRosa DRM-516, GP50, GP55, Cannon Jammjr300, Cannon JammJr500, Ludwig LJR-106, Percussion Plus SD5, TKO 101, Union U5, Union UJ5 and Cannon.

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One Last Thought:
A kid’s drum set is fun and educational. Research studies show that learning a musical instrument actually enhances a child’s academic progress, speech flow, motor tasks, sports skills, and other developmental characteristics. Start your child in music today!

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