Want to practise at home and buy a drum kit? It is one of the questions we get asked most. Here is everything in one place: electronic or acoustic, what to look out for, what it roughly costs and where to buy it.
First: do you need a drum kit yet?
Not necessarily for your first lessons. With a pair of drumsticks and a practice pad you can already work on your technique at home. That way you first find out whether drumming is really for you before spending a larger amount. You can also buy sticks and practice pads at our studio.
Electronic or acoustic?
| Electronic | Acoustic | |
|---|---|---|
| Sound and neighbours | Quieter, but not silent: you hear the sticks tapping on the pads and the bass drum pedal thumps through the floor. Sometimes a drum platform is needed to dampen vibrations | Loud, you need a separate room |
| Feel and sound | Good with mesh heads, but less real | Real: dynamics, sound and cymbals |
| Space | Compact, fits in a bedroom | Larger, about 2 by 2 metres |
| Extras | Built-in metronome, play along via Bluetooth, recording | Everything with separate gear |
| Price | From about €400 new | From about €500 new, often cheaper second-hand |
No room for an acoustic kit? We also rent out practice rooms at our studio at Gruttersdijk. Ask about availability.
What to look for in an electronic drum kit
- Mesh heads instead of rubber pads. They feel much more natural and are quieter.
- The hi-hat. There are two types: a separate hi-hat pedal with a pad on the rack, or a hi-hat on a real stand that opens and closes like an acoustic hi-hat. The stand only comes with the more expensive models. A separate pedal is fine to start with, as long as it opens and closes smoothly and is not a simple on/off switch.
- A real bass drum. Ideally choose a kit with a kick pad you play against with a real bass drum pedal. It feels like a real bass drum and you learn the right foot technique. Some cheap kits only have a loose pedal without a pad: that feels very different and we advise against it.
- A sturdy rack. On very compact kits the rack is often wobbly and the pads shift while you play. We advise against those.
- Playing along with music. Most new kits have Bluetooth or an input for your phone. Older second-hand kits do not always.
- What is in the box? A throne, bass drum pedal and headphones are often not included.
What does an electronic drum kit cost?
An indication of new prices:
Fine to start with. Mesh heads, but smaller pads and a simple hi-hat. For example Alesis Nitro Max or Millenium MPS-850.
Better pads, a real hi-hat stand and a better sound. For example Roland TD-07 or Yamaha DTX6 series.
Larger pads that come very close to a real kit. For example Roland TD-17 or higher.
Prices are an indication (November 2026) and vary by shop and offer.
Buying second-hand
Second-hand you often get a lot more drum kit for your money. Check:
- Do all pads and cymbals work, also when playing softly?
- Are the mesh heads intact and the cables complete?
- Does the hi-hat close properly and respond smoothly?
- Is the rack stable and are all clamps included?
Where to buy a drum kit
We love supporting local music shops. There you can play, compare and get personal advice. Of course we also understand that an online shop is sometimes easier.
Our favourite drum shops
- Rotterdam Drum Department Rotterdam
A great drum specialist, especially for good advice on an acoustic kit. - Terpstra Muziek Lijnden
Large music shop with a wide choice of drums. - Piet Klaassen Drumservice Badhoevedorp
Sales, repair and maintenance, also new and vintage parts. - Drumzaak Apeldoorn
A true drum specialist. - Adams Music Ittervoort
Wide range of drums and percussion. - Rebo Music Soest
New, used and vintage drum kits, snare drums and cymbals.
Prefer online?
- Thomann
Huge range and fast delivery.
Vintage drums
- The Facebook group Dutch Vintage Drum Meeting is the place for vintage drum kits, and for contacts with vintage shops.
What else do you need?
- Drum throne: height adjustable, so you sit properly.
- Drumsticks: 5A or 7A is a good choice for most beginners.
- Practice pad: for technique, anywhere and quietly.
- Headphones: closed headphones for an electronic kit.
- Hearing protection when playing acoustic: drumming is loud!
- Drum rug: against sliding and for less noise through the floor.
You can also buy sticks, earplugs and accessories at our studio.
Frequently asked questions
Can you really learn to drum on an electronic kit?
Yes, as a practice solution an electronic kit works well. Choose a kit with mesh heads and a proper hi-hat, so it feels as close as possible to an acoustic kit. In our lessons you play on high-quality acoustic kits, so you get to know both.
How quiet is an electronic drum kit?
With headphones only you hear the sound. What the neighbours still hear is the tapping of the sticks on the pads and especially the thump of the bass drum pedal through the floor. A drum rug or a drum platform helps a lot.
Do I need a drum kit for my first lessons?
No. With a pair of drumsticks and a practice pad you can practise at home for the first weeks. That way you first find out whether drumming is for you.
Can I buy a second-hand drum kit?
Definitely, you often get more for your money. Send the listing to your teacher or to us and we will gladly take a look with you.
Ask your teacher, or book a trial lesson and find out how drumming feels first.
Book a trial lesson