PEARL ROADSHOW 5-PIECE DRUM SET
Best Value Drum Set
Est. Price: $479 | Buy it on Amazon
Pros:
- Includes everything needed to start playing immediately.
- Quality construction, solid hardware.
- 2-year warranty.
Cons:
- Challenging to assemble for some.
- Stock drum heads might not satisfy more advanced players.
Takeaway: For an absolute beginner, this Pearl 5-piece set makes an outstanding first drum set. This kit includes everything, down to a throne and the drum sticks. The shells are made of poplar wood only (as most inexpensive shells are), yet sound quality is pretty good, reviewers say. The stock drum heads are perfectly fine for beginning drummers, but can be upgraded as needed for a custom sound. While the stock cymbals are a sticking point for some — they're said to be on the chintzy side and they certainly can't compare to third-party add-ons — according to experts they're still better than those included with most starter drum sets. Quibbles aside, for a drum set under $500 most users say the Pearl Roadshow delivers a rare combination of performance and value.
Kit includes: bass (22" x 16"); 2 rack tom-toms (10" x 8" and 12" x 9"); floor tom (16" x 16"); snare (14" x 5.5"); crash cymbal (16"), 2 hi-hat cymbals (14"); mounting hardware, stands, kick pedal, drum throne and sticks. Model RS525SC/C