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The Best Drums & Percussion Instruments

Last updated on August 6, 2023
Best Drums & Percussion

Our Review Process

Don't Waste Your Money is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to. Learn more.

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Our Picks For The Top Drums & Percussion

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Product Overview
Key Takeaway
 Best Overall

LOOIKOOS Non-Toxic Montessori Drums & Percussion Set

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

LOOIKOOS

Non-Toxic Montessori Drums & Percussion Set

With this drums and percussion set, you'll get 10 different instruments to introduce your children to music. Each is made from natural pine wood, so you don't ever have to worry about your kids handling toxic materials. In addition to home use, this set also works well in a Montessori classroom.

Overall Take

Attractive CollectionThis drums and percussion set comes with a storage bag to keep all the instruments neat and tidy.

 Electric Option

Alesis Nitro Mesh Electronic Drum & Percussion Kit

Alesis

Nitro Mesh Electronic Drum & Percussion Kit

New drummers and old hands will have a blast with this versatile drums and percussion kit. The mesh heads are a particular highlight, as they are responsive right out of the box and can be adjusted easily to get the right feel. The compact size enables it to be set up in most any space.

Overall Take

Upgrade PickDurable and responsive mesh heads give this a "real" drum feel.

 Easy to Carry

Musfunny Steel 6-Inch Tongue Drum & Percussion Kit

Musfunny

Steel 6-Inch Tongue Drum & Percussion Kit

This upgraded drums and percussion kit includes everything you need to make beautiful music. The 6-inch steel tongue drum is constructed from a high-quality alloy steel that is designed to last. In addition to the drum, you'll receive a set of mallets, a mallet bag, a shoulder strap and a cleaning cloth.

Overall Take

Lots of AccessoriesSince this drums and percussion set comes with a handy carry bag, you'll be able to take your music on the go.

 We Also Like

FOUR UNCLES Steel D-Key Tongue Drum & Percussion Kit

FOUR UNCLES

Steel D-Key Tongue Drum & Percussion Kit

This drums and percussion kit is an excellent choice for beginners, which is why it works well for both home and classroom use. Mallets are included with the kit, although musicians can play the drum with their hands. A music book and other accessories add value to this set.

Overall Take

Multiple Color OptionsYou'll find this drums and percussion set is available in six different colors, including blue, pink, silver, green, black and white.

Buying Guide

Percussion instruments are any instruments that can be beaten or struck. This can be with a hand or an object, such as a set of sticks. That means drums are a percussion instrument. When shopping for drums and percussion, you’ll want to take skill level and design into consideration.

Teachers and parents who want to encourage a love of music should look for a drum set that is designed for children ages 5 and up. You’ll find pre-tuned sets that include Acousticon shells and a vibrant rainforest finish are an excellent choice. Some sets even include different size drums, such as 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14 inches.

Bongo-style drums are also a great choice for beginners, as they are easy to play, yet still offer professional sound quality. Many sets are constructed from natural wood and feature smooth black powder-coated hardware with an attractive glossy finish.

If you’re looking for a drum that produces an ethereal sound, a steel tongue drum is a better choice. High-end models made from a steel-titanium alloy that are strictly hand-modulated produce perfect tones. This type of drum is often used to promote an atmosphere of relaxation, which leads to a reduction in stress.

Consider opting for a drum and percussion kit. These kits not only include a drum, but also a set of mallets, mallet holder, shoulder strap, music book and cleaning cloth. They may even come with a handy travel bag, allowing you to transport the kit from home to school or the park.

What to Look For

  • Some drums and percussion sets include a tuning wrench. If your kit doesn’t, you may want to invest in one to ensure your drums are producing accurate sounds.
  • Steel tongue drums are often sold in a variety of colors, including green, purple, black, white and blue.
  • Beginners will find helpful instructional videos online, but it may still be a good idea to sign up for a few classes to learn the basics of the drum.
  • It’s good practice to keep your drums inside a carry case when not in use, as this protects them from dust, bugs and accidental spills.
  • When purchasing drums made from wood, you’ll want to check that the product is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). This certification lets you know that the company is environmentally responsible.
  • Drums and percussion kits come in a variety of price tags, some of which are budget-friendly. You may want to consider picking one up to give as a gift.

More to Explore

Music education offers many benefits to students. The Novak Djokovic Foundation points out that music improves a child’s language development and helps their brains work harder, resulting in higher test scores and a higher IQ. Music also gives many students a creative way to express their emotions. Whether you’re a public, private or homeschool teacher, you’ll want to consider adding drums and percussion to your curriculum.

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