Theories/Speculation

• If you are a beginning drummer, look for a drum set that's easy to learn on, not too expensive and has room for growth. Drum kits can cost anywhere from a couple of hundred dollars to $6,000, so you probably don't want to be looking at the higher end of that range if you are looking for a transient learning tool.
  
  

Potential

• High-end, well-respected drum companies usually sell moderately priced drum sets for those in the beginning stages. These kits usually include one tom-tom, a snare drum, a bass drum, a floor tom, a crash cymbal and a hi hat. These are the best drum sets for learning on and should generally cost you less than $300 (see Resources below).
  
  

Types

• Finding the best drum set for you depends on what kind of music you intend to play. For jazz drumming, you should have a 14-inch snare drum, 18-inch bass drum, 16-inch floor tom tom and 12-inch rack tom tom. For rock drumming, a 12-inch snare drum, 22-inch bass drum, 16-inch floor tom tom and 13-inch rack tom tom are ideal.
  
  

Considerations

• When looking for the best drum set, it's important to consider factors such as the fact that different woods have different tones and sounds. Jazz drummers should search for a softer-toned wood. Wood is a major consideration that any jazz drummer should make. Also tone versus size is important. If you are a traveling musician, then a smaller-sized drum set can be helpful. However, it's important to remember that a compact drum kit might end up lacking in sound.
  
  

Geography

• There are many online sources for the a drum set that will be suited for your musical style, needs, level of expertise and price range. Drum Set Workouts, ZZounds, Ludwig Drums, Guitar Center, Pearl Drum, Amazon.com and Sam Ash are just a few of the best places to look for quality drum sets (see Resources below).