Electronic instruments have seen significant transformations in the past years due to the booming advances of technology.
Therefore, we introduce you to the latest, state-of-the-art electronic drum sets under $1000.
We will also provide more information on what you should be looking for in an affordable drum set.
Table of Contents
Can You Find a Quality Electronic Drum Set Under $1000?
While there are some nick pickers out there, it is important to point out that electronic drum sets have registered significant improvements in quality and features. Most low-priced models can easily challenge more expensive models.
For instance, the low-priced models used to feature rubber heads which are of inferior quality. However, our models under $1000 all feature mesh heads for enhanced performance and durability.
What is more, the technological advances allowed manufacturers to pack some extra features in electronic drum sets. For instance, they did not only recreate the most realistic acoustic feel, but they also enhanced the experience in many ways that an acoustic drum will never be able to.
Perks of Getting a New Electronic Drum Set
Here are some benefits of investing in a new electronic drum set:
Versatility
A great quality electronic drum set comes with plenty of different sounds, whether you play pop, switch to jazz, and a 1970s cover in between the two. Instead of having different kits to achieve this sonic versatility, all you need to do is purchase a new electronic drum set that will suit all your needs.
Recording Benefits
What makes electronic drum sets even more valuable is that they provide greater flexibility. You can record your performance, then edit each note or the instrument until you achieve the best sounds. You can capture your tone but also easily modify it to suit your liking.
Quiet Practice
If you enjoy practicing late, but your family or neighbors don’t, an electronic drum kit will allow you to connect your headphones for silent practice.
Portability
An electronic drum kit is more compact than an acoustic drum kit. They are lighter than acoustic ones, and they need less space. Whether you practice at home or you want to travel, the kit can be easily folded down to take up as little space as possible.
What to Look For When Buying an Electronic Drum Set
All electronic drum sets come with a drum module and drum pads. Here is what you should look for when buying an electronic drum set:
Customization
For most drum modules, you should choose what kind of drum kit or percussion set, among other musical sounds you wish to use. Ideally, the drum set should allow you to customize all of your tunes, add your own samples, and many more.
Moreover, the volume should also be customized – the module can be used to change the overall output, but also the volume of individual instruments.
Controlling the Sensitivity
Another aspect you should focus on is the sensitivity settings. These will control the force you need to apply to trigger the sounds from the electronic drum set. For instance, some pads might be extra sensitive, which means that you can have dual-layering: when you hit the pad lightly, you will have a sound that changes when you hit it harder.
Connectivity
Ideally, you should aim for audio connections, USB ports, and the like. This will allow you to connect your drum kit to an interface, computer, or any other instrument.
Comparison Chart of the Best Electronic Drum Sets Under $1000
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Review of the Best Electronic Drum Sets Under $1000
Now that you know what to keep in mind, take a look below at some of the top models we found on the market.
Best Overall:
Yamaha DTX522K
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PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This kit has a plethora of great sounds to choose from, and it sounds exceptional when you use headphones. All the hardware feels very durable, and they are perfectly designed to produce high-quality sounds without sounding too loud, especially when you have headphones on.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Yamaha DTX522K is our top choice for drum kits. It combines a realistic cymbal ‘choke’ feature that can express different sounds in each zone with a drum trigger module. It comes with 691 drum and percussion sounds and 50 preset drum kits from many music genres.
Who Will Use This Most
This kit is ideal for beginners or intermediate level players. It is easy to use, and you can play for hours without having your hands or wrists hurt. The drum set is suitable for any music genre, and the DTX502 module helps you generate the best sounds. You can also import custom wav files for greater versatility.
Bottom Line
All in all, this drum sets packs in all the basic features and also some exclusive ones. Whatever your skill level is, this product will challenge you every time you practice. If you want to excel in rhythmic timing or boost your pad accuracy and endurance, look no further – this one deserves to be on the top of your list.
Runner-up:
Alesis Command Mesh Kit
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PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This drum kit is very easy to put together and covers all the needs and wishes you may have. The performance of the sound is high-quality, while the adjustability of the sounds offers you plenty of flexibility and versatility. It comes with a great head response and sound module, and it is undoubtedly a must-try!
Why it Stands Out to Us
This drum kit encompasses all the features you need for the best playing experience. It includes all the hardware you need to play like a pro: a ten-inch dual-zone mesh snare, three eight-inch dual-zone mesh tom pads, and an eight-inch mesh kick tower pad with pedal. This drum kit gives virtually unlimited play expression.
Who Will Use This Most
This drum kit is ideal for practice, but could also suit a small studio. It has a compact size, which means that it can go anywhere with you. The sounds are great, it provides plenty of versatility, and it takes your drumming performance to a whole new level.
Bottom Line
The Alesis Command Mesh Kit is a complete 8-piece electronic drum set that offers you everything you need to start playing straight away! What is more, it also comes with 40 drum bonus lessons, which makes it the ideal product for a beginner or drum enthusiast.
Best for the Money:
Simmons SD600
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This drum kit has incredible responsiveness and a very realistic acoustic drum feel. What is more, the steel rack allows the user to adjust the pads, offering greater flexibility because you can play comfortably, regardless of your play-style and setup. The build quality is outstanding, and it is exceptionally durable.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This full-sized drum kit offers high value for money and sleek aesthetics. With the sturdy, solid construction, it features a hi-hat pad, a ride cymbal, crash cymbal with choke, three tensionable and dual-zone tom pads, among others. It is easy to use and promotes performance and playability.
Who Will Use This Most
The SD600 is designed for anyone who wants a rock-solid electronic drum set, whether it is for practicing, rehearsing, or studio recording. It encompasses numerous premium features that will make your experience memorable every single time you play. What is more, it comes with demo songs and other features to help our new players.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for maximum quality, versatility, and durability, the SD600 was built to meet all of your needs. It includes 336 high-quality drum sounds with 35 preset drum kits, which will get you started on your career right away. It also comes with a beater pedal that can be swapped with your own pedal.
4. Alesis DM7X Ultra-Compact
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PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Once you put everything together, the first thing you will notice is the durable and sturdy build. The quality is by far outmatching the price range of this product and, despite what you might be tempted to think, this is a serious drum kit. It comes with interesting features, such as being able to tune the pitch of the sounds or add reverb.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Alesis DM7X Ultra-Compact is a high-quality, durable drum kit. Setting up is easy, and it provides the ultimate adjustability. The pads are durable, and the sound output has the ideal level, not too loud or too quiet. The rack is tough, made with high-quality materials, and is extremely easy to install.
Who Will Use This Most
This drum set is ideal for any beginner or more experienced drummer that has not played for years and is getting back to it. The drum kit is ideal for practicing, rehearsing, but also to play in public. It might not be suitable for playing in a large band with major tunes, but it is a great asset for any starting drummer.
Bottom Line
On the whole, the Alesis DM7X Ultra-Compact is a five-piece kit that provides versatility, adjustability, and exclusive features. It is made of high-quality materials, and the pads can definitely take a beating. If you are on a budget or if you are a beginner, this drum kit is ideal for you!
5. Simmons SD1200
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
If you are looking for an acoustic feel, this drum kit is what you need. It is highly customizable, providing you with virtually endless options and sounds, whether it is open sounds, splash, trashy edge accents, and many more. It is easy to use and access all the editing features due to the large, colored LCD.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The SD1200 is a top-tier drum set that combines exclusive features. It comes with a custom sound library, state-of-the-art mesh pads, and advanced features that benefit all performing drummers. It includes Bluetooth, iOS, and USB, while the LCD comes with dedicated faders, buttons, and knobs, providing maximum versatility.
Who Will Use This Most
If you are looking for an easy-to-use, great quality electronic drum set, this has to be on your shortlist. It comes with an intuitive user interface, large and bright LCD screen that provides you with the highest level of flexibility. You can record, edit, and create your own sets, or play wav files, or mp3 from the USB drive.
Bottom Line
Overall, the Simmons SD1200 is a high-quality electronic drum set that combines numerous functional features. It has a 12” dual-zone mesh snare and stand, 12” hi-hat with variable pedal, 12” dual-zone crash pad, and many other features that will benefit any performing drummer.
Aspects to Consider Before Buying
Here are some aspects you need to consider before buying:
Amplifiers and Headphones
If you want to play with other musicians or without headphones, you need to consider buying a drum set amplifier. Similarly, most electronic drum sets do not include headphones, so it is recommended to buy a pair of drumming headphones. This will allow you to practice quietly when at home without disturbing others in your vicinity.
Drum Sticks
Another aspect you need to consider is the drumstick you will use – any standard model will work. Try not to go with wooden tips if you play for a long time because they might splinter after some use, damaging the drum heads. If you already own wooden drumsticks, there is not much to worry about for now – it will take some time until they cause damage.
Drum Stool
Another important consideration is the drum stool. This is crucial because you will spend a good amount of time playing, which means that you might have back problems if you do not choose the drum stool carefully.
Conclusion
This is everything you need to know in order to make the best decision for you. Our budget-friendly models include numerous features that will be useful to you, regardless of your skill level. Whether you are a drumming pro or a beginner, an electronic drum set is always a great option.
People Also Ask
If you still have a few questions on your mind at this point, keep reading below to find out more.
Can You Use Double Bass Pedal Electronic Drums?
Yes, provided that you have a kick pad that is able to support two beaters and a double bass drum pedal at the same time. Most sets will not include the double bass drum pedals, so make sure you purchase it separately.
Are Electronic Drum Sets Quiet?
They can be quiet, but it also depends on the model you use, so it is ideal to avoid pads with a rubber layer. Moreover, the kick drum and hi-hat pedals will also create floor vibration, so the people below will most likely hear you practicing.
