Rhythm Masters: The Best Drum Brands in the World - aLittleBitOfAll
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Rhythm Masters: The Best Drum Brands in the World

Mapex drum kits

Rhythm Masters: The Best Drum Brands in the World

Choosing your first drum set is immensely important to start your drumming journey at the right beat (pun intended)! As with any other instrument, you must consider a few factors to choose the right option, whether you’re building your set from scratch, buying it complete for yourself or your little rock star. Shopping for drums can be exhilarating yet challenging. Knowing the best drum brands and deciding on one can ease the process and help you choose correctly no matter your skill level.

What Is the Best Brand of Drums?

Making the right choice for your drum kit can have a significant impact on your performance, thus it’s crucial to choose the right brand. After all, there are a tonne of distinctive drum features available that are meant to help you establish your sound. Only a few of the countless drum brands worldwide have achieved international recognition. It’s a result of a blend of creative thinking, effective promotion, and widespread acceptance within the drumming community.

One important consideration when selecting a brand is its background and the areas of the kit in which it specialises. Configurations are another way that brands and various series differ from one another. Here’s our breakdown of the three best drum brands in the world.

Mapex

Mapex drums
source: facebook.com

When KHS launched the Mapex brand in 1989, it successfully changed the focus away from manufacturing for other brands. Coined as an acronym for Music And Percussion EXcellence, MAPEX started with a mission to produce top-notch instruments that enable drummers to develop their distinctive voices with an emphasis on originality and an edgy presence.

Today, innovative Mapex drums are known for their outstanding features and artistic craftsmanship, being the instrument of choice of many musicians, both beginners and professionals (Dom Famularo was a big ambassador, among others). The Mapex drum range, including the Saturn V, Armory, and Mars series, Black Panther snares, and Falcon hardware, is crafted using high-quality hardwoods such as maple, walnut, birch, and basswood.

Skilled artisans carefully select and match the wood for each drum to ensure that every piece embodies the signature Mapex tonal qualities and resonance, contributing to their distinctive sound. The finishes on Mapex drums look stunning but are also highly durable and easy to maintain. Their lacquer finishes, in particular, involve an eight-coat, hand-rubbed process resulting in a high-gloss shine.

With Mapex’s isolated tom mounting systems, you get pure tom sound free from interference. Whether the precise bearing edges or the practical bass drum claws, every detail is thoughtfully crafted by experts who understand what drummers need. Regardless of the price range, each drum receives the same meticulous attention to detail, ensuring they meet strict standards.

Mapex stands firmly behind its products, relentlessly designing drums and hardware built to withstand performance after performance. This dedication results in a drum kit you can confidently take to the stage or studio, knowing it’ll deliver consistently. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, there’s a Mapex kit suited to your needs and budget.

Pearl

Pearl is a Japanese drum brand with over 70 years of experience that was arguably the most popular drum company worldwide, especially in the early 2000s. Pearl’s entry-level kits have always stood out to many experts and musicians for their solid build quality. Whether you’re picking up a Roadshow or an Export kit, they offer excellent value, accessibility and versatile sound, serving most drummers well until they’re ready to step up to something more professional.

However, Pearl shines when you explore their higher-end models. Their Masters Series is the go-to for professionals, featuring top-tier maple shells crafted using Pearl’s SST (Superior Shell Technology) system. Then there is the drummer’s paradise, the Masterworks line. This fully customisable line lets you order a kit built entirely to your specifications—a testament to Pearl’s commitment to craftsmanship. Matt Maguire (from The Chainsmokers) and Dennis Chambers are drummers who use Pearl.

Yamaha

Yamaha is another major name in the Japanese music industry, with a rich history that spans various instruments. They began making drum kits in the 1960s, and since then they’ve earned a strong reputation in the drumming world. One thing to admire about Yamaha’s drum range is the visual consistency across their kits.

At a glance, it can be tough to tell the difference between the Stage Custom and Live Custom models. The differences come down to more than just a few minor aesthetic upgrades. You’re paying for enhanced tonal quality, better sound control, and increased stability in the shells and hardware as you move up the Yamaha product line.

That said, the Stage Custom kit, despite its budget-friendly price, is a fantastic choice for gigging drummers. Its punchy birch shells perform exceptionally well on stage, making it a go-to option for those seeking affordability without compromising quality. Overall, Yamaha’s strength lies in its reliability. Regardless of your budget, every drum set they produce is a solid choice.

Last Thoughts

Besides the best three drum brands we’ve chosen, DW drums, Tama, Gretch, Ludwig and Sonor are all brands that deserve honourable mention. Whatever brand you decide on, you must shop for your instrument in a reputable, trustworthy music store to get a genuine product instead of a poor copy. Not only will you get the best product but also great service and advice from their knowledgeable and music-loving staff.

Stephanie Tierney
tierneystephanie1@gmail.com