The growing popularity of the electronic drum set has been growing even more since COVID than before, assisting those who work from home to be able to do so while people who play the drums a\re also able to continue. They have also gained new functions, have access to improved and growing libraries of sound that allow them to adapt to many different needs and wants. Within the range of electronic drum sets, there are many different price points, functions, and other details that will determine which is the best for each individual circumstance as well as some that are overall great solutions for a variety of situations.
Best Portable E-drum Set for Beginners
For beginners a great option is the Alesis Nitro Max that has a mesh surface on each drum. This allows for the feel of a natural set with the feedback and ability to play with a headset that the electronic versions are known for. It comes with access to a digital library of sounds making it highly flexible and able to play a wide range of music and tones.
When looking for a beginner set of drums set a realistic budget for a set that will last a few years but will likely be outgrown as their playing progresses. These can range around $200-$500 in many cases and will not be as durable or have as many features as the more expense sets used by experienced people. They will come with a rubber or a mesh surface, and this may be personal preference, while it is noted that the mesh create more of a similar feel to the acoustic or traditional drums.
This set is highly portable, with only the drum pads being easier to move and take with you. It is both easy to disassemble and reassemble and will be useful for practices and learning a new skill. Its disadvantages are the durability of the set, with the stands and seat not being as strong as others, and it may not be comfortable for extended use in a short time. This is a set that can get a beginner started but it should be replaced as the improve become faster or are learning new methods and styles that require increased functions.
Best Budget Set for electronic drum set
Roland is one of the brands that offer a wide range of products, and they are accessible to almost any budget. This set, Roland TD-02KV, comes in around $600 and includes the base drum, snare head, and hi-hat that are easy to use and have a mesh surface. The mess surface makes them suitable to all users, and will mimic the feel of an acoustic set, which is easier to learn than others. It is easily moved from one location to another, and with a downloaded sound library can create a full range of sounds for different applications and needs.
For the price point, this set is durable and stable. It provides a consistent and reliable feel and is easy to use for beginners while offering the responsiveness that more experienced players expect. It is, however, not as durable as their higher end options or models and offers a small set to start that does not have a full range of each drum in the set which may be offset by the sound library to some degree.
Mid-Range
The Roland TD-07KV is another option that will fit many budgets and keeps the cost under $1,000 for a significant improvement in the capabilities and functions. The most common alteration to this set is to replace the hi-hat, but it offers a stable and reliable drum set for most users. The mesh pads and easy recording make it suitable for many uses, and it remains one of the more affordable models that provide this amount of function. It easily comes apart for transportation and when used with a headset it is easy to prevent disturbances to other people.
The drawback of this version is that it is priced out of the range for many, and while it is still less of an investment than a professional set, it also provides a less immersive experience and will need to be replaced after a few years of regular or heavy use.
Conclusion
Selecting the best electronic drum sets includes many factors including cost, useability, durability, stability, sound, and functions. All electronic drums work with the same basic understanding and features with a sound library and additional online resources, the ability to move and adjust the set as required, and the ability to use with a headset and recording devices easily and seamlessly. Key factors to consider are experience and capabilities of the person using them, the space and time that can be invested, and the budget. Midrange sets will provide all of the basics and some extra functionality for a decent price and will last a few years if not many years. They are built to grow with their user and will be able to adapt to many different situations. When playing for others an amplifier will be required and this should be factored into the budget as well. A good headset can be the key to successfully mastering new songs or styles with the electronic drum set, and for a best highly portable drum set and affordable practice set a drum pad may be considered. A drum pad is not a full set but it offers several different small pads that respond a the corresponding drum and will provide a very portable practice pad, even able to fit in a backpack or other bag.