If you move around a lot or live in an area where you cannot use a regular drum kit, then you may want to consider getting an electronic drum set. Like with any instrument, finding the best one can be difficult if you have no idea what you are looking for. So, here is a quick and simple buying guide on what to look for as well as some of the top brands and their electronic drum sets that you can get right now.

Buying Guide

How to choose the best electronic drum set.

Rubber pads vs Mesh heads

If you have ever played Guitar Hero or Rock Band with the drums, then you already have an idea of how it feels to use electric drums with rubber pads. They can sound and feel much different than regular drums and those with mesh heads. In terms of quality, some are a little on the cheaper side when it comes to striking, not naturally bouncing back, but the sound is usually still decent to great depending on the drums.

Rubber pads can also be more affordable than those with mesh heads and because they are less fragile and smaller than mesh heads, they can be easier to store. One of the bigger cons with rubber pads is that the snares tend to have less of a striking area and can be quite small.

Mesh heads are designed to be minorly or heavily similar to a traditional drum set, depending on the quality of the mesh. Kits with mesh heads tend to be more sensitive than rubber pads, meaning that a smaller strike is registered better, but this also makes the drums more fragile.

Although, unlike rubber pads, mesh heads can be physically tuned/their tension be adjusted, and this can give a more authentic and natural sound. The downside is that they are generally more expensive than sets with rubber pads. 

Standard kit vs Pro kit

If you are just starting out playing drums or are looking to get a simple set for basic recording, then you may want to get a standard electronic drum set. They are generally only a few hundred dollars or so, can last for several years, and can be used with computer software that can make some basic sounds more higher quality.

If cost is not a concern and you want the highest quality sounds available, then you will probably want to get a professional kit. These generally come with control units attached to the drums themselves, along with other extras.

Functions

Many sets come with basic functions like a built-in metronome and recorder, but some of the basic or medium-level sets can come with built-in coaching as well to help you get a better rhythm control. Some also come with audio jacks so that you can either plug a cell phone or mp3 player into the drums so that you can play along with a song. you could also plug the drums into a speaker or headphones too.

Number of sounds

A few electric drum sets come with different sound settings that a strike will create, very much like an electric keyboard, but it is usually just drumming sounds and not the more obscure noises an electric keyboard may have.

Some do not come with the sounds built into them due to the fact that the sound can be adjusted with many programs. This is the case for most professional sets.

What are the benefits of an electronic drum set?

Depending on the quality, many of the sets are more affordable, transportable, and/or durable than a traditional set. Sets with mesh heads also tend to be quieter than both traditional or rubber heads, which can be more convenient for those living in an apartment or noise-restricted area.

Things to look for that differentiate them.

Some brands and/or specific models are only available in certain countries, but usually, they are North America and the UK. If you are typing a broad search into Google instead of a specific shop, keep an eye out to make sure the set that you are looking at is not shipping out from overseas, otherwise, you may have to pay a decent amount in shipping costs.

What is the best way to use an electric drum set?

Some drum sets, electric or traditional, do not come with instructions on how to use them, meaning that if you are a beginner, you will probably either have to take a class or a private lesson or two to understand where and how to strike the drums.

When it comes to putting them together, it is best to follow the instructions and install them in a cool, dry place. Too much humidity can be bad for any instrument, electric or otherwise. Also, never clean your drums with water or a damp cloth as this can potentially ruin them or the circuitry inside of them.

Are they better than traditional drum sets?

If they need to be moved around a lot, they will be stored often, or they will be used for personal or private recordings, then they can be. However, if you are planning to join a band or perform live without bringing your computer or sound software, then you will probably need/want a traditional set.