Many drummers (or even the parents of future drummers) don’t realize that it’s possible to get a respectable kit, with name-brand cymbals and hardware, for under a grand. While it may have been unthinkable a decade ago, two advancements in drum manufacturing have made the sub-$1000 kit a reality these days.
For starters, affordable poplar has come into vogue as a popular shell wood. Poplar is a smart alternative to more expensive birch. Paired with quality hoops and edges, poplar sounds great under close mics, with a powerful attack and reserved overtones.
Next, more drum makers are teaming up with respected cymbal manufacturers to offer complete cymbal sets that are usable on a pro level. These B8 bronze and brass options are made smarter today, with a level of consistency and control that yesterday’s cymbals couldn’t touch.
Pearl Roadshow
Take the Pearl Roadshow. These 4- and 5-piece kits are an already great deal on a quality set of drums. And when you factor in a complete set of Pearl hardware and two options of included cymbal packs — Pearl’s own brass cymbals or the Wuhan 457 pack — they’re downright unbeatable. Roadshow shells are crafted from nine plies of poplar and molded to fabricate a resonance chamber for powerful projection. Each sports hand-cut 45-degree bearing edges for a punchy tone and tuning made easy. All Pearl Roadshow configurations include 2 pairs of sticks and a Pearl stick bag to get you up and drumming immediately.
- Pearl Roadshow 4-piece with brass cymbals – available in 4 finishes
- Sweetwater Exclusive Pearl Roadshow 4-piece with Wuhan B8 cymbals – available in 4 finishes
- Sweetwater Exclusive Pearl Roadshow 5-piece with Wuhan cymbals – available in 4 finishes
Ludwig Element Evolution
Next up, Ludwig’s Element Evolution kits provide intermediate shells, hardware, and cymbals to experienced drummers at an affordable price. The heart of every Ludwig Element Evolution is a set of poplar wood shells. Like birch, affordable poplar is vibrant and easy to mic up. This keeps the cost of the Element Evolution kits down without sacrificing a professional tone and tuning range. Shells are available in four sparkle finishes, each paying tribute to Ludwig’s heritage. All configurations ship with a full set of double-braced hardware and a Zildjian ZBT cymbal pack, which includes a nice set of hi-hats that holds up to scrutiny even in the studio.
- Ludwig Element Evolution 5-piece with Zildjian ZBT cymbals and 20″ Kick drum – available in 4 finishes
- Ludwig Element Evolution 5-piece with Zildjian ZBT cymbals and 22″ Kick drum – available in 4 finishes
TAMA Imperialstar
Finally, TAMA’s Imperialstars blend TAMA’s tough-as-nails hardware with Meinl’s cutting HCS cymbal pack. As with the Roadshow and Element Evolution, the Imperialstar is quality built from bold, balanced poplar. TAMA’s six finishes are glued to the entire surface of the shells, rather than spot glued, for a look that will never warp and a tone that’s natural and open. The included Iron Cobra 200 pedal is especially nice, with a smooth action that, depending on your playing style, may last you your career.
- TAMA Imperialstar 5-piece with Meinl cymbals – available in 6 finishes
- TAMA Imperialstar 6-piece with Meinl cymbals – available in 6 finishes
Whether you’re a drummer who’s ready to level up your kit, a guitarist looking to learn a new instrument, or a studio or venue that needs a proper house kit, Sweetwater’s sub-$1000 drum kits will definitely exceed your expectations.
