Best Starter Drum Set for a 9 Year Old
Posted by Mike Schumacher
Things To Know Before You Buy
It’s the inevitable question proposed by lots of children when very first exposed to music at school—”can I play the drums?”
As a parent, you’re required to either offer with the sound and encourage musical expedition, or state no (thankfully, mine said yes). The thought of drums to some moms and dads is a headache, I’m sure.
However, buying a kit may seem very daunting. You have various sized drums, drum heads, drum sticks, beaters, cymbals, thrones, pedals, hardware—all of which you may not have a clue about.
Fear not, as I have actually composed a legendary list of drums best for your child, no matter their age (all elements included).
I even extensively interviewed my parents to remember their buying procedure when they got me my very first drum set.
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The earlier you begin them, the quicker they will find out and keep. Even though some of the youth drum sets on this list are very inexpensive and do not sound the greatest, these are the very best packages offered of whatever found on the marketplace.
Keep in mind, this drum set will test their interest in music and playing drums.
Our favorite pick has to be the Ludwig Junior Drum Set. It’s the ideal drum kit for any age and permits your kid to become playing the drums. If you enjoyed this post at all, and if it assisted you out, please do not hesitate to share it with your pals or other parents who are considering purchasing their kid a drum set.
Where to begin for a 9-year-old…
Price is a good starting point when searching for a junior starter drum kit. Also whether or not you want to invest in an acoustic kit or an electronic kit.
But what about drum shells, shell sizes, cymbals, etc.?!
A 9-year-old is the perfect age to start getting a kit that will last them their teenage years. Yes, price is a factor. However, you really want them to be inspired by the kit and you don’t want them to be turned off playing once they are too big for the kit.
There’s no specific answer here since it depends partially on their height however these are best fit for children aged from 3 to 10. For children who are taller than average, or closer to their teenage years, I recommend getting a full-sized set.
The brand Tama, Sonar and Ludwig all make relatively cheap introductory kits and I would totally recommend them.
My first ‘real’ kit was a Yamaha and I still have it to this day and absolutely love it.
I definitely recommend either 4 or 5 piece kits, which means you get the snare, bass drum, and two or three toms depending on your likes. Many drummers only use two toms, but if you want to have fun with more toms, many introductory kits come with them.
Nevertheless, if space is limited, then a 3-piece set will take up a bit less area both when established and when loaded up for transport to have fun with others. Typically, these are consisted of when you purchase a junior drum set however not always and it’s irritating to have your package delivered without sticks.
Terminology
Drum Throne vs Drum Stool
Both these terms imply the same thing, it’s the seat you sit on to play drums. Check to make sure your kit comes with one, as some do not.
Kick Drum vs Bass Drum
In regards to drum sets these terms are likewise interchangeable and indicate the very same thing.
Technically a kick drum is developed to be utilized with a kick pedal but there are bass drums not developed for that purpose such as ones you might see played in an orchestra or marching band.
Cymbals
Cymbals are those metal ‘clangy’ looking things that drummers have on either side of them.
They can be very expensive, but luckily you can find packs of these that are fairly cheap. Check out to make sure that your introductory kit comes with cymbals, as many of them have them in the pictures but do not actually come with them.
Snare drum
Snare is the basic building block of the drum set. If you just had a bass drum and a snare drum, you could make tons of music.
Your child may be used to seeing a snare drum in the concert band as well.
Usually the dimensions of a snare are: 14″ x 5″ is 14″ in diameter and 5″ deep.
Some makers and sellers have a different depth but for a snare I would make sure that we have at least 14” of diameter.
Ply is a common style of wood to have these built in.
Summary
Prior to picking the best drum set for your child you need to see how serious they are going to take this. If so I would opt for spending a little bit more on the drumset to ensure that your child can swap components when they get more mature.
You also may want to check out electronic drum options if space and noise is an issue.
You may want to bring your child to the store and see which one he/she gravitates towards. If he can manage a bigger kit, then go for that and you can ensure that they can continue playing the drums as she or he ages.
However if you are unsure how they will like drums, do your research then decide what budget range is proper for you and will match your kid’s interest level and commitment to learning the drums. Perhaps the cheaper option is better if they have never had lessons.
Finally, I’d enjoy to hear about your individual experience with junior drum packages and associated items. Drop us a line!

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