The drums are made from 7-ply maple shells. These shells have the classic Gretsch tone that sounds vintage, yet modern enough to fit in any band. You get a musical range of notes as you play down the toms.

The first step is to get the bass drum sitting level, and adjusting your stool height so that you’re sat correctly. From here you can start placing your drums and cymbals so that everything is within easy reach, allowing you to hit them without needing to twist or become uncomfortable. Most 7-piece drum sets will utilize a lot more cymbals than a traditional 5-piece drum kit, so you might want to think about buying extra cymbals, such as several crash cymbals, as well as effects cymbals such as splash cymbals and china cymbals. Space is an important factor when it comes to buying a 7-piece drum set. A 7-piece drum set takes up a lot more space than a standard 5-piece drum kit.

Get to Groovin’ from Day One!

It’s fairly similar to the previous kits. However, it has a few unique features that are exclusive to Tama drums. DW continues to refine its already awesome Collector's Series. This new hybrid of cherry and mahogany offers a subtle variation of warm, sensitive and concise tones. But if that doesn’t quite float your boat, there are plenty of other custom options to choose from. The Pearl Decade Maple is the current popular intermediate kit from Pearl. While it looks similar to Pearl’s Export kit on the surface, it has a few qualities that make it a better kit with superior tones. Mapex is another brand who seems to create drum sets which work in nearly all musical scenarios. Its Saturn drum set is an industry favourite due to its maple/walnut shell materials, and the more affordable Mars, Armory and Storm kits follow in the 'ultimate versatility' footsteps. Mapex drums tend to be pretty lively sounding - all about that 'punch'. One of the best things about having a 7-piece kit like the PDP Concept Maple and the Gretsch Catalina Maple is the diversity it gives you in your drum setup. You don’t have to set up each of the seven drums each time. You can choose to place different-sized toms for varying configurations.

All the toms and the bass drum have 7-ply maple shells while the snare drum has a 10-ply maple shell. These drums are incredibly punchy. It’s very common to see one of these kits being used in a Gospel setting because of this. There are also seven new Recording Custom snare drums with stainless steel, aluminium and brass shells should you wish to go all-Yamaha in the studio. A masterful return from one of the most famous drum sets ever made.

One small gripe is that, as a kit particularly suited to those early stages, a ‘compact’ option would have been great for very young drummers. That said, the two options available are versatile enough for just about any style. Overall, the Yamaha Rydeen feels like a thoughtfully crafted beginner kit. It is an excellent place to begin your journey and, for the price, excellent value for money. If you do hit pro drummer territory, a) well done, and b) you'll probably have a pretty clear idea of the drum tone, shell sizes and kit configuration you’re now looking for. At this level you'll be choosing between premium quality drum shells, properly resilient, road-worthy hardware and maybe even a range of custom options to really make the drum kit of your choice your own. Broadkaster shells are crafted from North American maple/poplar/maple formula that screams vintage vibe and creates tastefully punchy and warm tones for all to enjoy. With a set of clear heads, you can expect to embrace a bright, present top end that’ll cut through the mix, and with a coated set, you’ll be enveloped in warm, vintage thuddiness.

Starting with the top-quality option, the DW Collector’s Series Purpleheart is an incredible pro drum set that has an excellent reputation. You’ll also need to make sure you have the space to accommodate a 7-piece kit, and that you have all the hardware necessary to mount it. If not, you’ll have to consider what type of hardware setup you prefer. The Recording Custom - commonly called the Yamaha 9000 - started life in the mid-1970s with Steve Gadd, amongst many other drum session superstars, swearing by its focused, punchy, pre-EQ’d tone. In 2016, with input from Gadd, the Recording Custom was revitalised, updated with a fatter, weightier lug, thinner bass drum shells, sharper bearing edges and even greater manufacturing precision.

Blending these vintage elements with reliable modern hardware is one of the Catalina Club’s most enticing features. Every configuration, whether you’re playing be-bop or Bonham, is centered around a 14” deep bass drum - offering up smooth and punchy tones to build the rest of your sound upon. Coupled with a 30 degree bearing edge, we found that, during testing, these drums provide warm, rich resonance to help your playing transcend. The small sizes sound much bigger than expected, and allow for easy ergonomic movement around the kit, which is perfect for beginners. The shells are made from hardwood poplar and have an excellent tone, especially for Hip Hop and Jazz. They also come with bags which - although a little thin for safe transportation - are perfect to throw over the drums as dampeners. One of the best things about buying a drum set is all the choices you’re offered when it comes to shell types and sizes. It will make your large setup feel more stable and comfortable to play on. It will also allow you to set up more cymbals around the kit without needing several cymbal stands. For these prices, you’ll have a larger choice of tonewoods - options like bubinga, walnut and mahogany will start making an appearance, as well as potentially some more exotic choices. You’ll still have your ‘standard’ birch and maple kits at this price point, so no worries if you’re not a wild one. Those woods get used an awful lot - and it’s because they sound killer.