When Moody Blues drummer Graeme Edge devised the first electronic drum with Sussex University professor Brian Groves back in 1971, there was no way they could've predicted what kind of rise in popularity that electronic drums would have over the next decade. From Rush to Devo, electronic drum sets played a significant role in defining the sound of the 80's, and their playability and sound continues to improve each and every day. The versatility and realism of electronic drum sets can surprise even the greatest players. In fact, modern electronic kits have the capability of perfectly mimicking the sound of a regular acoustic drum set, to the point that even the most finicky of players can't tell a difference. Not only that, but they're a great option for drummers who need to keep the noise to a minimum, but wish to continue practicing late at night.
Whether you have kids or simply live in a busy neighborhood, you can always just grab a pair of headphones, plug into your electronic kit, and play as hard as you'd like without disturbing a soul. Today, there is no shortage of top-quality electronic drum kits constructed by the biggest names in drums. From 2Box and ddrum, to Simmons, Yamaha, Roland and Alesis, these manufacturers have designed immaculate electronic drum kits that are precise, durable and playable for drummers of all ages and skill levels. A great choice is the ddrum DD1 Electronic Drum Set. This incredible sounding kit has a five-piece configuration that consists of four single zone pads, a hi-hat controller and a pad, snare and cymbals. You can even plug in an MP3 player and play along to your favorite songs. Another affordable option is the Simmons SDXpress2 Compact 5-piece kit. It's super-compact, has 193 different drum sounds, 10 song styles, and a song recorder. It's highly recommended for beginners and casual players alike. Electronic drum sets are not what they used to be. Modern electronic kits can give you a near infinite supply of various drum sounds, suitable for any genre of music. Simply put, an electronic drum kit is a fantastic option to consider for any drummer.
Electronic Drum Sets for Beginners
Since they were first introduced by Moody Blues drummer Graeme Edge and Sussex University prof Brian Groves in 1971, there's no denying the impact that electronic drums have had on the percussion scene. These instruments might be best-known for the 1980s, where their distinctive sounds helped to shape the decade in music. Today, electronic drum sets are better than ever: not only can they still make those characteristic '80s beats, but advancing drum machine technology has made them incredibly realistic. In fact, they're used more now than they ever were before—but most people didn't even notice, because modern electronic drums sound so natural that they're easy to mistake for acoustic sets.
Of course, like any instrument, the best place to get started is on the "ground floor," and this selection of starter electronic drum sets is the perfect way to do that. The emphasis of these drums is on playability and an easy learning curve, so you can get started quickly to master the ins and outs of electronic percussion. Of course, they're also solid performers, so you can take them onstage just as confidently. If you're looking for a set that's compact and portable, perfect for garage band rehearsals, check out the Simmons SDXpress2 Compact 5-Piece Electronic Drum Kit or the Roland V-Drums Lite. These are full-featured electronic drums with a small footprint, so you can set them up or tear them down in a hurry.
On the other hand, if it's a full-sized set you're after, you'll be looking at options like the Alesis DM LITE or Simmons SD500 five-piece drum sets. The layouts of these sets are as comfortable as any acoustic drum set to play, and their rack setups are a natural fit for the stage. Whatever you're looking for in your first electronic drums, there's bound to be a starter set in this section that offers it. Better yet, you can get all the versatility of electronic drums without breaking the bank, since they're affordable on a student budget. The only question that's left to ask, really, is how far your new electronic drum set will take you.
Electronic instruments have a history of revolutionizing their respective fields. After all, what would modern music be without electronic drums? There's literally no limit to the variety of sounds they can make, so if you're looking to be the most versatile drummer you can be, this is the percussion to get you there. And thanks to the range of complete electronic drum sets you'll find here, getting up and running from scratch has never been quicker or easier. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, you can definitely find the right electronic drums here for you. For your first kit, check out options like the Simmons SD5X or ddrum DD1. These give you a great balance between performance and affordability, so you can push your drumming to the limits without having to do the same to your wallet.
If, however, you're looking for the absolute best set of drums you can get your hands on, you can't miss the ultra-high end professional kits such as the Yamaha DTX925K, Roland TD-30KV V-Pro Series or Pintech Professional Series Road Pro Kit. Sets like these have the most advanced pads and drum modules on the market, delivering performance that will totally blow you away. Although electronic drums have a ton of potential, it's totally understandable if you're still on the fence about parting from your beloved acoustic set. You wouldn't be alone, and for drummers in that situation, the Pearl ePRO series is definitely one you can't miss. These are the drumming equivalent of an acoustic-electric guitar: you get a full set of skins that perform great as an acoustic drum set, but they also have high-tech triggers built in so they're electronic drums too. Any of the complete electronic drum sets in this section could be the right one for you, so don't be afraid to take your time and look through the entire lineup. With their immense potential to explore new sounds and styles, electronic drum sets are instruments that are always worth adding to your percussion repertoire.