So, your child wants to be a drummer? Congratulations! You are about to embark on a journey filled with rhythm, coordination, and—yes—a bit of noise. But before you head to the music store, you have a big decision to make: should you go with a traditional acoustic drum kit or a modern electronic kit (e-drums)?
At BMF, we use both in our studios. Here is how to decide which one is right for your home.
1. The Acoustic Drum Kit
This is the classic setup: wooden shells, real drumheads, and metal cymbals.
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The Pros: There is no substitute for the “feel” of a real drum. Students learn how to control their dynamics (volume) and how to draw different tones out of the instrument. It is a physical, tactile experience that electronic pads can’t perfectly replicate.
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The Cons: Volume. They are loud. Even with “mute pads,” they can be a lot for a small apartment or a shared wall. They also take up a significant amount of floor space.
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Best For: Families with a basement or a dedicated music room where “making noise” is encouraged!
2. The Electronic Kit (E-Drums)
These consist of rubber or mesh pads that trigger digital sounds, which the drummer hears through headphones.
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The Pros: The “Mute” button. Your child can play at 11:00 PM and you won’t hear a thing except for some light tapping. They are also much more compact and often foldable, making them perfect for Brooklyn apartments. Plus, the “brain” of the kit usually has built-in metronomes and backing tracks.
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The Cons: The “rebound” of a rubber pad feels different than a real drumhead. If a student only ever plays on e-drums, they might find the transition to a real kit at a recital a bit jarring.
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Best For: Apartment dwellers and parents who need to manage the volume levels at home.
Faculty Recommendation: What to Look For
If you choose an Acoustic Kit, we recommend a “Junior” or “Compact” kit for kids under 10. Brands like Ludwig (Pocket Kit) or Pearl (Roadshow Jr.) are excellent because they are scaled down to fit a child’s reach.
If you choose an Electronic Kit, look for one with mesh heads (like the Alesis Nitro Mesh or Roland V-Drums). Mesh feels much more like a real drum than the old-school hard rubber pads.
The One Thing You Can’t Skip: The Throne
Whether you go acoustic or electric, do not use a kitchen chair! A height-adjustable drum throne is essential. It allows the drummer to sit with their hips higher than their knees, which is vital for proper bass drum pedal technique and back health.
