Here\u2019s one big reason to consider a used kit: you\u2019ll be able to get a higher-quality instrument than if you spend the same amount of cash on a brand new entry-level rig. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are some things to look for when you\u2019re shopping online or in person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Actually seeing and testing used drums is the best way to determine exactly what you\u2019re getting and what condition they\u2019re in. Yes, it\u2019s more work to go to a store and it’ll definitely limit your available options. There\u2019s also a good chance you won\u2019t score as good of a deal as you might on popular used gear websites like Reverb<\/a>, Craigslist<\/a>, Facebook Marketplace<\/a> and eBay<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, going to a store will dramatically reduce your risk of ending up with a total dud. For many first-time buyers<\/a>, that security is worth the extra cost. That said, you can find some great deals on resale websites if you know what to look for. This Facebook group<\/a>, for example, is one place to start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Honestly, this is a lot like buying a used car (but way more fun, and hopefully without a pushy salesperson)! Whether you\u2019re shopping online or in person, start by coming up with a budget. After you find a few options, do some research to see what new ones are selling for on websites like Sweetwater or guitarcenter.com. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But how do I know what a used kit is worth and how much should I pay?<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Drums do lose value after they’re sold (although sought-after vintage drums are sometimes worth more), but the price you\u2019ll pay really depends on the condition of the kit and what\u2019s included in the package. Drums are meant to be played, so little cracks or dings shouldn\u2019t deter you from buying a great-sounding used kit (although they could help you negotiate the price). <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, there\u2019s a big difference between normal wear-and-tear and a kit that\u2019s been beaten up, dragged around, and run over by a tanker truck. <\/p>\n\n\n\n How do the bearing edges of each drum look? Are there cracks in the wood? Is there any warping from water damage? This can really affect the sound.<\/a> If you\u2019re shopping in person, ask the seller to pop the heads off (or even better, bring a drum key with you) so you can have a quick look. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But wait – if I\u2019m buying it online, how can I tell? <\/em>Well, that\u2019s tougher, but you can always ask for more pictures or video if you\u2019re not seeing something clearly or aren\u2019t sure after looking at the original ad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Are the metal hoops rusty or bent? What about the tension rods and lugs? Drums have many small bits of hardware that all work together to make the instrument playable. These things may not seem important individually, but if enough of them go wrong at once, it could be a real mess! That great bargain might not seem so awesome if you have to spend a ton of cash replacing things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The snare drum is one of most delicate parts of the kit, so check out how well it\u2019s been taken care of. How is the strainer? What about the snare wires and tape\/strings? Are there any loose lugs? Will it stay in tune? How are the top and bottom heads?<\/em> Heads are easy to replace, but make sure to factor that into your costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most drummers have experienced the joy of the \u201crunaway bass drum,\u201d so check the legs and make sure they lock tightly into place. Are the spurs still there and will they hold?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n What’s the condition of the wood on the hoop<\/a> where the bass drum pedal attaches? Make sure it\u2019s not rotted or damaged so your pedal will lock firmly in place. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s also important to check out the pedal itself to make sure the action is smooth and there are no missing parts, rusty chains, or bad beaters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This is really<\/em> important. Solid drum hardware is always worth the cost, and this is the part of your purchase that\u2019s the toughest to verify online. If you\u2019re a heavy hitter, single-braced hi-hat and cymbal stands may not cut it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Check to see that all the stands have collars, felts, and wing nuts. You can replace these if needed, but again make sure to take that extra cost into account. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And don\u2019t forget about the throne! Even the best drum set won\u2019t be much fun to play if you\u2019re wobbling around like a drunken sailor or can\u2019t get it to the correct height. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The hi-hat stand is one of the most complicated mechanisms on the kit, so make sure the legs and footboard are solid. Check to see that the height is easily adjustable and the clutch doesn\u2019t slip. Make sure the screw that adjusts the tilt is working properly, and if there are memory locks have a look at those too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re buying online, ask specific questions about this stuff. If the seller is evasive or doesn\u2019t answer, that might be a red flag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure there are no cracks. The most common spots they occur are in the bell hole (if the player isn\u2019t using proper felts\/collars) or the outer edges of the cymbal. If you do decide to purchase a used cymbal with cracks, beware of them spreading<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Also keep an eye out for oxidization or rust on cymbals (it looks like a green fungus or discoloration). A small amount is not necessarily a deal-breaker since it won\u2019t drastically alter the sound, but it could be a sign that the cymbal hasn\u2019t been taken care of\u2026and serious cases are pretty nasty<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cymbals are especially tough to buy online since no two sound exactly the same. One good strategy is to go to a store or a friend\u2019s house and try out the model you’re interested in<\/a>, then look for the same model online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You’ll definitely need cases if you\u2019ll be transporting the drums around. For soft bags, check the zippers to make sure they slide properly and hold in place. Make sure the handles and straps are in good condition and won\u2019t break after a couple of weeks. If you\u2019re buying nice drums, hard cases are a must<\/a>. Make sure the clasps all lock in place and the lids all close firmly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The key to any used gear purchase is to ask a ton of questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just like with buying a car, it\u2019s not necessarily the amount of use that\u2019s important, it\u2019s the type <\/em>of use (highway miles vs. city miles). ![\"old](\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/03144526\/2021-07-29-broken-gear-101-1024x683.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nGetting started<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Snare & toms<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"buy](\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/03151419\/2021-07-29-broken-gear-123-1024x683.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"warped](\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/03144316\/2021-07-29-broken-gear-141-1024x683.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBass drum <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"old](\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/03143935\/2021-07-29-broken-gear-164-1024x683.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"peeling](\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/03144112\/2021-07-29-broken-gear-168-1024x683.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHardware<\/strong> <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"broken](\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/03151620\/2021-07-29-broken-gear-138-1024x683.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"hi-hat](\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/03151754\/2021-07-29-broken-gear-152-1024x683.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"broken](\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/03151716\/2021-07-29-broken-gear-159-1024x683.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"hi-hat](\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/03152014\/2021-07-29-broken-gear-154-1024x683.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nCymbals<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"broken](\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/08155711\/MG_7937-1024x683.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nCases<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The whole package<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s not forget the most important factor: how does it sound? <\/em>If you\u2019re buying online, you can\u2019t really tell. But you can do some homework and find an identical or similar item to test, then hunt for a deal. It\u2019s also good to think about what you\u2019ll be using it for. <\/p>\n\n\n\n