One of the most beloved musical instruments is undoubtedly the drum kit. Many children aspire to learn it, although compared to other instruments like the bass or guitar, it may present certain challenges. Parents often wonder whether an acoustic or electronic drum set is more suitable, and the answer is not straightforward.
The drum set is a bulky and noisy instrument that requires significant space for setup. The differences between the two models are numerous, and it’s often challenging to determine which is more suitable for beginners, whether children or adults. Let’s delve into identifying the best drum kit model for a beginner.

What is the Best Age to Start Learning?

Before deciding which drum set to choose for starting out, it’s crucial to understand if there’s an ideal age to begin. In reality, there’s no definitive right time to pick up this instrument. Children can start exploring the drums as early as 5 years old, depending on their motor skills and interest. On YouTube, you can find prodigious kids playing even before the age of 5. Initially, structured lessons might be replaced by play sessions. The ideal age for more serious study is during the early elementary school years, which could ignite a lifelong passion.

As for the maximum age, there’s no limit. Anyone can develop an interest in this instrument at any age. Often, people take up an instrument like the drums after retirement, using their newfound free time to explore music.

Differences Between Acoustic and Electronic Drums

There are significant differences between these two types of drum kits, so choosing the right one depends on your circumstances. The main difference lies in their fundamental concept. Put simply, an acoustic drum set doesn’t require power and operates mechanically. An electronic drum set, as the name suggests, needs electricity to function.
Due to this difference, the sound they produce is also distinct.

An acoustic drum set generates natural sound from the collision between the drumstick and the drum. In an electronic drum set, however, the sound isn’t created by the physical impact between the stick and the drum, known here as a pad. Instead, a control module produces a specific sound depending on the pad hit and the intensity of the strike. Essentially, the electronic drum set simulates the sound of an acoustic drum set, and depending on the model, this simulation can range from basic to highly accurate. High-end electronic drums produce sounds almost indistinguishable from acoustic ones, though this distinction isn’t crucial for beginners.
In essence, the sound of an acoustic drum set is natural, whereas that of an electronic one is modulated by a control module or even computer-generated sounds (VST, Virtual Instruments) if connected to a PC.

How to Use an Electronic Drum Set

Many people think that using an electronic drum set is much more complicated than an acoustic one, but that’s not true. For most models, you simply need to assemble the frame following the instructions, connect the cables to the pads, and power on the control module. Once done, you’re ready to play. Since the physical impact between stick and pad produces minimal noise, there are two options for hearing the sound. You can connect it to an amplifier for everyone to hear or use headphones so only the player hears the sound. In essence, there aren’t many more steps involved compared to setting up an acoustic drum set, making both equally easy to use.

Price Differences

Although both types of drums serve the same purpose, their differences can lead to significant price variations, which depend on model and material. However, some general rules can guide your purchase.
The cost of an acoustic drum set largely depends on the quality of materials, such as the drumheads and wood, which can be quite premium. The cost of an electronic drum set is more influenced by the complexity of the control module rather than the material of the pads. Generally, for mid-range models, an acoustic drum set might be slightly cheaper than its electronic counterpart. A mid-level electronic drum set can cost as much as a high-end acoustic set. This isn’t a fixed rule, as other factors like brand and accessories can influence the price.

For both types, prices can start around 300 euros for a good entry-level model and go up to thousands of euros for professional-grade kits.

Sound Differences

As mentioned earlier, the sound of these two types of drum sets is generated in entirely different ways, which impacts sound quality. The auditory experience is distinct, and in many cases, an acoustic drum set’s sound is more appreciated. Advanced electronic drum models can closely replicate the sound of an acoustic set, though subtle differences may still be noticeable, particularly to trained ears. That’s why electronic drum kits or acoustic drum simulations are also used in recording studios.

Nevertheless, for learning purposes, both types of drum kits are valid in terms of sound, as the difference doesn’t hinder learning. In conclusion, when choosing between an acoustic and electronic drum set, sound quality shouldn’t be a primary concern, especially for beginners.

The Importance of Space

For beginners with limited space, size can be a decisive factor. The drum kit is perhaps the most space-consuming musical instrument, and unlike a guitar, bass, or violin, it can’t be tucked away and brought out only when needed. You’ll need a dedicated space where the drum kit can remain assembled, saving time and effort when you want to play. Electronic drum kits are generally more compact than acoustic ones, as the drums are smaller. Therefore, if space is limited, an electronic drum set is likely the better choice.

Managing Noise

As everyone knows, the drum kit is an extremely loud instrument, and it can’t be played just anywhere, as it could disturb family members or neighbors. This is particularly true for acoustic drums. With electronic drums, the noise of stick-to-pad impact is significantly lower. Additionally, using headphones allows for much quieter practice.

Acoustic drums, however, are noisy no matter what, although there are ways to reduce noise and vibrations. For example, soundproofing a room can significantly muffle vibrations. Another effective solution is to play in a rehearsal box, which isolates the sound. However, this is more suitable for group players than for beginners practicing alone.
If you have a suitable environment where you can make noise freely, an acoustic drum set is the better choice, as it provides more natural sound, especially with budget models. If space is an issue, an electronic drum set is a valid alternative.

In conclusion, the decision between these two instruments is more nuanced than one might think. Beginners often face this dilemma. While the allure of an acoustic drum set is undeniable, the choice must be practical. Before buying an acoustic drum set, ensure you can accommodate it in terms of space and noise. Otherwise, consider starting with an electronic drum set, which is equally effective for beginners.