Answer: Most drum companies offer lines of drums sets that range in quality from an entry-level instrument to the custom quality drums that professionals use for touring and recording. And they also build drums that somewhere between the two extremes. Yamaha and Mapex both offer different 8 models of drums.

Do your research:
Know what the drum is made of. Most drum companies offer drum shells built from a variety of woods: maple, birch, oak, poplar and sometimes exotic woods and even blends of two or more layered in multiple-ply drums. Maple and birch shells as well those made from exotic woods are commonly used for the top of line drums, and each of these woods produce different sound qualities. The mid-level drums are made of oak, popular as well maple and birch. What separates the top tier drums from the middle level are the way the shell are constructed, the number of plies and even mounting system used to attach the tom toms to the bass drum. With lower-end drums the companies don’t usually mention the type of wood that used. I recommend that you go to a drum shop or a high-end music retailer like Guitar Center and listen to the different shell types for your self.

Size counts:
Companies offer drums in a variety of sizes from power with extra depth, the traditional and experimental sizes. Drummers choose sizes based on the type of music they are playing. Again, here’s where your research comes in. Who are your favorite drummers and what type music do they play. Find out the sizes that they use as a starting point. What type of music are you going to be playing. Generally, drummers playing rock or funk prefer 22” by 16” bass drums, while jazz drummers like 18” by 14 or 16” bass drums.

Hardware:
In the same way that companies offer different models drums, they make different styles of hardware from lightweight to heavy-duty. Think about how often your going to be hauling a case filled with lots of cymbal and snare drum stands, along with mounting system. It can get pretty heavy

Your budget:
In the end a lot will be determined by how much money you have to spend. However, with companies like Yamaha and Mapex your going to get good drums at every level.