Best Intermediate Drum Sets 2023

Don’t let the word “intermediate” fool you — your search for the perfect drum set shouldn’t stop once you’ve decided to take the plunge and buy your first drum kit. In fact, an intermediate drum set is often the one that you’ll play for years to come, so you want to make sure you’ve found the right one for you.

To help you find the right set for you, we’ve rounded up the best intermediate drum sets for a variety of different drummers.

Read on to find the right one for you.

Table of Contents

Our Editor’s Best Intermediate Drum Sets Reviews


ROSS Percussion Intermediate Drum Mallet Set: General Timpani, SD2 Drumsticks, Medium Vibraphone Mallets, Xylophone Rubber Mallets

 ROSS Percussion Intermediate Drum Mallet Set: General Timpani, SD2 Drumsticks, Medium Vibraphone Mallets, Xylophone Rubber Mallets

Key Features:

  • This set includes a pair of hardwood mallets, a pair of medium-soft mallets, a pair of soft mallets, and a pair of hard mallets. The set also includes a pair of maracas, a tambourine, and a triangle.

  • The shopper is looking for a drum set that is intermediate level. They want a set that has a pronounced but controlled sound. The hickory SD2 drumsticks are a good option for this shopper.

  • This is a pair of mallets that are made of rubber and are 1.25 inches in size. They are designed for use with a drum set and can be used to produce a variety of sounds.

  • These are drumsticks that are 1.5″ wide and made of maple. They are designed for use with timpani drums.

  • This is a pair of mallets that are made of maple and are intermediate in size. They are designed for use on a drum set and have a medium weight.


Ashthorpe 5-Piece Full Size Adult Drum Set with Remo Heads & Premium Brass Cymbals – Complete Professional Percussion Kit with Chrome Hardware – Red

 Ashthorpe 5-Piece Full Size Adult Drum Set with Remo Heads & Premium Brass Cymbals - Complete Professional Percussion Kit with Chrome Hardware - Red

Key Features:

  • The Genuine Remo heads intermediate drum set is a great set for any aspiring drummer. Each drum in the set features top quality Remo brand UT-series heads for both the batter and resonant head. This ensures that you get great sound quality and durability from your drum set.

  • This intermediate drum set is great for beginner to advanced adult musicians. It includes a bass drum, floor tom, two mounted toms, a snare, hi-hat cymbals, crash/ride cymbal, stands, throne, drumsticks, hardware, chain-driven pedals, and drum adjustment key.

  • This drum set is made of high-quality materials that will produce a rich sound. The set includes a Poplar hardwood shell, upgraded heads, heavy-duty 2.3mm triple flanged hoops, and top-quality brass cymbals.

  • The drum sets are designed for intermediate drummers who want a stage-worthy appearance. The sets are available in several finishes, including top-quality, all-chrome hardware and accents.

  • The drum set is for intermediate players and requires some assembly. The instructions are easy to follow and the setup should be relatively frustration free.


Rise by Sawtooth Full Size 5-Piece Student Drum Set with Hardware and Cymbals, Storm Blue Sparkle

 Rise by Sawtooth Full Size 5-Piece Student Drum Set with Hardware and Cymbals, Storm Blue Sparkle

Key Features:

  • This is a professional quality drum set that is perfect for beginners and students. It is a real drum set, not a toy, and is perfect for both children and adults.

  • The Rise drums are a type of drum set that are intermediate in level, and are part of the Sawtooth line of drums. These drums are played by leading percussionists worldwide, and are known for their quality and sound.

  • The drum set includes a bass drum, two toms, a floor tom, and a snare drum. All of the drums are made from high quality poplar wood. The bass drum is 22×16 inches, the two toms are 12×8 and 13×9 inches, the floor tom is 16×16 inches, and the snare drum is 14×5 inches.

  • This drum set has six poplar shells with 45 degree bearing edges. It is an intermediate drum set, which means it is suitable for someone who has some experience playing the drums.

  • This set includes a hi-hat stand, two-tier cymbal stand, bass drum pedal, throne, two tom arms, three floor tom legs, drumsticks, and drum key.

  • This set of drums is an intermediate set that includes a pair of cast beginner’s hi hats and a 16″ crash ride cymbal. This set would be good for a shopper who is looking for a good quality set of drums that includes all the necessary pieces to get started.

  • The drum set includes a lot of free lessons for beginners, intermediate and advanced players with top artists like Vinny Appice. It is perfect for those who are just starting to learn how to play the drums, as well as those who are looking to improve their skills.

  • The drum sets are designed for easy assembly, so you can start playing as soon as possible. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, so you won’t have any trouble putting the set together.

  • This is an intermediate drum set that is perfect for beginners aged 7-99. It has everything you need to get started playing drums, including a bass drum, snare drum, tom-toms, cymbals, and a stool. It’s a great way to get started playing drums and learn the basics.


Gammon Percussion Full Size Complete Adult 5 Piece Drum Set with Cymbals Stands Stool and Sticks, Black

 Gammon Percussion Full Size Complete Adult 5 Piece Drum Set with Cymbals Stands Stool and Sticks, Black

Key Features:

  • This 5-piece adult drum set from Gammon is an excellent setup for all levels; student, beginner, intermediate, and advanced drummers. Everything you need to get started is included; there is nothing else you need to purchase to get started drumming right away!

  • This drum set includes a bass drum, a snare drum, two tom-toms, a floor tom, two hi-hat cymbals, and a crash/ride cymbal.

  • The set includes a bass drum, a snare, a floor tom, a mounted tom, and a crash cymbal. It is made of high quality materials and features chrome details. The set is perfect for intermediate drummers who want a top-level performance.

  • This is a professional drum set that includes everything a drummer needs to get started playing. The set includes a snare stand, crash/ride stand, hi-hat stand, throne, and drumsticks.

  • The drum set is for intermediate players and requires some assembly. All of the hardware and the assembly instructions are included, as well as a drum key.


Simple Songs: The Easiest Easy Drum Songbook Ever

 Simple Songs: The Easiest Easy Drum Songbook Ever

Key Features:


Eastar Adult Drum Set – 18-inch Full-Size Drum Kit for Adults, 4 Drum 2 Cymbal Drum Complete Drum Kit for Intermediate Drummers, Blue (EDS-540BE)

 Eastar Adult Drum Set - 18-inch Full-Size Drum Kit for Adults, 4 Drum 2 Cymbal Drum Complete Drum Kit for Intermediate Drummers, Blue (EDS-540BE)

Key Features:

  • The Eastar EDS-540 full size drum kit is an intermediate drum set that includes 8 lugs for snare and bass drums, and 6 lugs for Tom drums. All changes are aimed at improving the tone and percussion. Drum shell material: 8 layers of 9mm A+ grade poplar wood, 45°28 proportion of precise cut angle, reflecting the perfect sound, metal bass drum frame, 18*12 bass drum size, warm and strong sound.

  • This drum set is designed for intermediate players. It features an advanced L-shaped water pipe suspension for stability and 22-diameter hardware pipes that are 1.0-inches thick for durability. The double thickened drum skins produce a bright and clear sound, while the thickened drum skins offer a better feel and reduced overtones.

  • The double-legged plated stand is a type of drum set that is intermediate in terms of features and price. It is made of 22 gauge hardware tubing that is 1.0 thickened, and has a riveted combination of moderate tightness plating corrosion resistance. The stand is also complete with a double leg structure, making it more stable and practical. The two-legged drum stool can withstand up to 330lb of weight, and the bottom drum leg is premium for more stability.

  • The intermediate drum sets for a shopper are an upgraded bottom drum tread hammer that provides 40+ decay times in a single tread, high sensitivity, large rebound height, and very high stepping to the bottom. The smooth, tread hammer mallet head is ideal for continuous strikes.


Alesis Drums Nitro Mesh Kit – Electric Drum Set with USB MIDI Connectivity, Mesh Drum Pads, Kick Pedal and Rubber Kick Drum, 40 Kits and 385 Sounds

 Alesis Drums Nitro Mesh Kit - Electric Drum Set with USB MIDI Connectivity, Mesh Drum Pads, Kick Pedal and Rubber Kick Drum, 40 Kits and 385 Sounds

Key Features:

  • This electronic drum set is designed for intermediate drummers who want a realistic, responsive, and immersive playing experience. The mesh heads on the drums allow for a more natural feel and sound, and the overall design of the set is intended to give players a realistic drumming experience.

  • This is a premium eight-piece drum set that includes an 8-inch dual-zone snare pad, three 8-inch tom drums, and three 10-inch cymbals (ride cymbal, hi-hat, and crash with choke).

  • The Nitro Drum Module is an intermediate drum set that comes with 40 different drum kits, 60 play-along tracks, and 350 different sounds. This set is perfect for a shopper who wants a versatile and powerful set that is easy to use.

  • This is an intermediate drum set that has a lot of features to help you improve your skills. There are 60 built-in tracks that you can play along with, a sequencer to help you keep time, a metronome to help you stay on beat, and an Aux input so you can play along with your favorite songs. There is also a performance recorder so you can track your progress.

  • The intermediate drum sets for a shopper includes a 4-post aluminium rack, connection cables, drum sticks, drum key and power supply. This is a great set for those who are just starting out and need everything in one place.

  • This drum set is perfect for intermediate drummers who want to improve their skills. The set comes with 60 free virtual lessons from Melodics, so you can learn any genre or technique you want.


Vic Firth EP2 Intermediate Education Pack (includes SD2, M3, M6, T3, BSB)

 Vic Firth EP2 Intermediate Education Pack (includes SD2, M3, M6, T3, BSB)

Key Features:

  • The Vice Firth Intermediate Drum Set is a great choice for the drummer who is looking for a quality set that will last them a long time. This set features a bass drum, two tom-toms, a floor tom, a snare drum, and a hi-hat. It also comes with a cymbal and a stand, so you have everything you need to get started. The drums are made from high-quality materials, and the set is backed by a warranty.

  • This is a set of drums for a shopper who is looking for an intermediate set. The product code is EP2. This set includes a bass drum, snare, tom, and floor tom.

  • This is a great set of drums for a student who wants to produce quality sound. The set includes a bass drum, snare drum, two tom-toms, a floor tom, and a set of cymbals. This set is perfect for a beginner who wants to produce quality sound.

  • This drum set is designed for students who are transitioning from beginner to intermediate level. It features everything a beginner needs to get started, plus some added extras that will help them take their playing to the next level. This set is ideal for those who want to progress at their own pace and learn at their own level.

  • This set includes a Vic Firth stick bag equipped with a pair of SD2 Bolero Drumsticks, M3 Medium Keyboard Mallets, M6 1″ Hard Phenolic Mallets, and T3 Timpani Mallets.


Music Alley 3 Piece Kids Drum Set with Throne, Cymbal, Pedal & Drumsticks, Blue, (DBJK02)

 Music Alley 3 Piece Kids Drum Set with Throne, Cymbal, Pedal & Drumsticks, Blue, (DBJK02)

Key Features:

  • This drum set is designed for kids aged 3 to 8 years old. It is a complete, scaled-down, fully functional drum kit that includes everything you would expect of an adult drum kit.

  • This is an intermediate drum set that is made from high quality materials and is tuned to create real sounds. This is the perfect drum set for a child who is starting to show an interest in playing the drums.

  • This mini drum set is perfect for a beginner drummer. It includes a 14-inch bass drum that is operated by the bass pedal included in the package. The drum also has lugs to ensure that it remains upright and stable.

  • This package includes an adjustable drum throne and is designed for comfort during long periods of play.

  • This drum set is designed for children and comes with drumsticks to get them started playing.


Best Choice Products 5-Piece Full Size Complete Adult Drum Set w/ Cymbal Stands, Stool, Drum Pedal, Sticks, Floor Tom (Black)

 Best Choice Products 5-Piece Full Size Complete Adult Drum Set w/ Cymbal Stands, Stool, Drum Pedal, Sticks, Floor Tom (Black)

Key Features:

  • This drum set is perfect for a beginner or intermediate drummer. It includes all of the pieces needed to play, including a snare, bass drum, floor tom, high-hat cymbal, ride cymbal, bass drum pedal, stool, 2 rack toms, and drum sticks. This set is great for someone who wants to learn to play the drums, or for someone who wants to improve their skills.

  • This drum set has a sleek, high-gloss finish with white drum heads and shiny chrome details. It’s a classic design that will never go out of style.

  • This drum set would be good for someone who wants to learn to play the drums, or for someone who is already experienced and wants a smaller set to play. The standard size makes it suitable for people of all ages.

  • This is a durable and long lasting drum set that is perfect for intermediate players. It is made of high quality materials and will last for many years.

  • This bass drum is 23 inches in diameter and 16.5 inches in height.


Best Intermediate Drum Sets Buying Guide

Before choosing the best intermediate drum sets you should consider following options:

1. Drum size: Drum size is the first thing to consider when shopping for an intermediate drum set. Drummers should aim for a drum set with 8-12 inch bass drum.

Also, aim for a tom set with a diameter between 8-12 inches. A snare drum with a diameter of 3-6 inches is perfect.

Typically, the diameter of the snare and toms should be double or close to double the diameter of the bass drum.

2. Drum type: Drums in a drum set can be categorized into three types based on the materials used for manufacturing – wood, steel and acrylic/plastic.

Acrylic/plastic drum sets are affordable, durable and produce a rich sound. However, they are not suitable for outdoor use. Acrylic drums are also not as popular as the other two types of drums.

Steel drum sets are the most popular type of drum sets in the market. They produce a bright sound and are very durable. Steel drum sets are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Wooden drum sets are the most popular among intermediate drummers. Wooden drum sets produce a full, rich sound, are aesthetically pleasing and are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

3. Drum quality: Drummers should aim for a drum set with top quality drums. In order to determine the quality of a drum set, you can check the materials used, tuning system and overall construction.

Drums made with quality materials will produce a rich sound and will last longer. Also, the tuning system of the drum set is an important factor to look at.

The tuning system must be such that it’s easy to tune the drums and maintain the tuning. Look at the type of lugs or clips used to attach the heads to the drums.

Look for a drum set with clips that are easy to adjust and don’t require special tools to tune. The overall construction of the drum set is also important.

Aim for a drum set with a solid and sturdy construction. Avoid drum sets with a hollow wooden drum rack.

4. Drum set configuration: Drummers can choose from a wide range of drum sets based on the number of drums, styles and sizes.

The number of drums in the drum set will impact the overall sound produced by the drum set. More drums will produce a richer sound.

Aim for a drum set with a minimum of a bass drum, a tom and a snare drum. Some drummers prefer to replace the tom with a second bass drum.

Drummers can also choose from a wide range of sizes when shopping for a drum set. Typically, the diameter of the snare and toms should be double or close to double the diameter of the bass drum.

The overall sound of the drum set will greatly depend on the size of the drums. Typically, the bass drum is the largest drum and will produce the foundation of the sound.

Aim for a drum set with a bass drum between 8-16 inches in diameter. The toms and snare drum can have a diameter of between 8-12 inches.


Intermediate Drum Sets FAQs

1. What are the best intermediate drum sets for a beginner?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the individual’s playing style and preferences. However, some popular intermediate drum sets for beginners include the Yamaha DTX400K, the Roland TD-1KV, and the Alesis DM6.

2. How do I set up my intermediate drum set?

The best way to set up an intermediate drum set is to have a professional do it for you.

3. What are the best drum heads for intermediate drum sets?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on personal preference. However, some popular brands of drum heads for intermediate drum sets include Evans, Remo, and Aquarian.

4. What are the best cymbals for intermediate drum sets?

The best cymbals for intermediate drum sets are typically the same as the best cymbals for beginner drum sets, with a few more options thrown in. The most important thing is to find a set of cymbals that fit your playing style and sound good to you. Some of the best brands for intermediate drummers include Zildjian, Sabian, and Meinl.

5. What are the best sticks for intermediate drum sets?

There are a lot of great sticks for intermediate drum sets. Some of our favorites include the Vic Firth American Custom 5A, the Zildjian 5A, and the Promark Hickory 5A.


Conclusion

There are many great intermediate drum sets on the market. Our list of the best intermediate drum sets will help you save time researching and choosing the best one for you.