AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 13" Toms 2026
The top pick is DrumCraft Series 6 13"x09" Tom Tom SN ($184). Pearl 13"x09" Export TT G. Silver gives you the most for the money at $155. Yamaha 13"x09" Recording Custom SOB leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 14 models across 6 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 7, 2026
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All 13" TomsTop 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Size13"
You get a 13 by 9 inch tom with a maple and walnut shell, a matte lacquered satin natural finish, and a Zero Gravity mount. It suits you if you want a small tom for a compact kit. Check the size before you buy, since it is a smaller drum.
Pros
- Shell is made from maple and walnut, giving a mixed wood build
- Matte lacquered finish in a satin natural colour
- Satin chrome shell hardware gives it a metal finish
64AudioFu
Index↓ 2.4%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$189 · Aug 17$184 now$184€165 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size13"
This Stage Custom 13 in tom is a solid choice for drummers wanting a warm, focused sound without spending a fortune. It’s a great addition to a kit needing a mid-range voice, particularly well-suited for rock, pop, and studio recording where clarity is key. The YESS mount really does make a difference in how the tom resonates.
Pros
- 100% birch construction delivers a warm, focused, and resonant tone.
- YESS tom mount system minimizes unwanted overtones and maximizes sustain.
- 6-ply construction balances durability with a responsive, articulate feel.
Cons
- Natural wood finish can show fingerprints and require more careful maintenance.
- Stage Custom series is a mid-range option; lacks the premium hardware of higher-end Yamahas.
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$189 now$189€169 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size13"
This is a 13 by 9 inch tom with a seven-ply maple shell in Silver Oyster Pearl. You get Gretsch 302 steel hoops, a low-profile 12.7 mm suspension system, and Remo heads. It suits you if you want a maple tom with a 30° bearing edge and a compact, low-profile mount.
Pros
- Seven-ply maple shell gives this tom a built-up construction
- Foiled shells and a Gretsch Silver Sealer inner shell coating
- 30° bearing edge on the shell
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$423 now$423€379 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size13"
This Stage Custom 13” tom is a solid choice for drummers needing a reliable, warm-sounding tom. It's a great addition to a Stage Custom kit or a budget-friendly upgrade for existing setups, especially good for rock, pop, and lighter jazz applications where a focused, resonant tone is needed.
Pros
- Birch shell provides a warm, resonant tone with good attack.
- Yess mounting system minimizes dampening and maximizes sustain.
- High-gloss lacquer finish looks sharp and offers decent protection.
Cons
- Classic White finish can show drummer sweat and stick marks easily.
- Stock hoops are basic and may be an upgrade point for serious players.
59AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$189 now$189€169 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size13"
This is a 13 by 9 inch tom from Pearl's Export Series. It has a six-ply poplar shell, 7.5 mm thick, with a wrap finish in Graphite Silver Twist. If you want a small tom with a sturdy shell and a silver look that matches the chrome hardware, this one is worth a look.
Pros
- Six-ply poplar shell gives a 7.5 mm thick build
- Drum shell has a wrap finish in Graphite Silver Twist
- Chrome-plated shell hardware for a finished look
57AudioFu
Index↓ 4.1%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$162 · Aug 17$155 now$155€139 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size13"
You get a 13 by 9 inch tom with a 6-ply poplar shell, 7.5 mm thick, in a metallic amethyst wrap. It comes from Pearl's Export series and has chrome shell hardware, so it suits you if you want a tom in a bold color from a known drum maker. Check that your mount or stand fits a 13 inch tom before you buy.
Pros
- Export series, a line from Pearl
- 6-ply shell built from poplar
- 7.5 mm thick poplar shell
53AudioFu
Index↓ 4.1%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$162 · Aug 17$155 now$155€139 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size13"
This is a 13 by 9 inch tom with a 6-ply birch shell and a glossy black finish. It comes with the Y.E.S.S. System for mounting, and it has Remo Ambassador heads on both sides. It suits you if you want a small tom with a sleek black look for your kit.
Pros
- Shell is 100% birch, a classic material for toms
- 6-ply shell adds strength to the drum
- High gloss lacquer finish in Solid Black (SOB)
52AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$736 now$736€659 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size13"
This is a 13 by 9 inch tom with a six-ply poplar shell that is 7.5 mm thick. It comes in a Satin Scarlet wrap finish with chrome shell hardware. It suits you if you want a small tom from Pearl's Export series in a bold colour.
Pros
- Six-ply poplar shell builds the drum from layered wood
- Shell is 7.5 mm thick, giving the drum a sturdy wall
- Satin Scarlet wrap finish covers the shell in one colour
51AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$155 now$155€139 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size13"
This is a 13 by 9 inch tom from Pearl's Export series. It has a six-ply poplar shell, 7.5 mm thick, with a Midnight Blue wrap finish and chrome hardware. If you want a small tom with a classic blue look, this one is worth a close look.
Pros
- Export series build, made for everyday playing and gigging
- Six-ply poplar shell, 7.5 mm thick, for a sturdy shell
- Wrap finish on the shell in Midnight Blue
51AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$162 now$162€145 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size13"
This is a 13 by 9 inch tom from Pearl's Export series. It has a six-layer poplar shell that is 7.5 mm thick, with a jet black wrap finish and chrome-plated hardware. If you want a compact tom for a smaller kit, you will find it a good fit.
Pros
- Six-layer poplar shell gives this tom a built-up construction
- The 7.5 mm shell thickness gives the drum a sturdy body
- Wrap finish on the shell in a jet black colour
Cons
- The 13 by 9 inch size suits smaller kits and tight setups only
51AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$162 now$162€145 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 14 13" toms
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
13" Toms by the numbers
Measured across all 29 models we track, not a sample.
Median $189 — half of all 13" toms here cost less.
median of 29 models · 13"–13"
How to choose the best 13" toms
Shell Material
Maple offers a warm, balanced tone with good sustain. Birch is brighter and more focused, often favored for recording. Mahogany brings a darker, more vintage character, sometimes lacking headroom at higher volumes. The wood choice heavily impacts the overall articulation and how it handles different playing styles.
Bearing Edge
A sharp, consistent bearing edge is crucial for a focused attack and good resonance. Sloppy edges will kill sustain and create a dull, lifeless sound. Look closely - a poorly executed bearing edge is a common corner cut on cheaper kits.
Shell Thickness
Thicker shells generally have more projection and sustain, but can feel stiffer to play. Thinner shells are more resonant and responsive, but might lack the power to cut through a loud band. It's a balance, and depends on your playing style and the rest of your kit's voicing.
Hardware & Mounting System
Don't underestimate the impact of the mounting system. A poorly designed flange can dampen the drum's natural resonance. Solid, well-machined hardware is also key for stability - you don't want your toms rattling or vibrating uncontrollably on stage.
Resonance & Sustain
A good 13" tom should sing. It's not about endless sustain (though that's nice), but about a full, resonant tone that decays cleanly. Listen for unwanted overtones or a 'dead' feel - these are signs of poor construction or a bad drumhead choice.
Buying guide
So, you're looking at a 13" tom? They're a tricky beast. They're not the low-end thump of a 16, nor the crisp articulation of a 12, but a really good 13" can fill that sweet spot in your kit - a warm, resonant voice that cuts through a mid-heavy mix without getting muddy. Whether you're adding a unique voice to a vintage kit or just looking for something a little different, let's break down what to look for.
Honestly, a 13" tom is a specialized piece. Don't expect to find a 'budget' option that sounds fantastic. Cheaper drums often cut corners on the bearing edge and hardware, which really hurts the tone.
Paying a bit more for a well-made drum from a reputable brand - even used - will give you a far more satisfying playing experience and a drum that actually sounds like a drum. Consider how it fits within your existing kit's voicing - a bright kit needs a warmer tom, and vice-versa.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 29 13" toms from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Are 13" toms common?
They're not as ubiquitous as 12" or 14", but they're definitely around, especially on vintage kits and custom builds. Finding a whole kit with 13" toms can be trickier.
What drumheads are best for a 13" tom?
Generally, a coated head will give you a warmer, more vintage tone. Clear heads will be brighter and more articulate. Experiment - it's all about finding what works best for your style and the drum's inherent character.
Can I add a 13" tom to a standard 22" kick and 12/14" rack toms?
Absolutely! It's a great way to expand your sonic palette. Just make sure your mounting hardware is compatible and you have enough space.
I'm getting a lot of unwanted overtones - what can I do?
First, check your tuning. Often, improper tuning is the culprit. Then, consider using muffling - gel dampeners or even a thin cloth can tame excessive resonance. But be careful not to kill the drum's voice completely.
Are vintage 13" toms worth the money?
Vintage drums can be fantastic, but be cautious. Condition is key - check for cracks, shell separation, and bearing edge damage. A refinishing job and new hardware can quickly eat into your budget.
