AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 13" Toms for Advanced 2026
The top pick is Yamaha 13"x09" Recording Custom SOB ($736). Pearl 13"x09" Export TT G. Silver gives you the most for the money at $155. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 14 models across 6 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 7, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- 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 Gretsch 13-inch tom uses seven layers of maple to give you a solid, resonant voice. The 30-degree bearing edge helps the drum cut through a mix with a tight attack. It works well for players who want a reliable, mid-range workhorse without fuss.
Pros
- Strong 7-layer maple shell provides solid resonance
- 30-degree bearing edge creates a focused attack
- Silver Sealer finish protects the interior well
Cons
- Evans head choice varies significantly in tone
- Cherry Burst color may show wear easily
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$468 now$468€419 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size13"
The SQ1 13” tom delivers a surprisingly good punch for its price point. The birch shell provides a warm, musical tone, and the Sonor build quality is evident. This is a great option for gigging drummers or those building a kit on a budget who want a reliable, German-made tom.
Pros
- European birch delivers a warm, focused tone with excellent resonance.
- CLTF construction minimizes shell stress, improving tuning stability.
- Sonor's OSM design optimizes shell vibration for a balanced sound.
Cons
- SCB finish, while attractive, can be prone to stick marks and fingerprints.
- SQ1 series represents a more entry-level Sonor offering, impacting overall refinement.
47AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$646 now$646€579 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size13"
This German-made tommie sounds warm thanks to its maple wrap finish. The nine-ply wood shell feels tough and holds tuning well. It fits nicely in a kit thanks to the T.A.R system, but the single lug setup is a bit limiting for big setups.
Pros
- Nine-ply maple shell delivers solid durability and consistent tone.
- Wrap finish provides a unique, warm sound character.
- TuneSafe lugs ensure quick and precise tuning adjustments.
Cons
- Single lugs limit the number of drums one person can mount.
- Square-head lugs are less common than standard round designs.
47AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$914 now$914€819 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size13"
This is a solid mid-size tom with a thick 8-ply maple shell that sounds deep and powerful. The HVX technology keeps the overtones clear while projecting well on stage. It fits well in a performance kit looking for reliable, consistent tone without extra bells and whistles.
Pros
- Hand-selected North American hard rock maple wood
- 8-ply shell built with HVX technology
- Deep fundamental tone with clear overtones
Cons
- Heavy 8-ply construction may feel cumbersome
- No drum head type specified in text
45AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$736 now$736€659 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size13"
This Crystal Beat tom is a modern take on a classic Pearl sound. The acrylic shell provides a beautiful, shimmering tone that cuts through a mix, perfect for players seeking a distinctive, articulate voice in their kit—especially great for studio work or situations where you need a focused, cutting tom sound.
Pros
- Seamless acrylic shell delivers a uniquely resonant, shimmering tone
- Optimount system minimizes interference, maximizes shell vibration
- Triple-flanged hoops offer enhanced attack and sustain
Cons
- Acrylic shells are prone to scratching and require careful handling
- The ultra-clear finish shows every imperfection in the drumhead
51AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$445 now$445€399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- 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 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 ↗
All 14 13" toms
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Pearl 13"x09" Export TT M. AmethystPearl53↓ 4.1%$155€139$155€139Check ↗
- 12
Pearl 13"x09" Export TT Sat. ScarletPearl51Stable$155€139$155€139Check ↗
- 13
Pearl 13"x09" Export TT Mid. BluePearl51Stable$162€145$162€145Check ↗
- 14
Pearl 13"x09" Export TT Jet BlackPearl51Stable$162€145$162€145Check ↗
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 Thickness & Material
Thinner shells (6-8 ply) tend to have more resonance and a warmer, more complex tone, great for nuanced dynamics. Thicker shells (10-12 ply) offer more projection and attack, which can be vital for cutting through a loud band. Maple's a classic for a balanced tone; Birch is punchier; Maple/Birch hybrids aim for the best of both worlds.
Bearing Edge Profile
A rounded bearing edge allows for more head vibration and sustain, resulting in a more resonant tone. Sharper edges focus the sound and offer more immediate attack. Advanced players often experiment with different edge profiles to fine-tune their drum's character.
Head Compatibility & Response
A 13" tom's voice is heavily influenced by the head you put on it. Knowing how a shell interacts with different head types (coated, uncoated, single-ply, double-ply) is crucial. Some shells just sing with certain heads - it's a matching game.
Resonance & Sustain
Advanced players use toms for more than just backbeats. We're looking for toms that resonate and sustain beautifully, allowing for complex rhythms and ghost notes. Damping is a tool, but the inherent resonance is the foundation.
Hardware & Mounting Options
A robust mounting system is critical for stability and tone transfer. Advanced players often use isolation mounts or specialized brackets to minimize unwanted vibrations and maximize resonance. The hardware needs to handle the abuse of a gigging drummer.
Buying guide
Okay, so you're not satisfied with the stock 13" toms that came with your kit. You're chasing something more - a nuanced voice that cuts through a dense mix, a responsive head that lets you dial in everything from a ghost note whisper to a full-on power hit. Forget the beginner stuff; we're talking about 13" toms for players who actually listen to what their drums are saying. Let's find you something that inspires you to play better.
Don't get caught up in flashy finishes. A 13" tom's tone is everything. Listen for a complex, resonant sound that responds well to your touch - it's about nuance, not just volume.
Cheaper toms often use thinner, lower-grade wood, resulting in a flatter, more one-dimensional tone. The sweet spot is finding a shell that complements your playing style and head preferences, even if it means experimenting a bit.
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 really worth it if I'm mostly playing in a loud rock band?
They can be. While larger toms often dominate in sheer volume, a well-chosen 13" tom can offer a unique tonal character that cuts through the mix with a focused attack and surprising sustain. It's about finding that sweet spot between projection and articulation.
I'm struggling to get a good low-end thump from my 13" toms. What can I do?
Head choice is key. Try a coated single-ply head or a slightly thicker resonant head. Also, make sure your mounting system isn't overly dampening the shell. Experiment with head tension - a slightly lower tension can often bring out more low-end.
What's the deal with maple/birch hybrid shells? Are they just marketing hype?
Not always. The combination can offer a warmer, more resonant tone than birch alone, while retaining some of the punch and projection. However, the quality of the construction and the wood blend is crucial - a poorly made hybrid shell won't be worth it.
I'm getting a lot of unwanted overtones from my 13" toms. How do I control them?
Moongel or O-rings can help tame unruly overtones, but it's often a sign of a mismatch between the shell and the head. Try different head types and tensions. Sometimes, the shell itself just has inherent overtones that are difficult to eliminate completely.
I'm on a budget. Are there any decent 13" toms I can find used?
Absolutely. Older Tama Rockstar or Pearl Export shells can be surprisingly good if you're willing to put in the time to find a well-maintained one and experiment with heads. Just be prepared to do some cleaning and possibly replace the hardware.
