AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 13" Toms for Beginner 2026
The top pick is Pearl 13"x09" Export TT G. Silver ($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
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 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 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 ↗ -
- Size13"
This DrumCraft Series 6 tom is a solid choice if you're after a warm, resonant sound without spending a fortune. The maple/walnut construction gives it a unique character that sits nicely in a mix, and the Zero Gravity mount really lets it sing. It's perfect for gigging musicians and home recordists who want a professional feel and tone.
Pros
- Maple/walnut shell blend delivers warm, focused tone with surprising projection.
- Zero Gravity mounting minimizes dampening and maximizes resonance.
- High-gloss lacquer finish looks stunning and offers excellent durability.
Cons
- Walnut inclusion slightly limits versatility compared to all-maple shells.
- Black to Purple Sparkle finish might be polarizing for some drummers.
63AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$178 now$178€159 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 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 ↗
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
Playability
For a beginner, a responsive tom is everything. You want something that reacts to your touch - a good balance between sustain and quick decay. Too much sustain and you're fighting the sound; too little and it's just...there. This is about developing dynamics.
Shell Material & Thickness
Birch is a common choice - it's versatile and delivers a warm, balanced tone. Maple can be a bit more focused and articulate, but can also be a bit 'woody' for some tastes. Lighter shells are generally easier to control for beginners, but don't go so thin they sound like cardboard.
Bearing Edges
These are crucial for the initial attack and overall tone. Rounded bearing edges tend to produce a warmer, more resonant sound, while sharper edges give a more focused, defined attack. As a beginner, rounded edges are generally more forgiving.
Hardware & Mounting
Sturdy hardware is a must. Wobbly legs and a flimsy mounting system will kill your feel and make tuning a nightmare. Look for double-braced legs and well-built mounting brackets - cheap hardware is the first place manufacturers cut corners.
Overall Tone & Projection
You want a tom that cuts through a band rehearsal without being harsh. That means a good blend of low-end thump and a clear, defined pitch. Too much low-end muddies the mix; too much high-end gets ice-picky and fatiguing.
Buying guide
So, you're starting out on drums and looking at toms, huh? A lot of beginners get overwhelmed, especially when it comes to sizes. A 13" tom is a sweet spot - big enough to get some meat on the sound, but not so huge it's a wrestling match to control. Let's break down what to look for when choosing your first 13" toms, so you're not stuck with something that sounds like a tin can or feels like hitting concrete.
Don't chase the 'expensive' label. A well-chosen, mid-range 13" tom from a reputable brand will almost always outperform a top-end tom from a budget manufacturer. Pay attention to the hardware - that's where a lot of cheap kits fall apart.
And honestly, spend a little extra on getting them properly tuned - it'll make a bigger difference than the shell material itself.
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
What's the difference between a rack tom and a floor tom?
Rack toms are mounted above the bass drum, often on angled brackets. Floor toms sit on legs and generally have a deeper, more resonant tone. A 13" can be either, but rack toms are more common at this size.
Should I buy a pre-made kit or individual toms?
As a beginner, a pre-made kit is usually the most economical way to get started. Buying individual toms is great for customization, but it's a rabbit hole you don't need to dive down yet.
What does 'warm' tone really mean?
Warm doesn't mean muffled. It means the tone has a good balance across the frequencies - a full low-end, a clear fundamental pitch, and a pleasant overtone series without being harsh or brittle. It's a tone that sits well in a mix.
How important is tuning?
Massively important. A poorly tuned expensive tom will sound worse than a well-tuned budget tom. Learn the basics of drum tuning - it's a skill that will serve you for life.
Can I use a 13" tom as a snare drum?
Technically, yes, but it won't be ideal. The shell's depth and resonance will make it sound muddy and lacking in snap. Snare drums are designed with specific bearing edges and snare mechanisms for a distinct sound.
