AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 13" Toms for Intermediate 2026
The top pick is DrumCraft Series 6 13"x09" Tom Tom SN ($184). Pearl 13"x09" Export TT M. Amethyst 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
Top 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 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 solid white tom with a nice wrap finish and sturdy poplar shell. It looks great but lacks details on how it sounds inside or how heavy it is. Perfect for a beginner who wants a reliable workhorse without worrying about complex specs.
Pros
- Solid 6-ply poplar shell for sturdy construction
- Wrap finish gives a classic drum look
- Chrome hardware resists rust and wear
Cons
- No internal muffling mentioned for tone control
- Lack of internal hardware details is concerning
55AudioFu
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-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 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"
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 ↗
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
Resonance & Sustain
Intermediate players need a tom that responds. You want a good, warm sustain that doesn't die instantly, allowing you to really shape the sound. A dead, muffled tom will limit your expression and make everything sound muddy.
Shell Thickness
Thinner shells (around 6mm) tend to be more sensitive and responsive, great for nuanced playing. Thicker shells (8mm+) offer more projection and punch, useful for cutting through a louder band, but can feel less dynamic. Finding a balance is key.
Bearing Edge Profile
The bearing edge is where the head makes contact with the shell. A rounded edge typically offers more low-end thump and sustain, while a sharper edge can provide more attack and clarity. This significantly affects the tom's voice.
Hardware & Mounting
Cheap hardware can be a real pain - wobbly legs, poorly designed mounting brackets. Look for something that feels stable and secure, especially if you're gigging. A well-engineered mounting system allows the tom to resonate freely.
Head Compatibility
The stock heads are often a compromise. Being able to easily swap them out for something tailored to your playing style (coated, clear, vintage) is a big deal for expanding your sonic palette.
Buying guide
So, you're moving past those beginner kits and realizing your 12" toms just aren't cutting it anymore. A 13" tom can add a crucial layer of articulation and body to your drum kit, but picking the right one for an intermediate player isn't about just grabbing the flashiest name. It's about finding something that responds well, offers decent projection, and won't completely bankrupt you while you're still honing your chops - let's find some good options.
Don't chase the big names if your budget is tight. Often, smaller drum companies or those offering value-oriented lines will give you better bang for your buck. Be realistic about your needs - a super-expensive tom isn't going to magically make you a better drummer.
Pay attention to the bearing edge - that's a huge tone shaper - and budget for aftermarket heads. A decent 13" tom, well-played, will always sound better than a flagship kit played poorly.
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 worth the upgrade over 12"?
Absolutely, if you're looking for more low-end and a fuller tone. The extra inch adds significant resonance and projection, which is crucial when playing with a band or recording.
What's the difference between a rack tom and a floor tom?
Rack toms are mounted above the bass drum, typically offering a tighter, more focused sound. Floor toms are freestanding with legs, producing a deeper, more resonant tone - they're meant to be the 'warmth' in your tom setup.
What kind of wood is best for a 13" tom?
Maple is a safe bet - balanced tone, good sustain. Birch offers a brighter, more articulate sound. Mahogany is known for its warm, round tone, but can sometimes lack projection. It's more about personal preference than a 'best' wood.
I'm on a budget. What corners are usually cut?
Typically, cheaper toms will use thinner shells, lower-quality hardware (expect rust and wobble), and stock heads that are often just 'okay'. The bearing edge might be less precisely machined, leading to a less complex tone.
How important are drum heads?
Critically important. The stock heads are almost always a compromise. Investing in a good set of coated heads will instantly improve the sound and feel of even a decent shell.
