AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 13" Toms for Professional 2026
The top pick is Sonor 13"x9.25" MOM. TT Maple REP ($914). 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 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 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 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 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 DrumCraft 13" tom is a real sweet spot – a well-built, versatile drum that delivers a warm, resonant tone without costing a fortune. It's perfect for gigging drummers or studio players needing a reliable, good-sounding tom without breaking the bank. The maple/walnut blend gives it a unique character that sits nicely in a mix.
Pros
- Maple/walnut shell delivers warm, focused tone with surprising projection.
- Satin black finish looks sharp and resists fingerprints nicely.
- Zero Gravity mounting minimizes dampening and maximizes resonance.
Cons
- Walnut inclusion might slightly darken the overall tone for some preferences.
- Satin black finish can be a fingerprint magnet, requiring occasional cleaning.
63AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$189 now$189€169 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 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"
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 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
Resonance & Sustain
A 13" needs to sing, not just thud. We're looking for a full, resonant tone that decays nicely without being muddy, providing enough sustain to articulate complex patterns. Short sustain can be useful for tight, controlled sounds, but a pro kit needs versatility.
Articulation & Sensitivity
The ability to coax a wide range of tones from a single drum is crucial. A good 13" responds to subtle dynamic shifts - a ghost note should whisper, a backbeat should crack. Poorly constructed shells often feel 'dead' or unresponsive.
Tonal Balance (Midrange Focus)
This is the critical area. A 13" shouldn't be overly bright or muddy. We want a focused midrange - that 'honk' that cuts through the mix without clashing with the snare or other toms. Too much low-end and it's just a mini-floor tom; too much high-end and it's harsh.
Shell Construction & Materials
Maple, birch, mahogany - each offers a different sonic signature. The bearing edges are everything - a sloppy edge ruins even the best wood. Laminated vs. segmented construction impacts sustain and tonal complexity. This directly impacts how the drum responds to tuning.
Hardware & Mounting
The mounting system shouldn't dampen the drum's natural resonance. A well-designed bracket and a solid, stable mounting system are essential for transmitting the full sonic potential of the drum.
Buying guide
Let's be honest, 13" toms aren't the first thing you're chasing when building a professional kit. They're often the 'glue' tom, sitting between the rack and floor, providing a tonal bridge. But a poorly chosen 13" can sabotage your entire kit's voice, leaving you with a weak, undefined sound that gets lost in the mix. This isn't about beginner stuff; we're talking about what separates a gig-ready kit from something that looks pretty but sounds flat.
Don't fall for the hype. A 13" tom isn't a place to skimp, but don't overpay for cosmetic features. Listen carefully - if it doesn't sing when you hit it, it doesn't matter what it's made of.
Cheaper drums often use thinner shells that lack sustain and have poorly executed bearing edges, leading to a choked, lifeless sound. Invest in quality hardware; a wobbly mount kills the vibe.
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 maple and birch 13" toms?
Maple tends to be warmer, with a rounder midrange and more sustain. Birch is brighter, with a tighter, more focused tone that cuts through the mix better. Both are excellent; it depends on your kit's overall voicing.
Are vintage 13" toms worth the money?
Potentially, but be wary. Vintage drums often need restoration, and the shell thickness can be unpredictable. A well-restored vintage tom can sound incredible, but a poorly restored one is a money pit.
Can I use a 12" or 14" tom instead?
Technically, yes, but it will change the overall tonal balance of your kit. The 13" fills a unique space - it's not a rack, not a floor, and offers a distinct voice that's useful for fills and accents.
What bearing edge profile is best?
There's no 'best' - it's a matter of preference and shell material. A sharper edge (90 degrees or slightly rounded) generally produces more high-end frequencies and sustain, while a more rounded edge (30 degrees) tends to be warmer and more controlled. Try before you buy if possible.
My 13" tom sounds 'boxy' - what's wrong?
That usually indicates a lack of resonance and a poorly executed shell. Check the bearing edges for inconsistencies and try different tuning combinations. It could also be the mounting system dampening the drum's natural vibrations.
