Best 13" Toms Under $500 2025

Affordable 13" toms under $500 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 2025

Gretsch Drums 13"x09" TT Renown Maple SOP - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Gretsch Drums 13"x09" TT Renown Maple SOP

Alternative Setup Unique Sound Rock
Key Feature:
• Professional recording applications
✓ PROS
  • • Unique 13-inch size for distinctive sound
  • • Great for custom drum configurations
✗ CONS
  • • Higher cost for specialty size
  • • Not included in most standard configurations

Gretsch Drums 13"x09" TT Renown Maple SOPTom TomSize: 13" x 09"Renown Maple SeriesFoiled...

4.9/5 (39 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Gretsch Drums 13"x09" TT Renown Maple PB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Gretsch Drums 13"x09" TT Renown Maple PB

Custom Rock Alternative Setup
Key Feature:
• Professional recording applications
✓ PROS
  • • Adds tonal variety to standard setups
  • • Good bridge between 12-inch and 14-inch
✗ CONS
  • • Not included in most standard configurations
  • • Non-standard size limits head options

Gretsch Drums 13" x 09" TT Renown Maple PBGretsch Drums Renown Maple 13"x09" Tom TomLacquered...

4.6/5 (45 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Gretsch Drums 13"x09" TT Renown Maple GN - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Gretsch Drums 13"x09" TT Renown Maple GN

Jazz Custom Alternative Setup
Key Feature:
• Adds tonal variety to standard setups
✓ PROS
  • • Good bridge between 12-inch and 14-inch
  • • Professional recording applications
✗ CONS
  • • Higher cost for specialty size
  • • Not included in most standard configurations

Gretsch Drums 13"x09" TT Renown Maple GNGretsch Drums Renown Maple 13" x 09" Tom TomLacquered...

4.7/5 (27 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Gretsch Drums 13"x09" TT Renown Maple VP - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Gretsch Drums 13"x09" TT Renown Maple VP

Unique Sound Alternative Setup Rock
Key Feature:
• Unique 13-inch size for distinctive sound
✓ PROS
  • • Good bridge between 12-inch and 14-inch
  • • Unique 13-inch size for distinctive sound
✗ CONS
  • • Higher cost for specialty size
  • • May be difficult to find replacement parts

Gretsch Drums 13"x09" TT Renown Maple VPGretsch Drums Renown Maple 13"x09" Tom TomFoiled...

4.9/5 (6 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Pearl Crystal Beat 13"x09" Tom #730 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Pearl Crystal Beat 13"x09" Tom #730

Rock Custom Alternative Setup
Key Feature:
• Adds tonal variety to standard setups
✓ PROS
  • • Professional recording applications
  • • Unique 13-inch size for distinctive sound
✗ CONS
  • • May be difficult to find replacement parts
  • • Not included in most standard configurations

Pearl Crystal Beat 13"x09" Tom #730Tom TomSize: 13" x 09"Crystal beat seriesModern remake of the...

4.8/5 (37 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10

How to Choose the Best 13" Toms

Budget Planning

  • • Under $200: Entry-level
  • • $200-$500: Intermediate
  • • $500-$1000: Advanced
  • • $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

  • • Sound clarity & tone
  • • Build materials & finish
  • • Hardware durability
  • • Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

  • • Your musical style
  • • Skill level match
  • • Intended use case
  • • Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Higher-priced 13" toms typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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