Best Acoustic Drumkits Under $800 2026

Affordable acoustic drumkits under $800 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 2026

PRICE RANGES: Under $200 Under $500 Under $800 Under $1,000 Under $2,000

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Rock For Jazz For Blues For Pop For Metal For Funk

BRANDS: DrumCraft Pearl Tama Mapex Millenium Yamaha Gretsch Drums Sonor Ludwig

Gretsch Drums Renegade 22" Black Mist - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Gretsch Drums Renegade 22" Black Mist

by Gretsch Drums

Funk Pop Rock

Key Feature:

• Great for live performance

✓ PROS

• Ready to play configuration
• Great for live performance

✗ CONS

• May include unwanted components
• Cymbals not always included

Gretsch Drums Renegade 22" Black MistComplete DrumkitRenegade SeriesPoplar shellsChrome shell hardwareTriple...

⭐ 4.9/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 595209

$548

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gretsch Drums Energy Grey 22" 5-piece HWP - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Gretsch Drums Energy Grey 22" 5-piece HWP

by Gretsch Drums

Jazz Funk Pop

Key Feature:

• Professional acoustic sound

✓ PROS

• Complete matched drum set
• Great for live performance

✗ CONS

• Cymbals not always included
• May include unwanted components

Gretsch Drums Energy Grey 22" 5-piece HWPDrumsetDrum shells with wrap finishChrome shell hardwareMaterial: 7-ply...

⭐ 5.0/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 595386

$790

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gretsch Drums Renegade 22" Ruby Sparkle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Gretsch Drums Renegade 22" Ruby Sparkle

by Gretsch Drums

Pop Metal Rock

Key Feature:

• Great for live performance

✓ PROS

• Ready to play configuration
• Complete matched drum set

✗ CONS

• May include unwanted components
• Hardware quality varies

Gretsch Drums Renegade 22" Ruby SparkleComplete DrumkitRenegade SeriesPoplar shellsChrome shell hardwareTriple...

⭐ 4.7/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 595212

$548

Buy at Thomann View Details

DrumCraft Series 3 Studio Set Natural - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

DrumCraft Series 3 Studio Set Natural

by DrumCraft

Metal Blues Rock

Key Feature:

• Great for live performance

✓ PROS

• Ready to play configuration
• Professional acoustic sound

✗ CONS

• May include unwanted components
• Hardware quality varies

DrumCraft Series 3 Studio Set NaturalDrumkitSeries 3Studio configurationShell material: 7-ply poplar wood6.8 mm shell...

⭐ 4.8/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 511341

$582

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gretsch Drums Renegade 20" Blue Sparkle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Gretsch Drums Renegade 20" Blue Sparkle

by Gretsch Drums

Blues Metal Rock

Key Feature:

• Ready to play configuration

✓ PROS

• Great for live performance
• Consistent shell construction

✗ CONS

• Higher cost than individual pieces
• Cymbals not always included

Gretsch Drums Renegade 20" Blue SparkleComplete DrumkitRenegade SeriesDrum shells with wrap finishChrome shell...

⭐ 4.6/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 604548

$548

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gretsch Drums Energy Red 4-piece HWP - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Gretsch Drums Energy Red 4-piece HWP

by Gretsch Drums

Blues Metal Funk

Key Feature:

• Complete matched drum set

✓ PROS

• Complete matched drum set
• Consistent shell construction

✗ CONS

• Higher cost than individual pieces
• Limited customization options

Gretsch Drums Energy Red 4-piece HWPDrum SetDrum shells with wrap finishChrome shell hardwareMaterial: 7-ply poplar...

⭐ 5.0/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 595284

$714

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gretsch Drums Energy Grey Steel 5-piece HWP - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Gretsch Drums Energy Grey Steel 5-piece HWP

by Gretsch Drums

Pop Metal Blues

Key Feature:

• Great for live performance

✓ PROS

• Complete matched drum set
• Consistent shell construction

✗ CONS

• Higher cost than individual pieces
• May include unwanted components

Gretsch Drums Energy Grey Steel 5-piece HWPDrum SetDrum shells with wrap finishChrome shell hardwareMaterial: 7-ply...

⭐ 4.7/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 595290

$780

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gretsch Drums Renegade 20" Black Mist - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Gretsch Drums Renegade 20" Black Mist

by Gretsch Drums

Jazz Funk Metal

Key Feature:

• Consistent shell construction

✓ PROS

• Ready to play configuration
• Consistent shell construction

✗ CONS

• Higher cost than individual pieces
• Limited customization options

Gretsch Drums Renegade 20" Black MistComplete DrumkitRenegade SeriesDrum shells with wrap finishChrome shell...

⭐ 4.7/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 604547

$548

Buy at Thomann View Details

DrumCraft Series 3 Standard Set Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

DrumCraft Series 3 Standard Set Black

by DrumCraft

Blues Rock Metal

Key Feature:

• Great for live performance

✓ PROS

• Professional acoustic sound
• Complete matched drum set

✗ CONS

• Higher cost than individual pieces
• Cymbals not always included

DrumCraft Series 3 Standard Set BlackDrum KitSeries 3Standard configurationShell material: 7-ply poplar wood6.8 mm...

⭐ 4.5/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 482708

$611

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ludwig Accent Drive 5pc Red - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.9/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Ludwig Accent Drive 5pc Red

by Ludwig

Pop Rock Metal

Key Feature:

• Consistent shell construction

✓ PROS

• Complete matched drum set
• Consistent shell construction

✗ CONS

• Limited customization options
• Cymbals not always included

Ludwig Accent Drive 5pc RedComplete DrumkitAccent Drive Series5-Ply hard wood shellFoil-covered finishChrome shell...

⭐ 4.9/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 578829

$548

Buy at Thomann View Details

Mapex Comet Pro Pack 18" Infra Red - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.9/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Mapex Comet Pro Pack 18" Infra Red

by Mapex

Pop Metal Blues

Key Feature:

• Complete matched drum set

✓ PROS

• Great for live performance
• Professional acoustic sound

✗ CONS

• Limited customization options
• May include unwanted components

Mapex Comet Pro Pack 18" Infra Red, Complete Drum set, Shell material: 9-ply poplar wood shell 7.2 mm, Chrome...

⭐ 4.9/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 594107

$747

Buy at Thomann View Details

Mapex Comet Fusion Infra Red #IR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.6/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Mapex Comet Fusion Infra Red #IR

by Mapex

Blues Jazz Metal

Key Feature:

• Great for live performance

✓ PROS

• Ready to play configuration
• Complete matched drum set

✗ CONS

• Higher cost than individual pieces
• May include unwanted components

Mapex Comet Fusion Infra Red #IRComplete DrumkitComet Fusion SeriesShell material: 9-ply poplar wood shell 7.2 mmMapex...

⭐ 4.6/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 588889

$527

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gretsch Drums Renegade 22" Blue Sparkle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.7/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Gretsch Drums Renegade 22" Blue Sparkle

by Gretsch Drums

Jazz Pop Rock

Key Feature:

• Great for live performance

✓ PROS

• Consistent shell construction
• Professional acoustic sound

✗ CONS

• Hardware quality varies
• May include unwanted components

Gretsch Drums Renegade 22" Blue SparkleComplete DrumkitRenegade SeriesPoplar shellsChrome shell hardwareTriple...

⭐ 4.7/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 595214

$548

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gretsch Drums Energy Black 4-piece HWP - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.8/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Gretsch Drums Energy Black 4-piece HWP

by Gretsch Drums

Rock Metal Blues

Key Feature:

• Complete matched drum set

✓ PROS

• Great for live performance
• Ready to play configuration

✗ CONS

• Limited customization options
• Cymbals not always included

Gretsch Drums Energy Black 4-piece HWPDrumsetDrum shells with wrap finishChrome shell hardwareMaterial: 7-ply poplar...

⭐ 4.8/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 595276

$714

Buy at Thomann View Details

DrumCraft Series 3 Standard Set TQS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.4/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

DrumCraft Series 3 Standard Set TQS

by DrumCraft

Jazz Rock Funk

Key Feature:

• Complete matched drum set

✓ PROS

• Consistent shell construction
• Complete matched drum set

✗ CONS

• Higher cost than individual pieces
• Limited customization options

DrumCraft Series 3 Standard Set TQSDrumset3 SeriesShell material: 7-ply poplar shellsShell thickness: 6.8 mm45°...

⭐ 4.4/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 562053

$611

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Acoustic Drumkits

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 acoustic drumkits 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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Best Acoustic Drumkits Under $800 2026

Gretsch Drums Renegade 22" Black Mist

Gretsch Drums Energy Grey 22" 5-piece HWP

Gretsch Drums Renegade 22" Ruby Sparkle

DrumCraft Series 3 Studio Set Natural

Gretsch Drums Renegade 20" Blue Sparkle

Gretsch Drums Energy Red 4-piece HWP

Gretsch Drums Energy Grey Steel 5-piece HWP

Gretsch Drums Renegade 20" Black Mist

DrumCraft Series 3 Standard Set Black

Ludwig Accent Drive 5pc Red

Mapex Comet Pro Pack 18" Infra Red

Mapex Comet Fusion Infra Red #IR

Gretsch Drums Renegade 22" Blue Sparkle

Gretsch Drums Energy Black 4-piece HWP

DrumCraft Series 3 Standard Set TQS

How to Choose the Best Acoustic Drumkits

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

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