Best Drum Shell Sets Under $2,000 2026

Affordable drum shell sets under $2,000 - great value without compromising quality

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

PRICE RANGES: Under $500 Under $800 Under $1,000 Under $2,000 Under $5,000

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Customization For Upgrade For Professional For Studio For Custom Build For Advanced

BRANDS: Gretsch Drums Tama Mapex Sonor DW Yamaha Ludwig Pearl DrumCraft Dixon

Gretsch Drums Renown Maple Jazz -SOP - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Gretsch Drums Renown Maple Jazz -SOP

by Gretsch Drums

Custom Build Professional Customization

Key Feature:

• Build exactly what you need

✓ PROS

• Ultimate customization flexibility
• Professional shell quality

✗ CONS

• May need professional setup
• Requires separate hardware purchase

Gretsch Drums Renown Maple 2016 Jazz -SOPShell SetNew Renown MapleJazz configurationRN2-J4837-Ply maple wood shells30°...

⭐ 4.9/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 397429

$1,539

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gretsch Drums Renown Maple Jazz -SABB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Gretsch Drums Renown Maple Jazz -SABB

by Gretsch Drums

Professional Custom Build Advanced

Key Feature:

• Professional shell quality

✓ PROS

• Build exactly what you need
• Mix and match components

✗ CONS

• Assembly knowledge required
• May need professional setup

Gretsch Drums Renown Maple Jazz -SABBShell SetNew Renown MapleJazz versionRN2-J483Drum shell material: 7-Ply maple wood...

⭐ 4.8/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 484792

$1,538

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gretsch Drums Renown Maple Jazz -CB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Gretsch Drums Renown Maple Jazz -CB

by Gretsch Drums

Studio Professional Advanced

Key Feature:

• Professional shell quality

✓ PROS

• Build exactly what you need
• Professional shell quality

✗ CONS

• Time-consuming to build
• May need professional setup

Gretsch Drums Renown Maple Jazz -CBDrum Shell KitNew Renown MapleJazz versionRN2-J483Drum shell: 7-Ply maple30°...

⭐ 4.5/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 397435

$1,484

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gretsch Drums Renown Maple Jazz -GN - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Gretsch Drums Renown Maple Jazz -GN

by Gretsch Drums

Custom Build Studio Upgrade

Key Feature:

• Mix and match components

✓ PROS

• Mix and match components
• Build exactly what you need

✗ CONS

• Assembly knowledge required
• May need professional setup

Gretsch Drums Renown Maple 2016 Jazz -GNShell SetNew Renown MapleJazz versionRN2-J4837-Ply maple shells30° Shell...

⭐ 4.5/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 397432

$1,484

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gretsch Drums Renown Maple Rock CS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Gretsch Drums Renown Maple Rock CS

by Gretsch Drums

Advanced Customization Custom Build

Key Feature:

• Professional shell quality

✓ PROS

• Ultimate customization flexibility
• Choose your own hardware

✗ CONS

• Assembly knowledge required
• More expensive than complete kits

Gretsch Drums Renown Maple Rock CSShell SetNew Renown MapleRock model7-Ply maple wood shells30° Bearing edgeTom and...

⭐ 4.5/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 596725

$1,814

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gretsch Drums Renown Maple Rock -VP - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Gretsch Drums Renown Maple Rock -VP

by Gretsch Drums

Studio Upgrade Customization

Key Feature:

• Mix and match components

✓ PROS

• Choose your own hardware
• Mix and match components

✗ CONS

• Requires separate hardware purchase
• More expensive than complete kits

Gretsch Drums Renown Maple Rock -VPDrum SetNew Renown MapleRock versionRN2-E623Drum shells: 7-Ply maple30° Bearing...

⭐ 4.5/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 397454

$1,814

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gretsch Drums Catalina Club Standard SWG - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Gretsch Drums Catalina Club Standard SWG

by Gretsch Drums

Custom Build Advanced Professional

Key Feature:

• Choose your own hardware

✓ PROS

• Professional shell quality
• Ultimate customization flexibility

✗ CONS

• Requires separate hardware purchase
• May need professional setup

Gretsch Drums Catalina Club Standard SWGShell SetShell material: 7-ply 100% mahoganyHigh-gloss lacquered shellsChrome...

⭐ 4.8/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 604589

$1,044

Buy at Thomann View Details

DrumCraft Series 6 2up 2down SBB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

DrumCraft Series 6 2up 2down SBB

by DrumCraft

Studio Customization Upgrade

Key Feature:

• Professional shell quality

✓ PROS

• Professional shell quality
• Choose your own hardware

✗ CONS

• Assembly knowledge required
• May need professional setup

DrumCraft Series 6 2up 2down SBB*Bundle offer comprising*, DrumCraft Series 6 22"x18" BD SBB-NM*Kick Drum*6...

⭐ 4.8/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 552333

$1,318

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gretsch Drums Renown Maple Studio -SOP - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Gretsch Drums Renown Maple Studio -SOP

by Gretsch Drums

Advanced Studio Custom Build

Key Feature:

• Build exactly what you need

✓ PROS

• Professional shell quality
• Ultimate customization flexibility

✗ CONS

• More expensive than complete kits
• Time-consuming to build

Gretsch Drums Renown Maple Studio -SOPDrum SetNew Renown MapleStudio configurationRN2-E604Drum shells: 7-Ply maple...

⭐ 4.5/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 397463

$1,868

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gretsch Drums Renown Maple Rock -GN - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.8/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Gretsch Drums Renown Maple Rock -GN

by Gretsch Drums

Customization Professional Custom Build

Key Feature:

• Mix and match components

✓ PROS

• Ultimate customization flexibility
• Professional shell quality

✗ CONS

• Assembly knowledge required
• More expensive than complete kits

Gretsch Drums Renown Maple Rock -GNDrum Shell KitNew Renown MapleRock VersionRN2-E623Drum shell material: 7-Ply...

⭐ 4.8/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 397455

$1,758

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gretsch Drums Catalina Maple 7-piece SG - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.6/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Gretsch Drums Catalina Maple 7-piece SG

by Gretsch Drums

Advanced Studio Professional

Key Feature:

• Choose your own hardware

✓ PROS

• Mix and match components
• Professional shell quality

✗ CONS

• Time-consuming to build
• More expensive than complete kits

Gretsch Drums Catalina Maple 7-piece SGShell SetCatalina Maple series7-ply maple shellsChrome hardwareNewly designed...

⭐ 4.6/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 622343

$1,428

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gretsch Drums Catalina Maple Standard AM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.6/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Gretsch Drums Catalina Maple Standard AM

by Gretsch Drums

Studio Upgrade Advanced

Key Feature:

• Choose your own hardware

✓ PROS

• Build exactly what you need
• Choose your own hardware

✗ CONS

• Assembly knowledge required
• More expensive than complete kits

Gretsch Drums Catalina Maple Standard AMShell SetCatalina Maple series7-ply maple shellChrome hardwareNewly designed...

⭐ 4.6/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 622400

$1,088

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gretsch Drums Catalina Club Rock Crimson Bst - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.5/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Gretsch Drums Catalina Club Rock Crimson Bst

by Gretsch Drums

Advanced Professional Custom Build

Key Feature:

• Choose your own hardware

✓ PROS

• Choose your own hardware
• Ultimate customization flexibility

✗ CONS

• Assembly knowledge required
• May need professional setup

Gretsch Drums Catalina Club Rock Crimson BstShell SetCatalina Club SeriesRock setColour: Gloss Crimson Burst7-Ply100%...

⭐ 4.5/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 396504

$1,077

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gretsch Drums Catalina Maple 7-piece PG - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.5/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Gretsch Drums Catalina Maple 7-piece PG

by Gretsch Drums

Customization Studio Advanced

Key Feature:

• Professional shell quality

✓ PROS

• Ultimate customization flexibility
• Choose your own hardware

✗ CONS

• Requires separate hardware purchase
• Time-consuming to build

Gretsch Drums Catalina Maple 7-piece PGShell SetCatalina Maple series7-ply maple wood shellsChrome-plated shell...

⭐ 4.5/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 622340

$1,428

Buy at Thomann View Details

DrumCraft Series 6 Studio Set BP - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.4/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

DrumCraft Series 6 Studio Set BP

by DrumCraft

Studio Custom Build Customization

Key Feature:

• Build exactly what you need

✓ PROS

• Ultimate customization flexibility
• Choose your own hardware

✗ CONS

• Requires separate hardware purchase
• Assembly knowledge required

DrumCraft Series 6 Studio Set BP*Bundle offer comprising*, DrumCraft Series 6 20"x16" BD BP-WM*Kick...

⭐ 4.4/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 525394

$1,099

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Drum Shell Sets

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 drum shell sets 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.

Best Drum Shell Sets Under $2,000 2026

Gretsch Drums Renown Maple Jazz -SOP

Gretsch Drums Renown Maple Jazz -SABB

Gretsch Drums Renown Maple Jazz -CB

Gretsch Drums Renown Maple Jazz -GN

Gretsch Drums Renown Maple Rock CS

Gretsch Drums Renown Maple Rock -VP

Gretsch Drums Catalina Club Standard SWG

DrumCraft Series 6 2up 2down SBB

Gretsch Drums Renown Maple Studio -SOP

Gretsch Drums Renown Maple Rock -GN

Gretsch Drums Catalina Maple 7-piece SG

Gretsch Drums Catalina Maple Standard AM

Gretsch Drums Catalina Club Rock Crimson Bst

Gretsch Drums Catalina Maple 7-piece PG

DrumCraft Series 6 Studio Set BP

How to Choose the Best Drum Shell Sets

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Best Lists

Best Acoustic Drumkits

Best 14" Wooden Snare Drums

Best 18" Crash Cymbals

Best 16" Crash Cymbals

Best Cymbal Sets

Best 14" Hi-Hat Cymbals

Cookie Preferences

Essential Cookies

Analytics Cookies

Functional Cookies

Marketing Cookies