Best Premium Drum Kits for Intermediate 2025

Perfect premium drum kits for intermediate - easy to play and learn on

Last updated: October 29, 2025 • Next update: November 5, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $5,000

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Professional For Studio For Recording For Concert For High-End For Collector

BRANDS: DW Gretsch Drums Sonor Varus Mapex Yamaha

Gretsch Drums USA Custom 18 WMP - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Gretsch Drums USA Custom 18 WMP

by Gretsch Drums

Collector Studio Professional

Key Feature:

• Professional studio and stage quality

✓ PROS

• Premium hardware included
• Exceptional tone and projection

✗ CONS

• High maintenance expectations
• Requires quality amplification

Gretsch Drums USA Custom 18 WMPShell SetUSA custom series6-Ply maple shellsNitro-coated shellsHandmade30° bearing...

⭐ 4.6/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 603189

$5,278

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gretsch Drums USA Custom 18 Silver Sparkle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Gretsch Drums USA Custom 18 Silver Sparkle

by Gretsch Drums

Collector High-End Recording

Key Feature:

• Exceptional tone and projection

✓ PROS

• Professional studio and stage quality
• Top-tier construction and materials

✗ CONS

• High maintenance expectations
• Very expensive investment

Gretsch Drums USA Custom 18 Silver SparkleShell SetUSA Custom Series6-ply maple wood shellsNitro-coated...

⭐ 5.0/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 603190

$5,278

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gretsch Drums US Custom 1up1down WMP - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Gretsch Drums US Custom 1up1down WMP

by Gretsch Drums

Recording Studio Collector

Key Feature:

• Exceptional tone and projection

✓ PROS

• Exceptional tone and projection
• Professional studio and stage quality

✗ CONS

• High maintenance expectations
• May be overkill for beginners

Gretsch Drums US Custom 1up1down WMPShell SetFoiled shells in White Marine Pearl colourChrome hardware the unique...

⭐ 4.9/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 543910

$5,168

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gretsch Drums US Custom 24 Candy Apple Red - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Gretsch Drums US Custom 24 Candy Apple Red

by Gretsch Drums

Concert Professional Studio

Key Feature:

• Top-tier construction and materials

✓ PROS

• Premium hardware included
• Exceptional tone and projection

✗ CONS

• Very expensive investment
• High maintenance expectations

Gretsch Drums US Custom 24 Candy Apple RedShell SetUSA Custom-SeriesShell made of 6-ply mapleHigh-gloss lacquered...

⭐ 4.7/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 575135

$5,168

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gretsch Drums Broadkaster SB Deep Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Gretsch Drums Broadkaster SB Deep Black

by Gretsch Drums

Collector Concert Professional

Key Feature:

• Investment-grade instruments

✓ PROS

• Premium hardware included
• Exceptional tone and projection

✗ CONS

• Professional setup recommended
• High maintenance expectations

Gretsch Drums Broadkaster SB Deep BlackShell SetStandard builtRevival of the series of the same name from the 50s -...

⭐ 4.5/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 575141

$5,278

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gretsch Drums USA Custom 18 VOW - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Gretsch Drums USA Custom 18 VOW

by Gretsch Drums

Studio Professional Collector

Key Feature:

• Investment-grade instruments

✓ PROS

• Top-tier construction and materials
• Premium hardware included

✗ CONS

• High maintenance expectations
• Professional setup recommended

Gretsch Drums USA Custom 18 VOWShell SetUSA Custom series6-Ply maple shellsNitro-coated shellsHandmade30° bearing...

⭐ 4.9/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 603195

$5,224

Buy at Thomann View Details

Mapex Black Panther Versatus - PW - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Mapex Black Panther Versatus - PW

by Mapex

Concert High-End Studio

Key Feature:

• Professional studio and stage quality

✓ PROS

• Premium hardware included
• Exceptional tone and projection

✗ CONS

• High maintenance expectations
• May be overkill for beginners

Mapex Black Panther Versatus - PWShell SetBlack Panther SeriesStage+ configurationModel: BPDLNV628XPWHybrid shells made...

⭐ 4.9/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 604779

$5,168

Buy at Thomann View Details

Mapex Saturn Evo. Exotic Maple -PO - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Mapex Saturn Evo. Exotic Maple -PO

by Mapex

High-End Concert Recording

Key Feature:

• Professional studio and stage quality

✓ PROS

• Premium hardware included
• Investment-grade instruments

✗ CONS

• Requires quality amplification
• Very expensive investment

Mapex Saturn Evo. Exotic Maple -(PO)Shell SetStudioease configurationMXSE628XColour: Exotic Sunburst (PO)Shell...

⭐ 4.7/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 544000

$3,299

Buy at Thomann View Details

Varus Morpheus Estepario Shell Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Varus Morpheus Estepario Shell Set

by Varus

Collector Recording Studio

Key Feature:

• Investment-grade instruments

✓ PROS

• Investment-grade instruments
• Exceptional tone and projection

✗ CONS

• High maintenance expectations
• May be overkill for beginners

Varus Morpheus Estepario Shell SetDrum Shell SetMaple/beech wood shellMatt lacquered shellsGold hardware and black...

⭐ 5.0/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 530671

$3,078

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gretsch Drums US Custom 22 Sky Blue Pearl - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.6/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Gretsch Drums US Custom 22 Sky Blue Pearl

by Gretsch Drums

High-End Concert Recording

Key Feature:

• Exceptional tone and projection

✓ PROS

• Premium hardware included
• Professional studio and stage quality

✗ CONS

• Very expensive investment
• Professional setup recommended

Gretsch Drums US Custom 22 Sky Blue PearlShell SetUSA Custom-SeriesFoiled shellsShell made of 6-ply mapleAll shells are...

⭐ 4.6/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 575138

$5,278

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sonor SQ2 Set 1up1down Blue Oyster - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 5.0/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Sonor SQ2 Set 1up1down Blue Oyster

by Sonor

Recording High-End Studio

Key Feature:

• Exceptional tone and projection

✓ PROS

• Exceptional tone and projection
• Investment-grade instruments

✗ CONS

• Requires quality amplification
• Very expensive investment

Sonor SQ2 Set 1up1down Blue OysterShell SetMaple shellsChrome shell hardwareBass drum with knurled screws and tom/floor...

⭐ 5.0/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 554007

$5,168

Buy at Thomann View Details

Mapex Black Panther Equinox - FB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.4/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Mapex Black Panther Equinox - FB

by Mapex

Collector Concert Professional

Key Feature:

• Investment-grade instruments

✓ PROS

• Exceptional tone and projection
• Investment-grade instruments

✗ CONS

• Requires quality amplification
• Professional setup recommended

Mapex Black Panther Equinox - FBShell SetBlack Panther SeriesStage+ configurationModel: BPDLE628XFBHybrid padouk/maple...

⭐ 4.4/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 604775

$4,728

Buy at Thomann View Details

DW Exotic Lacq. over Royal Ebony - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.7/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

DW Exotic Lacq. over Royal Ebony

by DW

Professional Recording Studio

Key Feature:

• Investment-grade instruments

✓ PROS

• Top-tier construction and materials
• Professional studio and stage quality

✗ CONS

• High maintenance expectations
• Very expensive investment

DW Exotic Lacq. over Royal EbonyShell SetCollector's shell set - Exotic Veneer SeriesMaple shells in SSC...

⭐ 4.7/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 612520

$9,348

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zebra Drums Studio London Plane Tree Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.9/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Zebra Drums Studio London Plane Tree Set

by Zebra Drums

Studio Recording Collector

Key Feature:

• Professional studio and stage quality

✓ PROS

• Professional studio and stage quality
• Investment-grade instruments

✗ CONS

• May be overkill for beginners
• High maintenance expectations

Zebra Drums Studio London Plane Tree SetDrum SetMade of 100% plane woodDeepwarm sound with a lot of attackFree-floating...

⭐ 4.9/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 550518

$6,598

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gretsch Drums US Custom 24 Turquoise Pearl - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 5.0/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Gretsch Drums US Custom 24 Turquoise Pearl

by Gretsch Drums

Collector High-End Studio

Key Feature:

• Professional studio and stage quality

✓ PROS

• Investment-grade instruments
• Premium hardware included

✗ CONS

• May be overkill for beginners
• Requires quality amplification

Gretsch Drums US Custom 24 Turquoise PearlShell SetUSA Custom-SeriesFoiled shellsShell made of 6-ply mapleAll shells...

⭐ 5.0/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 575140

$5,388

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Premium Drum Kits

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 premium drum kits 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 Premium Drum Kits for Intermediate 2025

Gretsch Drums USA Custom 18 WMP

Gretsch Drums USA Custom 18 Silver Sparkle

Gretsch Drums US Custom 1up1down WMP

Gretsch Drums US Custom 24 Candy Apple Red

Gretsch Drums Broadkaster SB Deep Black

Gretsch Drums USA Custom 18 VOW

Mapex Black Panther Versatus - PW

Mapex Saturn Evo. Exotic Maple -PO

Varus Morpheus Estepario Shell Set

Gretsch Drums US Custom 22 Sky Blue Pearl

Sonor SQ2 Set 1up1down Blue Oyster

Mapex Black Panther Equinox - FB

DW Exotic Lacq. over Royal Ebony

Zebra Drums Studio London Plane Tree Set

Gretsch Drums US Custom 24 Turquoise Pearl

How to Choose the Best Premium Drum Kits

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying premium drum kits?

How much should I spend on premium drum kits?

Are expensive premium drum kits worth the investment?

What are the best brands for premium drum kits?

Should I buy premium drum kits online or in-store?

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