Drums & Percussion Instruments

Drums and Percussion Instruments Category Page

Unleash your inner drummer

Whether it’s a single tambourine or an elaborate 8-piece drum kit, percussion keeps the pulse of the music going. Browse Adorama’s catalogue of drums and percussion instruments from top brands like Sabian, Zildjian, Vic Firth, Dixon, and more.

Drive the band with a full drum kit

Most rock, country, or jazz bands need a drum set, also referred to as a kit. At the minimum, you’ll want a 4- or 5-piece set that includes a bass drum, 2 or 3 toms, and a snare, along with a hi-hat, ride, and crash cymbal. Ddrum (not a typo) makes some great entry-level kits, or for higher-end instruments check out Tama.

Drum sets can be expanded almost endlessly with extra toms, double kick pedals, cowbells, a gong, and cymbals that range from tiny to massive. And no matter what drum set you get, don’t forget the drumsticks!

Keep it quiet with an electronic kit

Nothing beats a live acoustic drum set’s sound, but for quiet at-home practice or an easy sound-check at gigs, many players prefer electronic drums. Models by Alesis or Roland usually emulate 5-piece drum sets with adjustable sound levels, different acoustic features, and audio outputs that go directly into an amp, PA, or headphones. 

Mellow jams with minimalist percussion

You won’t always need or even want a full drum set. Smaller jam sessions and coffee shop gigs get overpowered by bigger drum kits, but can benefit from light hand percussion.

Cajon box drums have gained popularity in more intimate sets, and can produce shrill, deep percussive jabs. Even in a bigger band setting, auxiliary percussion like tambourines, bongos, maracas, and more will fill up and tighten your mix.