From stripped down cocktail kits to gargantuan prog-metal drum sets overstuffed with toms (and roto-toms!) and cymbals of every variety, there are plenty of configurations available out there to satisfy players of every ability and genre. The 5-piece acoustic drum set, however, consistently finds a home within every style of music and can be put to excellent, impactful use by musicians of all skill levels.
We recently connected with reps from five (appropriate, no?) of the biggest brands that design and sell 5-piece kits to learn more about the enduring appeal of this particular setup, what specific sets are drawing drummers into stores in 2024, and what’s on the horizon for this segment of MI.
For your brand, what’s currently the best-selling 5-piece professional acoustic drum set?
Bill Ludwig: Starclassic Walnut/Birch.
Mike Petrak: The ddrum Dominion Birch in Brushed Olive Metallic is currently a popular choice among drummers seeking a high-quality acoustic drum set. We offer it in four configurations, including a 5-piece setup. This set delivers a warm, resonant sound, thanks to its well-crafted birch shells. The 5-piece configuration includes a 22″ bass drum, 10″ and 12″ rack toms, a 16″ floor tom, and a 14″ snare drum. Known for its versatility, this set suits a variety of musical styles, from rock to jazz. The hardware is also robust, ensuring durability during performances.
Jeff Mulvihill: For Mapex, the Saturn Evolution Series. [For Sonor] SQ2 custom drums are the best-selling segment in the catalog, but as for pre-packaged kits the Sonor Vintage Series is really the winner.
Matt Rudin: Our number one best-selling drum set continues to be the Stage Custom Birch. Because of its incredible value, durability and wide assortment of color options, many students and schools purchase it. Yet because of its versatility and the great-sounding 100 percent birch shells, many gigging and professional drummers also use that as their go-to kit.
In terms of growth, we have seen an almost 200 percent increase in sales of our Rydeen line this fiscal year. This is in part due to the introduction of some great new colors and increased marketing to build awareness of this great-sounding entry-level drum set.
Kevin Packard: In our post-Pandemic musical landscape, I feel like our definition of “Professional” has shifted in recent years. “Professional” used to merely mean “expensive,” but as today’s drummer is much more aware of every element of the instrument, they expect a much more “tailored” experience. The brand identity, the process of the build, the general aesthetic of the kit; these things all matter to a player who’s considering that kind of investment. With that in mind, Pearl reimagined its High-End drum set offering last year -with our legendary Masters series in three shell flavors, and our marquee Reference One series kits- all featuring Pearl’s first L-Arm tom holder. Thus far, the 6-ply Masters Maple drums have been a best-seller.
There was a stretch of time where, particularly in certain genres, drum kits seemed to get bigger and bigger and ever more elaborate; Then there seemed to be the inevitable backlash where many players were embracing stripped-down, minimal kits. 5-piece sets never seem to go out of fashion or favor, though. What about this configuration makes 5-piece drum sets so “evergreen” for players of all styles?
MP: I think it comes down to a few factors. A 5-piece kit is very versatile; it offers a balanced mix of sounds without being too overwhelming. When “big kit” trends come and go, many players may revert to the 5-piece configuration for its compactness and ease of transport. The standard 5-piece setup also makes it easy to adapt. Players can easily customize a 5-piece kit by adding or removing components based on their needs for different genres or gigs. Lastly, the 5-piece configuration is a traditional setup that everyone recognizes and feels comfortable with, not to mention that it is usually the foundation for all beginner drummers.
JM: In terms of the drum kit, it really is simply the “sweet spot” between simple and elaborate. Bass drum, snare drum, with three toms simply can be the vehicle to authentically produce music from nearly any genre.
MR: As much as I love a large kit to explore sounds and really let loose, anyone who’s ever had to set one up will tell you it’s only practical if you have a drum tech/road crew on hand or if you plan on keeping it in one place in your studio/rehearsal space. If you have multiple gigs in one week (or even one day), chances are you will need something practical.
The 5-piece will give you an ample range of high and low tones and provide you with plenty to work with when adding texture and fills when playing almost any genre of music. You may find going with a 22” bass and 10”, 12”, and 16” toms/floor toms will work for most rock, metal and country situations, while a 20” bass with 10”, 12”, 14” toms/floor toms are great with jazz, funk, R&B and Latin music. Of course, there are no hard and heavy rules to what configuration to use when playing any genre of music… it all depends on what sound the drummer feels will work best with the style they are playing.
KP: I think it all comes down to options and value. 5-pc. Drum Outfits came into favor as music was getting more aggressive in the late 70’s, and more visual in the early 80’s. But just in terms of “Bang-for-your-Buck”, 5-pc. All-In-One kits meant more drums for the money to the beginning player, and I think that translated forward as drummers progressed. If you have the standard “two-up/one-down” configuration you have the option of a larger voice, or scaling it back depending on the gig or vibe. I know plenty of drummers that purchase a 5-pc. Kit and never use the second rack tom; but there’s the knowledge that you COULD use it if the gig required it, and the security of knowing that it’s there if you need it. As Nigel Tufnel would say: “Well, it’s one-more, in’nit?”
BL: I think it has a pretty wide appeal for different players. Having two rack toms and two floor toms gives much more variety in sound, which many people utilize and enjoy incorporating into their playing style. For others that more frequently use a smaller setup, it gives them the extra option to have that second floor tom or second rack tom and configure the kit in more ways to suit their needs or specific gig. Even with the trends moving from monstrous drum kits to minimal, many people still see value in a bigger drum kit, and I think the five-piece kit is a great solution that falls “in between” both worlds.
What endorsing artists for your brand have you found to be particularly effective in terms of marketing your product?
MR: We have a fantastic roster of artists, and I would hate to call out anyone in particular as they all contribute in various ways. Some of our artists are strong on social media, posting frequently and are great advocates in various social threads, answering questions or simply sharing why they love Yamaha products. Other artists are active teachers and/or clinicians and get out in front of drummers in live and online settings, sharing their knowledge and passion for drumming, which not only helps introduce drummers to our brand but also helps enforce existing fans’ passion for the Yamaha brand. And then we have a wide roster of drummers that are out on tour. Not only is having the logo out in front of audiences a great way to build brand awareness, but it also gives audiences a memorable and positive interaction with our brand and product. Many touring artists, even with their rigorous schedules, still find the time to shoot videos, work with various publications on rig rundowns, or share stories from the road, which once again creates more opportunities for drummers to learn about our products and have positive experiences with our drums.
KP: Our endorsing artists have been exceptional at helping other drummers understand the benefits of playing Pearl. Though that is a landscape that is constantly evolving, our hope is that drummers will draw just as much inspiration from the instruments themselves as they do from the drummers who play them. When we kicked off our High-End Reimagined program last year, we hosted an event here in Nashville where we brought in distributors, key dealers, and the playing public to experience these new drums first-hand. To demonstrate, we set up kits throughout the venue for everyone to test, and featured drumming legends Dennis Chambers, Omar Hakim, and Mike Mangini to showcase each shell recipe in the Masters and Reference One line-up. It was truly an environment where the community inspired each other, and we were able to capture that feeling in a series of videos that were released through our social media channels. Then you have players like Greyson Nekrutman and Matt Halpern who incorporate the gear in their social media content to influence a whole new generation of legends.
JM: The Mapex Artist Roster is eclectic and international in scope including influential seasoned players like Rashid Williams, Jeff Hamilton, Aquiles Priester, Russ Miller, Claus Hessler, and Craig Blundell as well as exciting young guns like Kareem Thompson, Sal Giancarelli, Maestro Robinson, Tyler Ritter and Carlin White.
The Sonor Artist roster hosts many of the most heroic drummers of several generations. There truly are too many to name here, but let’s recognize Jack DeJohnette as simply an iconic musical treasure and Steve Smith as being a decades-long Sonor Advocate.
BL: At TAMA, we try to work with artists from a wide range of genres and styles. By spotlighting each artist’s unique qualities, we are able to explore and uncover new sounds to play a part in the evolution of drumming and music. Fostering this innovation and evolution greatly help TAMA understand and create the tools to help the entire industry grow.
MP: We believe that in today’s world, drummers with a significant online presence or following go a long way in promoting a product. Don’t get us wrong – having big-name artists on the biggest stages in the world also helps with brand awareness. Artists like Chris Dovas of Testament and Chris Kontos of Forbidden really help bring street cred to the line. However, when it comes to online influencers, the direct connection they have with drummers and their fanbase really helps get the product noticed in the marketplace.
Have you noticed any display or promotion techniques employed by MI retailers that are especially effective at attracting customers – and sales?
KP: The professional drummer has so many investment options when it comes to high-end drums. In many cases, in order to give the high-end buyer what they looking for, the best promotional technique is just having the product ready for them to experience. But players at this level don’t want the run-of-the-mill sizes, finishes, and materials. They want to know they are making an investment in their sonic and visual identity. So we have invested deeply in assuring that a wide range of Masters and Reference One component drums are in-stock and available so the drummer can have the freedom of selecting the right combination for their own playing style. Our Music City Custom program also includes the option of over 30 different wrapped finishes that can be applied to our Masters Maple/Gum and Reference One shells, so the player can get what is right for them without the long wait. For partner promotion, we have made an extensive media library of our photo and video content available to our Dealer Network through a fully comprehensive content management system, so it can be incorporated into their ecommerce presence. These steps have resulted in one of the best sales years for High End drums in Pearl’s long and storied history.
MP: We believe that the best promotion technique is a tried-and-true concept: providing a space in retail stores for customers to test the product. Today, many products – not just musical instruments – are purchased online, often accompanied by video demos or testimonials. However, nothing beats trying the product in person. Currently, our ddrum NIO percussion pads are set up in the electronics section of the drum department at many Guitar Centers across the country. This boosts sales because not only does the product gain visibility, but customers can also try it out and compare it to the competition, helping them make the right choice.
BL: Having a playable drum kit on display and tuned does a lot for the customer. It sounds like a no-brainer, but having the experience of actually playing a kit (along with knowledgeable sales staff), gives the player the information, sound, and feel to form a solid opinion/impression and hopefully make them want to bring it home.
JM: The most effective retailers are those who have a well balanced mix of tactics in both the traditional and modern formats. An attractive show room floor, active and user-friendly e-commerce, creative product content on web and socials and a wide multi-brand offering.
MR: We have seen a big uptick in dealers sharing social posts with the latest products available, and I love seeing this. It is a great way to let customers know what you have in stock when you have it. Drum set comparisons and product overviews have always been great ways to attract attention. In general, we seem to see higher sales in retailers that are able to show their product knowledge, answer customer questions, or offer a unique approach to developing content or experiences for customers.
This product knowledge is also valuable in shops. Retailers that advertise having a staff well versed in drums and able to answer questions about various lines seem to have greater sell-through.
We also see stronger sales in retail shops that offer their customers a unique experience. So, having a space that showcases drums creatively and excitingly while allowing customers to explore a wide variety of products seems to do well in attracting customers. How that translates to retailers doing sales online, having great product shots, 360 views and product videos seems to make a big difference in bringing customers to product pages.
Do you have any recent or upcoming 5-piece drum set introductions you’d like to draw readers’ attention to?
BL: Being TAMA’s 50th anniversary, I have to mention the special drums and kits we released this year, including the Superstar Reissue kits. That said, TAMA is always working on new products and more often than not, it includes many 5 piece drum sets.
JM: YES! We are planning to release a Saturn Evolution Special Edition featuring a limited new finish. We are also launching a new addition to the Mapex Black Panther Design Lab series called the “Equinox” kit along with a total re-release of the series with a more focused set of specs based on the Mapex “Sonic Flow” philosophy.
Recently Sonor introduced a new finish in the Vintage series called “Teak Semi Gloss” taking us back to something close to the look of 1979’s Phonic Natural or Rustic Oak .
MR: Last year, we announced the new lineup of colors, such as for the Rydeen, which I mentioned has brought a lot of excitement to this line of drums. Not only are the new colors, such as the Turquoise or Champagne Glitter and Gloss Pale Blue, stunning, but the hardware is interchangeable with our system hardware, making it very versatile. The Rydeen, a one-box kit 5-piece kit, is available in 22” and 20” bass drum options.
We have also recently introduced new components to our Tour Custom line, which has also resulted in an increase in sales of this 6-ply all Maple kit. This gives the drummer more options to add to their existing 5-piece Tour Custom kit.
MP: We currently do not have any new 5-piece drum sets for 2024, but as mentioned before, our 5-piece configuration within the Dominion Birch series remains our best seller, with the Brushed Olive Metallic finish being the most popular. We also offer finishes in Satin Bubinga and Paper White Birch. All can be found at ddrum.com.
KP: Our Professional Series Drums were introduced last year as a call back to the MLX drums from Pearl’s mid-80’s line-up. They offer an exceptional value to the touring player by giving a more refined assortment of sizes and finishes in a tried-and-true All Maple format. These drums come in pre-configured shell packs in a more accessible price range, but have all the elements the pro needs for the studio and stage. Professional series has already found a home with a wide range of drummers and the response has been excellent!
Expectations for this market segment as we close out 2024 and look to the new year?
JM: This market segment has been flat all summer long and we are looking forward to our new product launches and Q4 Holiday business both igniting some excitement for pro drummers everywhere to upgrade and uplift their drumkit experience.
The year 2025 marks the 150th anniversary of Sonor and there will be a whole host of exciting things to celebrate this extraordinary milestone.
MP: It’s hard to say for sure right now, but the current feeling is that sales may trend slightly downward. This is mainly because, over the last few years – due to factors like COVID – sales for many products, not just musical instruments, skyrocketed. Now, with prices rising across the board, many people or players may not have the funds to purchase brand-new products. We’ll see!
KP: The ways we experience media –and the personalities that deliver it – are constantly evolving. I feel that drummers are going to continue to want a more individualized experience in buying a high-end product; as well as a stronger connection to the companies that make the tools of their trade. Pearl offers more options for the fully customized high-end drums than any other drum manufacturer, and we want to show our ongoing dedication to the drummer by backing their purchase for the life of the product with the best product warranty in the Industry. We also want to help the segment grow by strengthening partnerships with our Authorized Dealer network, continuing outreach to the playing community, and heightened dialogue with drummers of all levels to assure we are giving them an instrument and brand promise they can have genuine faith in.
BL: As the holiday season approaches, we expect an uptick in beginner and intermediate kits, but the market as a whole seems to be trending towards the next step up to professional level kits. Specifically for five-piece kits, we are looking forward to stronger sales in the last part of the year from beginner five-piece kits, up to the professional level.
MR: Sales of 5-piece kits and acoustic drums in all price points and configurations have been great this year, and we expect them to stay strong through the holidays.
