Are you in the market for a new drum set but don’t want to waste your hard-earned money on a poorly made kit? Look no further!
Today, we’ll discuss the worst drum set brands on the market. From shoddy craftsmanship to terrible sound quality, we’ll delve into why these brands are ones to avoid.
Whether you’re a seasoned drummer or a beginner just starting out, you won’t want to miss this guide.
Based on inconsistent sound, poor build quality, and design, Mendini, Pulse, Vangoa, Stagg, Easter, CB, Pyle, and Griffin are the worst drum set brands.
Table of Contents
Identifying Worst Drum Set Brands: 3 Warning Signs to Watch Out
Here are some tips for identifying poor-quality drum sets.
Poor Build Quality:
The first sign of a worst drum set brand is poor build quality. Look out for cheap materials, flimsy hardware, and inconsistent shell finishes.
The drums may have uneven bearing edges, making it difficult to achieve proper tuning.
High-quality drum sets are made from durable materials like maple, birch, or mahogany and have sturdy hardware to ensure stability and longevity.
Inconsistent Sound:
A good drum set brand will produce a consistent sound across all its products.
If you notice significant tonal differences between drums of the same set or between different sets of the same brand, it could be a sign of an inferior brand.
Pay attention to the tuning range, resonance, and overall projection of the drums. Poor-quality drum sets often have limited tuning capabilities and a lackluster sound.
Unresponsive Drum Heads:
The drum heads on a good-quality drum set should be responsive, allowing you to achieve a wide range of dynamics and playing styles.
If the drum heads on a set feel unresponsive or produce a dull, muted sound, it could indicate a poor-quality brand.
High-quality drum sets come with well-known, industry-standard drum heads that provide an excellent playing experience.
Drum Set Brands to Avoid
Now let’s discuss each drum set brand and why you should avoid them.
1. Mendini by Cecilio
Mendini is primarily known for its woodwind, brass, and stringed instruments and also offers drum sets.
However, these drum kits may not meet the expectations of serious musicians, given that drums are not the company’s primary focus.
The Mendini drum kits often come at a budget-friendly price, but this affordability might translate to compromises in quality.
For instance, the drumheads do not produce the desired sound, and the hardware could be less durable than other options on the market.
Additionally, the cymbals in these sets are made of lower-quality materials, resulting in subpar sound.
As a newcomer in the online drum set market, Mendini has gained popularity on platforms like Amazon.
However, potential buyers must weigh the pros and cons before investing in these instruments.
While the lower price point may be attractive, the compromises in sound quality, materials, and durability make it a bad drum set brand.
2. Pulse
As a drummer, you might come across Pulse Drum Sets while searching for a new kit.
Despite their affordable prices, Pulse has gained a reputation as one of the worst drum set brands in the market.
Many users have reported issues with Pulse drum sets’ hardware and build quality.
The stands and mounts are flimsy, making it difficult to secure your drums properly.
This could lead to frequent adjustments and affect your overall playing experience.
Sound quality is another concern with Pulse Drums. Some users have mentioned that the drumheads produce a lackluster sound, which can be discouraging.
The cymbals have been criticized for their dull and unimpressive tones. The durability seems to be a common issue with Pulse Drum Sets.
Customers have complained about components breaking or wearing out much sooner than expected.
The instrument influences your drumming journey, so it’s worth spending a bit more on a reliable drum set to support your growth as a musician.
3. Vangoa Drum Sets
My friend recently bought a Vangoa 22-inch Drum set, and soon we realized it was the worst drum set we’ve ever played.
The construction of Vangoa drum sets leaves much to be desired, with plastic kick drum hoops and noticeable seams on the drum wrap finish.
The hardware’s flimsiness also raises concerns, as unstable stands and mounts may require constant adjustments.
With prices ranging from $300 to $500, Vangoa kits seem overpriced, considering their cheap components and subpar cymbals.
Investing just a bit more, you could find a higher-quality drum set from a reputable brand that will support your growth as a musician.
In short, while Vangoa drum sets may seem attractive initially, their quality and performance will disappoint you over time.
4. Stagg
While Stagg has earned recognition for crafting affordable yet quality cymbals, especially within their DH line, their drum sets may not meet the same standard.
Stagg’s drum kits are notably basic, which might not be ideal for drummers seeking to refine their skills or those with more experience.
The hardware included with these sets is often of low quality, which could affect the overall performance and durability of the kit.
It’s crucial to differentiate Stagg’s success in the cymbal market from its drum set offerings.
The brand excels in creating cost-effective cymbals with impressive sound. Still, its drum kits appear to fall short in quality and value.
5. Easter
The poor sound quality shocked me when I purchased the Easter EDS-480B.
Once I started playing the Easter EDS-480B, it became apparent that the $400 price tag was unjustified.
The sound quality was subpar at best, with the drums producing a loud, obnoxious noise instead of the rich, dynamic tones I hoped for.
The cymbals also left much to be desired, with a dull and lifeless sound.
The hardware was flimsy, and the drums didn’t stay in place well while playing. This made achieving a consistent sound and rhythm difficult during my practice sessions.
6. CB Drums
Once a popular choice for beginner drum sets in the UK, CB Drums has become a nostalgic reminder of how the industry has advanced.
Their affordable kits were a decent starting point for aspiring drummers, but more innovative brands have since overshadowed them.
Modern drum sets offer improved sound, build quality, and features, leaving CB Drums struggling to compete. As a result, CB is on our list of drum set brands to avoid.
7. Pyle Drum Sets
Pyle is known for its diverse product range, from home and office supplies to musical equipment, and tries to cater to every need.
However, being a jack of all trades means their other offerings often overshadow their expertise in music.
This leads to a compromise in the quality of their musical equipment, especially when it comes to electronic drum sets.
As a consumer, it’s important to recognize that Pyle’s electronic drum sets might not provide the quality and performance you want.
With a build that resembles more of a toy than a serious musical instrument, it’s better to steer clear of their subpar drum sets.
8. Griffin
It is a budget-friendly drum brand known for offering affordable 14-inch snare drums on Amazon for less than $30.
While these snares are a step above Mendini in quality, they still fall short of providing the musical experience that drummers desire.
If you want a drum set producing rich sounds and withstanding regular play, I would recommend looking beyond Griffin.
The low price may be tempting, but the compromise in sound quality and durability might not be worth the investment.
Similar Worst Musical Instrument blogs:
- 4 Mandolin Brands to Avoid for a Harmonious Experience
- 6 Worst Guitar Brands to Avoid & 4 Top Alternatives
- Worst Tuba Brands
Summing Up
Your journey as a drummer hinges on the quality of the instrument you choose.
While it might be tempting to opt for budget-friendly drum sets, it’s vital to prioritize quality and durability over the initial cost.
To ensure a fulfilling drumming experience, avoiding the worst drum set brands like Mendini, Pulse, Vangoa, CB, Pyle, and Griffin is best.
Instead, research and select a reliable drum set brand that balances affordability with quality.
By choosing a drum set that enhances your musical expression and supports your growth, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of drumming.
Erica Steven is the founder and lead writer of WorstBrands, a site dedicated to providing honest and trustworthy reviews about outdoor gear and fashion products.
With a passion for exploring the great outdoors and staying up to date on the latest fashion trends, Erica uses her expertise to provide valuable insights into the products that matter most to her readers.
Whether you're looking for camping equipment or the latest fashion accessories, Erica's articles are the perfect resource for finding the best products that fit your lifestyle.