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Owning a standard jazz drum set configuration is the best way to familiarise yourself with jazz drumming.
The smaller drum shells provide greater resonance, and the drums are tuned higher for an authentic jazz sound.
To find a good jazz kit, you must look at the sound quality, shell sizes, and build quality. Most drum brands make excellent kits that nail these aspects, but there are a few that I strongly recommend compared to others.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at the best jazz drum sets. I’ve compared sound, design, performance, size, and cost to give you my top recommendations.
In a Rush Round-Up
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Best sounding kit
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Professional Pick
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Best Overall
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Most Portable
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Beginner Pick
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Best Bop Kit
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How I Tested and Selected the Best Jazz Drum Sets
When testing these kits out, I made sure to take into account all the main qualities that jazz drummers want from their drums.
The first thing was size, as most jazz drummers prefer to play with smaller kits, so I mostly tested out compact drum sets with smaller bass drums. The smaller drum shells are critical in achieving that classic jazz sound.
I then tested out tonal quality. Jazz drum tuning is typically quite high and resonant, so I made sure that all these drum kits sounded great with tighter tighter tuning.
Lastly, I tested out the hardware quality. If you’re going to be lugging a kit around to play several jazz gigs a month, you want the hardware to hold up. So, I made sure that the lugs, tom mounts, and other small hardware pieces were of high quality.
After testing out all those features, I also made sure to include kits that accommodate for various budgets on this list.
Jazz Drum Sets Reviews
Ludwig NeuSonic
Ludwig NeuSonic Review
The Ludwig NeuSonic is one of my favorite drum sets from Ludwig. While the kits like the Classic Maple and Vistalite take the spotlight, I think this particular set is seriously underrated.
From what I know, it’s one of the most affordable drum sets on the market that has been completely built in the US. US drum sets are highly sought-after due to their strong build quality and superior tones, and that’s exactly what you get with this kit.
In the times where I’ve been able to play this kit, I’ve loved the tonal mixture of maple and cherry wood. The toms are round and musical, but they’re also quite punchy.
The result is a modern sound that still works very well within vintage styles. That’s what makes this a perfect jazz drum set.
You can tune the drums quite high to have them resonate beautifully. You can also tune them low for more of a rock sound. The kit just does it all.
Two notable features are Ludwig’s iconic Keystone badges and the Mini Classic Lugs. These are hardware parts that make this instantly recognizable as a Ludwig drum kit.
Another thing I love about this kit are the finish options. They’re all plain colors that are bright and popping. Ludwig mostly offers these within the NeuSonic line, so it makes a NeuSonic kit easy to identify.
Overall, it’s a fantastic kit that would work well in big band or small jazz ensemble settings. You’ll just need to pair it with a good snare drum and a solid set of cymbals.
Features:
- Cherry/maple shells
- Handbuilt in the US
- Keystone badges
Pros
- One of the most affordable US-built drum kits
- Iconic Ludwig build quality
- Rich and punchy tom tones
- Versatile jazz kit options due to the shell sizes
- Fun finish options
Cons
- No snare included with the kit
Pearl Masters Complete Jazz Drum Set
Pearl Masters Complete Jazz Drum Set Review
In first place for the winner of the best jazz drum set on the market is this gorgeous Pearl Masters Complete Jazz Drum Set. This drum set delivers an immaculate, warm sound that is simply outstanding.
The Pearl Masters Complete drums feature EvenPly 6 ply maple shells that are lighter and stronger than the original Masters series drums.
With my experience with Master Maple kits, I’ve learned how these maple shells have an unbelievable tone and warmth that sounds sublime both on stage and in the studio.
Pearl has not left any stone unturned with the development of this premium-priced drum set, which is offered in a selection of stunning lacquer finishes.
This jazz drum set includes a 20×14 bass drum, a 14×14 floor tom, and a 12×8 rack tom. All of the drums have a remarkable sound, and they also have an excellent tuning range.
This is the best jazz drum kit that is perfect for smaller club gigs as well as larger big band shows. These drums have a distinctive warmth that sounds excellent alongside jazz guitar amps in club venues.
Pros
- Outstanding drums
- Stunning lacquer finishes
- Lifetime warranty included
Cons
- Premium price tag
- No matching snare drum included
Gretsch Catalina Club Jazz Drum Set
Gretsch Catalina Club Jazz Drum Set Review
Up next for review we have this superb Gretsch Catalina Club Jazz Drum Set that produces a beautiful, resonant tone. This is a versatile and compact 4 piece drum set shell pack that features mahogany shells for a punchy and warm sound.
These drums deliver premium, vintage sounds thanks to the 7-ply mahogany shells that come equipped with 30-degree bearing edges. This drum set pays homage to the classic Gretsch sound and blends classic configurations with contemporary modern hardware innovations.
The drum set is made up of an 18×14 kick drum, 14×14 floor tom, 12×8 rack tom, and a 14×5 matching snare drum. The drums are very musical sounding and have such a great tone that makes this kit one of the best jazz drum sets for the money.
I’ve been to a few jazz drum festivals where lesser-known groups play, and this has always been one of the most commonly used drum sets that I’ve seen.
The configuration, sound quality, and overall cost-effectiveness just makes it such a good kit option for jazz drummers.
The snare drum is responsive and snappy, having a bright attack. The kick drum is punchy yet open, and the toms are warm and resonant.
When paired with a great jazz ride cymbal this makes a beautiful sounding jazz drum set that also offers excellent value for money. The hardware is solid and well-considered, and the kit comes outfitted with Remo drum heads throughout.
Pros
- Very musical sounding drums
- Excellent value for money
- Quality hardware and Remo heads
Pearl Midtown Jazz Drum Set
Pearl Midtown Jazz Drum Set Review
This incredible value Pearl Midtown 4 Piece Drum Set is a pocket rocket! It’s a compact drum set that doesn’t compromise on sound quality. When playing it, I was surprised at how the drums delivered full and responsive tones despite their smaller sizes.
If you are looking for an affordable jazz drum set that projects warm and focused sounds, this is certainly one of the best jazz drum sets that I’ve played.
The drum shells are made of 6 ply poplar that offers a lively and rich tone, and the drums project surprisingly loud despite the portable sizes. Included is a 16×14 kick drum, a 13×12 floor tom, a 10×7 rack tom, and a matching 13×5.5 snare drum.
These drums come equipped with Remo drum heads throughout, which is a great benefit.
Not only do these drums sound great but they really look good too. This lacquer finish is ‘black gold sparkle’ that is subtle but very attractive when I see it under lights on a stage.
This drum set blends an optimal balance of portability, sound, and incredible value for money. Overall this is a very impressive jazz drum kit – it is perfectly versatile for all types of club gigs and studio performances.
Pros
- Unbeatable quality for its price range
- Lively and rich poplar shells
- Beautiful lacquer sparkle finishes
Pearl Roadshow Jazz Drum Set
Pearl Roadshow Jazz Drum Set Review
Up next we have another brilliant value jazz drum set from Pearl drums, and this package includes all the hardware and cymbals you need to start drumming right away!
If you are looking for your very first drum set in jazz sizes, this has to be the best jazz drum set for you. It’s a seriously impressive beginner drum set that is durable, well-constructed, and sounds surprisingly good.
Most beginner drum sets are of poor quality and fall apart within months. But not the Pearl Roadshow Drum Set. You can expect Pearl’s renowned quality that has given the company such a strong, long-standing reputation.
The Roadshow Series is always going to be a top recommendation for first-time drummers, and I was just as impressed with this jazz version of the kit as I was when trying the main version.
The drum sizes included in this package are as follows: 18×12 kick drum, 14×10 floor tom, 10×7 rack tom, and a matching 13×5 snare drum. The drums are made of poplar shells that project well.
The hardware included in this jazz drum kit is sturdy and durable, especially for a beginner drum set. Included you’ll receive a hi-hat stand, cymbal boom stand, snare stand, bass drum pedal, tom holder, and drum throne. The brass cymbals included will suffice for beginners.
I’d just suggest upgrading the cymbals. They lack refinement and tone, and I also felt like they might be likely to break, which would likely happen after a few months of hard hitting.
The Pearl Roadshow drum set is the perfect entry-level jazz drum kit that will help beginners to hone their skills behind the drum set. This is the best jazz drum set for complete beginners, and for the price, you can’t go wrong with this bundle.
Pros
- Perfect beginner jazz drum set package
- Poplar drum shells are
- Sturdy and durable hardware included
Cons
- Included beginner cymbals are poor quality
- Overall quality is inferior to Pearl Midtown
- Entry level drum set
Yamaha Stage Custom Bop Jazz Drum Set
Yamaha Stage Custom Bop Jazz Drum Set Review
The Yamaha Stage Custom Jazz Drum Set produces an excellent tone thanks to the 6 ply 100% birch shells and high-quality hardware.
The Yamaha Stage Custom birch drums have been an institution in the drumming world for over 30 years, and I’m a huge fan of their sound and performance.
This jazz drum possesses a rich and warm sound perfect for live performances in clubs and on bigger stages alike. The drums included are an 18×15 kick drum, a 14×13 floor tom, and a 12×8 rack tom.
I love how the Stage Custom drums deliver the powerful, focused sounds that are reminiscent of far more expensive Yamaha drums. The build quality is superb too.
The tones of the toms are open and bright, and the floor tom and kick drum have lots of low end and warmth.
These jazz drums are ideal for aspiring drummers and seasoned professionals alike. If you are looking for great sounds, looks, and durability this might be the best jazz drum kit for you.
Pros
- Premium quality 100% birch shells
- High quality lugs and metal hoops
- Great sounds, looks and durability
Cons
- Expensive for 3 piece shell pack
- There are better value intermediate drum sets available
Jazz Drum Set Buying Guide
A jazz drum set configuration is ideal for performing all different types of jazz music. The compact-sized shells and high-tuned drums offer wonderfully resonant tones.
A typical jazz drum setup involves having a smaller-sized kit with larger cymbals. Jazz is a wide term used for a broad range of musical styles, but this kind of drum setup works across all of them.
A jazz kit should have resonating toms with high tunings and an unmuffled bass drum that fills a room. A standard kit shouldn’t resonate as much, with the toms and kick drum having shorter sounds.
The great thing about jazz kits is that they’re compact options as well, and you can tune them to sound beefier and use them for gigs where you don’t have much space on stage if you ever need to.
What Features to Look for in a Jazz Drum Set
Shell Material
The types of shells the drum kit has will determine how a jazz drum kit sounds. Since jazz drums need to sing and resonate, tonal quality is crucial.
Especially when compared to playing drums for other styles, where you can dampen the drums to get better sounds.
More affordable drum kits are typically made from poplar wood. Poplar drums aren’t as expressive as other drums made from higher-quality woods. They’re also a lot harder to tune, leading drummers to muffle them extensively.
Birch, maple, and mahogany are the most common wood types used in drum construction for higher-quality and higher-priced drum kits.
Maple and mahogany are the best shell types for jazz, as maple kits have warm and resonant tones and mahogany kits have vintage low-end warmth.
However, birch kits perform brilliantly as well, and they’re great for getting a bit more volume when you need it.
Build Quality
You can establish the build quality of a jazz drum set by seeing what hardware is used to hold it together, how the bearing edges are designed, and how the finish is wrapped.
The more money you spend on a kit, the more solid it will feel to play on. Better-quality counter hoops and other hardware choices on the shells feel more solid, enhancing your playing experience.
Drumheads
Drumhead choice is incredibly important when it comes to jazz drum sets. To get the most resonance and musicality possible, a jazz kit should have single-ply drumheads.
Single-ply drumheads are more responsive than double-ply heads, but they’re not as durable.
Thankfully, all drum kits come with stock single-ply heads. However, the stock heads on most beginner and intermediate drum kits aren’t of the best quality. The stock heads on professional jazz drum kits typically sound quite good.
If you get a more affordable jazz drum kit, I highly suggest purchasing some high-quality single-ply heads to put on all the drums. You’d be amazed at their improvement to the sound of the kit.
You can save money on heads by getting a higher-quality jazz drum kit that already comes with suitable ones.
Things to Consider When Buying a Jazz Drum Set
Check what the kit comes with:
All drum set packages differ slightly. Some jazz drum shell packs only come with toms and no snare. Others come with a snare, hardware, and cymbals.
Certain jazz shell packs don’t come with anything to mount the rack tom with, meaning you need to buy that separately to be able to use the rack tom.
Look at shell sizes:
Smaller shell sizes work best for Jazz music. Opt for a bass drum that is between 16” and 20” in diameter. Anything bigger or smaller won’t achieve the desired bass drum sound.
It’s also ideal to have a floor tom that is 14” or a bit smaller so that you can get a high-pitched, resonating tone from it.
Rack toms should be 10” or 12”, and snare drums can be either 13″ or 14″.
Remember that the deeper the shells are, the more resonance you’ll get.
Invest in cymbals:
Cymbals are arguably a more important investment than drums in a jazz drumming setup. It may be better to get a slightly more affordable jazz kit to spend more on quality cymbals for jazz.
Cymbals are the main timekeepers in jazz, whereas the drums are there to fill in flavorful patterns and build intensity where needed.
Consider your budget:
You can get jazz drum kits at various price points. The more money you spend, the better the build quality will be, along with superior tone quality.
Higher-priced jazz drum kits also have more luxurious finish options to choose from.
Jazz Drum Set FAQs
What Is a Jazz Drum Set?
A Jazz drum set is essentially a regular drum set, but one that features unique sizes and incorporates other percussive elements designed for playing Jazz music.
A typical Jazz drum set features four drums: a snare drum, bass drum, rack tom, and a floor tom. Importantly, it will also feature a pair of hi-hats and a ride cymbal and could also encompass other cymbals and percussion too.
Jazz drum sets are typically smaller and feature fewer toms. This is because greater importance is placed on the cymbal sounds through playing techniques such as comping and syncopation.
How Are Jazz Drum Sets Tuned?
Jazz drums are tuned to a higher pitch than drums used for pop or rock music. The desired tone from Jazz drums is typically bright and resonant. The bass drum is the exception and typically features very little muffling to provide a wide and boomy sound.
What Is The Best Jazz Drum Kit?
The best Jazz drum kit for you depends on your ability level, playing requirements, and budget.
If you are looking to get started with Jazz drumming and you don’t already own any drumming equipment, then I would highly recommend the Pearl Roadshow Jazz Drum Set because it is a bundle package that includes hardware and cymbals you need to begin playing right away.
If you are an experienced drummer looking for a gigging drum set or looking to explore Jazz performance, then the Pearl Midtown or Gretsch Catalina make great options for advanced drummers. If you’re operating on a larger budget, then I would definitely recommend the Pearl Masters Drum Set.
Is Jazz Drumming Hard?
Yes – Jazz drumming can be very challenging. It is one of the most technical styles to play, along with metal, and gospel/fusion. Jazz drumming heavily relies upon fast hands and involves technical rhythmic phrasing patterns.
However, it’s not too difficult to understand the absolute basics. The most important aspects of Jazz drumming to familiarize yourself with early on such as the ride cymbal played in a swung triplet fashion and off-beat snare drum ghost notes.
A lot of what makes Jazz drumming hard is the feel. Jazz drummers are very expressive and are able to evoke real emotion through their playing. The best Jazz drummers can change dynamics instantly and have a phenomenal understanding of time and meter.
