Drum Kit Vs Drum Set: How Different Are They?

drum kit vs drum set

What is the similarity and difference between the drum kit vs drum set? Immediately read the specific article below to distinguish these two and pick one.

#1. Drum Kit Vs Drum Set: Comparison Table

Drum kit

Drum set

Features
  • Set of percussion instruments, built on a stand to play
  • Arrange different types of drums on the same stage
Designed for
  • For a single player
  • A group of drummers playing different types of drums
Pros
  • Is the backbone of any band
  • Changes to cater to specific genres of music
Cons
  • Make a lot of noise.
  • A bit difficult to arrange if you are not an expert

#2. What Is The Difference Between Drum Kit Vs Drum Set?

In some cases, the concepts of the two are interchangeable. The kits are still commonly known by other names such as traps or sets. Yet, there are some differences between these two concepts, and here are some key differences:

The origin

The British use the term “drum kit” more often than “the set.” The reason is that the word appeared in their language in the 1700s.

After that, drum kits became the common term for a suite of percussion instruments served to one person.

Meanwhile, the term “drum sets” is more common in the US. In most cases, however, the term still means a collection of drums and similar instruments.

Attached musical instruments

Some professional users have a unique way of distinguishing a suite from a kit.

For them, the kits will include drums and cymbals as standard. Meanwhile, it will be a collection of more instruments.

The sets can include drums with several accent circles and more. Some users claim that a kit will include products from the same manufacturer.

Meanwhile, a set can be a collection of many products from many different brands. The above views are more personal but also partly show the difference between the two concepts.

Characteristics

Because of the different number of instruments, the characteristics of the drums kit and set are also additional.

Some professional players consider the kits to be the standard one of instruments.

The number of instruments in the kits is limited to suit the individual, while the sets are more versatile.

These instrument sets can include a variety of percussion, steel pans, and roto toms.

Some specific cases

The difference between these two concepts also manifests in specific contexts.

Drums kit has only one understanding: They are musical instrument sets serving the playing needs of individuals or groups.

The set can be you arranging the drums on the stage. The arrangement of positions will help players play the drums best, providing a harmonious sound.

#3. Which One Is Best For You?

Although the kits and sets are interchangeable in some cases, there are specific differences between the two concepts. That’s also why you should consider some of the following use cases.

Drum kit

The kit will serve a single player. These instruments often appear in live performances. In addition, for a band, the set plays a vital role.

This suite of percussion instruments can keep the beat of a piece of music.

If the band members know how to combine skillfully, the kit can create its color for the performance.

Drum set

This one is a term used to refer to the arrangement of percussion instruments to serve particular playing needs.

The drummer is free to change the number of instruments as long as the sound is good for the performance.

The arrangement is more than simply changing the number of instruments. An expert in the field must also know how to connect the parts optimally.

The arrangement process also needs to bring impressive musical effects to best serve the audience.

This requirement series is why so many amateurs, even bands, need to turn to experts for the best advice on sets.

#4. FAQs

There are some interesting facts you may not know about drum kit vs drum set. 

How much do kits cost?

The average price of a kit will range from $500 to $1,000.

The change in the price of the product may be on construction materials and customizations. Hand-made musical instruments will have a much higher price than conventional products.

Which one to choose will depend on your budget. If you are a beginner, a cheap version would be the ideal one to get acquainted with.

If you are a professional musician, invest in a high-end one to further develop your skills.

How many drums are in the sets?

There is no standard answer for the number of drums in a suite. On average, a set consists of four pieces, tooms toms, trap drums, bass drums, and floor toms.

Leave a Comment