E-drum sets can vary greatly in price, ranging from around 200 euros up to a whopping 8000 euros. As a beginner, it's best to focus on the lower end of the spectrum, up to a maximum of 800 euros. But don't let the price tag fool you - there are already models available from around 400 euros that offer a real drumming experience with mesh head pads, cymbals with multiple playing zones, and bass drum pads that can accommodate a conventional foot pedal. These features are essential for learning different foot techniques and making the most of your practice sessions. While the sounds of these affordable kits may not meet high demands, they often offer a variety of acoustic and electronic sounds, as well as training functions to help improve your skills.
In the mid-price range, up to around 2000 euros, the technology is much more advanced, resulting in more authentic sounds and diverse possibilities for connecting to the computer via MIDI, USB, and Bluetooth. The drum pads are larger and more similar to those found on acoustic drum kits, with cymbal and hi-hat pads that provide superior performance and sounds. Many models in this range also allow for the integration of custom samples or loops, giving you the ability to create and perform with your own unique sounds. While some mid-range e-drum sets are jam-packed with a variety of different sounds, there are also kits that limit themselves to a few purely acoustic sounds, while focusing on maximum authenticity.
At the high-end of the price range, beyond the 2000 euro limit, you'll find models with digital drum pads that recognize your playing position, cymbals that are fully playable and weighted like regular cymbals, and modules with every conceivable interface. Some high-end models even incorporate "real" drums with wooden shells, giving you the impression that you're playing on an acoustic drum set. Instead of a rack, these high-end kits often use conventional tom holders, cymbal, snare and hi-hat stands, giving them an authentic appearance that's perfect for the stage. These kits come equipped with XLR jacks and individual outputs for each channel, providing exceptional sound quality, sensitivity, and dynamics. As a result, they are suitable even for performances in genres that rely solely on acoustic instruments, such as jazz or Latin.