Entry-Level, Beginner Drums
If you are a beginner, you can buy an entry-level drum kit and an entry-level cymbal pack that is affordable, yet will still meet your needs. The experts at Henri’s Music are trained at fitting you or your child with the perfect set for your budget and level of play. When choosing a drum set from a reputable store like Henri’s, you know you’re dealing with real musicians, that know and understand the business.

Buy Brand Names
Buy drums made by popular names. These brands will hold up best and will include a warranty. Compared to generic brands, the popular brands are a lot easier to get parts for and also have higher trade-in and resale values. Henri’s Music features the most popular drum lines on the market.

In addition to brand names, always buy the best drum kit you can afford. Also make sure you purchase a good case to protect your investment!

“Kits” Versus Individual Pieces
Whether for convenience or value, it’s often a wise investment to consider purchasing a complete drum set, rather than individual pieces. Many drumkits are available in the standard "five-piece" configuration. Our on-staff drummers can explain this and other set-ups, especially helpful for beginners. However, a four, or even three, piece configuration may be suitable for some needs to get started. Some drumkits are sold in a complete package including stands, cymbals, pedals, thrones ... all you need at one, low price. Other drumkits are sold "without hardware", meaning that the drums themselves are priced as a unit, and you must add the stands, cymbals, pedals, and thrones in as a separate purchase. More advanced players may prefer this option to mix-and-match favorite brands and accessories. "Complete" packages tend to offer more of a savings ... especially at the toddler or beginner level! Plus, you don't need to agonize over making decisions in matters that may be outside of your experience.

Getting Started - The Bare Minimum
Even youngsters and the most inexperienced beginners, need certain essentials to properly learn to play the drums. At the bare minimum, for your toddler to use a drumkit properly, you must have at least:

• Kick Drum (with pedal)
• Snare Drum (with stand)
• Tom Drum (usually mounted on kick drum by an arm)
• Pair of Hi-Hat Cymbals (on stand with pedal)
• Cymbal (of some type ... "ride", "crash", or "crash/ride" ... on a stand or kick drum arm mount)
• Throne (a round seat allowing for height adjustment)
• Pair of Drumsticks

Some players may prefer two cymbals (other than the hihats). One is a "ride" cymbal which is used for continual rhythm playing. The other is the "crash" cymbal, used for the "big bang" accents throughout a song. One will do the job ... two are ideal. A ride cymbal is heavier, and some may not serve to double as a "crash" ... it depends on the nature of the cymbal. Ask one of your Henri’s Music experts to help you make the best decision based on your intended style of playing.

When you’re shopping for a drum set, remember that our staff includes professional musicians. In addition to knowing the retail drum business, most have music degrees, many are teachers and also play in a variety of bands. Our staff will spend the time to introduce you to every aspect of playing the drums and help you make your selection based on your budget, skills and specific interests.

Start With Your Snare
If you are buying a drumset that isn't an entry-level set, BUY YOUR SNARE DRUM FIRST! This is the most important drum on your set and you should put as much money and quality into it as you can. Henri’s drum experts will educate you on the various shells and sizes and the sounds that they produce. Expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $1,000 for a good snare drum.

Don’t Let “Eye-Appeal” Fool You!
Avoid buying with your eyes. Just because the item you want looks cool and flashy doesn't mean it's the best SOUNDING instrument for you. But don’t panic! Henri’s carries an extensive selection of styles, designs and colors to choose from. Chances are, we’ll be able to fit you with the best sounding drum and still give you the “hottest” style.

No Need To Shop Around
We shop the competition to make sure our prices are the most competitive you’ll find. And Henri’s multi-store, volume buying power and preferred dealer pricing, means we can give you the deepest discounts on the highest quality drums and accessories on the market.

Pedals & Stands - Don’t Skimp!
Make sure you buy good stands. Double-braced stands are the sturdiest and will undoubtedly stand up best to aggressive playing. Always invest in a good drum pedal. We feel that some of the best pedals in the industry are made by Drum Workshop (DW) - a featured brand at Henri’s Music.

You Can’t Beat The Perfect Seat!
If you feel like skimping on the throne (seat) ... please realize that if the player's feet cannot properly reach the kick and hi-hat pedals, half of the drumkit will be unplayable! Plus, the round, padded throne makes for a comfortable sit, and allows for the player to pivot as they reach for various drums and cymbals. (Make sure the throne is able to be set low enough for a short child ... some won't go that low ... in which case you may have to rig a seat at home using a short chair, or sawed-off stool.)

Learn To Play The Henri’s Way
Did you know that over 1,500 students take lessons through Henri’s Music every week? In our studios and with private teachers, we’re dedicated to providing quality music lessons that help you learn faster while making your drum playing experience “fun”. From beginners to pros, we teach all levels and all styles of music. Just ask one of our friendly staff for more information on our lesson specials, and you can start playing today!

Is it Okay To Buy Used?
Through our extensive Instrument X-Change program, Henri’s Music buys, sells, trades and consigns over $1 million in used gear each year! If you’re a buyer looking for used drums, we have ‘em! We’re always on the look-out for good quality trades that we can offer at substantial savings. And when you’re ready to move up, we’ll pay you top-dollar or offer generous trade-in allowances when you buy your new drum gear from Henri’s. Whether selling or buying, you’re in the best position to deal when you talk to us.

Okay, So Why Shop Henri’s Music?

• We’ve already mentioned “EXPERIENCE”. Our on-staff experts are drummers - they sell, they teach, they perform, they know the drum business.
• Henri’s Music is one of the biggest, full-service drum stores, selling over $800,000 in drums each year - and it keeps growing!. That means “VOLUME BUYING POWER” which translates into bigger savings for you. And we’ve been in business since 1965, so you know we’ll always be here to take care of your needs.
• We’re an independent retailer with a personal touch, here to provide service unparalleled in the industry. We’ll take the time to talk with you, remember your name and treat you with the respect you deserve.
• Our fantastic selection includes the top brand names in the business. Your assurance of quality, durability and lasting value.