Updated: October 15th, 2018

You want to buy drums online but don’t know all the good places? After all, a bit of comparing will get you a much better price in most cases. So I’ll give you a quick overview of what I think are the best places to buy drum sets online and tell you which kinds of promotions to look for.

Please note that if you access the stores through the banners in this article and if you then went on to buy something, I’d receive a commission. This won’t cost you a cent more, but reward me for the time and passion I put into my articles. (I explain the rationale behind this in detail in my affiliate disclosure.)

Guitar Center

Contrary to its name, Guitar Center has everything a band musician could ever need: guitars, bass guitars, keyboards, recording equipment – and drums. At Guitar Center you can expect:

• Extensive collection of acoustic drum sets, electronic kits, cymbals, hardware, and drum accessories
• Special discount days (15% off everything on July 4)
• Outlet where you can get 100$+ off for only damaged packaging (mostly open boxes)
• Used gear (great for cymbals!) – you can sell yours as well
• Free shipping on any purchase above 25$ within the US (excluding Hawaii and Alaska)
• Guaranteed delivery within 5 business days – if your item gets delayed, you’ll get 20% off your next order withing 90 days
• Return your set after trying it out at home (even when the heads show marks). And if you return it to one of the 250+ Guitar Centers in the US, you don’t even have to pay for the return shipment.

Check out the Drums and Percussion section.

Musician’s Friend

Musician’s Friend is a subsidiary of Guitar Center, but that doesn’t mean they are the same. The portfolio is simlar, but Musician’s Friend has some very interesting features:

• Stupid deal of the day – one instrument much cheaper for one day (around 50% off)
• Daily giveaways and sweepstakes (think: Imagine Dragons autographed drum set)
• Plenty of discount coupons available – for example here.
• Free shipping within 3-5 business days
• Return for up to 45 days after purchase
• Lowest price guarantee – and if you find an item for less elsewhere, Musician’s Friend will match the price

Check out their drums and percussion section.

Amazon

Being the largest shopping plattform online, Amazon obviously has considerable leverage in selling drums as well. Features include:

• Free shipping on many drum sets
• Customer reviews and frequently asked questions on every product page
• Find beginner drum set brands you cannot find in online music stores (Mendini, Gammon)
• Special deal days like Cyber Monday or on Black Friday
• For Prime members: Free two-day shipping or same-day delivery for eligible zip codes. You can try it for 30 days without paying a cent – and cancel any time.

eBay

eBay is a great place to buy drum sets you couldn’t come by anywhere else – or only for much more money. You can’t expect to find anything at any time, but I think eBay is quite a bit of fun and you can cut very good deals.

• Buy immediately, make a best offer or bid on items
• Free shipping on some items (usually those of commercial sellers)
• Private sellers are generally very reliable since reviews and reputation count for a lot on eBay
• Find vintage / collectors’ and out-of-stock drums you can’t get in online stores