Who is this buying guide for?

Drummers with noise-sensitive housemates

You want to practise regularly while taking account of pad strikes and kick vibrations travelling through the floor. E-Drums emphasises that electronic drum kits are not silent.

Beginners who want to practise syncopation

You’re looking for a complete kit with a metronome or training features to practise playing accents off the beat. Yamaha lists ten training functions for the DTX402 series, while the Alesis Nitro Max module has metronome settings.

Drummers short on floor space

You need to fit the kit alongside a seat and leave enough room to play. Yamaha gives the average footprint of the DTX402K as 800 × 1000 mm; Thomann Netherlands lists the Millenium MPS-850 at approximately 140 × 80 cm.

What should you look for when buying?

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Striking and contact noise Compare the pad material and kick design; headphones won’t eliminate mechanical contact noise. Yamaha describes the KU100 as designed to reduce physical kick noise and vibrations. If I’m playing in a shared flat, I want to consider what my housemates might hear through the pads and floor. Around 36% of consumers give noise for housemates the highest priority.
Rhythm and timing Check how to set the click on the specific module and whether its practice features suit the way you want to practise. Yamaha lists ten training functions for the DTX402 series. When I practise syncopation, I want a click or practice control that lets me place accents off the beat. Around 29% of consumers prioritise rhythm feedback and practice controls.
Space and playing position Measure the available space and allow room for a stool and pedal movement too. Yamaha gives the average footprint of the DTX402K as 800 × 1000 mm; Thomann Netherlands lists the MPS-850 at approximately 140 × 80 cm. If the kit needs to go in a shared room, I want to make sure there’s enough space for the setup, a seat and room to move. Around 21% of consumers give available floor space the highest priority.
What’s included in the kit Check the parts list for the exact configuration. Alesis says that headphones are sold separately; the MPS-850 set described by Thomann Netherlands doesn’t include a drum stool. When I want to put together a ready-to-play set-up, I want to know in advance which essentials are still missing. Around 14% of consumers give the completeness of the kit and additional costs the highest priority.

Buying pitfalls

  • Assuming electronic means silent

    Headphones reduce the electronic sound heard by others, but the sticks still hit the pads, and foot movements can create contact noise and vibrations.

    Check both pad and foot noise on the floor where you plan to play, and agree on practice times with your housemates.

  • Assuming every model in a series has the same configuration

    Kick components and pad configurations can vary between models. For example, the Roland TD-02KV is described differently from the TD-07DMK; different kick components are also listed within the Yamaha DTX402 series.

    Compare the full model number and the parts list for the configuration you’re considering.

  • Comparing only the rack size or what’s included

    You’ll need extra space for a drum stool and pedal movement on top of the kit’s footprint. Not all the essentials are included as standard, either.

    Measure your playing area and check whether items such as a stool and headphones are included with the specific configuration.

Brands to consider

Roland

The TD-02KV and TD-07DMK are different configurations, each with a mesh snare; check the pad set-up of the model you’re considering.

  • Roland lists a beaterless kick pedal for the TD-02KV.
  • These specifications don’t measure how much sound travels through a home.

Yamaha

The DTX402 series offers training features, and the kick unit varies by configuration.

  • Yamaha lists ten built-in training functions for the series.
  • The DTX402K specifications don’t automatically apply to other variants. Check the full model number and kick unit.

Alesis

The Nitro Max is an option if you’re looking for mesh pads, a physical kick pad and practice controls.

  • Alesis lists a mesh snare, three mesh toms, a kick pad with pedal and metronome settings.
  • Alesis says headphones are sold separately; the specifications don’t say how much sound carries into other rooms.

Millenium

The HD-120 is described as having a more compact set-up than the MPS-850, which is a larger kit with additional module features.

  • Thomann Netherlands gives the HD-120’s footprint as approximately 100 × 60 cm and the MPS-850’s as approximately 140 × 80 cm.
  • These configurations differ in set-up and what’s included. Check the pad type, included components and space needed for the full playing area.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can I practise with headphones without my housemates hearing anything?

No. Headphones won’t stop the sticks from hitting the pads or foot movements from creating contact noise; E-Drums notes that electronic drum kits are not silent. Ask your housemates how the sound carries into their room and agree on suitable practice times.

How do I get started with practising syncopation?

Set a metronome to a manageable tempo and practise placing accents between the beats. The Alesis Nitro Max manual explains the click settings; Yamaha lists training functions for the DTX402 series. Check how to operate the module on the model you choose.

What should I consider when setting up the kit?

Measure not only the rack but also the space needed for the stool and pedal movement. Once assembled, check that the rack and pedals are stable. Alesis says that a rug can help prevent the kit from moving on a bare floor; this doesn’t mean it will adequately insulate sound travelling downstairs.

What costs and rights should I consider when buying online?

Check whether items such as a stool and headphones are included. For online purchases by consumers in the Netherlands, you generally have up to 14 days to change your mind after the product has been delivered, although there may be exceptions; ACM ConsuWijzer explains this period. If a product is faulty, the seller is responsible for the statutory guarantee, as the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets explains. This is separate from any voluntary retailer’s guarantee.

Can I play drums at any time in a shared flat?

No. Having an electronic drum kit doesn’t give you blanket permission to cause noise nuisance at any time. The Dutch government says that noise nuisance between neighbours is covered by local municipal by-laws in many areas and advises people to try to agree on arrangements first. The local rules and tenancy arrangements that apply will depend on your municipality and living situation.