Choosing your first kit

A practice pad and a pair of 5A sticks costs less than a night out and covers 80% of early technique work.

Electronic kits win on volume control and headphone practice. Look for mesh heads on the snare at minimum, and a real hi-hat pedal rather than a switch.

Acoustic kits sound better and cost less second-hand, but you will need mesh heads or low-volume cymbals if you have neighbours.

Whatever you buy, spend on the throne and the pedal before the shells. Comfort and feel change how you play; the badge on the bass drum does not.