Top 7 Most Expensive Drum Sets In The World

Drums are one of the oldest and most fundamental musical instruments, playing a vital role in the rhythm and percussion sections of various musical genres worldwide. They come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and types, each with its unique characteristics and cultural significance.

However, there are certain drum sets out there with such a high price tag on them due to their rarity and the artists behind such drum sets. These high-end kits are the choice of professional drummers, recording artists, and enthusiasts who demand nothing but the best in terms of both performance and aesthetics.

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Here we would like to share with you the top 7 most expensive drum sets in the world.

7. DW Collector’s Series Exotic Graphics Drum Set ($10,452.69)

Credit: Sweetwater

DW (Drum Workshop) is renowned for its commitment to precision engineering and meticulous attention to detail, and this particular drum set is a prime example of its dedication to excellence.

The Exotic Graphics finishes are a standout feature of this drum set. These finishes are characterized by their visually stunning and intricate designs, often inspired by nature, art, or cultural themes.

This ensemble comprises seven components, featuring a pair of floor toms and a trio of tom-toms. Crafted from cherry wood shells with spruce cores, this is one of the most expensive drum sets in the world.

6. DW Collector’s Maple SSC Teal Glass Drum Set ($15,014.95)

Credit: the DW Store

Here is another example of a drum set from the DW Collector's series and it is the Maple SSC Teal Glass Drum Set.

The use of maple for the drum shells is a key feature of this set. Maple is revered in the drumming world for its warm, balanced, and resonant sound. The SSC technology is a proprietary innovation by DW. It involves a unique shell construction method that enhances the overall resonance, projection, and sustain of the drums.

The Teal Glass finish is not only visually stunning but also adds to the drum set's overall aesthetic appeal. Some might wonder why such a drum set is so expensive but we all have to agree that it is an excellent collector's item.

5. Ludwig Grand Symphonic Series Timpani Set ($18,408.99)

Credit: Conn Selmer

Renowned for its exceptional sound quality, precision engineering, and esteemed heritage, this timpani set is the preferred choice of orchestras, professional timpanists, and music institutions worldwide.

Ludwig, an iconic American drum manufacturer, has a storied history dating back to the early 20th century. The Grand Symphonic Series Timpani Set is a testament to the company's commitment to quality and innovation.

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These timpani are meticulously crafted using the finest materials, with copper or high-quality German silver often used for the kettle (the drum's body). With such quality in place, it is not surprising to see it being sold for $18,408.99.

4. Bergerault Grand Professional Series Timpani Set (~$27,000)

Credit: Bergault Percussion

The Bergerault Grand Professional Series Timpani Set represents the pinnacle of timpani craftsmanship and is highly regarded in the world of classical music and orchestral percussion.

Bergerault, a distinguished French percussion instrument manufacturer, is celebrated for its commitment to craftsmanship. The drums are meticulously crafted from premium materials, with the kettle (the drum's body) often made of high-quality copper or other resonant metals.

But this particular 5-timpani set is known to be the most expensive drum set of its kind costing around $27,000.

3. Musa Drum Set (~$70,000)

Credit: musadrums

Musa, a drum manufacturer, asserts that they've crafted the costliest drum set in existence, yet it occupies the third position on our ranking list. It's noteworthy for being the priciest drum set that doesn't derive its value from cultural significance.

The creators utilized barrels that once held 50-year-old balsamic vinegar to fashion this distinctive drum set. If you approach it closely, you'll even notice a unique fragrance emanating from the kit. The drum bands are adorned with engravings, some of which bear historical significance in the world of drums, while others simply add to its visual appeal.

As a finishing touch to its bespoke design, the drum features lugs artfully designed to resemble skulls, specifically modeled after Buddy Rich's skull. Despite its considerable cost and personalized craftsmanship, there is one significant drawback to this drum set.

Nevertheless, it is still quite a hefty price tag costing roughly $70,000 for a set.

2. The Who/Keith Moon’s Drum Set ($252,487)

Credit: Wikimedia Commons

As the legendary drummer for The Who, Keith Moon's unique style and his choice of drum kit played a pivotal role in shaping the band's unmistakable sound and stage presence. Keith Moon was known for his exuberant and unconventional drumming style, characterized by rapid fills, explosive energy, and an almost reckless approach to percussion.

Keith Moon's drum kit was primarily manufactured by Premier, a British drum company renowned for its craftsmanship and quality. The specific drum set associated with Moon featured a mix of tom-toms, snare drums, bass drums, and cymbals, all arranged in a visually striking and distinctive manner.

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This unique drum set was sold in the Christie's auction in 2004 for $252,487 making it the second most expensive drum set ever sold.

1. Ringo Starr’s Ludwig Oyster Black Pearl Drum Set ($2.1 Million)

Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Ringo Starr's Ludwig Oyster Black Pearl Drum Set is an iconic and historically significant drum kit that played a pivotal role in the history of rock music. Ringo Starr, the legendary drummer of The Beatles, is synonymous with this particular drum set, which has become an emblematic piece of rock and roll history.

Ringo Starr played this drum set during The Beatles' early years, from 1963 to 1964, a period that saw the band skyrocket to global fame. The kit consisted of a 14" x 20" bass drum, a 16" x 16" floor tom, and a 9" x 13" rack tom. It featured a distinctive oyster black pearl finish, which became synonymous with Ringo Starr's drumming style.

The world's most expensive drum set was sold in Julien's auction for a staggering price of $2.1 million.

The Ludwig Oyster Black Pearl Drum Set gained worldwide recognition through its appearances on numerous television shows, live performances, and iconic moments including the band's debut on "The Ed Sullivan Show."

Source:

• Guinness World Records

• Ventured

Also read: Top 10 Most Expensive Guitars In The World