On a kit, which bit's which? CLICK!

Not so many FAQs, but more QUOs; "questions unasked often"! 

Do I need to buy a drum kit before starting lessons?

You will need something to practice on from day one.
Drummers MUST have sticks! Junior sticks are about 5 cm shorter than standard (40-42cm) sticks for ...er...juniors (up to 150cm).
A practice pad is cheap and might save a table's veneer. Even juniors have a mean backswing!
Contact me when you are ready to book lessons.

Am I ready for a full-size drum kit?

There is no full-size as such. Many adults and pros use small drums; large drums are often just for visual effect at concerts.
A commonly available drum kit comes with a 22" bass drum and toms between 12" and 16" diameters. I would call this a "rock" sized kit and is VERY LOUD.
A "fusion" sized kit with a 20" bass drum and toms between 10" and 14" is quite practical for most teenagers. A "jazz" sized kit with an 18" bass drum will enable smaller students to reach
the drums mounted on the bass drum more easily.
A "junior" sized kit with a 16" bass drum can be inexpensive, but may be outgrown quite soon. Also check the snare drum diameter, as this needs to stand comfortably between the knees. A full-size (14" diameter) snare drum may be too large, 10" to 13" being common.

I could spend a fortune on cymbals. What am I paying for?

Top of the range cymbals are fabricated from guarded alloy recipes, primarily with projection in mind.
The primary goal with a practice set is just to have something to hit, without being deafened.
Striking a large crash cymbal in a cramped environment can cause hearing damage.
If you're currently practising with loud metalwork in a small room, please think again.
On the other hand, if your practice set sounds like dustbin lids, you might be put off playing.
Find small, light cymbals and try before you buy to have an idea that the sound is right for you.
Keeping to one brand/product range will help narrow the field, but many players find that
the sounds they like result in a mix of brands.
As a minimum, I recommend a hihat pair of 12"-14" cymbals, plus one cymbal 14"-16" which will
produce a "crash" when struck on the edge, and a reasonable "ping" or ride sound when struck lightly
near the bell. Every extra cymbal needs a stand, so don't forget to include one in your budget

What about electronic kits?

I have had electronic kits and taught pupils who have them, but I don't recommend them as a main instrument for a beginner, unless of course, circumstances insist, or you can get one free!
On the other hand, I know drummers who perform regularly with them, and as a training tool they can be very useful.