This is a topic that has been covered by many other sites, blogs, music shop experts and basically the whole internet. Still I get asked which one is “better”, an electric drum kit or an acoustic drum kit?
I should maybe start off first, by mentioning the main difference between the two instruments and then I will try to bring across a short explanation of the pros and cons of the two.
The big difference is obviously that with the electric drum kit, you need electricity to make it “sound” like an acoustic drum kit. The acoustic drum kit on the other hand, produces a sound, acoustically. You will also need some sort of amplification through which to play the electric drum kit, if you want anyone else to hear what you are playing. With the acoustic kit, you won’t need that. Other people will hear you play, whether they want to or not!
I will elaborate mainly on the topic of the sound, ie. “noise” difference between the two drum kits. If you are living with other people, like your family in a small house, the acoustic kit will most probably drive all of them and also your neighbours crazy! The electric kit has the option of using only earphones for yourself, where the “noise level” will be restricted to only a “tapping sound” on the rubbery surface of the drum kit. Only the person playing will hear the sound of the kit, through the earphones, sent by the kit’s very smart sound module. This is more ideal for practicing and keeping the general sanity and peace in the shared dwelling place!
Most drummers and musicians will agree that the acoustic kit has a much better “feel” and “vibe” when performing live. But unfortunately these days, not a lot of that happening. They will also agree that nothing beats the live “vibe-ing” sound of a thundering acoustic drum kit on a stage, then again on the other hand, not all people will agree with them, especially one’s neighbours and some old church folk. With the electric kit, you do however need a “speaker” to play through IF you want others to hear what you sound like, playing along with songs or just to hear the great grooves and fills you’ve mastered, taught by Olckers Drumming!
Then the last topic I feel worth mentioning, is the price difference between the two. These days, all entry level and top end kits are pretty much priced the same. You can buy a “cheap” electric kit and you can buy a “cheap” acoustic kit. The same also applies to the more top end drum kits too.
For me personally, I love the acoustic drum kit. But for practicing and tutoring purposes, I’ve found that the electric kit is just a better option. My advice to parents wanting their child to start with drumming lessons is to go with an electric kit. It can always be used and it is a better option for keeping the peace in the family and with the neighbours too!
“My neighbours listen to good music…whether they want to or not” -unknown drummer