7 Best Small Kits For Gigging Drummers

Drummers who gig regularly know the struggle of lugging around a large and heavy drum kit. Not only can it be physically demanding, but it can also be challenging to fit into smaller venues or on stages with limited space. That's where compact drum kits come in. These smaller, more portable kits are designed for gigging drummers who need a lightweight and easy-to-transport option that still delivers a big sound. In this guide, we'll take a closer look at the seven best compact kits for gigging drummers, including the Yamaha HipGig, Tama Silverstar Cocktail-Jam, and more.

1. Yamaha HipGig

The Yamaha HipGig is a popular compact kit that has been used by many famous drummers, including Steve Gadd, Steve Jordan, and Dave Weckl. It features a 20-inch bass drum, a 10-inch rack tom, a 13-inch floor tom, and a 13-inch snare drum. The kit also comes with a hardware pack that includes a bass drum pedal, a hi-hat stand, and a snare stand. The HipGig's compact size and lightweight construction make it easy to transport to gigs, while its high-quality construction and big sound make it a favorite among professional drummers.

https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-HIPGIG-Portable-Acoustic-Drum/dp/B00J7VZ1ZW

2. Tama Silverstar Cocktail-Jam

The Tama Silverstar Cocktail-Jam is a unique and innovative compact drum kit that is perfect for gigging drummers. It features a 14-inch bass drum, an 8-inch rack tom, and a 10-inch floor tom, along with a 12-inch snare drum that can be played as a snare or as a floor tom. The kit also comes with a hardware pack that includes a bass drum pedal, a hi-hat stand, and a snare stand. The Cocktail-Jam's compact size and versatile design make it ideal for small gigs, while its high-quality construction and great sound make it a top choice for professional drummers.

https://www.amazon.com/Tama-Cocktail-Jam-4-Piece-Shell/dp/B07BS1PYKP

3. Sonor Martini

The Sonor Martini is a compact drum kit that features a 14-inch bass drum, a 10-inch rack tom, and a 14-inch floor tom, along with a 13-inch snare drum. The kit also comes with a hardware pack that includes a bass drum pedal, a hi-hat stand, and a snare stand. The Martini's compact size and great sound make it a top choice for gigging drummers who need a portable and easy-to-transport option that still delivers a big sound.

https://www.amazon.com/Sonor-AQ2-MARTINI-Blue-Stage/dp/B07P9YHJFB

4. Ludwig Breakbeats by Questlove

The Ludwig Breakbeats by Questlove is a compact drum kit that was designed in collaboration with drummer and producer Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson. It features a 16-inch bass drum, a 10-inch rack tom, a 13-inch floor tom, and a 14-inch snare drum. The kit also comes with a hardware pack that includes a bass drum pedal, a hi-hat stand, and a snare stand. The Breakbeats' compact size and stylish design make it a popular choice among gigging drummers, while its high-quality construction and great sound make it a top choice for professional drummers.

https://www.amazon.com/Ludwig-Breakbeats-Questlove-4-Piece-Shell/dp/B00IGBXU3W

5. Gretsch Catalina Club Jazz

The Gretsch Catalina Club Jazz is a compact drum kit that features a 18-inch bass drum, a 12-inch rack tom, a 14-inch floor tom, and a 14-inch snare drum. The kit also comes with a hardware pack that includes a bass drum pedal, a hi-hat stand, and a snare stand. The Catalina Club Jazz's compact size and vintage-inspired design make it a popular choice among gigging drummers, while its high-quality construction and warm, soulful sound make it a top choice for professional drummers.

https://www.amazon.com/Gretsch-Catalina-Club-4-Piece-Drum/dp/B07NMLK2Q9

6. Pearl Midtown

The Pearl Midtown is a compact drum kit that features a 16-inch bass drum, a 10-inch rack tom, a 13-inch floor tom, and a 13-inch snare drum. The kit also comes with a hardware pack that includes a bass drum pedal, a hi-hat stand, and a snare stand. The Midtown's compact size and modern design make it a popular choice among gigging drummers, while its high-quality construction and versatile sound make it a top choice for professional drummers.

https://www.amazon.com/Pearl-Midtown-Compact-Kit-Black/dp/B01CEYK1FO

7. DW Design Series Frequent Flyer

The DW Design Series Frequent Flyer is a compact drum kit that features a 20-inch bass drum, a 12-inch rack tom, a 14-inch floor tom, and a 14-inch snare drum. The kit also comes with a hardware pack that includes a bass drum pedal, a hi-hat stand, and a snare stand. The Frequent Flyer's compact size and high-quality construction make it a top choice for gigging drummers who need a portable and lightweight option that still delivers a big sound.

https://www.amazon.com/DW-Design-Frequent-Flyer-Satin/dp/B00Y13RJL8

Why Compact Kits are Ideal for Gigging Drummers

There are several reasons why compact kits are ideal for gigging drummers. For one, they are much easier to transport than larger drum kits, which can be a real hassle to lug around from gig to gig. Compact kits are also easier to set up and take down, which means you can spend more time playing and less time fiddling with your gear. Additionally, compact kits can be a great choice for small venues or stages with limited space, where a large drum kit might not fit or may overwhelm the other musicians on stage.

Famous Drummers Who Use Compact Kits

There are many famous drummers who use compact kits on stage and in the studio. One of the most notable is jazz drummer and composer Jack DeJohnette, who has been using a compact kit for years. Other famous drummers who use compact kits include Travis Barker, who often plays a smaller kit with Blink-182, and Vinnie Colaiuta, who has been known to use a smaller kit on occasion. The popularity of compact kits among professional drummers is a testament to their versatility, portability, and great sound.

Conclusion

For gigging drummers, a compact drum kit can be a game-changer. Not only are these kits easy to transport and set up, but they also deliver a big sound that can hold its own on stage. Whether you're playing small clubs or large theaters, a compact kit can help you sound great and make your life a lot easier. So if you're a gigging drummer in need of a portable and versatile drum kit, be sure to check out the seven best compact kits for gigging drummers, including the Yamaha HipGig, Tama Silverstar Cocktail-Jam, and more.