There are two types of drum sets- acoustic and electronic. Within these two categories are instruments of tremendous variety. What you choose will depend on your musical tastes, your needs, and your budget.

Acoustic Drum Sets

Acoustic drum sets, also called drum kits, are what we typically think of when we think of the drums. They usually include a snare drum, cymbals, bass drum, and toms. Latin drum sets include all those pieces plus some hand drums and other accessories to hit with the drum stick such as cow bells. The sound is generated by the drum itself after the percussionist hits it with the sticks.

These types of drum sets form the back bone of most western music. When you listen to the radio, a good majority of the songs you here (unless it is classical) gets their percussive, rhythmic feel from the drum set. Though drummers tend to blend into the background of a band, their skill is necessary to hold the song together. The other musicians rely on the patterns created by the drummer. If the drummer misses a beat, it has the potential of causing the other musicians to lose their place.

Electronic Drum Sets

You can purchase electronic drum sets that are set up the same way as acoustic drum sets. With these types of drum sets, however, the sound is generated electronically instead of within the drum. When the drummer hits the electronic drum with the stick, the sound is processed electronically, which generates the sound. You can also buy electronic drum sets that resemble a pad. In this case, you can hit at the drum with your hand or a stick and the drum sound is generated and processed within the device.

So, there are two types of drum sets- acoustic and electronic. Your tastes, needs and budget will determine which one you should purchase. Its also perfectly fine to purchase one of each.