Used drum sets can be found but you have to be very careful when purchasing to make sure it will perform at its best. Drum heads are something that needs to be replaced often after so much use. If you are buying a used set, the drums may not have new heads. These will cost around $50 for the top head (the one that gets hit). If the bass drum head needs replacing, figure on spending another $20.

The hardware on the drum is important to check out as well. Make sure all of the connections are tight and not worn down. Make sure you can tune everything easily with drum keys. None of the bolts should be so stripped that you can't twist them with the drum key.

Look at the hoops (the metal ring that holds down the drum head). These should be round and not bent. Remove the tension rods (screws that adjust drum head tension) from the hoop and rotate the hoop on the head while the head rests on the drum shell. This will let you know if something is not round. Tension rods should be straight and not stripped and mounts should be functioning properly.

A used drug set will run between $200 to $800 dollars. These prices are set in stone but are meant to give you some idea of what you might pay. There are local drum shops that you can check out or you can go online and search for used drum sets.