How to Find the Real Value of a Non Brand Drum Kit

You’ve got a drum kit with no brand name on it. No logo, no label, just drums. Now you’re asking, “How to find out the real value of a non brand drum kit?” That’s a fair question. You don’t want to throw away something that could have value. 

The good news? Even a no name kit can still be worth money. You just need to know what to look for. 

Here, you’ll learn how to determine the value by checking its condition, the sound it makes, the materials it’s made of like maple, birch, or mahogany, and the quality of parts like pedals, stands, and drumheads. 

You’ll also find out how to compare non brand drum kit with others on places like eBay or Reverb, and where to ask real drummers like on Drummerworld, if you’re still not sure. Step by step, you’ll figure out what your kit is really worth.

Step 1: Start by Looking at the Condition of the Non Brand Drum Kit

Before you check anything else, stop and look at the shape your kit is in. The condition is the first thing that affects value. Think like a buyer. Would you pay more for a clean, solid kit or one that’s rusty and falling apart?

Look closely at the drum shells. Are they cracked, dented, or chipped? Good shells mean better sound and more money. Now check the drumheads if they’re torn, dented, or worn out, they’ll need replacing. That lowers the value a bit.

Don’t forget the hardware things like pedals, stands, lugs, and mounts. Try them out. Do they feel sturdy? Do the parts tighten and hold well? Broken or missing hardware brings the price down.

If your kit is all there, nothing missing, and it looks clean that’s a great sign. Even without a brand, buyers care about how well it’s been kept.

Quick Tip: Take photos in good light. A clean, full kit with no missing parts is easier to sell and for a better price.

Step 2: Check What the Shells of Your Non Brand Drum Kit are Made Of

Now that you’ve looked at the condition, it’s time to check the shell material, what your no brand drum kits are actually made of. This part matters a lot because it changes the sound and the value.

Tap gently on the shell or take off the head and look inside. Do you see wood grain? If yes, that’s good. The most common good quality woods are maple, birch, and mahogany.

• Maple sounds warm and full, great for all styles.
• Birch is brighter and louder, good for live shows or rock.
• Mahogany is deep and soft, used in vintage kits.

If the shell feels very light or looks like plastic, it’s probably lower quality. Some budget kits are made with cheap woods or wrapped materials. That doesn’t mean it’s bad, just not worth as much.

Even without a brand name, solid wood shells can still bring in decent value, especially if they sound good and are in good shape.

Quick Tip: If you’re not sure what the material is, post a photo on a forum like Drummerworld other drummers can help you figure it out fast.

Drum Shell Material & Estimated Impact on Value

Step 3: Listen to the Sound of the Non Brand Drum Kit

You’ve checked the shell and the parts now it’s time to use your ears. The sound of your non brand drum kit plays a big role in its value, even if there’s no brand.

Set up the drums and give each one a tap. Start with the bass drum, then move to the toms and snare. Are the tones clean and full? Do the drums ring out, or do they sound flat and dull?

Good sound means good build. A non-brand kit with a strong tone can sometimes beat a cheap brand-name set. Buyers love drums that already sound nice, it means less work for them.

If the sound isn’t great, don’t panic. Old drumheads or bad tuning might be the reason. Try changing the heads or tuning them right before judging the tone. That alone can lift the value.

Quick Tip: Record a short sound test with your phone. You can post it on places like Reddit r/drums or Drummerworld to get feedback on how it sounds.

Step 4: Check the Hardware of Your Non Brand Drum Kit

Next, let’s take a look at the hardware. This includes things like the pedals, stands, lugs, mounts, and any other parts that hold or move the drums. The condition of these parts can make or break the price of your non brand drum kit.

Start by testing the pedals, the bass drum pedal should feel smooth and responsive. Is there any squeaking or sticking? If the pedal doesn’t work well, it’ll lower the value of the whole kit. Cymbal stands should move freely, and snare stands need to hold the snare tight without wobbling.

Check the lugs and mounts on your drums. Are they tightly secured? If the mounting hardware is loose or broken, buyers will need to spend money fixing it. The more solid the hardware, the higher the value of the kit.

If everything feels solid, that’s a win. High quality hardware means a higher price.

Quick Tip: If any hardware is missing or broken, replacing it can increase your kit’s value. Look online for affordable replacements or consider getting advice from a professional.

Already have gear with issues? Learn what to do with a damaged bass drum before tossing it out.

Step 5: Compare Prices Online

Now that you’ve looked at your kit’s condition, sound, and parts, it’s time to see what other non brand drum kits are going for. This step helps you figure out a fair price, not too high, not too low.

Go to sites like eBay, Reverb, or Craigslist. Type in search terms like “used drum kit”, “non brand drum kit”, or “custom drum kit”. But don’t just look at the listings, click on the ones that say “sold”. This shows you what people actually paid.

Match your kit to ones that are similar in size, condition, and setup. Does yours have a full set of drums and hardware? Is the shell made of wood like maple or birch? Use that info to get close to a real world price.

Take notes on what kits like yours sell for. That gives you a price range, not a guess.

Quick Tip: Don’t copy the highest price you see. Go for the middle of the range so your kit sells faster and still gets you a fair deal.

Step 6: Ask Real Drummers for Help

Still unsure about your kit’s value? That’s totally normal, and that’s where the drum community comes in. There are tons of friendly, skilled drummers online who love to help.

Go to forums like Drummerworld, Reddit r/drums, or even Facebook groups for used drum gear. Post clear photos of your kit. Include details like the shell material, number of drums, the hardware, and how it sounds. Ask something simple like:

“Can anyone help me figure out what this non brand drum kit might be worth?”

You’ll often get quick, honest replies. Some users might even compare it to similar kits they’ve sold or bought. You’ll also learn what buyers look for and that helps you price it better.

The best part? This advice is free and often more helpful than any price calculator.

Quick Tip: When posting, show the full kit in good lighting. Include shots of the drumheads, close-ups of the shells, and all the hardware too.

Step 7: Get a Pro Appraisal (If You’re Still Not Sure)

If you’re still stuck after checking everything, it might be time to ask a pro. A drum appraisal is when an expert looks at your kit online or in person and tells you what it’s really worth.

Some shops or websites, like Vintage Drum Center or local music stores, offer this service. You send them clear photos and details, and they give you a price estimate based on the condition, shell material, hardware, and market value. They may also check if any parts are vintage or custom-made, which could raise the price.

This step is smart if you think your kit might be rare, high quality, or just unusual. It also helps you set a fair asking price when you’re ready to sell.

Quick Tip: Take photos of every angle, full kit, close ups of drumheads, pedals, lugs, and any details inside the shells.

Bonus Tips: How to Sell or Trade Non Brand Drum Kit in the Smart Way

Now that you know what your non brand drum kit is worth, you might be thinking about selling or trading it. Here’s how to get the most out of it without scaring buyers away.

1. Clean Everything First

Wipe down the shells, polish the hardware, and change old drumheads if you can. A clean kit looks newer, and that means more money.

2. Take Clear, Honest Photos

Show the full setup from different angles. Snap close ups of the pedals, mounts, and any small parts. Use good lighting. People trust what they can see.

3. Write a Simple, Truthful Description

Mention what the kit includes (how many drums, what kind of hardware, etc.), what shape it’s in, and how it sounds. Be honest about any damage it builds trust.

4. Choose the Right Place to Sell

Try local sites like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist if you don’t want to ship. Use Reverb or eBay if you’re okay with shipping and want a wider audience.

5. Be Ready to Answer Questions

Buyers may ask about the shell material, size, or how long you’ve had it. Just be real and helpful, it makes a big difference.

FAQ

Final Thoughts: Know What You’ve Got, Even Without a Brand

Just because your drum kit doesn’t have a big name on it doesn’t mean it has no value. You’ve now learned how to check the condition, test the sound, figure out the shell material, and examine the hardware. You know how to compare prices online, ask real drummers for help, and even get a pro appraisal if needed.

The truth is, value comes from more than just a brand logo. It comes from quality, sound, and care. So whether you’re selling, trading, or just curious, you now know how to determine the value of a non brand drum kit, and do it the right way.

Trust your ears, your eyes, and the steps you took. You don’t need a famous label to know your drums are worth something.