A rock band drum set allows drummers to entertain themselves using their gaming consoles. They also allow drummers to practice their rudiments without the boring and repetitive nature of drills.
A Glance at The Best Rock Band Drum Set and Other Accessories
Furthermore, Rock Band also allows musicians to jam together under the music that helped shape rock and roll! Not only this game allows you and your friends to bond, but this also helps improve tempo and note recognition.
A Rock Band Drum Set is similar to an electronic drum set. However, instead of going to a drum module, they go straight to a console. Nevertheless, Rock Band Drum Sets boast an incredible usage of MIDI to emulate drum kits.
Over the years, Rock Band has become a staple in the music industry that harbors young individuals to pursue music. What makes it great is that it doesn’t require a drumming background to play!
Therefore, if you’re looking for the best Rock Band Drum Set to practice with or explore the fun of drumming, you’re in the right place. In this guide, I collected 7 incredible Wii, Playstation, and Xbox 360 Drum Sets.
The Best Rock Band Drum Set for Wii and Wii U
Harmonix Nintendo Wii Rock Band Drum Set
The Harmonix Wired Drum Controller features four drum pads in an outline of rack toms. That’s why it’s somehow reminiscent of the playing feel of electronic drumkits.
Furthermore, the Harmonix Wii Drum Set features sound-dampening properties, eliminating the need for muffle heads. The kit also comes with highly sensitive drumheads that can detect the velocity and dynamics of drumsticks.
Moreover, the Harmonix Nintendo Wii Rock Band Drum Set comes with a durable foot pedal. This feature is perfect for hard-hitting and aggressive-playing drummers.
Key Features:
- 4 drum pads
- Durable foot pedal
- Sound-dampening properties
- Velocity-sensitive drum heads
- Free drum sticks
- Included drum stand
Pros:
The Harmonix Wii Drum Set works with the Wii version of Rock Band. Not to mention, this Rock band Drum Set also boasts a quiet performance that won’t annoy your neighbors.
Cons:
This Wii Drum Set is not compatible with the Wii U.
GENUINE Nintendo Wii or Wii U Wireless Rock Band Drum Set
This Rock Band Drum Set features a layout similar to the Harmonix Wii Drum Set. That said, this product also utilizes a rack tom configuration of 4 drum pads. Similarly, this drum layout also helps deliver a somewhat realistic drumming experience for players.
However, this Rock Band Drum Set features wireless connectivity, eliminating the need for annoying wires that easily tangles together. This makes this Wii Drum Set easy to set up and connect with the help of a nifty dongle.
This Nintendo Wii Drum Set also comes with a pair of wooden drumsticks and a bass drum pedal. Consequently, providing users with all the accessories they need to start playing right off the bat.
Key Features:
- 4-piece drumkit configuration
- Wireless connectivity
- Free pair of drumsticks
- Durable kick pedal
- Wii U Compatibility
Pros:
Unlike the Harmonix Rock Band Drum Set, this Wii Drumset is compatible with the Wii U. Aside from that, this kit’s design tries to promote realistic drumming motions when playing.
Cons:
Although its wireless connectivity reduces setup hassle, this feature sometimes suffers from latency issues.
3 Incredible Xbox 360 Drum Sets for Rock Band
Xbox 360 Rockband Bundle
If you don’t have Rock Band on your Xbox 360, this is for you! The Xbox 360 Rockband Bundle features all the necessary components for playing Rock Band.
First, this Rock Band bundle comes with a drum set that features a 4-drum layout. These drums have a concave positioning, allowing for better access when playing.
Secondly, aside from the included Rock Band Drum Set, this bundle also comes with a copy of Rock Band 2, a microphone, and a guitar! That’s why you won’t have a problem playing with your friends and family members with this bundle.
Key Features:
- Rock Band 2 Game
- 4-piece Rock Band Drum Set
- Microphone
- Wired guitar
- Free pair of drumsticks
Pros:
This bundle comes out of the box ready to use thanks to its inclusions. In addition, this version of Rock Band comes with hit classics, such as “Enter Sandman” by Metallica and Nirvana’s “In Bloom”.
Cons:
Since the Xbox 360 is currently an old-generation gaming console, it’s hard to find anyone selling Rock Band peripherals now. That said, these gaming peripherals are used but of good quality.
Xbox 360 Rock Band Special Edition
No products found.If you want to play the game that started it all with your Xbox 360, then the Rock Band Special Edition is for you! First, this bundle features the original Rock Band game, providing users with hits like “Dani California” and “Black Hole Sun”.
Secondly, the kit comes with all the necessary accessories for multiplayer games! This bundle includes a wired guitar, bass, Rock Band drum set, and a microphone. That’s why the Xbox 360 Rock Band Special Edition is the best purchase for a family entertainment system.
Lastly, the Rock Band Special Edition is also available for Nintendo Wii, Playstation 2, and Playstation 3. Therefore, if you don’t have an Xbox 360, there’s still a Rock Band Special Edition bundle for you!
Key Features:
- Wired electric guitar
- Rock Band-compatible bass guitar
- Microphone
- Xbox 360 Drum Sets for Rock Band
- Rock Band game copy
Pros:
The Rock Band Special Edition features all the instruments you’ll need for multiplayer play. Not only that, but the Rock Band Special Edition is also available for Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, Playstation 2, and Playstation 3!
Cons:
Although this bundle is great, the included Rock Band instruments are pre-loved. That’s why you should buy this with caution.
No products found.
Xbox 360 Rock Band Drum Set
Most Rock Band Bundles on the internet also feature instruments that you might not need. This offering sells the opposite because it only comes with an Xbox 360 Rock Band Drum Set, eliminating unnecessary purchases.
The Xbox 360 Drum Sets that PowerA sells all feature big and highly durable circular pads. These pads boast a construction that can handle the power and hits of drumsticks, making them a good investment in the long run.
Moreover, this Xbox 360 Rock Band Drum Set also comes with a foot pedal that’s reminiscent of an authentic kick pedal. Lastly, the kit also comes with a built-in joypad that allows easy console navigation.
Key Features:
- 4 circular drum pads
- Durable kick pedal
- Free drum sticks
- Built-in joypad
- Rock Band drum rack
Pros:
This Rock Band Drum Set features durable construction that can easily tank heavy hits. In addition, they also come with a free pair of drumsticks, making them playable right off the bat.
Cons:
The only qualm I have about this product is that it’s more expensive than other Rock Band bundles.
2 Excellent Rock Band Drum Sets for Newer Generation Consoles
Rock Band 4 Pro-Cymbals Expansion Drum Kit
If you have a next-gen Rock Band Drum Kit laying around, then you’ll love this expansion pack. This expansion pack comes with a crash, ride, and hi-hat trigger, allowing you to experience an even more realistic playing experience.
Each trigger cymbal in this expansion comes with sound-absorbing materials perfect for a quiet playing environment. Moreover, this cymbal kit is also responsive, providing users with accurate hits so they won’t settle for a broken combo.
These cymbals also come with an adjustable height. This feature helps deliver a comfortable playing feel for players. Finally, these cymbals also boast a 10° striking angle, providing an authentic cymbal playing feel as you play.
Key Features:
- Wireless connectivity
- Responsive drum heads
- Sound-absorbing materials
- Adjustable height
- 10° striking angle
Pros:
These cymbals come with color-coded parts, allowing users to easily recognize which cymbal is which. In addition, it also comes with wireless connectivity, enabling users to easily install the kit on a Rock Band Drum Set without the use of nerve-wracking wires.
Cons:
This cymbal expansion only works with Rock Band 4 accessories since it doesn’t have backward compatibility.
Rock Band 4 Band-in-a-Box Bundle
If you have a Playstation 4 or Xbox One lying around, then you’ll love this Rock Band Bundle! The Band-in-a-Box Bundle features a guitar, microphone, drum kit, and a pair of drumsticks.
Furthermore, the included game inside this bundle comes with a library of over 1,500 songs you can play with friends and family. This is currently the biggest sound library available in the Rock Band Franchise.
Everything in this kit is wireless, making the bundle’s setup extremely easy. Moreover, aside from being enjoyable, this bundle also features quality of life improvements in comparison with older Rock Band titles. Therefore, if you’re looking for an enjoyable game for your Playstation 4 or Xbox One that anyone can easily pick up, this is the bundle for you!
Key Features:
- Wireless Fender Stratocaster-based Electric Guitar
- USB Microphone
- Wireless Rock Band Drum Set
- Rock Band 4 game copy
- Music library with over 1,500 songs
Pros:
The Band-in-a-Box Bundle is the perfect tool to start playing Rock Band 4 on your Playstation 4 or Xbox One system. It already has all the necessary instruments for solo or multiplayer play. The Band-in-a-Box Bundle also features wireless connectivity that can make setups and teardowns easier.
Cons:
This is the most expensive Rock Band bundle on this list.
What to Look for When Buying a Rock Band Drum Set — A Buyer’s Guide
As we know, Rock Band games and their accessories are quite unforgiving when it comes to system compatibility. Therefore, when looking for a Rock Band Drum Set, buyers should be wary of the different things to consider to ensure console and game compatibility. That’s why you should take note of these things to consider when buying a Rock Band Drum Kit.
Game Compatibility
The Rock Band franchise has created multiple games under its belt. One thing that will come into mind is that each game will have cross-compatibility for its accessories. However, it’s far from the truth.
For instance, a Rock Band 3 Drum Set won’t be compatible with other Rock Band games. Therefore, when buying a drum set for Rock Band, buyers must buy the exact drum set for their game copy.
Console Compatibility
The console compatibility of a Rock Band Drum Kit is quite similar to its game compatibility. For example, Xbox 360 Drum Sets won’t work with a Wii the same way a Wii Drum Set won’t work with an Xbox 360. That’s why buyers should be aware of the console their Rock Band game is in.
Bundle or Individual Instrument?
Buying an individual instrument for your Rock Band game may be cheaper but buying a bundle is more cost effective than a single instrument.
Firstly, having a bundle ensures that you’ll get a copy of a game with all the necessary accessories for solo and multiplayer play. Secondly, it’s better to have a bundle if you don’t have any Rock Band instruments. On the other hand, it’s better to get an individual instrument if you’re just upgrading your Rock Band Drum Set.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rock Band Drum Sets
Does Rock Band 4 have drums?
There are two types of Rock Band 4 products. There’s a game-only version that only features a disc or software of Rock Band 4. Conversely, some bundles come with all the necessary instruments you need to start playing— including a Rock Band Drum Kit.
Although they are more expensive, I recommend getting the Rock Band 4 Band-in-a-Box Bundle if you don’t have Rock Band instruments lying around.
How much does a rock drum set cost?
A Rock Band Drum Kit for older Rock Band games would cost you around $200. On the other hand, most Rock Band 4 peripherals are sold in bundles— costing around $700 up to $800.
Can you play Rock Band with real drums?
A Rock Band Drum Set is the only compatible drum instrument for Rock Band games. However, this game can help you transition from playing it to knowing the basics of drumming! This can help you transition from a Rock Band Drum Set to a real acoustic kit.
Is Rock Band 5 coming out?
Rumors are circulating about the development and release of Rock Band 5. However, we are still yet to have a proper announcement from Harmonix if there will be another Rock Band title coming.
Is Rock Band 4 still supported?
Rock Band 4 seamlessly transitioned to the newer generation of games. Thus, making them playable on Day 1 of PS5 and other gaming consoles. That’s why Rock Band 4 still gets support from Harmonix up to this date.
Feel Like a Rockstar with a Rock Band Drum Set!
Rock Band has spawned a franchise that ferried tons of young individuals to take up instruments. Not only that, but they are also responsible for the preservation of rock and roll music thanks to their showcasing of hit classics to a younger audience. What makes it even better is that Rock Band doesn’t require prior knowledge of playing music— you’ll just have to plug and play your instruments!
Hopefully, this guide has helped you find the right Rock Band Drum Set according to your needs. In addition, I also wish that this guide has helped you learn how to ensure compatibility between a Rock Band instrument and your console. If you enjoyed reading this article, make sure to check other drum-related guide in BasicDrummer!