How Does Drum Kit Part Exchange Work? A Beginner’s Guide

Buying your first drum kit can feel like a big commitment. You may be wondering whether to buy new or used, how much to spend and what happens if you outgrow the kit once your playing develops.

The reassuring answer is that your first kit does not have to be your forever kit. Whether you buy your first drum kit new or second hand, suitable equipment can later be bought back by Graham Russell Drums or taken in part exchange when you are ready to upgrade or if you move on to something other than drums... This gives you a straightforward route from your first setup to the kit, cymbals or electronic equipment.

Buying your first drum kit with the future in mind

A beginner does not need to predict exactly what they will want several years from now. Your first kit needs to fit your current budget, available space and the type of practice you can do at home. As you improve, you may want a better acoustic kit, quieter electronic drums, more professional cymbals or simply a setup that is easier to transport.

That is why buying a first kit should be seen as the beginning of an upgrade path rather than a once-and-for-all decision. You can explore our beginner drum kits and our constantly changing range of used drum kits, then choose the option that makes sense for you now.

When the time comes to move on, we can consider buying suitable equipment back from you or taking it in part exchange. It does not have to have been bought new, and it does not have to have been purchased from us originally.

What happens when you are ready to upgrade?

1. Decide what you have outgrown. You might want to replace a complete kit, trade in entry-level cymbals or move from an acoustic setup to an electronic one.
2. Send us the details. Email [email protected] with the make, model and sizes, a list of everything included and clear photos.
3. Receive a free guide price. We assess the information and let you know what we may be able to offer. Quotes carry no obligation and can sometimes take a couple of days during busy periods.
4. Bring or send the gear to us. We must inspect it in person before confirming a final value. Electronic drum kits also need to be set up and tested.
5. Choose what comes next. We can buy the equipment outright or apply its agreed value towards another new or pre-owned purchase.

It does not have to be a complete drum kit

Part exchange is not limited to complete acoustic drum kits. We consider most functional drum-related equipment, including snare drums, cymbals, stands and pedals, electronic kits, stools, cases and percussion. You can contact us about a single cymbal or snare just as easily as a complete setup.

The main things we cannot take are cracked cymbals, cracked drum shells, non-functional equipment and some very inexpensive kits or cymbals. If you are unsure, send us the details rather than ruling the equipment out yourself.

Looking after your first kit can help later

Normal signs of playing are expected on used drum gear. However, keeping the kit complete and functional makes it much easier for us to assess when you want to sell or part exchange it.

• Keep tom arms, clamps, cables and other kit-specific fittings together.
• Store spare parts and any cases that came with the kit.
• Avoid allowing damp to cause heavy rust, oxidation or damage to the shells.
• When requesting a valuation, show wear or damage clearly in the photographs.

Part exchange or private sale?

Selling privately may achieve a higher price, but it also means creating an advert, answering enquiries, arranging payment and waiting for the right buyer. A shop part-exchange offer needs to leave room for us to inspect, prepare and resell the equipment.

For many beginners and parents, the attraction is simplicity. Your current kit comes to us, its agreed value goes towards the replacement and you can concentrate on choosing the right upgrade rather than managing two separate transactions.

What can you upgrade to?

Your part-exchange value does not have to be spent on the same type of equipment. A first drum kit could help fund better cymbals, a snare drum or an electronic drum kit. Several smaller items can also be put towards one larger purchase.

You can use the agreed value against new or second-hand equipment. This makes it possible to upgrade gradually as your playing, sound and practical needs become clearer.

Frequently Asked Questions