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How to rent a complete drum kit or individual drums​

When you're preparing a music show, the drum kit is nothing less than the "heart" of the band. It's also one of the most complex instruments to set up, adjust, and record. But it's also the one that can cause the most logistical headaches. So, how much can all this cost?

The short answer: It depends on the kit, the duration, and especially all the extras. The helpful answer: You can set a realistic budget, avoid unpleasant surprises, and then choose between renting a complete drum kit for a concert or a hybrid option (just a few items, like the drums, an extra snare drum, or even cymbals or a double bass drum pedal because you broke yours at your last rehearsal? All of this is possible!).

Music drum kit rental: the price

The price you see on the tag is rarely the final cost for a "ready-to-play" setup. Backline rentals are often charged by the day (24 hours), and additional services are added as needed.


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Drum kit rental: what factors influence the prices when you want to rent?

After visiting several music instrument rental shops, here's what really influences the price of drum set rental:

  • Kit configuration: A setup of 4 or 5 pieces (drums) or more?
  • Quality: A "standard" practice kit versus a "pro" touring kit.
  • Cymbals: Included or not? This is often the most expensive option.
  • Hardware: Stands, boom poles, drum pedal, bench: are these included or optional extras?
  • The condition of the drumheads: A drum with new "stage-ready" drumheads comes at a price.
  • The actual duration: A full weekend is often calculated in cumulative days, not just a global package.
  • Logistics: Will you pick everything up or will you have it delivered to the venue? Will you handle the return trip or will we need to pick it up at the end of the show?
  • Backline tech: Is there someone available for on-site setup, adjustment, and troubleshooting?

Note: For backline rental company, they talk in terms of "days," but bands think in terms of "shows." In between, there's pre-production (or rehearsal), load-in the day before, soundcheck, the show, and equipment return.

Drum kit hire: what you actually rent

Many drummers prefer to bring their own "breakables": cymbals, snare drum, bass drum pedal and throne.

  • Why? For comfort, consistent sound, and because it's what wears out the fastest.

The advantage: It can lower your backline rental costs and avoids struggling with a hi-hat pedal that doesn't respond like yours. You can have two models that look similar, but the feel is completely different when you play.

Realistic price ranges for a concert

For a show, the acoustic drum kit remains the standard because it responds better to the stage dynamics and is simpler for the sound engineer. Electronic drum kits can also be rented, but this is more for specific contexts (studio, stage with controlled volume, or hybrid setup).

Here are some approximate prices for a 24-hour rental. Note: Prices vary depending on whether you are in Montreal, Quebec City, or elsewhere in France.

Drum set rental scenario for a concert (24 hours)

Typical use

What is included (often)

Indicative budget (CAD)

Standard acoustic kit

Bar, small room, opening act

Drums + basic hardware (often without cymbals)

150 $ – 250 $

Professional acoustic kit

Tour, festival, video recording

Drums + complete hardware, quality kit, drumheads in good condition

250 $ – 350 $

High-end kit

Demanding rider, big contract

Premium brands (DW, Gretsch USA, etc.), choice of sizes

350 $– 450$ +

Electronic kit

Studio, room with decibel limit

Pads + module, sometimes specific pedals

125 $ – 300 $

Supplements

According to needs

Delivery, drum tech, new drumheads

Variable


These amounts are guidelines, not a promise. The same kit may cost less if you pick it up from the depot and return it early, or more if the production requires on-stage setup, a night shift, or "standby" availability.

A phrase that helps to negotiate effectively: “We are looking for a ready-to-play kit, suitable for the rider, with simple logistics.” This encourages everyone to talk about the real need, not just the price of the drums.

The fees that are most often added to a music drum kit rental

A proper drum rental quote for a concert will detail what is included and what is not. If it's not explicitly stated, ask to avoid improvising on the night of the show.

  1. Delivery and collection: Charged per kilometer or flat rate (please note if there are stairs or if the unloading dock is far away).​
  2. Assembly/Takedown: Rarely free, even if done by the backline tech.
  3. The technician: Essential if several drummers are performing on the same stage (festival).​
  4. Consumables: If you want new drumheads, be prepared to pay the cost price plus the application fee.
  5. Security deposit: Often requested, especially for new customers.

There are also indirect costs. If you think you're saving money by picking up the stock yourself, but it takes a cube, two buddies to help you and four hours of your time, your savings have just gone out the window. 

Creating a simple budget for renting a music drum kit

It's entirely possible to put together a solid budget for renting a drum kit without spending hours on it, as long as you ask the right questions from the start. The goal isn't to overthink things, it's simply to take care of the issues that cause stress on the day of the show.

After chatting with the venue or promoter, you can proceed step by step:

  • Defining the minimum "rider": Drum size, number of toms, cymbal requirements, preferred pedal model and accessories.
  • Determine the actual duration: A single day, two days, or the entire weekend with a late return.
  • Clarifying the logistics: The "pick-up", the delivery, stage access (load-in), opening hours and parking.

Appoint a person in charge: Who checks the kit upon receipt, who signs the rental agreement and who manages the return of the stock.

Details to be confirmed before leaving for the room

The day before, everything hinges on simple things. A perfect kit on paper can become a nightmare if one element is missing.

Also check:

  • the exact list of cymbals (models or equivalents)
  • the condition of the drumheads and the presence of a drum key
  • the type of seat, the minimum and maximum height
  • the compatibility of the stands with your configuration (right-hand ride, crashes, splash)
  • the presence of carpets or a means of preventing the bass drum from moving forward

A well-prepared concert is often a less expensive concert, because it avoids last-minute additions and "emergency" technician hours.