From the hottest new digitals to popular compact kits, we take the temperature of the drum market to find out what’s in demand, what’s driving sales and what the future holds. — By Kimberly Kapela
I n 2025, the rhythm of the drum market is anything but predictable and is deeply influenced by forces beyond just the MI industry. From the explosive rise of smart digital kits to the continued boom in com- pact travel sets, and the still-reverberating effects of global tariffs and supply chain shifts, the percussion market has been hitting a different beat recently. Walk into any studio, stage or rehearsal room today and you’ll see the transforma- tion firsthand: sleeker builds with hybrid tech and tools designed for adaptability. Today’s drummers are demanding gear that grows with them, while dealers are
refining their strategies to meet the needs of a broader, more di- verse drumming community. To take the pulse of the
ments is no longer just about specs and price points. It’s about resonance — figu- ratively and literally. For drum manufacturers, the key to staying ahead lies in understanding what modern drummers want and delivering technology- driven solutions that don’t just meet expectations, but exceed them. Yoshi Shibata , Roland’s head of
percussion landscape, Mu- sic Inc. checked in with leading drum manufac- turers and top retailers to find out what’s in demand, what’s driving sales and where the market is headed next.
SUPPLIERS STRIKE THE RIGHT BALANCE In today’s drum market, selling instru-
branding for drums and percussion, pointed to this responsiveness as a major driver
32 I MUSIC INC. I AUGUST 2025
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