Ashthorpe Full Size Drum Set with Cymbals Review: A High-Octane Deep Dive into an Affordable Powerhouse

There is a specific kind of frustration that comes with being an aspiring drummer or a parent of one. You want a kit that sounds like “real” music, but you aren’t ready to drop two thousand dollars on a professional touring rig. For years, the market was flooded with “toy” drums—flimsy sets that sounded like cardboard boxes and broke within a month. I have seen countless students lose interest in percussion simply because their equipment couldn’t keep up with their passion. Solving this entry-level hurdle is crucial; if the hardware is frustrating or the sound is jarring, the soul of the musician suffers. This is where we found the Ashthorpe Full Size Drum Set with Cymbals entering the fray. It promises to bridge the gap between “beginner” and “professional” without the soul-crushing price tag, offering a solution for those who need a stage-worthy look and a studio-worthy sound right out of the box.

What to Consider Before Investing in a Full-Size Drum Set

A Drum Set is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for developing coordination, relieving stress, and anchoring a musical ensemble. When you invest in a kit, you aren’t just buying shells and metal; you are buying the primary heartbeat of your music. A quality set provides the tactile feedback necessary to learn “ghost notes,” “rimshots,” and proper “pedal feathering.” Without these nuances, a drummer’s growth is stunted. Choosing a kit like the Ashthorpe Full Size Drum Set with Cymbals means prioritizing a full-frequency response that encourages long-term practice rather than quick burnout.

The ideal customer for this type of product is an adult beginner, a teenager moving up from a junior kit, or even a seasoned player who needs a reliable “beater” kit for practice sessions or small club gigs. It is specifically designed for those who want a “complete” package—meaning you won’t have to go back to the store three times to buy stands, stools, or sticks. However, it might not be suitable for professional recording artists who require high-end Maple or Bubinga shells, nor is it ideal for those living in extremely cramped apartments where an electronic kit might be a more neighbor-friendly choice.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: A full-size 5-piece kit requires a significant footprint. You should plan for an area of at least 5 feet by 5 feet to allow for the throne, the kick drum depth, and the reach of the cymbal stands. We found that measuring your room beforehand is the difference between a comfortable practice space and a cramped one.
• Capacity & Performance: Look at the “lug count” and head quality. Higher lug counts on the bass drum (this model features ten) allow for more precise tuning. Performance is also dictated by the heads; beginner kits often have “stock” heads that need immediate replacement, so having factory-installed Remo heads is a massive performance metric to look for.
• Materials & Durability: Shell material defines the “warmth” of the kit. Poplar is an industry-standard for entry-to-mid-level kits because it offers a balanced tone. Chrome hardware and double-braced stands are also essential for durability, ensuring the kit doesn’t wobble or collapse during an intense solo.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Drum sets are mechanical instruments. They require assembly, tuning, and occasional lubrication of the kick pedal chain. You should look for kits that include a drum key and clear instructions. Long-term maintenance involves replacing heads every 6-12 months depending on play style, so standard sizing is a must.

As you weigh these factors, it becomes clear that the Ashthorpe Full Size Drum Set with Cymbals aims to tick every one of these boxes. Before we dive into the specific performance metrics of this kit, it’s worth comparing it to other top contenders in the market.

While the Ashthorpe Full Size Drum Set with Cymbals is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing the Ashthorpe Full Size Drum Set with Cymbals

When the Ashthorpe Full Size Drum Set with Cymbals arrived, the first thing we noticed was the sheer weight of the package. At 95 pounds, it’s clear that this isn’t a plastic toy. Upon opening the box, the Blue finish on the Poplar shells was striking—it has a deep, metallic luster that catches the light beautifully, making it look much more expensive than its price point suggests. Before you even strike a note, you can see its full feature set and user reviews to understand the value packed into this crate.

The components are packed tightly, and while the assembly can be a bit of a marathon (as we’ll discuss later), the initial feel of the chrome hardware is solid. Unlike previous versions of entry-level Ashthorpe kits, this specific configuration includes “Premium Brass” cymbals. Most beginner kits include “stainless steel” or “tin” cymbals that sound like trash can lids, but these brass versions offer a much crisper, more musical decay. The inclusion of genuine Remo heads—both batter and resonant—was a pleasant surprise, as these are the industry standard for tone control.

Deep Dive: Putting the Ashthorpe Full Size Drum Set with Cymbals to the Test

Acoustic Resonance and the Remo Advantage

The heart of any drum kit is its shells, and with the Ashthorpe Full Size Drum Set with Cymbals, the use of Poplar hardwood is a strategic choice. In our testing, Poplar provides a very “round” sound—not too bright like Birch, and not too dark like Mahogany. It’s a middle-ground wood that records exceptionally well. However, the real hero here is the inclusion of Remo heads. Usually, when we test a budget-friendly kit, the first thing we do is throw away the stock heads and spend another $100 on Remos. Ashthorpe has eliminated that step. By having Remo heads on both the batter (top) and resonant (bottom) sides, the drums “sing” rather than just “thud.”

During our session, we tuned the 16″ x 16″ floor tom quite low. The result was a satisfying, deep growl that didn’t have the annoying “basketball bounce” sound common in cheaper heads. The 14″ snare drum, featuring a chrome-plated basket stand, offered a sharp, cracking response that could easily cut through a loud guitar amp. This level of acoustic performance is why we suggest you check the latest price and availability, as finding Remo heads pre-installed at this price point is a rare win for the consumer.

Hardware Stability and Ergonomics

If the drums are the heart, the hardware is the skeleton. We spent several hours puttering with the stands and pedals of the Ashthorpe Full Size Drum Set with Cymbals. The hardware is double-braced, which is essential for any adult player. Single-braced stands tend to creep across the floor during a heavy performance, but these stayed put. The 22″ ten-lug bass drum is particularly impressive; the ten lugs allow you to distribute the tension of the head evenly, which prevents the head from wrinkling and ensures a punchy, consistent kick sound.

The chain-driven pedals for both the kick drum and the hi-hat are surprisingly smooth. While they don’t have the lightning-fast response of a $500 DW pedal, they are more than adequate for learning double-stroke rolls and maintain a decent “feel” under the foot. We also evaluated the padded adjustable throne. For a “pack-in” stool, it’s remarkably comfortable, though extremely tall or heavy players might eventually want to upgrade to a hydraulic throne. For the average user, however, it’s a perfectly functional seat that rounds out the “complete” nature of the kit.

The Brass Cymbal Upgrade: A Game Changer

Cymbals are often the Achilles’ heel of any “all-in-one” drum set. Most manufacturers include “starter” cymbals that are essentially just flat pieces of sheet metal. Ashthorpe, however, upgraded this kit to “Premium Brass.” In our evaluation, the 14″ hi-hats had a crisp “chick” sound when closed and a controllable wash when opened. The 16″ crash/ride is a versatile piece of brass; when struck on the edge, it provides a decent crash with a medium decay, and when played on the bow with the tip of the stick, it gives a clear “ping” that serves well for keeping time in jazz or rock patterns.

We found that these cymbals don’t have the harsh, ear-piercing overtones that cheaper alloys produce. This makes practice sessions much more tolerable for both the drummer and everyone else in the house. This cymbal upgrade is a feature that really sets it apart from the sea of competitors that use inferior materials. If you are serious about developing a “musical” ear for cymbal work, starting with brass is an absolute necessity.

The Assembly Experience: Patience is a Virtue

We would be remiss if we didn’t mention the assembly process. This is not a “plug and play” instrument. You are essentially building five separate drums from scratch. In our experience, it takes roughly three to four hours for a single person to fully assemble, tension, and tune the kit. One point of contention we noted, which was also echoed by several users, is that the hardware bags aren’t always labeled clearly. You might find yourself staring at a pile of screws and tension rods wondering which ones go to the snare and which go to the toms.

However, the instructions are detailed and easy to read if you take your time. We highly recommend laying everything out on a carpeted floor before you begin. Once assembled, the sense of accomplishment is great, and the kit feels incredibly sturdy. If you’ve ever put together IKEA furniture, you can handle this, but don’t expect to be drumming five minutes after the box hits your porch. For those who enjoy the “mechanics” of their instrument, this assembly process is actually a great way to learn how drums work, how heads are tensioned, and how to maintain your kit for years to come.

What Other Users Are Saying

The general consensus among those who have purchased the Ashthorpe Full Size Drum Set with Cymbals is overwhelmingly positive, especially regarding the “bang for the buck.” One user mentioned gifting it to their son, noting that the “sound quality is exceptional” and it quickly became a favorite possession. Another buyer praised the aesthetic, calling it “absolutely gorgeous” and perfectly sized for a standard bedroom. We saw several comments highlighting how “easy it is to hear the quality” once it’s tuned up properly.

Of course, no product is without its hiccups. A few users mentioned the assembly confusion we touched on earlier, with one 14-year-old reviewer noting it took about four hours because the “bags aren’t labeled.” We also saw a report of a missing screw, though this appears to be a rare quality control outlier. Generally, the sentiment is that for the price, the quality is higher than expected. As one parent put it, it’s a “good quality kit for the price,” making it a low-risk investment for a first-time drummer. You can read more first-hand experiences here to see if it’s the right fit for your home.

How It Compares: Ashthorpe vs. The Competition

1. Mendini by Cecilio 3-Piece Junior Drum Set with Cymbal

The Mendini 3-piece is a significantly smaller kit designed specifically for children aged 3 to 6. While the Ashthorpe is a “full-size” adult kit, this Mendini model is more of a “discovery” tool for toddlers. It lacks the hi-hat stand and the two mounted toms found on the Ashthorpe. If you are buying for a teenager or an adult, the Mendini 3-piece will be far too small. However, for a very young child who isn’t tall enough to reach the pedals of a full-size kit, this is a more appropriate, space-saving choice.

2. Mendini by Cecilio 5-Piece Junior Drum Set with Cymbal & Seat

This 5-piece Mendini kit is a step up from the 3-piece, but it is still a “Junior” set with a 16-inch bass drum. Compare that to the 22-inch bass drum on the Ashthorpe Full Size Drum Set with Cymbals, and you’ll see a massive difference in sound volume and physical stature. The Mendini 5-piece is great for kids up to age 10 or 11. If the drummer is over 5 feet tall, they will likely feel “clown-like” on the Mendini. The Ashthorpe is the clear winner for anyone looking for a “real” drum set that can be used for performances and long-term growth.

3. Ashthorpe Full Size 5-Piece Drum Set

This is Ashthorpe’s “Standard” version of the kit we are reviewing. The primary difference is the heads and cymbals. While this standard model is even more budget-friendly, it only features Remo batter heads and uses basic alloy cymbals. The Ashthorpe Full Size Drum Set with Cymbals (the one with Premium Brass) is the superior choice because the brass cymbals and full Remo head set (batter and resonant) provide a much more professional sound. For a small increase in price, the “Premium” version offers a significantly better sonic experience.

The Final Verdict: Is the Ashthorpe Full Size Drum Set with Cymbals Worth It?

After a thorough evaluation, our conclusion is that the Ashthorpe Full Size Drum Set with Cymbals is arguably the best value proposition in the entry-level drum market today. It successfully avoids the “toy” trap by including genuine Remo heads and premium brass cymbals—two upgrades that drummers usually have to buy separately. While the assembly requires a bit of grit and the sticks are somewhat basic, the actual drums and hardware are rock solid. Whether you’re a parent looking for a “forever” starter kit for your child or an adult finally fulfilling that rockstar dream, this set provides everything you need to start playing with confidence.

The combination of Poplar shells and the ten-lug bass drum creates a sound that is punchy, resonant, and stage-ready. It looks fantastic under lights and stands up to the rigors of daily practice. If you are ready to stop dreaming and start drumming, we highly recommend you grab this complete kit today and begin your rhythmic journey. It is a rare example of an affordable instrument that doesn’t compromise on the essentials.