Choosing your first drum kit can be a daunting prospect. Maybe you have visions of having a fully featured kit with drums of all sizes and all kinds arrayed before you while you sit in the middle thumping out a beat. It can be like that, but for most people the first kit is usually a lot more modest.
The basic kit of drums usually consists of a standard 4-piece set up. This is dominated by a large 22 inch bass drum. In front of that there will be a 14 inch snare drum. Two tom-tom drums will accompany the set up: a 16 inch floor tom and a 12 inch rack tom. As well as the drums there is usually a crash cymbal and a hi-hat to round off the basic set up.
Most bands today have a more elaborate drum set up than the standard basic one. However, that is because the drummer is a professional who has learned how to play drums the hard way - through many years of hard gruelling practice.
When it comes to choosing your first drum kit the best advice is to keep it simple. Don't assume that in buying the fanciest and flashiest kit there is you will automatically become a great drummer. You might, but then again, you might not. It is best to buy the level and quality of drum kit that is as good as your playing is.
There are several reasons for doing this. One, if you discover that you don't have a particular aptitude for drumming, then you won't have wasted too much money, and two, you can grow your drum kit along with your level of expertise. In other words, as you get better you can upgrade to better drum equipment.
There is the question of which make of drumming equipment you should purchase. Should it be Mapex, Ludwig, Pacific or Pearl? Or should it be something more modest? Probably the best advice is to buy a kit that is cheap and simple. Also, try to get a kit where each component is made by the same manufacturer.
If every piece is made by a different company, there could be basic incompatibility problems. However, a fairly cheap and simple set made by some obscure manufacturer can be the best choice for a first drum kit. Use this set to practice, practice and practice. When you can afford it, and more importantly, when you think you are really ready, then upgrade to a better drum set up.
Another mistake that potential drummers make is to try and assemble as many pieces as possible. They see themselves surrounded by multiple toms and a dizzying array of cymbals and hi-hats, cow bells and octobans. Don't do it. It's a simple fact that if it's there asking to be hit, you will hit it regardless of whether or not it's a good idea.
Less is more in the case of your first drum set up. Learn the ropes first. Get your feet wet with a minimal kit, practice hard and become proficient, and then progress on to higher and bigger things. It's a musical journey, enjoy it!

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