One of the biggest misconceptions about entry-level drum kits is that they’re only meant for beginners — something you buy, outgrow quickly, and replace within a year. That’s not the case with the Dixon Spark drum sets we carry at Nick & Tiff Music.
The Spark kits live in a rare middle ground: approachable enough for beginners, but built well enough to comfortably carry a player into the intermediate stage. In many ways, this is a real drum kit first — not a stepping stone pretending to be one.
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Real Wood Shells, Real Sound
At the heart of the Dixon Spark kits are real wood shells, not composite or toy-grade materials. That alone puts these drums in a different category than many so-called “starter” kits.
Real wood shells mean:
- Better resonance and tone
- More consistent tuning
- A drum sound that actually responds to touch and technique
As a drummer grows, their touch changes — and the Spark kit is responsive enough to grow right along with them.
Evans Heads Included — From Day One
One of the standout features of the Dixon Spark kits is that they come stock with Evans drumheads. That’s a detail that matters more than most people realize.
Evans Drumheads are trusted by professionals around the world for consistency, durability, and tone. Having Evans heads right out of the box means:
- Better sound immediately
- More forgiving tuning
- No urgent “upgrade” required after purchase
This is one of the main reasons we hesitate to label the Spark as just a beginner kit. Most entry-level sets cut costs here — Dixon doesn’t.
Notable drummers who use Evans heads include:
- Dave Grohl — Known for powerful, straightforward drumming with Nirvana and Foo Fighters.
- Chad Smith — A master of groove and feel, blending funk and rock effortlessly.
- Steve Gadd — One of the most recorded drummers in history, revered for touch and musicality.
For new and developing drummers, this matters more than brand recognition. Quality heads tune more easily, sound better at lower volumes, and respond more clearly to changes in technique — all of which help players improve faster and enjoy practicing more.
It’s another reason the Dixon Spark feels like a serious, thoughtfully equipped drum set.
Practice Mesh Heads Included (A Huge Bonus)
Another feature that sets the Dixon Spark apart is the inclusion of a full set of practice mesh heads.
For families, this is a game-changer. It means students can practice more often — without volume becoming a constant battle at home.
Mesh heads allow players to:
- Practice quietly at home
- Work on technique without overwhelming volume
- Keep neighbors (and parents) happy while still logging real practice time
Being able to switch between Evans heads for full sound and mesh heads for quiet practice makes the Spark kit incredibly versatile — and practical for real-life use.
Dixon Spark kits include:
- Full drum shell pack
Real wood shells designed to produce a clear, musical tone that responds well as a player develops. - Double-braced hardware package
Sturdy stands, bass drum pedal, and throne that stay put and don’t fight the player while they’re learning. - Starter cymbal set
Brass hi-hats and a crash/ride — everything needed to start playing right away. - Evans drumheads installed
Quality heads that tune easily, sound better, and don’t require immediate upgrades. - Practice mesh heads included
A full set of mesh heads for quiet practice, making the Spark incredibly versatile for home use, lessons, and rehearsals.
The result is a drum kit that works in real life — loud when you want it to be, quiet when it needs to be, and solid enough to support real progress.
Beginner and Intermediate — Why the Spark Fits Both
Beginner Drum Set or Intermediate Drum Set?
Rather than boxing the Dixon Spark into a single category, it’s more accurate to call it a beginner / intermediate kit.
It’s ideal for:
- First-time drummers who want a serious instrument
- Students moving up from pad-only practice
- Players who don’t want to replace their kit after the first year
- Families looking for long-term value
A true beginner kit helps you start.
The Dixon Spark helps you progress.
Why We Chose Dixon Spark for Nick & Tiff Music
We don’t try to carry everything — we carry what works.
The Dixon Spark kits checked every box we care about:
- Real wood construction
- Quality heads included
- Quiet practice solution built in
- A sound and feel that encourages real learning
Most importantly, these are drum sets we feel confident recommending to students and families without hesitation.
Final Thoughts
The Dixon Spark isn’t a drum set you buy just to get started.
It’s a kit you can start on, grow with, and stay inspired by.
For players looking for a drum set that respects their effort — and parents looking for value that lasts — the Spark hits that sweet spot perfectly.
If you’d like to see one in person, stop in Nick & Tiff Music (6840 Erie Rd. Derby NY, 14047) where we also provide Drum Lessons from an incredibly talented national recording artist Chris Nathan.
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As always, thanks for supporting local music and local musicians.
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