Build your foundation behind the kit with the Ludwig Backbeat Elite 5-piece complete drum set, a Guitar Center Exclusive available in a variety of exclusive finishes. Featuring all-poplar shells, a 22x16" bass drum, 10x8" and 12x9" rack toms, a 16x16" floor tom and a 14x6.5" chrome-plated steel snare, this complete setup combines warm, punchy drum tones with the crisp attack of a metal snare. The kit also includes Wuhan 457 Heavy Metal cymbals, double-braced hardware and a chain-drive bass drum pedal, providing the essential components for a full acoustic drum setup. Details such as 45-degree bearing edges, clear double-ply batter heads, matching wood bass drum hoops and adjustable tom suspension mounts support responsive playing and flexible positioning. From home practice to rehearsals and live performances, the Backbeat Elite brings together Ludwig drum construction and a complete hardware and cymbal package in one coordinated setup.

Poplar Shells Deliver Warm Tone and Responsive Attack

The Backbeat Elite features all-poplar drum shells that produce a warm, full-bodied sound with a focused attack. The 10x8" and 12x9" rack toms offer articulate response, while the 16x16" floor tom adds low-end depth. Clear double-ply batter heads provide a durable playing surface, while 45-degree bearing edges promote shell resonance and support a broad tuning range. The 22x16" bass drum features matching wood hoops and pre-muffled heads, including a clear batter head and coated white resonant head, to help control unwanted overtones. Together, these elements provide a balanced acoustic foundation for a variety of musical styles.

Chrome-Plated Steel Snare Adds Crisp, Cutting Response

At the center of the kit is a 14x6.5" chrome-plated steel snare drum that produces a bright, articulate attack with pronounced projection. Its steel shell provides a contrasting voice to the warmer poplar toms and bass drum, offering sensitivity for ghost notes alongside the sharp response needed for accented backbeats and rimshots. A side throw-off allows players to engage or disengage the snare wires, switching between a defined snare response and a more open drum tone. The chrome-plated finish complements the rest of the kit's hardware.

Wuhan 457 Heavy Metal Cymbals Complete the Setup

The Backbeat Elite includes a set of Wuhan 457 Heavy Metal cymbals, providing the essential voices for timekeeping, accents and sustained patterns. The configuration consists of 14" hi-hats, a 16" crash and a 20" ride. Designed for a bright, assertive sound, these cymbals complement the kit's acoustic drums with clear articulation and projection. The hi-hats provide rhythmic definition, the crash adds accents and the ride supports steady patterns across a range of playing styles. Including all three cymbal types allows drummers to assemble a complete playing setup without purchasing a separate cymbal pack.

Double-Braced Hardware Provides Stable Drum Positioning

A full complement of double-braced hardware provides support for the drums and cymbals. The package includes a snare stand and convertible boom cymbal stands for flexible positioning. Adjustable rack tom mounts feature swiveling hardware and memory locks to help maintain preferred setups, while the floor tom brackets allow side-to-side adjustment. A chain-drive bass drum pedal provides a direct, responsive playing feel. These components give drummers the flexibility to configure the kit around their playing position while maintaining a stable foundation for rehearsals, practice and performances.

A Complete Guitar Center Exclusive Drum Set

The Ludwig Backbeat Elite 5-piece complete drum set brings together poplar shells, a steel snare, Wuhan cymbals and double-braced hardware in a single package. Its combination of acoustic drum construction and included accessories makes it a practical option for developing drummers assembling their first full setup, as well as experienced players seeking a complete kit for rehearsals or performances. Available exclusively at Guitar Center in a selection of distinctive finishes, including Matte Aluminum, the Backbeat Elite pairs Ludwig's classic drum design with a coordinated, ready-to-assemble configuration.