Mendini By Cecilio Drum Set

Decoding the Quality, Price, and Features of One of the Most Popular Beginner Drum Kits

Drumming is one of the most rewarding hobbies and musical skills you can develop. The sense of rhythm, coordination, and musicality you gain from playing the drums can last a lifetime. And it’s just plain fun! But starting out on the drums can be intimidating, especially when faced with the dizzying array of drum kit options on the market.

That’s where Mendini by Cecilio drum sets come in. Mendini offers high quality, full-featured drum sets at very affordable prices, making them one of the most popular choices for beginner drummers. In this comprehensive buying guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Mendini drum sets so you can make an informed purchasing decision.

What is Mendini by Cecilio?

Mendini is a musical instrument brand owned by Cecilio Musical Instruments. Cecilio has been making and distributing string, woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments for over 20 years. Their Mendini line offers entry-level and intermediate instruments across all categories at budget-friendly prices without sacrificing quality.

The Mendini drum sets are designed with the needs of new drummers in mind. The quality components and versatile configurations make these kits ideal for aspiring drummers of all ages and ability levels. Mendini drum sets provide excellent value for your money so you can start playing drums without breaking the bank.

Mendini Drum Set Sizes and Configurations

One of the great things about Mendini drum kits is the number of options available. Mendini offers 8 different drum set bundles ranging from 3-piece to 7-piece kits so you can find just the right drum configuration for your needs and budget.

The most basic (and most affordable) option is the Mendini 3-piece drum set. This comes with a bass drum, a mounted tom drum, floor tom drum, drum pedal, drum throne, and drum sticks. It’s a simple but versatile starter kit.

For a few more drums and cymbals, check out the Mendini 5-piece kit. This popular kit adds a snare drum and cymbals for a complete basic drumming setup. Larger 7-piece configurations add another tom drum and extra cymbal for more sound versatility.

There are multiple color options too including jet black, white, red, green, and blue. And both junior and full sizes are available if you’re buying for a younger drummer.

Drum Construction Quality and Materials

Considering their very affordable pricing, Mendini drum sets are built to a surprisingly high standard. The quality of construction, materials, and hardware rivals that of many mid-range drum brands.

The bass drums, toms, and snares are made of quality poplar wood shells and fitted with tension rods for tuning. Poplar has a warm, rich tone that offers great sound across a wide tuning range.

The drum wraps consist of a polyurethane outer layer bonded to an interior ply layer for durability. Mendini wraps are thick and resistant to chipping and fading.

Chrome-plated drum hardware and triple-flanged hoops add pro-level quality and stability. And all drumheads are real Mylar drumheads that can handle being tuned and having their sound modified.

Cymbals are responsive brass stamped cymbals – not cheap brass or plastic like some starter drum kits. Even the budget-priced Mendini cymbals have good sound quality and crispness for being entry-level.

Overall, Mendini drum sets are made to last through countless practices and jam sessions as you develop your drumming skills over time. The quality exceeds what most beginners actually need.

Are Mendini Drum Sets Good for Beginners?

Mendini drum sets are absolutely perfect for beginner drummers for a few key reasons:

• Affordable pricing – You get a quality full drum kit that won’t break the bank. Mendini costs a fraction of higher end drum kit brands.
• Complete drumming setup – The different kit configurations come with everything you need to start playing drums. At a minimum you get bass drum, snare, toms, throne, pedal, sticks, and (with most kits) cymbals. No extra purchases needed.
• Quality sound and construction – The drums sound good, are easily tunable, and the hardware withstands vigorous newbie playing. You won’t outgrow a Mendini kit for quite some time.
• Looks and feels like pro gear – From the chrome hardware to the bold logos and colors, Mendini kits look impressive sitting behind a drum throne. This inspires new drummers to pick up the sticks and start playing.

The Mendini drum kit experience helps new drummers stick with it during the crucial beginning stages. For the price, you simply can’t find a better value drum set for beginners.

How Mendini Drum Sets Compare to Other Brands

The main appeal of Mendini drum kits is the quality and performance you get – at a super affordable price point for beginners. But how do they stack up against some of the leading drum brands on the market? Let’s quickly compare:

• Pearl and Tama – Both top professional brands, but expensive. Even their beginner kits cost over $500. Good pro options but overkill for new drummers.
• Ludwig and Gretsch – Similar to Pearl & Tama – very high quality but come at a high price. Intermediate to pro level.
• PDP and Yamaha – Known for very good beginner drum kit options. Comparable quality to Mendini but cost $200+ more.
• Gammon Percussion and Music Alley – Other budget drum brands, but cheaper quality. Not as well-built as Mendini drum sets.

While not quite pro-level, Mendini kits offer the best value by far. For new drummers on a budget, nothing beats the quality and price combo of a Mendini drum set. You just can’t find a more affordable yet well-made full drum kit.

Are All Mendini Drum Sets the Same Quality?

With such affordable pricing, some buyers understandably worry that the lower cost must mean poor quality. However, this is not the case with Mendini drum sets.

There are a few different product lines within the Mendini brand (Mendini, Imperial, Royal, etc), but Cecilio maintains consistent drum construction and sound quality across all the Mendini beginner drum set models.

The main differences come down to drum sizes (16” vs 18” kick drums for example), number of pieces, and shell colors – not quality variances. While cosmetics and sizes vary, Cecilio keeps the wood shells, Chrome hardware, drum heads and other components uniform.

Of course, any company can produce a defective product from time to time. But overall customer feedback and reviews of all Mendini drum kit models indicate reliably good construction and sound quality throughout the lineup. There are no “cheap” Mendini drum set lines.

Where to Buy Mendini Drum Sets Online

Mendini drum sets are sold through multiple online music retailers which allows buyers to compare prices and deals. Some of the most popular online stores to purchase Mendini kits include:

• Amazon – Massive selection of Mendini drum set bundles and configurations. Also shows buyer reviews and ratings. Often the lowest pricing.
• Walmart – Large Mendini selection. Everyday low pricing plus free shipping over $35 on most sets. Easy returns to stores.
• eBay – Individual drum kit pieces and cymbals available. Also find lightly used Mendini drum sets for discount prices.
• Musician’s Friend – Authorized Mendini dealer with solid customer service and support. Occasional sales and promos.
• Thomann – Wide range of Mendini products. International retailer with low worldwide shipping costs.

Be sure to compare prices across retailers and take advantage of any sale pricing or other promotions whenever possible. Applying promo codes can also help maximize your savings on a Mendini drum kit purchase.

Typical Price Range of Mendini Drum Sets

Here is an overview of the price range you can expect with the main Mendini drum set configurations:

• 3-Piece Junior Drum Set – $180 to $250
• 5-Piece Drum Set – $240 to $350
• 5-Piece Kit with Cymbals – $280 to $400
• 7-Piece Drum Set – $350 to $500
• 7-Piece Kit with Cymbals – $400 to $600

Keep in mind that color options and shell sizes (16” vs 18” bass drum for example) impact pricing as well. But the above gives you a good ballpark estimate for budgeting purposes.

While not the absolute cheapest drum sets around, Mendini kits offer outstanding value and quality for the investment. And convenient financing plans from retailers like Affirm allow you to split your purchase into monthly payments.

Caring for Your Mendini Drum Set

With proper care and maintenance, a Mendini drum set will provide many years of playability. Here are some tips for keeping your drums in top shape:

• Tune drums regularly and check tension rods and rim hoops are tightened snugly
• Clean shells, hoops, and hardware with a dry or slightly damp cloth
• Avoid extreme temperature and humidity changes – heat and dryness damage drums over time
• Lubricate tension rods, lugs, and moving parts with light machine oil
• Replace worn or damaged heads – good heads drastically improve drum sound
• Wax finished drum shells 1-2 times per year to protect and restore sheen
• Never store drums upright leaning on shells long term – this can warp bearing edges
• Keep unused drums covered and avoid direct sunlight which fades finishes

The small extra effort keeping up with basic drum maintenance will help your Mendini kit last and retain its sound quality over many years of playing.

What Comes in a Mendini Drum Set Bundle?

One major benefit of buying a full drum kit bundle vs individual drums is that you get everything you need in one purchase. Here’s an overview of what’s generally included with a Mendini drum set:

• Matching lacquered wood drum shells – bass drum, mounted toms, floor tom, snare drum
• Chrome-plated drum hardware – tension rods, tom mounts, floor tom legs
• Drum heads pre-installed on batter (top) and resonant (bottom) sides
• Snare stand, cymbal stands, bass drum pedal, drum throne/stool
• Matching drumsticks and additional accessories like tuning key
• Instructional resources – assembly instructions, tuning tips, care instructions
• Cymbals included on most full kits

Having the drum shells, drum stands, throne, pedal and sticks altogether in one bundle means you can start playing your new Mendini kit right out of the box. No need to source all the drum gear separately.

Sound Quality and Performance

While inexpensive, Mendini drum sets deliver pleasing, musical drum tones right within a beginner’s budget. Here’s an overview of what to expect:

• Bass drums – The large bass drum shells produce a deep, punchy kick sound. Depending on batter head tuning, the bass drum can give a thuddy boom or sharper attack.
• Toms – A nice blend of attack and warmth. The rack toms have enough body for musical pitches and the floor tom resonates with a strong fundamental tone.
• Snares – Crisp and snappy crack thanks to the chrome-plated side rims. Good sensitivity across the head. Not as crisp as premium snares but very solid at this price.
• Cymbals – Offer bright, washy crash sounds. The ride cymbals give decent ping definition. Beginners won’t notice any lack of clarity or nuance.

Are Mendini drums as tonally refined and responsive as pro kits costing $1,000+? Of course not. But they deliver very good, musical drum sounds that are perfect for learning fundamentals, playing along to songs, and having fun jamming.

Can More Advanced Drummers Use Mendini Kits?

Mendini drum sets are designed squarely with beginners in mind based on their configurations, pricing, and feature set. But can more experienced drummers also enjoy playing Mendini kits?

The short answer is yes. While not ideal for pro stage and studio use, Mendini drums actually hold up quite well for more advanced playing. Here’s why:

• Well-made shells – The all-poplar wood shells have quality construction and interior ply rings. With proper tuning and heads, they produce pleasing tone and resonance.
• Tunable drums – You can fine tune tone and achieve an impressive tuning range thanks to quality components like tension rods and triple flanged hoops.
• Upgradeable drums – Heads and cymbals can be swapped for higher end models to coax out even better tone as skills progress.
• Impressive hardware – The chrome-plated stands, lugs, rims and fittings exceed entry-level durability and hold up to intense play.
• Killer value – Advanced players can own multiple customized Mendini kits for less than the cost of one pro brand kit.

The high quality components and real wood shells give Mendini kits versatility beyond just beginners. Intermediate and more advanced drummers could certainly gig and record using a tuned-up Mendini kit if needed.

Helpful Mendini Drum Set Tutorials

One advantage of buying a popular drum set brand like Mendini is all the available learning content online. Here are some helpful Mendini drum tutorial videos:

Unboxing and Assembly Tutorials

• What’s Inside a Mendini Drum Set? Unboxing and Assembly Guide
• Putting Together Your First Mendini Drum Kit
• Easy Step-by-Step Assembly for a Complete Drum Set

Playing Tutorials

• How to Play Your First Beats on a Mendini Drum Set
• 5 Beginner Drum Exercises Using a Mendini Kit
• Get Started Playing Rock Beats on Mendini Drums

Tuning and Maintenance

• Tuning Tips: How to Tune Mendini Drum Kits
• Maintaining Your Mendini Drum Set for Best Sound
• How to Change Drum Heads on a Mendini Drum Kit

Having visual step-by-step instructions makes getting started with your new drum kit much easier. Be sure to take advantage of all the Mendini drum tutorials online.

Choosing the Right Mendini Drum Set Model

With the various kit configurations and options available, how do you determine which specific Mendini drum set is right for your needs? Here are some tips:

Consider number of pieces

• 3-piece – Very portable and affordable. Good if only playing basics.
• 5-piece – Allows playing full drum beats and fills. Most popular beginner choice.
• 7-piece – Extra tom added for wider range of sounds and playability.

Determine if cymbals are needed

• Starter kits without cymbals allow saving money upfront.
• Cymbal sets add ability to play full beats right away.

Compare drum shell sizes

• Smaller junior sets suit younger drummers.
• Full 18” kick drums offer deeper sound for older beginners.

Pick cosmetics

• Color choices include black, white, red, blue, green finishes.
• Black lacquer and woodgrain finishes give a mature look.

Assess current skill level

• True beginners do well starting with a basic 3 or 5 piece kit.
• Players with some experience can benefit from larger kits.

Choosing the right Mendini configuration boils down to your budget, current abilities, and anticipated needs. And you can always add drums and cymbals later as skills progress.

Warranty Protection

While Mendini drum components are made to last, it’s reassuring to know Cecilio backs up their drums with a solid 1-year manufacturer’s warranty. This covers defects in materials and workmanship.

The easiest way to enact a warranty claim is by contacting Cecilio directly for troubleshooting help. They can send replacement parts or arrange service if needed.

Cecilio’s responsive customer service team aims to make returns and exchanges as smooth as possible. But many buyers report not needing to use the warranty at all thanks to the durability of Mendini drum kits.

It’s also smart to keep your original drum kit receipt to document your purchase date and eligibility. Registering your warranty online provides another layer of confirmation. Overall, Cecilio stands behind their products and buyers can feel confident in the warranty protection.

What Do Mendini Drum Kit Reviews Say?

Considering the brand’s popularity, there are fortunately lots of great Mendini drum set reviews available online. Sourcing feedback from other buyers is tremendously helpful when researching drum kits.

Looking across reviews on retail sites, forums, social media, and other channels, here are the most common positives buyers mention about Mendini drum sets:

• Great sound and performance for beginner and intermediate drummers
• Surprisingly nice quality for such an affordable price
• Chrome hardware and wood shells look and feel higher end
• Kits include everything needed to start playing right away
• Drums stay in tune through long jams and gigs
• Provides tons of value for the money

The most common negatives cited include:

• Cymbals only so-so in sound quality (but easily upgradeable)
• Some drum sets ship with minor nicks or cosmetic flaws
• Black lacquer finish can chip over time with heavy playing
• Packaging could be improved to prevent shipping damage

Overall though, the vast majority of Mendini drum reviews lean very positive. Buyers agree the kits exceed expectations for such low prices. The quality and value satisfaction shines through in most reviews.

Answers to Other Common Mendini Drum Set Questions:

How hard is it to assemble a Mendini drum set?

Assembly is designed to be very straightforward even for first-time drum kit setup. Clear instructions walk through attaching the drum bodies, mounting the cymbals, installing the pedal and stands. Plan on 2-3 hours for full assembly. No special tools or skills required.

Do Mendini drum sets come with everything I need?

The full drum set bundles come with bass drum pedal, drum throne, all drum stands, sticks, and any required hardware for assembly. The only extras may be a drum key for tuning or a drummer’s rug to prevent creeping. Cymbals included on most full kits.

What is the ideal room size to play my drum kit?

For the volume of a typical 3 or 5 piece drum kit, aim for a room at least 10’x10’ with 8’ ceilings. Bigger is better to allow sound dispersion. Bedrooms and basements work fine. Sound dampening panels also help reduce reflective noise in smaller spaces.

How loud are Mendini drum kits compared to acoustic kits?

Mendini kits with real wood shells and drum heads produce a naturally full acoustic drum sound at typical volumes. Playing with drum sticks versus brushes naturally increases loudness as well. But overall volume levels are comparable to other acoustic drum set brands.

Do I need lessons or can I teach myself on a Mendini drum kit?

Like any instrument, professional lessons accelerate learning good technique on drums. But countless musicians have taught themselves drums successfully too. Between YouTube tutorials and self-teaching books/DVDs, you can absolutely teach yourself on a Mendini kit, especially as a beginner.

How durable is the chrome and other drum hardware?

The triple-chrome plating process makes the tension rods, hoops, tom mounts, cymbal stands and other hardware very durable and resistant to rust or pitting. Mendini hardware stands up well to aggressive newbie drumming and regular transport to gigs.

Should I upgrade the heads or other parts on a Mendini drum set?

The included clear single-ply heads allow for decent tunability and sound. But drummers eventually want to experiment with 2-ply, coated heads for more durability, warmth and dynamic range. The shells and hardware are quality though, so only replace heads/cymbals as you see fit.

How often will I need to service or tune my Mendini drums?

Plan to tune your drums before every practice session or gig, checking for any loosening over time. This takes just 5-10 minutes. Every 3-6 months, do a thorough tune up including cleaning and spot lubrication. Heads may need replacing every 1-2 years with regular playing.

Can I expand my Mendini kit with more toms and cymbals later?

Absolutely. A great benefit of the Mendini design is you can easily add extra tom drums, cymbal packs, snare drums etc from Cecilio or other brands without issue. Smart drummers often start with a basic 3-piece kit and expand it gradually later.

In Conclusion

In the world of entry-level drum kits, nothing provides better quality and value than the Mendini by Cecilio drum set line. The all-poplar wood shells and Chrome appointments exceed what most beginners require while the affordable pricing makes exploration of drumming very accessible.

Intermediate and even advanced players could also potentially gig or record with a properly tuned Mendini kit. The sound, playability and component quality all impress relative to the low price tag.

It’s easy to see why the Mendini drum set is arguably the most popular choice for students and budget-focused drummers. And with the variety of bundled sets and à la carte drum pieces available, buyers can find the ideal Mendini configuration to match their needs and budget.

If you or someone you know is wanting to pick up drumming as a hobby, Mendini kits truly can’t be beat for quality and affordability. Just be prepared for some noisy practicing until your rhythmic skills and techniques progress!