To your left is a wall of cymbals. To your right, a wall of snare drums. Packed in the center are rows of drum kits ready to try. You sit behind one and, starting to play, you immediately hear the difference between what you were going to order online and what, it turns out, you actually want. That's something even the best websites can't do for you. And it's why these local shops are here. Nine in ten have a showroom you can simply walk into, find the gear you want, and take it home. And nearly all keep used and vintage gear on the floor, which means there's always something in stock you weren't expecting to find.

These shops are part of the community: They do repairs, offer pro advice, and teach lessons. They work with local schools. They host clinics and workshops, lead drum circles, and rent gear. Whether you're after drums, cymbals, concert percussion, accessories, or supplies, there's a shop on Local Drum Shops with the answer and a real person to share it with you.