Where GTA drummers go for gear, lessons, repairs & pro service
We’ve spent enough time in Toronto’s drum and percussion shops to know it’s not just about the gear. The best stores offer something more: reliable repairs when a lug snaps mid-rehearsal, flexible rentals when you’re gigging across town, or just a staff member who knows what it means when you ask for a “dry-sounding ride with some wash.”
We picked eight drum shops that drummers actually talk about – places where the service matches the shelves. Whether you’re renting a kit for a studio date or tracking down a hard-to-find Santana cowbell or Istanbul Mehmet Turk Jazz Ride 22”, these are the spots that show up, time after time.
Here are the top-rated drum and percussion stores around Toronto, all offering rentals, repairs, or both:
Where to find: Vaughan, Hwy 7
If you type “drum store near me” and live north of the city, chances are Drumland will come up first, and for good reason. This place specializes in drums only. That means no distractions, no wall of guitars, and no synths unless they’re part of an electronic kit.
They carry everything from beginner sets to high-end gear, and they’re known for honest customer service. Rentals start at $40/month with rent-to-own options, repairs are handled in-house, and the staff actually knows what kit manu means without needing to look it up. Their lesson packages start at $179.99 for 7 sessions, and they offer free shipping on orders over $199.
✅ Rentals
✅ Repairs
✅ Lessons
Where to find: Richmond Hill, East Beaver Creek
Music Balcony is a smaller operation with a loyal customer base. If you’re looking for percussion shops near me that still feel personal, this is one to visit.
They stock a blend of Persian, Turkish, and Western drums – dafs, setars, ouds – but also modern accessories like Vater ear plugs and kits suited for schools or practice studios. Their baglama instruments run around $620, while traditional daf drums range from $154-240. Repairs and rentals are available, and they also offer pickup for online orders, which is a nice touch. They ship across North America and serve the large Middle Eastern community in the GTA.
✅ Rentals
✅ Repairs
✅ Lessons
Where to find: Vaughan, Planchet Rd
Baterista is more boutique than a retail chain. It focuses heavily on Latin percussion, world drums, and high-end cymbals like Istanbul Mehmet 18 Crash. It’s not a walk-in mega-store. It’s run by percussionists for percussionists.
Founded by Michael Freilich with 45+ years in percussion, they’re Canada’s exclusive distributor for brands like Anatolian Cymbals, Doc Sweeney Drums, and Williams Drumheads.
If you’re serious about tone and looking for gear that stands out, this is where you’d go. Williams drumheads start around $9.99, while custom snares can be priced on request. That said, they have limited rentals and no formal lesson programs. Still, their repair and tuning work is trusted by pros.
⚠️ Limited Rentals
✅ Repairs
❌ Lessons
Where to find: Bloor St W, Toronto
You probably already know this name. L&M is Canada’s music store chain, and their Bloor location serves a lot of GTA drummers. They carry most major brands and usually have used drums in Toronto available at fair prices.
You can rent a full kit or just cymbals with free shipping on orders over $99. Their repair team works fast, and the rental plans are flexible, especially for students or short-term studio use. They offer 30-day returns, price protection, and financing options. Multiple GTA locations include Danforth and additional suburban stores. It’s not as personalized as the smaller shops, but it’s dependable and has the inventory to back it up.
✅ Rentals
✅ Repairs
✅ Lessons
Where to find: North York, Willowdale Ave
If there’s such a thing as drummers corner in the city, Just Drums is it.
Everything here is dedicated to drummers. Operating for 30+ years as “Canada’s largest drums-only specialty shop,” they’ve hosted clinics with legends like Steve Gadd, Dennis Chambers, and Thomas Lang. The store has a solid mix of acoustic and electronic kits, racks of hardware, piles of sticks, and helpful staff who don’t upsell.
Their Learning Center serves nearly 300 students with lessons at $35 for 30 minutes or $120 for a 4-pack. They’re also one of the best places to ask about trade-ins or used kits. Many Toronto players come here to upgrade their setups or just get a broken snare fixed without drama.
✅ Rentals
✅ Repairs
✅ Lessons
Where to find it: North York, Leslie St
Soul Drums has a different energy. It’s smaller, more niche, and has a focus on world percussion. Think hang drums, djembes, congas, and boutique cymbals. If you’re after something like a Sonor Galaxy Sparkle kit or a specific Istanbul Mehmet ride, check here first.
Operating for over 25 years, they serve nearly 200 students through their educational programs. Single lessons cost $40 for 30 minutes, with semester packages at $360 for 12 lessons. Co-owner Doug Sole is a Juno award winner who also runs corporate team-building programs.
They do repairs and rentals are available – just call ahead since the inventory is smaller. The vibe is creative, more studio than a storefront, with custom-built teaching facilities.
⚠️ Rentals (call first)
✅ Repairs
✅ Lessons
Where to find: Queen St W, Downtown Toronto
Steve’s is big, busy, and loaded with gear. It’s a go-to if you need drums or accessories last minute. Operating since 1965, they have five Canadian locations including three in Quebec.
They carry most major lines, and the percussion section is large enough to try things out without getting in anyone’s way. Rentals are easy, repairs are solid, and they sometimes have deals on demo models. Their downtown location makes it especially handy for working musicians. The store has connections to major artists like Dennis Chambers and James LaBrie.
✅ Rentals
✅ Repairs
✅ Lessons
Where to find: Rogers Rd, West Toronto
This shop flies under the radar, but it’s been quietly supporting local drummers for years. Rogers is great for beginners, students, or anyone looking for solid kits on a budget.
Founded by Jimmi A Daoud (former Canadian Idol master voice coach), they offer over 50 years of combined experience. They specialize in both Western and Middle Eastern instruments, with handcrafted pieces featuring traditional mosaic inlay.
Repairs are limited, so double-check before heading over, but they do offer drum rentals and lessons. The staff is approachable, and the vibe is community-first with their “After-Hours Emergency Service.”
✅ Rentals
⚠️ Limited Repairs
✅ Lessons
| Store Name | Rating | Area | Rentals | Repairs | Lessons | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drumland | ★4.9 | Vaughan | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Drum-only store, expert advice |
| Music Balcony | ★5.0 | Richmond Hill | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Boutique, global drums + modern gear |
| Baterista Sales | ★5.0 | Vaughan | ⚠️ | ✅ | ❌ | Custom & world percussion, boutique service |
| Long & McQuade | ★4.6 | Toronto (Bloor) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | National chain, great rental plans |
| Just Drums | ★4.7 | North York | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | All-drum focus, trade-in friendly |
| Soul Drums | ★4.3 | North York | ⚠️ | ✅ | ✅ | World percussion, creative space |
| Steve’s Music Store | ★4.5 | Downtown Toronto | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Full inventory, central location |
| Rogers Music Centre | ★4.5 | West Toronto | ✅ | ⚠️ | ✅ | Student-friendly, accessible staff |
*⚠️ = Call ahead to confirm availability or capacity
We’ve learned a few things while visiting these stores. Here’s what helped us and might help you:
Start with Drumland or Just Drums if you want a drum-specific shop. Long & McQuade and Steve’s are strong for general selection and rentals.
Most of the shops above carry accessories like Vater ear plugs, Santana cowbells, or sticks from Vic Firth and Promark.
Several stores carry used gear. Steve’s Music and Just Drums often have floor models and trade-ins available. Expect to save 20-40% off retail prices for used kits in good condition. Entry-level used kits start around $500-800, while professional used gear can range $1,500-3,000 depending on brand and condition.
Drumland leads with rentals starting at $40/month and rent-to-own options. Long & McQuade offers comprehensive rental plans from daily to semester-long programs. Soul Drums and Rogers Music Centre also provide rentals, though you should call ahead to confirm availability. Most rental programs let you apply payments toward purchase if you decide to buy.
If you’re hunting for anything drums in Toronto, this list should give you a solid starting point. Whether it’s a quick repair, a kit upgrade, or just finding out where all the good used drums are hiding – these are the places drummers trust.
Disclaimer
We have no connection to the previous owners of this website and are not affiliated with any of the drum stores mentioned in this article. All information is provided for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available sources as of 2025.Please contact each store directly to confirm current services, inventory, and hours of operation.