If you are an absolute beginner, you need to know that the very cheapest,complete new kits can be purchased from around £200, this would include the cymbals and a stool. Although these kits are very good value for the money, they would not really be considered good enough for public performances. The main weaknesses are that the cymbals are usually very poor quality indeed and the general hardware, ie the stands/pedals/stool, are lightweight and not designed to last.The actual drum shells themselves are usually good value and with a quality drum head fitted to it, the performance will be more than acceptable.
These kits are typically supplied without the ride cymbal and stand, which most performing drummers would want with their kits. Allow at least a further £25 for the extra stand and another £45 or so for a very basic ride cymbal (typically 20" diameter).
These kits are sold with an array of names on them. Next to none of the names are major manufacturers of quality drum kits so don't worry too much about the name, they are all very similar in quality.

** What if I pay a little more for the kit?

If you are prepared to pay around the £400 mark you should see much improved hardware and slightly better cymbals. Typically though, the ride cymbal and stand will still be absent from the kit and in many cases, the quality of the drum shell is little different from the cheaper kits.

** I would like to buy one that would be good enough to perform with, semi professionally, but cost as little as possible. What is the cost likely to be?

Be prepared to pay around £500 for the kit and £200 in total for hihats, crash and a ride cymbal. If the shop is not offering a discount on the full recommended retail price, I suggest you contact one of the many stores who will discount. They can be found through the internet or drumming magazines such as RHYTHM and DRUMMER in the U.K.

** Can you tell me where to find some drum shops?

If you live in my area, ie East Devon, try

THE MUSIC ROOM, Sidwell St. Exeter 01392 436258
or
APPROXIMATE MUSIC (Axminster) 01297 631607 (ask for Terry)
or
PROJECT MUSIC, Exeter.

Shops that specialise in mail order discounts include;

THE DRUM SHOP 0191 495 0201
ELECTRO MUSIC 01302 369999
ROCK FACTORY 0870 7525113
SCHEERERS DRUMS 0113 244 9592