The web page below will explain an old 'tried and true' way to simulate real drums, at little or not cost. But first . . . Some NEW TECHNOLOGY has arrived onto the market that could work even better.
THE NEW DRUM PADS (avialable at Best Buy and other places) can be converted to simulate a real drumset. I've seen these pad sets selling for as little as $29.95. If you'll e-mail me See this page for my address, I'll try to help you discover how to convert those inexpensive pads into the real thing, and make them suitable for learning.
MEANWHILE:
With a bit of imagination you might assemble a few items like pots, pans, cardboard boxes, scraps of lumber, school books, trash can lids, automobile hubcaps or metal ashtrays to simulate the drumset of your dreams. Imagination is the key to it all.
Think of the object you are striking as a part of the drumset. Anything with a metallic "ring" will suffice as a cymbal. Both hollow and solid objects can produce some very interesting tom and snare drum effects. As you practice, pay particular attention to arrangement, keeping the ride cymbal on your right hand and the snare drum on your left. Always pat your right foot for the bass drum and your left foot for the hi-hat, so that when you finally have your day behind a real drumset, everything will go together correctly.
Below are a couple of unsophisticated practice rigs you can build at home for less than twenty dollars. Many professional drummers have begun on makeshift beginnings such as these. 'Real equipment' may be added one piece at a time as soon as your budget can take the strain. The bass pedal is most important so add it first, then add a ride cymbal and/or hi-hat later.
Simple cardboard boxes may provide an easier way to build your practice Drumset. Simply set them up in drumset fashion an string a trash can lid from the rafters. Pat your foot on the floor if you cannot afford a bass drum pedal.
This is not the most durable Drumset in the world but it is a beginning.
Routine practice with your favorite songs on records, tapes, CDs or radio is the secret to becoming a drummer. Nearly every working professional drummer will vouch for that! Drum lessons will be a total waste of time unless you learn to apply that knowledge. Set your practice rig near a sound source (radio, stereo, CD player, etc.) Play along with recorded music every day. The drum lessons will make a lot more sense when you hear the beat patterns and rolls occur within the music you love.
You'll find my best money saving tip for economical practice, on the following web page:
How to Practice . . . (No Drums or Sticks necessary!)