How old is the oldest drum set?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on how one defines a drum set. However, the earliest evidence of drums being used together in an ensemble comes from ancient Mesopotamia, where a set of clay drums dating back to 2700-2300 BC has been found. These drums were likely used for religious or ceremonial purposes. The oldest known surviving drum set, consisting of a bass drum, snare drum, and two tom-toms, is the Ludwig & Ludwig drum set, which was manufactured in the 1880s and is currently on display at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.