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2. Highwood Exotic ply range
£1700

A relatively new company, Highwood custom-builds four different drum series. The Exotic Plykithas 5.5mm Finnish birch shells with an outer veneer of figured walnut, or any other species you (or they) can get hold of. Highwood also does great-sounding single ply steam-bent snares at tempting prices. (Read the full review of Highwood's Custom Exotic Ply Series Kit)

1. Noonan MR10-8 kit
£2091 (typical four-drum shell pack)

Gary Noonan makes some of the most beautiful drums available anywhere. A stickler for detail and a totally uncompromising character, no-one knows more about making drums. Plies, solid, stave, block, steam-bending, exotic veneers, spun and cast metals...Gary does it all superbly.

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