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Tama's Imperialstar features Accu-Tune synthetic bass drum hoops

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2. Gretsch Catalina Maple
£599

Slightly more expensive, but Gretsch is offering a great deal for 2007: a free 16" floor tom with the all-maple six-piece Catalina. (With the £499 Catalina Ash there's a free 8"x7" tom.) Includes GTS mounted tom suspension system and mini Gretsch lugs, plus UV gloss finishes including two-tone Tobacco Fade Sunburst.
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3. Tama Imperialstar
£479

Unlike the Mapex and Gretsch, the Imperialstar has five PVC wrap finishes and no isolation tom mounts. However, you do get two cymbal stands and a great looking, fab-sounding black nickel snare. Tama's hi-tech Accu-Tune synthetic bass drum hoops look special and are super tough, while the HP30 kick pedal has above average adjustability.
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4. Pearl FX Forum
£485-£510

Six-ply, 7.5 mm poplar shells are similar to the Imperialstar, but with a matching 14"x5 1/2" wood snare. Pearl's 'Ready-Set-Go' Forum package promises free cymbals, Vic Firth sticks and set-up video. But if you forego the cymbals you get two boom cymbal stands and a choice of seven colour wraps for under £500.

5. ddrum Diablo Punx
£499

Previously famed for their electronics, ddrum's new acoustic kits have shaken up the scene with brilliant contemporary packages. The one-up two-down 'punx' layout makes everyone else's look old-fashioned. With monster 22"x20" kick drums and garish colours (black or silver with red or blue fittings, anyone?) ddrum is making the running.

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