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Who said a drum has to be wood? Back in the '70s the whole world went synthetic, when glam rock and sequins were matched by colourful drums made from plastics, fibreglass, carbon fibre - you name it.

The fad passed and wood returned to favour, but recently acrylic/Plexiglas kits have resurfaced and specialist companies are making kits from non-wood materials. Although they ttend to deal in small runs or custom one-offs, so they're not going to be cheap.

Pure tone, unfettered resonance

Metals and synthetics are much more consistent than wood, which is organic and affected by weather. Wood shells can vary dramatically in a single kit so you might find that one of your toms is duff. Ply shells are adulterated with layers of glue, whereas synthetic and metal shells are invariably a single 'ply', which leads to a purer tone with unfettered resonance.

"Although there's a natural assumption that wood sounds warm while synthetics and metals are harsh, brittle and cold, this is rarely the case"

Although there's a natural assumption that wood sounds warm while synthetics and metals are harsh, brittle and cold, this is rarely the case. Metals and synthetics are certainly often loud, but that doesn't mean they're necessarily insensitive.

The 5 best synthetic kits from £1499

5. Staccato Thunder
£2088

A 1970s classic, the Staccato fibreglass shells are probably among the weirdest you're ever likely to see and the bass drum is the loudest you'll ever hear. The small toms lack resonance, yet they do have massive attack. (Read the full Staccato Thunder 4 Kit review)

4. Remo Gold Crown European
£1617

It's official, Remo's drums sound as good as their heads. Shells are made from Advanced Acousticon – recycled hardwood fibres impregnated with resins. The shells are dense, uniform and consistent and produce a warm, loud and vibrant tone.

3. Ludwig Vistalite
£2441

Made famous by the one and only John Bonham, Vistalites were hugely popular in the '70s, but were prone to cracking, so this time around the shells are strengthened at the seams by a thin Plexiglas strip. Unmistakable piercing snare and deep, dark bass drum. (Read the full Ludwig Jellybean Vistalite Kit review)

Next page: Highwood Acrylic shell kit plus our top pick