Geoff Nicholls

Articles by: Geoff Nicholls

Circa 1969

Vintage Drum Gear: Ludwig kits

By Geoff Nicholls published

A '60s showman's kit and a '70s Buddy Rich set-up

The LED lights mounted inside each shell of Spaun's Custom LED kit can provide myriad lighting effects

Spaun Custom LED kit review

By Geoff Nicholls published

  • £2499
  • $750
Circa 1970s

Vintage drum gear: Camco kit

By Geoff Nicholls published

Rare American brand that preceded DW

The vintage-style rounded bearing edge on the Pure Series bass drum thickens the attack and emphasises the dark mahogany timbre.

Pearl Reference Pure Series KIt review

By Geoff Nicholls published

  • £5321
The satin smooth figured walnut finish of the 8.1mm-thick 100 per cent walnut shells on the Retrosonic kit is exceptional.

Mapex Black Panther Collection Retrosonic drum kit review

By Geoff Nicholls published

  • £2069
The 14"x5½" snare has a 3mm thick shell and 45º cut bearing edges.

EcHo Custom Snare drums review

By Geoff Nicholls published

Superb collection of handmade metal shell snare drums from Manchester-based father and son company

The Accent 100's hardware is lightweight but sturdy.

Ludwig Accent 100 Power kit review

By Geoff Nicholls published

  • £629
The ART20s' irregularly spaced dimples immediately indicate hand crafting.

Istanbul Agop ART20 cymbal set review

By Geoff Nicholls published

  • £380
Circa 1972-74

Vintage drum gear: North Nexus kit

By Geoff Nicholls published

An unusual, horn-shaped fibreglass kit from the '70s

The Joey Kramer snare looks fantastic and is refined, capable of a wide tuning and dynamic range.

Ludwig Joey Kramer Model review

By Geoff Nicholls published

  • £699
  • $709
The Corey Miller is laser-engraved with the tattoist's trademark rose and dragon designs.

Ludwig Corey Miller Snare review

By Geoff Nicholls published

  • £449
  • $449
The Brick is as lively as most metal drums but with a woody tone.

Ludwig The Brick review

By Geoff Nicholls published

  • £329
Circa 1965

Vintage drum gear: Slingerland snares and Satin Flame Pearl kit

By Geoff Nicholls published

A selection of '60s and '70s classics from the US maker

Fittings are isolated from the shell by extra- thick rubber gaskets.

Natal Steel Shell Snares review

By Geoff Nicholls published

  • £269

Steel snares from the exciting new Natal range

The two release levers are conveniently colour coded.

DrumCraft Double Drop-Clutch review

By Geoff Nicholls published

  • £33.95

Dual position hi-hat drop-clutch to get a sizzle when you're slamming double kicks

Odery avoids generic parts - just about everything is designed from scratch.

Odery Eyedentity Series drums review

By Geoff Nicholls published

  • £899

Strikingly different drums for under a grand from the innovative Brazilian company

The finish depicts Maiden's mascot from 1983's Piece Of Mind album.

Premier Spirit Of Iron Maiden review

By Geoff Nicholls published

  • £849
Circa 1971/2

Vintage drum gear: Sonor kits

By Geoff Nicholls published

Two classic sets from the long-standing German drum company

Circa 1982

Vintage drum gear: Phil Collins' Pearl DLX kit

By Geoff Nicholls published

The Genesis drummer's only Pearl kit was considered the best for playing In The Air Tonight

Circa 1960

Vintage drum gear: George Way kits

By Geoff Nicholls published

Two kits from the most intriguing figure in American drumset history

Quality production means that each of the drums is almost perfectly circular.

Animal Custom Drums Elite Kit review

By Geoff Nicholls published

Circa 1961/1962

Vintage drum gear: English Rogers kits

By Geoff Nicholls published

The strange case of American Rogers drums made in North London

Acrylic shells are from RCI and are acrylic welded at the seams.

SuperNova Custom Snare Drums review

By Geoff Nicholls published

  • £599
In keeping with the vintage style, Heritage snares have twin-point mounted tube lugs.

HighWood Heritage Snares review

By Geoff Nicholls published

  • £350
The maple kit: Natal offers A wide range of finishes including this Tobacco Fade lacquer.

Natal Maple and Bubinga kits review

By Geoff Nicholls published

  • £1388

British percussion company Natal makes its impressive drum kit debut

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