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New drum gear of the month: review round-up (April 2012)

By Rhythm magazine, Si Truss
published 3 April 2012

Kits, snares and more

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Drum gear of the month: April 2012

Drum gear of the month: April 2012

Every month MusicRadar's industry-leading sister magazines - Guitarist, Computer Music, Total Guitar, Rhythm, Future Music and Guitar Techniques - publish the best independent and in-depth music-making gear reviews.

This is a collection of kits, percussion, accessories and more from Rhythm Magazine's gruelling testing process. First reviewed in Rhythm issue 201 and published on MusicRadar throughout March.

Scroll on for this month’s top picks and click through to read each product’s full review. First up: a new e-kit from Alesis

Page 1 of 7
Page 1 of 7
Alesis DM10 X Kit
Alesis adds a new e-kit to partner its flagship module.

Alesis DM10 X Kit

MusicRadar’s verdict:

There is plenty that impresses with this electronic kit.

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Alesis DM10 X Kit

(Reviewed in Rhythm Magazine issue 201)

BUY: Alesis DM10 X Kit currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 2 of 7
Page 2 of 7
EcHo Custom Drums Custom Snare Drums
Superb collection of handmade metal shell snare drums from Manchester-based father and son company.

EcHo Custom Drums Custom Snare Drums

MusicRadar’s verdict:

It's hard to see how EcHo can improve on this first collection of metal shell snares, which are superb in every department.

FULL REVIEW: EcHo Custom Drums Custom Snare Drums

(Reviewed in Rhythm Magazine issue 201)

Page 3 of 7
Page 3 of 7
Gretsch GS1 Kit
Gretsch's new all-in-one GS1 kit makes an impressive entry point to the famous brand.

Gretsch GS1 Kit

MusicRadar’s verdict:

Scoring almost maximum points for quality and value, the GS1 is a package that's hard to beat.

FULL REVIEW: Gretsch GS1 Kit

(Reviewed in Rhythm Magazine issue 201)

BUY: Gretsch GS1 Kit currently available from:
UK: Thomann

Page 4 of 7
Page 4 of 7
Mapex Black Panther Collection Retrosonic Drum Kit
The third of four limited edition kits inspired by Mapex's popular Black Panther series of snares

Mapex Black Panther Collection Retrosonic Drum Kit

MusicRadar’s verdict:

A kit that's thoroughly modern in construction but with a vintage appeal.

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Mapex Black Panther Collection Retrosonic Drum Kit

(Reviewed in Rhythm Magazine issue 201)

BUY: Mapex Black Panther Collection Retrosonic Drum Kit currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music

Page 5 of 7
Page 5 of 7
Drum gear of the month: March 2012

Drum gear of the month: March 2012

Now read: Drum gear of the month: March 2012

Ludwig Accent 100 Power Kit

Duende Pro Cajon

Istanbul Agop Art20 Cymbal Set

Ahead Armor stick and cymbal bags

Duende Elite Cajon

Natal Walnut Kit

Protection Racket drum cases

Page 6 of 7
Page 6 of 7
Drum gear of the month: February 2012

Drum gear of the month: February 2012

Now read: Drum gear of the month: February 2012

Odery Eyedentity Series drums

Worldmax Traditional Black Wood Hoop Snares

DrumCraft Double Drop-Clutch

Natal Steel Shell Snares

Roland SPD-SX

Silverstone Drum Thrones

Pearl Masters Premium Legend Kit

Drumport drum insert

Meinl HCS Cymbal Pack

Performance Percussion PP142 Cajon

Dixon Black Widow Drums

Ludwig The Brick

Ludwig Corey Miller Snare

Ludwig Joey Kramer Model

Page 7 of 7
Page 7 of 7
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