New drum gear of the month: review round-up (April 2013)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"No frills it may be, but this kit is a functional, reasonably priced option for drummers looking to work on their playing without a whole lotta racket."

3 out of 5

FULL REVIEW:Bill Sanders Practice Kit review

(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 213)

Every month MusicRadar's sister magazines - Guitarist, Computer Music, Total Guitar, Rhythm and Future Music - publish the best independent gear reviews.

In this gallery we've collected the latest cymbals, kits, electronic drums, percussion and other drum-related gear reviews to have passed through the magazines' pages.

All the gear on show here was originally reviewed in Rhythm magazine issue 213 and 214.

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"This great-value cajon feels like a wholly natural instrument to play – almost like tapping on a table top, only this time no one will tell you to shut up. One of the most liberating aspects of this instrument is the ability to zip it up after a gig and head home long before the guitarist has even contemplated wiping down his strings. How cool is that?"

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW:Gear4Music WHD Cajon review

(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 213)

BUY: Gear4Music WHD Cajon currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"There is a lot on offer here for the price and with the connection to the outside world, it could be the start of something much bigger!"

3 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Yamaha DTX400K review

(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 213)

BUY: Yamaha DTX400K currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Despite its 'Pro' tag, this WHD cymbal pack would be an excellent set for beginners or those on a budget. More advanced players may want more from their cymbal set, but if price is a concern these are worth checking out."

3 out of 5

FULL REVIEW:WHD Pro Complete Cymbal Pack review

(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 213)

BUY: WHD Pro Complete Cymbal Pack currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The ProLite shell pack and the snare are undeniably expensive but if you can afford it then why not treat yourself? It's worth every last Pfennig!"

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW:Sonor Prolite Kit review

(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 213)

BUY: Sonor Prolite Kit currently available from:
UK: DV247

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"These Formula 602s are ideal for jazz, unplugged sessions, laid-back pop or any music which begs for subtlety - for these genres, and indeed for recording, they tick all the boxes."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Paiste Formula 602 review

(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 213)

BUY: Paiste Formula 602 currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Tycoon celebrates its 30th anniversary with these Signature congas and bongos, the most impressive from this green-aware company yet, plus the attractive mid-priced Select series and a pair of killer djembes."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Tycoon Percussion Congas, Bongos and Djembes review

(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 213)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"This is a fabulous pair of snares - each with their own particular sonic palette and personality. For the 13", some Latin, jazz-funk or jazz; the 14" drum would be versatile enough to cover just about any other genre."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Tiki Snare Drums review

(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 213)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A visually-stunning, aurally-pleasing kit that delivers in spades on many levels. The price tag may frighten some, but you are paying for supreme quality, and if it's a custom-made kit offering something a little different that you're after, this would be a top choice."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Chequerplate Drums LED Series Kit review

(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 214)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The Gear4Music Complete Drum Hardware Pack is solidly-made and offers wallet friendly pricing. A serious option, whether you're looking to complete a shell kit or add to an existing kit."

3.5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Gear4Music Complete Drum Hardware Pack

(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 214)

BUY: Gear4Music Complete Drum Hardware Pack Review currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The Arena series is a characterful and quirky addition to Murat's pantheon of high quality and distinctive cymbals."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Murat Diril Arena Cymbals review

(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 214)

BUY: Murat Diril Arena Cymbals currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"It was HighWood's criteria to create a no-compromise, yet cost-effective bass drum pedal. The result is a quality product, representing Brit engineering at its very best - mission accomplished."

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Highwood Malleus Double Kick Pedal review

(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 214)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Not only does it sound great and look funky, with price tags like this, Pearl has done our wallets a favour too."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Pearl Percussion Jingle Cajon review

(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 214)

BUY: Pearl Percussion Jingle Cajon currently available from:
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass