New drum gear of the month: review round-up (April 2013)
Keep the neighbours off your back...
Bill Sanders Practice Kit
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)
Gear4Music's high-end WHD range features some brand new cajones
Gear4Music WHD Cajon
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
An affordable electronic drum kit
Yamaha DTX400K
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
Smashing sounds, entry-level price
WHD Pro Complete Cymbal Pack
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
A 'five star' drum kit
Sonor Prolite Kit
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
New additions to the cymbal series
Paiste Formula 602
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
30th anniversary instrument range
Tycoon Percussion Congas, Bongos and Djembes
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)
Idiosyncratic custom snares
Tiki Snare Drums
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)
LED drum kit with illuminating tones
Chequerplate Drums LED Series Kit
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)
A pack with plenty of punch for your drum kit
Gear4Music Complete Drum Hardware Pack
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
Sandy-looking cymbals with lush tones
Murat Diril Arena Cymbals
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
Indestructible double drum pedal
Highwood Malleus Double Kick Pedal
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)
New noise box fun from Pearl
Pearl Percussion Jingle Cajon
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
MusicRadar is the number 1 website for music makers of all kinds, be they guitarists, drummers, keyboard players, djs or producers...
- GEAR: We help musicians find the best gear with top-ranking gear round-ups and high- quality, authoritative reviews by a wide team of highly experienced experts.
- TIPS: We also provide tuition, from bite-sized tips to advanced work-outs and guidance from recognised musicians and stars.
- STARS: We talk to musicians and stars about their creative processes, and the nuts and bolts of their gear and technique. We give fans an insight into the actual craft of music making that no other music website can.