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  1. News

New drum gear of the month: review round-up (August 2014)

By Rhythm
published 4 August 2014

All of July's drum gear reviews

Tama Silverstar Cocktail-JAM kit
Can Tama's tiniest kit measure up?

Tama Silverstar Cocktail-JAM kit

Every issue, Rhythm magazine reviews the latest drums, hardware, cymbals, percussion and other drum-related accessories.

Here we’ve gathered all of the reviews featured on the site throughout July, all of which was originally reviewed in Rhythm magazine issue 229/230/231, or by MusicRadar's own reviews team.

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A kit this size is always going to involve compromises, but while the kit is well made, the quality of sound on offer is, in our opinion, a compromise too far.”

3 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Tama Silverstar Cocktail-JAM kit review

(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 229)

BUY: Tama Silverstar Cocktail-JAM kit currently available from:
UK:Andertons Music | Thomann
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 1 of 12
Page 1 of 12
Meinl Byzance Vintage Pure Rides
Raw cymbals from Turkey, via Germany

Meinl Byzance Vintage Pure Rides

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“A little off the beaten track but no less superb for it, these rides are as rich in tone and colour as their appearances. They're not cheap, but instruments with this much character justify the outlay.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Meinl Byzance Vintage Pure Rides review

(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 229)

BUY: Meinl Byzance Vintage Pure Rides currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music

Page 2 of 12
Page 2 of 12
Evans Heavyweight drum heads
Durable heads take some beating

Evans Heavyweight drum heads

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“These Heavyweight heads do exactly what they say on the tin by delivering rock-solid heads for hard hitters.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Evans Heavyweight drum heads review

(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 229)

BUY: Evans Heavyweight drum heads currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 3 of 12
Page 3 of 12
Liberty Avant Series Kit
Jazz-inspired kit built to excel

Liberty Avant Series Kit

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Liberty continues to evolve and this latest Avant kit is the best yet. Well designed and built to exacting high standards with unique lugs and a badge to be proud of.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Liberty Avant Series Kit review

(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 229)

Page 4 of 12
Page 4 of 12
Mapex Black Panther Nomad Snare
Aged brass drum

Mapex Black Panther Nomad Snare

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Mapex has delivered another highly playable, wonderful-sounding snare drum. As its mentor intended, it's a snare suitable for a wide variety of moods and styles and is great value to boot.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Mapex Black Panther Nomad Snare review

(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 229)

BUY: Mapex Black Panther Nomad Snare currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music

Page 5 of 12
Page 5 of 12
Bosphorus Master Vintage cymbal
High-end cymbal series

Bosphorus Master Vintage cymbal

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“These unique cymbals truly deserve the appellation 'Master Vintage'.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Bosphorus Master Vintage cymbal review

(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 230)

Page 6 of 12
Page 6 of 12
Pearl SensiTone Metal Shell snares
Overhauled metal drums

Pearl SensiTone Metal Shell snares

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Always popular and attractively priced, the rejuvenated SensiTone snares are cleverly designed and gimmick- free. There's a cool sounding model to suit every pocket.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Pearl SensiTone Metal Shell snares review

(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 230)

Page 7 of 12
Page 7 of 12
UFIP Natural cymbals
A selection of fine metals from Italy

UFIP Natural cymbals

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“This versatile range features something for a staggering array of tastes, but it's the dark Natural cymbals that particularly caught our attention.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: UFIP Natural cymbals review

(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 230)

Page 8 of 12
Page 8 of 12
UFIP Extatic cymbals
More Italian cymbals and hi-hats

UFIP Extatic cymbals

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“The Extatic range will thrive in a pop environment, but it's also well worth a look for those on the hunt for articulate funk and fusion cymbals.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: UFIP Extatic cymbals review

(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 230)

Page 9 of 12
Page 9 of 12
Gretsch Gold Series Aluminium Shell Snare
Boutique-style snare from drumming big boys

Gretsch Gold Series Aluminium Shell Snare

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“This aluminium shell drum with maple hoops has a great sound, slightly let down visually by the ordinary looking strainer.”

3 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Gretsch Gold Series Aluminium Shell Snare review

(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 231)

BUY: Gretsch Gold Series Aluminium Shell Snare currently available from:
UK: Thomann

Page 10 of 12
Page 10 of 12
Paiste PST7 Series cymbals
Pro sounds at beginner prices? Very nearly…

Paiste PST7 Series cymbals

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“The PST7s are hugely impressive, smooth and clean - and the three weights will cover most styles.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Paiste PST7 Series cymbals review

(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 231)

Page 11 of 12
Page 11 of 12
Tama Star Classic Performer B/B kit
The pricing is persuasive, but does it perform?

Tama Star Classic Performer B/B kit

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“The list of Tama endorsees who rate the Starclassic Performer B/B verges on the encyclopaedic and it's not difficult to see why. It's a solid, pro-level kit that, at this price, is absurdly good value.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Tama Star Classic Performer B/B kit review

(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 231)

BUY: Tama Star Classic Performer B/B kit currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 12 of 12
Page 12 of 12
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