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New drum gear of the month: review round-up (December 2010)

By Tom Porter, Rhythm magazine
published 15 December 2010

Nov-Dec 2010: kits, snares, cymbals, pedals and thrones

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Drum gear of the month: Nov-Dec 2010

Drum gear of the month: Nov-Dec 2010

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, snares, cymbals, pedals, cajons and percussion accessories - and even a luxurious pair of thrones - from Rhythm Magazine's gruelling testing process. First reviewed in Rhythm issue 183 and 184 and published on MusicRadar throughout November and December.

Scroll on for this month’s top picks and click through to read each product’s full review. First up: Sonor have re-defined mid-range with this kit…

Page 1 of 22
Page 1 of 22
Sonor Force 2007 Rock drum kit (£905)
Sonor has re-defined 'mid-range' with this set

Sonor Force 2007 Rock drum kit (£905)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

Sonor's reputation for providing excellent quality instruments extends to the lower end of its range as well as the custom kits. The manufacturing quality of the Force 2007 is excellent, with fetching finishes and well-designed and well screwed-together drums once again redefining 'mid-range'.

5 stars

5 stars

FULL REVIEW: Sonor Force 2007 Rock drum kit

(Reviewed by Jake Stacey - Rhythm Magazine issue 183)

Page 2 of 22
Page 2 of 22
Hayman Showman Big Sound drum kit (£999)
Seventies British favourite makes a semi-pro return

Hayman Showman Big Sound drum kit (£999)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

The original Hayman was a pro set, played by many of the big stars of the day. This new version is a ‘semi-pro’ compromise. But with its distinctive lugs, white interiors, and loud, bright sound, the kit honours the spirit of Hayman and we’d recommend anyone trading up to their first serious gigging kit to check it out.

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Hayman Showman Big Sound drum kit

(Reviewed by Geoff Nicholls - Rhythm Magazine issue 184)

Page 3 of 22
Page 3 of 22
Carrera Terrier Kit (£1399)
We've seen the snares, now here's the mini kit from new British custom builder Carrera

Carrera Terrier Kit (£1399)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

A lovingly made, exemplary mini-kit with a great snare but held back by a couple of design flaws and a high price. We are, however, looking forward to seeing Carrera's first full-sized kit.

3 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Carrera Terrier Kit

(Reviewed by Geoff Nicholls - Rhythm Magazine issue 183)

Page 4 of 22
Page 4 of 22
Gretsch USA G4000 Snares (from £598)
A choice of brass, copper and aluminium offered from this up-market Gretsch snare collection

Gretsch USA G4000 Snares (from £598)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

Beautiful drums with an air of history and classic quality but, given the pricing, we'd opt for the versatile brass snare every time.

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Gretsch USA G4000 Snares

(Reviewed by Geoff Nicholls - Rhythm Magazine issue 183)

Page 5 of 22
Page 5 of 22
Tama Brian Frasier-Moore Signature Palette Snare (£770)
We test the pop drumming maestro's signature snare

Tama Brian Frasier-Moore Signature Palette Snare (£770)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

A sharp attack and a warm, fat tone - this is one of the best looking, sounding and built major name snares we've come across in recent years.

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Tama Brian Frasier-Moore Signature Palette Snare

(Reviewed by Geoff Nicholls - Rhythm Magazine issue 184)

Page 6 of 22
Page 6 of 22
Bosphorus Oracle Series cymbals (£260)
A high-end range created by jazz master Ralph Peterson

Bosphorus Oracle Series cymbals (£260)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

A signature range in all but name, the Oracle Series is a set of individual-sounding cymbals full of character and depth. Though the series has been designed for a jazz drummer there is a degree of versatility to most of the models. In the same way that genres meet and crossover, so these cymbals could find a home in some musical situations other than jazz.

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Bosphorus Oracle Series cymbals

(Reviewed by Adam Jones - Rhythm Magazine issue 183)

Page 7 of 22
Page 7 of 22
Istanbul Agop Xist Additions (from £70)
Istanbul rolls out new additions to its affordable Xist range

Istanbul Agop Xist Additions (from £70)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

More affordable but still well made with plenty of character and presence. Xist cymbals make excellent mid-range alternatives to the usual suspects.

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Istanbul Agop Xist Additions

(Reviewed by Adam Jones - Rhythm Magazine issue 184)

Page 8 of 22
Page 8 of 22
PDP 500 Series bass drum pedals (from £113)
Sleek, satin-finished affairs that uphold the brand's reputation for performance on a budget

PDP 500 Series bass drum pedals (from £113)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

Less esoteric than their DW cousins, the PDPs are nevertheless super-solid workhorses that answer every question reasonably asked of them. Which makes them very easy to recommend as a first step into serious pedal power.

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: PDP 500 Series bass drum pedals

(Reviewed by Jordan McLachlan - Rhythm Magazine issue 184)

Page 9 of 22
Page 9 of 22
Ford Drums Smart Ass Thrones (£390)
Drum stools that deserve to be described as 'thrones'

Ford Drums Smart Ass Thrones (£390)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

They're very definitely high-end custom thrones, and so may be out of reach of the pockets of many, but if you can stump up the readies, your butt will thank you forever.

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Ford Drums Smart Ass Thrones

(Reviewed by Jake Stacey - Rhythm Magazine issue 183)

Page 10 of 22
Page 10 of 22
De Gregorio Chanela Cajon (£199)
We check out Paolo De Gregorio's latest addition to his cajon range

De Gregorio Chanela Cajon (£199)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

De Gregorio has carved out an impressive reputation for quality, design and dedication, so the innovative and affordable Chanela would be a great choice for you to discover the possibilities of these fascinating instruments.

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: De Gregorio Chanela Cajon

(Reviewed by Charlie Price - Rhythm Magazine issue 184)

Page 11 of 22
Page 11 of 22
LP Hand Percussion (from £49)
LP has done it again with these natty little one-handed wonders

LP Hand Percussion (from £49)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

LP has once again brought something brand new to the percussive table and these innovative additions will challenge us to adapt and even improve our playing techniques.

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: LP Hand Percussion

(Reviewed by Charlie Price - Rhythm Magazine issue 183)

Page 12 of 22
Page 12 of 22
Drum gear of the month: Oct-Nov 2010

Drum gear of the month: Oct-Nov 2010

Now read: Drum gear of the month: Oct-Nov 2010

Skip to:

Tama Speed Cobra

Guru Drumworks Kit

Yamaha DTX550K electronic drum kit

Ludwig Black Magic snare drums

Garrahand Hand Drum

LP Classic Top-Tuning Congas

Page 13 of 22
Page 13 of 22
Drum gear of the month: Sept-Oct 2010

Drum gear of the month: Sept-Oct 2010

Now read: Drum gear of the month: Sept-Oct 2010

Skip to:

Roland TD-12KX electronic drum kit

Gretsch Full Range Snare Drums

DDRUM Reflex drum kit

DW 2000 Series pedal

Zildjian Oriental China Trashes and ZXT Trashformers

Sabian B8 Triangles and Bar Chimes

Page 14 of 22
Page 14 of 22
Drum gear of the month: Aug-Sept 2010

Drum gear of the month: Aug-Sept 2010

Now read: Drum gear of the month: Aug-Sept 2010

Skip to:

Yamaha Rock Tour Drum Kit

Sabian Xs20 Brilliant Finish Cymbals

Istanbul Agop 30th Anniversary Cymbals

Remo Ambassador-X Heads

MXL Drum Microphones

Perfect Posture Back Brace

Page 15 of 22
Page 15 of 22
Drum gear of the month: July-Aug 2010

Drum gear of the month: July-Aug 2010

Now read: Drum gear of the month: July-Aug 2010

Skip to:

Mapex Horizon HX drum kit

Meinl Byzance Cymbals - Traditional, Dark and Extra Dry ranges

BR Distribution Mic Holders

Toontrack Beatstation

Ludwig Element Laquer Series Power drum kit

Soultone Cymbals - Vintage and Custom Brilliant ranges

Page 16 of 22
Page 16 of 22
Drum gear of the month: June-July 2010

Drum gear of the month: June-July 2010

Now read: Drum gear of the month: June-July 2010

Skip to:

Roland Octapad SPD-30

Sonor SQ2 snare drum

DW SSC drum kit

Mapex Falcon bass drum pedals

Amedia Old School Series cymbals

Evans EC2 SST and Power Center drum heads

Xfer Records Nerve

Page 17 of 22
Page 17 of 22
Drum gear of the month: May-June 2010

Drum gear of the month: May-June 2010

Now read: Drum gear of the month: May-June 2010

Skip to:

Alesis DM10 Pro electronic drum kit

Tama Charlie Benante Snare

Sabian SBr Cymbals

Natal Classic Series Congas and Bongos

Percussion Plus Sonix Drum Kit

Native Instruments Abbey Road 60s Drums

Page 18 of 22
Page 18 of 22
Drum gear of the month: April-May 2010

Drum gear of the month: April-May 2010

Now read: Drum gear of the month: April-May 2010

Skip to:

Tama Starclassic Bubinga drum kit

Zildjian EFX Cymbals

Worldmax Microvent Snare Drum

Sonor 100, 200 and 400 series hardware sets

KickPort drum insert

Meinl Signature hand percussion

Page 19 of 22
Page 19 of 22
Drum gear of the month: Mar-April 2010

Drum gear of the month: Mar-April 2010

Now read: Drum gear of the month: Mar-April 2010

Skip to:

Roland TD-4KX electronic drum kit

Yamaha DTX950K electronic drum kit

Alchemy Power-X Cymbals

Carrera Snare Drums

Drum Tuna Flip

Page 20 of 22
Page 20 of 22
Drum gear of the month: Feb-Mar 2010

Drum gear of the month: Feb-Mar 2010

Now read: Drum gear of the month: Feb-Mar 2010

Skip to:

Jobeky Prestige electronic drum kit

Liberty MPX Drum Kit

ddrum Vinnie Paul Snare Drums

Mapex Black Panther Black Widow Snare

Mapex Black Panther Blade Snare

Mapex Drum Masterclass iPhone app

Toontrack Custom & Vintage SDX

Page 21 of 22
Page 21 of 22
Drum gear of the month: Jan-Feb 2010

Drum gear of the month: Jan-Feb 2010

Now read: Drum gear of the month: Jan-Feb 2010

Skip to:

Roland TD-20KX electronic drum kit

Sonor Force 3007 Jungle drum kit

Yamaha DTX-Multi 12 electronic percussion pad

Gatton Snare Drums

Ahead Brass Snare Drum

Page 22 of 22
Page 22 of 22
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Tom Porter
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Tom Porter worked on MusicRadar from its mid-2007 launch date to 2011, covering a range of music and music making topics, across features, gear news, reviews, interviews and more. A regular NAMM-goer back in the day, Tom now resides permanently in Los Angeles, where he's doing rather well at the Internet Movie Database (IMDB).

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