New drum gear of the month: review round-up (December 2011)
Drum gear of the month: December 2011
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 197 and published on MusicRadar throughout November.
Scroll on for this month’s top picks and click through to read each product’s full review. First up: an Iron Maiden branded kit from Premier.
Affordable APK-based kit made under Premier's imaginative licensing deal with Iron Maiden.
Premier Spirit Of Maiden kit
MusicRadar’s verdict:
Whether you're a Maiden fan or not the Eddie graphics give this kit the sort of unique look that you'd expect to find on a much more expensive kit.
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Premier Spirit Of Maiden kit
(Reviewed in Rhythm Magazine issue 197)
Three is the magic number when it comes to recording drums.
Blue Microphones Drum Kit Kit
MusicRadar’s verdict:
Less of an accessory than a serious tool for the drummer who records regularly (or even the studio owner who requires their capability), the mics are expensive but their exceptional performance justifies the outlay.
FULL REVIEW: Blue Microphones Drum Kit Kit
(Reviewed in Rhythm Magazine issue 197)
A brand new Turkish cymbal company hits the ground running.
Impression Rock & Jazz Series Cymbals
MusicRadar’s verdict:
If this small selection from the large array of available models is representative then this is a brand to watch. All of these cymbals are good; some of them are seriously good.
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Impression Rock & Jazz Series Cymbals
(Reviewed in Rhythm Magazine issue 197)
Tactile monitoring just got more affordable.
Porter And Davies BC Gigster
MusicRadar’s verdict:
The BC Gigster is a welcome addition from Porter and Davies. It's built to the same standard as the BC2, is identical in performance terms while carrying a smaller price tag.
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Porter And Davies BC Gigster
(Reviewed in Rhythm Magazine issue 197)
Could this sub-£300 kit be the Holy Grail of portable drums?
Traps Drums A400
MusicRadar’s verdict:
Throughout the review we had to keep reminding ourselves that we had a complete kit here for under £300 - five drums and a rack (which could also be used for an add-on to a standard acoustic set-up too). It's excellent value for money.
3 out of 5
Traps Drums A400 currently available from Thomann
FULL REVIEW: Traps Drums A400
(Reviewed in Rhythm Magazine issue 197)
BUY: Traps Drums A400 currently available from:
UK: Thomann | DV247
De Gregorio's new cajon is something truly special.
De Gregorio Maestral Cajon
MusicRadar’s verdict:
De Gregorio has carved out a formidable reputation over the last few years, and their creations are beautifully made and sound incredible, as well as possessing real character. The Maestral is a stunning addition to DG's catalogue.
De Gregorio Maestral Cajon currently available from Thomann
FULL REVIEW: De Gregorio Maestral Cajon
(Reviewed in Rhythm Magazine issue 197)
BUY: De Gregorio Maestral Cajon currently available from:
UK: Thomann
