New drum gear of the month: review round-up (December 2012)

Gear4Music BDK-1

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

This is a collection of kits, percussion, accessories first reviewed in Rhythm magazine issue 209 or by MusicRadar's own reviews team.

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Though you might also want to invest in a course of drum lessons and perhaps some sound-dampening (to retain parental sanity and maintain a good relationship with the neighbours), this kit represents great value for money and gives you everything that's required to get up and drumming."

3 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Gear4Music BDK-1

BUY: Gear4Music BDK-1 currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music

Pearl Throne Thumper

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Whether gigging or practising, this monitoring aid not only boosts your bottom-end but your confidence too - taking it away again is simply unnerving!"

3 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Pearl Throne Thumper

(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 209)

BUY: Pearl Throne Thumper currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | DV247 | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Murat Diril Cymbals

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"With their remarkable heritage and Murat Diril's special experience, these cymbals offer another hugely attractive alternative in what is becoming a crowded market of genuine hand-made cymbals from Turkey."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Murat Diril Cymbals

(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 209)

Gear4Music GD-5

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"This is yet another Gear4Music starter kit which offers good value for money and will, no doubt, give many hours of playing pleasure to any budding drummer who plays it."

3 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Gear4Music GD-5

BUY Gear4Music GD-5 currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music

Roland HD-3 V-Drums Lite

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"You can't tweak the presets on the HD-3 but the choice of sounds now gives the kit a wider scope and, along with several other improvements, creates an enjoyable playing experience."

3 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Roland HD-3 V-Drums Lite

(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 209)

Gear4Music DD501 electronic drum kit

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"You soon forget that you are playing a smaller sized rack, quickly acclimatising without having to alter your technique. This is a great little kit which will give any beginner a good foothold into the world of drumming."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Gear4Music DD501 electronic drum kit

DW Airlift Stands

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Like all the best ideas, Airlift stands are ingeniously simple yet brilliantly effective."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: DW Airlift Stands

(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 209)

BUY: DW Airlift Stands currently available from:
UK: Thomann
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Lion 3-in-1 Cajon

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The Lion 3-in-1 Cajon will set you apart from players of the mass-produced models, and considering the customisation and such reasonable outlay, you'd be wise to try them."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Lion 3-in-1 Cajon

(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 209)

Gear4Music DD502(J) electronic drum kit

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Even though technology has moved on significantly since the DD502(J) was first introduced, this electronic kit still represents good value for money."

3 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Gear4Music DD502(J) electronic drum kit

PDP Concept Series Kits Birch CB5

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"With this kit, the gap between DW (the premium brand) and PDP (the budget brand) has been dramatically reduced."

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: PDP Concept Series Kits Birch CB5

(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 209)

Lion Pro-Active Bass Cajon

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A highly musical, hand-made cajon drum that offers very good value for money."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Lion Pro-Active Bass Cajon

(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 209)

PDP Concept Series Kits Maple CM5

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The standard of build, components, finish and performance of the Concept Series is exceptional, all the more so considering the pricepoint."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: PDP Concept Series Kits Maple CM5

(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 209)

BUY: PDP Concept Series Kits Maple CM5 currently available from:
UK: Thomann | DV247