New drum gear of the month: review round-up (December 2015)

Tycoon Crate Cajon

The Rhythm reviews team has been hard at work once again, casting their expert eyes over the cream of the drum world in the last month.

Another superb collection of gear has passed through our doors, and we've we ran the rule over everything from Pearl's lush Fiberglass and Natal's Arcadia kits to cajons from Tycoon and Ruach. All the reviews here appeared on MusicRadar in November, starting with the Crate cajon from Tycoon.

MusicRadar's Verdict:

“This is a good sounding cajon which has plenty of body and feels good to perform with. However, it is hard to forget the price which we feel is difficult to justify being so expensive.”

3 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Tycoon Crate Cajon

(Originally reviewed in Rhythm)

Performance Percussion PP600E

MusicRadar's Verdict:

“While there are some good features with the PP600E, there are other kits around which offer much more for your money.”

3 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Performance Percussion PP600E

(Originally reviewed in Rhythm)

PDP Concept Black Wax

MusicRadar's Verdict:

“PDP is constantly impressing us by drawing upon quality DW craftsmanship to create its much more affordable ranges. These snares certainly are a bargain for the asking price.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: PDP Concept Black Wax

(Originally reviewed in Rhythm)

Dixon Jet Set Plus

MusicRadar's Verdict:

“A versatile kit that offers something a little different for the jobbing drummer, the Jet Set Plus is a full-featured kit in a pint-size package.”

3 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Dixon Jet Set Plus

(Originally reviewed in Rhythm)

Pearl Wood Fiberglass

MusicRadar's Verdict:

“Pearl's original Wood- Fiberglass shell was a genuine classic and this excellent, timely update with Kapur shells comes at a knock-down price.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Pearl Wood Fiberglass

(Originally reviewed in Rhythm)

BUY: Pearl Wood Fiberglass currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music

Ruach Live Cajons

MusicRadar's Verdict:

“The Live A is certainly the pick of the Ruach bunch, but it is eye-wateringly expensive.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Ruach Live Cajons

(Originally reviewed in Rhythm)

BUY: Ruach Live Cajons currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music

Schlagwerk Agile Pro

MusicRadar's Verdict:

“A well crafted instrument with an excellent sound.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Schlagwerk Agile Pro Cajon

(Originally reviewed in Rhythm)

BUY: Schlagwerk Agile Pro currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music

Wambooka Acyrlic Drum

MusicRadar's Verdict:

“Who knew that by adding water to a drum you could add a whole new dimension to a traditional instrument?”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Wambooka Acyrlic Drum

(Originally reviewed in Rhythm)

DW Design Black Nickel Over Brass Snare

MusicRadar's Verdict:

“An absolute stunner of a snare, both aurally and visually. Top quality design and construction is what we've come to expect from DW, only now it comes without the price-tag.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: DW Design Black Nickel Over Brass Snare

(Originally reviewed in Rhythm)

BUY: DW Design Black Nickel Over Brass Snare currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Sweetwater

Natal Arcadia

MusicRadar's Verdict:

“With premium features from Natal's high-end lines, adapted for the working drummer, the Arcadia series sets a stunning new standard for entry-to-mid-range kits.”

5 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Natal Arcadia

(Originally reviewed in Rhythm)

BUY: Natal Arcadia currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music

Istanbul Agop Mantra Cymbals

MusicRadar's Verdict:

“This neat set provides Cindy Blackman-Santana with a jazz-based cymbal retaining that hallmark traditional Istanbul character, but with a sharper, brighter cutting, rocking edge.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Istanbul Agop Mantra Cymbals

(Originally reviewed in Rhythm)

Schlagwerk X-One Cajon

MusicRadar's Verdict:

“A great sounding cajon at a pocket-money price.”

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Schlagwerk X-One Cajon

(Originally reviewed in Rhythm)

BUY: Schlagwerk X-One Cajon currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music