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  1. News

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

By Rhythm magazine, Si Truss
published 30 January 2012

Kits, cymbals, percussion and more

Drum gear of the month: February 2012

Drum gear of the month: February 2012

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 issues 198 and 199 and published on MusicRadar throughout January.

Scroll on for this month’s top picks and click through to read each product’s full review. First up: a kit from Brazilian makers Odery.

Page 1 of 17
Page 1 of 17
Odery Eyedentity Series drums
Strikingly different drums for under a grand from the innovative Brazilian company.

Odery Eyedentity Series drums

MusicRadar’s verdict:

Stunning finishes, top quality materials, superb attention to detail and exceptional value. A couple of easily sorted hardware quibbles aside, Odery's Eyedentity is an exciting alternative to the norm.

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Odery Eyedentity Series drums

(Reviewed in Rhythm Magazine issue 198)

Page 2 of 17
Page 2 of 17
Worldmax Traditional Black Wood Hoop Snares
These snares combine maple shells and hoops with black-to-the-max looks

Worldmax Traditional Black Wood Hoop Snares

MusicRadar’s verdict:

Like all Worldmax drums these snares are well made and feature a level of specification that's at odds with their prices. Their performances compare well with drums costing twice the amount.

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Worldmax Traditional Black Wood Hoop Snares

(Reviewed in Rhythm Magazine issue 198)

Page 3 of 17
Page 3 of 17
DrumCraft Double Drop-Clutch
Dual position hi-hat drop-clutch to get a sizzle when you're slamming double kicks.

DrumCraft Double Drop-Clutch

MusicRadar’s verdict:

Effective solution to a problem which has long vexed drummers, DrumCraft's sturdy double drop-clutch allows drummers to get a great hi-hat wash while thundering on the double kicks.

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: DrumCraft Double Drop-Clutch

(Reviewed in Rhythm Magazine issue 198)

Page 4 of 17
Page 4 of 17
Natal Steel Shell Snares
Steel snares from the exciting new Natal range.

Natal Steel Shell Snares

MusicRadar’s verdict:

Natal's good-looking steel snare has six hand-hammered finishes to choose from. The sheer bravado of the design and attention to detail bode well. It's onwards and upwards for Natal.

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Natal Steel Shell Snares

(Reviewed in Rhythm Magazine issue 198)

BUY: Natal Steel Shell Snares currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music

Page 5 of 17
Page 5 of 17
Roland SPD-SX
We take a look at Roland's new sampling and percussion pad.

Roland SPD-SX

MusicRadar’s verdict:

This is a must-have product which could make us run out of adjectives describing it - suffice to say the SPD-SX is as stunning as it is formidable!

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Roland SPD-SX

(Reviewed in Rhythm Magazine issue 198)

BUY: Roland SPD-SX currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

Page 6 of 17
Page 6 of 17
Silverstone Drum Thrones
A new British drum throne company goes hell for leather.

Silverstone Drum Thrones

MusicRadar’s verdict:

Silverstone thrones are the product of diligent research, time-honoured skills and quality materials. Handmade in the UK and excellent value for money, they are an exciting and bar-raising addition to the market.

FULL REVIEW: Silverstone Drum Thrones

(Reviewed in Rhythm Magazine issue 198)

Page 7 of 17
Page 7 of 17
Pearl Masters Premium Legend Kit
Pearl's Masters Premium Legend kits could well live up to the name.

Pearl Masters Premium Legend Kit

MusicRadar’s verdict:

Pearl's expertise is all over this solidly-constructed, great looking and exquisite-sounding kit.

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Pearl Masters Premium Legend Kit

(Reviewed in Rhythm Magazine issue 199)

BUY: Pearl Masters Premium Legend Kit currently available from:
UK: DV247
US: Full Compass

Page 8 of 17
Page 8 of 17
Drumport drum insert
The Drumport fits directly into your bass drum and aims to enhance the drum's low-end performance.

Drumport drum insert

MusicRadar’s verdict:

The Drumport looks great and undeniably sounds impressive - give it a try.

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Drumport drum insert

(Reviewed in Rhythm Magazine issue 199)

Page 9 of 17
Page 9 of 17
Meinl HCS Cymbal Pack
Meinl's new starter series offers more brass for less copper.

Meinl HCS Cymbal Pack

MusicRadar’s verdict:

Surprisingly good cymbals that would make a sensible purchase for any beginner.

3 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Meinl HCS Cymbal Pack

(Reviewed in Rhythm Magazine issue 199)

BUY: Meinl HCS Cymbal Pack currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247

Page 10 of 17
Page 10 of 17
Performance Percussion PP142 Cajon
An extremely economical new contender in the increasingly popular cajon market.

Performance Percussion PP142 Cajon

MusicRadar’s verdict:

This superb value cajon fills a much-needed space in a market which is abundant with mid-price and mouth-watering high end 'Boutique' instruments.

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Performance Percussion PP142 Cajon

(Reviewed in Rhythm Magazine issue 199)

Page 11 of 17
Page 11 of 17
Dixon Black Widow Drums
The latest kit from Dixon is not for arachnophobes…

Dixon Black Widow Drums

MusicRadar’s verdict:

There are infinitely better complete kits (with drums and hardware) for around the same money.

3 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Dixon Black Widow Drums

(Reviewed in Rhythm Magazine issue 199)

Page 12 of 17
Page 12 of 17
Ludwig The Brick
A feisty, heavyweight wooden snare joins the Ludwig ranks.

Ludwig The Brick

MusicRadar’s verdict:

The Brick is a winner - it looks slick, sounds terrific and is affordable.

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Ludwig The Brick

(Reviewed in Rhythm Magazine issue 199)

BUY: Ludwig The Brick currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music

Page 13 of 17
Page 13 of 17
Ludwig Corey Miller Snare
Beauty meets beastliness in this fresh signature snare.

Ludwig Corey Miller Snare

MusicRadar’s verdict:

High-end snare that does what its supposed to.

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Ludwig Corey Miller Snare

(Reviewed in Rhythm Magazine issue 199

BUY: Ludwig Corey Miller Snare currently available from:
UK: Thomann

Page 14 of 17
Page 14 of 17
Ludwig Joey Kramer Model
A deep, dark and refined brass snare.

Ludwig Joey Kramer Model

MusicRadar’s verdict:

Not for the faint of wallet, this is one mighty snare.

4 out of 5

BUY Ludwig Joey Kramer Model currently available from:
UK/Europe: Thomann

FULL REVIEW: Ludwig Joey Kramer Model

(Reviewed in Rhythm Magazine issue 199)

BUY: Ludwig Joey Kramer Model currently available from:
UK: Thomann

Page 15 of 17
Page 15 of 17
Drum gear of the month: December 2011

Drum gear of the month: December 2011

Now read: Drum gear of the month: December 2011

Premier Spirit Of Maiden kit

Blue Microphones Drum Kit Kit

Impression Rock & Jazz Series Cymbals

Porter And Davies BC Gigster

Traps Drums A400

De Gregorio Maestral Cajon

Page 16 of 17
Page 16 of 17
Drum gear of the month: November 2011

Drum gear of the month: November 2011

Now Read:Drum gear of the month: November 2011

Sonor Essential Force S-Drive Kit

Zildjian Gen16 AE Cymbal System

Alesis PercPad

HK Audio L.U.C.A.S. Impact PA System

Sabian B8 Pro Cymbals

Ahead Armor OGIO Sled Accessory Case

Page 17 of 17
Page 17 of 17
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