New drum gear of the month: review round-up (July 2012)
The past month's drum gear at a glance
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 and more from Rhythm Magazine's gruelling testing process - first reviewed in Rhythm issue 204 and published on MusicRadar throughout June.
Scroll on for this month's top picks and click through to read each product's full review.
First up: EcHo-Flint snare drums
This joint venture sees EcHo metal shells married to Flint Percussion's marching band style free-floating shells
Echo Custom Drums Echo-Flint snare drums (£450)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“These unusual snares will probably appeal to heavier players who want something bulletproof.”
3 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Echo-Flint snare drums
(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 204)
An excellent value all-maple kit from one of the world's oldest drum brands
Gretsch Catalina Maple Kit (£875)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“Gretsch delivers the goods once again.”
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Gretsch Catalina Maple Kit
(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 204)
BUY: Gretsch Catalina Maple Kit currently available from:
USA: Sweetwater | Full Compass
FR: Michenaud | Star's Music
German percussion giant Meinl tops its cajon arsenal with some beautiful new hand-crafted models
Meinl Artisan Edition Cajons
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“Always forward-looking, these Artisans are a particularly fine testament to the company's continuing success.”
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Meinl Artisan Edition Cajons
(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 204)
BUY: Meinl Artisan Edition Cajons currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music
FR: Thomann | Woodbrass
Remo's most durable single-ply head makes light work of the heaviest of demands
Remo Ambassador X14
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“Quite simply, what's not to like?”
5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Remo Ambassador X14
(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 204)
BUY: Remo Ambassador X14 currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music
FR: Thomann | Michenaud | Woodbrass
Roland's new flagship V-Drum kit comes with all the power of the SuperNATURAL
Roland TD-30KV (£5779)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“Pay out for a high-end acoustic kit and you only get one. With this set-up you get hundreds of kits and the cymbals thrown-in too!”
5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Roland TD-30KV
(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 204)
BUY: Roland TD-30KV currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Gear4Music
USA: Sweetwater
FR: Michenaud | Star's Music
Four brand new and wildly different Sabian one-offs, the winners of Sabian's online player selection scheme
Sabian Players' Choice cymbals
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“Interesting one-off cymbals, but they won't be for everybody.”
3 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Sabian Players' Choice cymbals
(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 204)
BUY: Sabian Players' Choice cymbals currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music