New drum gear of the month: review round-up (June 2012)
Drum gear of the month: June 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 issue 203 and published on MusicRadar throughout May.
Scroll on for this month’s top picks and click through to read each product’s full review. First up: a great new set of cymbals from Zildjian...
Zildjian has expanded and enhanced its stunning K Zildjian Constantinople series.
Zildjian K Constantinople Cymbals (TBC)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“If you've got the cash, the K Constantinoples are well worth the investment.”
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Zildjian K Constantinople Cymbals
(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 203)
BUY: Zildjian K Constantinople Cymbals currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
Want to really wow your audience? Light up the stage with Spaun's new LED Custom acrylic shelled drums.
Spaun Custom LED kit (£2499)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“The ultimate visual stunner from a top-notch custom drum builder.”
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Spaun Custom LED kit
(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 203)
Could it be love at first strike with Tama's new Sound Lab Project series of metal snares?
Tama SLP Metal Snare Drums (TBC)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“It would be impossible to choose one drum over another in the review set - the choice will come down to style.”
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Tama SLP Metal Snare Drums
(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 203)
BUY: Tama SLP Metal Snare Drums currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music | DV247
Drum samples don't have to sound processed. Toontrack's latest EZX pack invites you to get organic.
Toontrack Americana EZX (£54.95)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“Take your time and you'll love its simplicity.”
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Toontrack Americana EZX
(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 203)
BUY: Toontrack Americana EZX currently available from:
UK: Thomann | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
Following on from the nifty Percpad, Alesis presents a conveniently compact sample player designed for drummers and percussionists.
Alesis Samplepad (£99)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“The potential is immense while the price isn't.”
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Alesis Samplepad
(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 203)
BUY: Alesis Samplepad currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
This modestly-priced addition to Yamaha's DTX500 series ticks all the right boxes.
Yamaha DTX540K (£1599)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“The 540K continues to uphold Yamaha's increasing reputation as a serious electronic drum brand.”
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Yamaha DTX540K
(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 203)
BUY: Yamaha DTX540K currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music