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

Drum gear of the month: 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.

Read more: Alesis Strike Pro kit

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 K Constantinople Cymbals (TBC) — 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

Spaun Custom LED kit (£2499) — 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)

Tama SLP Metal Snare Drums (TBC) — 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

Toontrack Americana EZX (£54.95) — 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

Alesis Samplepad (£99) — 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

Yamaha DTX540K (£1599) — 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