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

Drumcraft Series 8 Metal Snare Drums

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 208. First up: Drumcraft Series 8 Metal Snare Drums.

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The aluminium and bronze drums are worth serious consideration for main snare status, but the steel models suffer in comparison."

3 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Drumcraft Series 8 Metal Snare Drums

(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 208)

Sonor Perfect Balance Pedal

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The Perfect Balance is a pedal of rare beauty, though at a price. It's also perfectly named."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Sonor Perfect Balance Pedal

(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 208)

Ludwig Club Date Special Edition Kit

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Ludwig's Club Date is different from anything else on the market - a vintage design successfully updated, resulting in a surprisingly flexible alternative kit."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Ludwig Club Date Special Edition Kit

(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 208)

BUY: Ludwig Club Date Special Edition Kit currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music
US: Full Compass

Mapex Meridian Maple Jazz Kit

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The Meridian Jazz's specification and attention to detail are highly impressive. Mapex has gone all-out with this superbly-appointed package and you'd never guess this was a budget kit."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Mapex Meridian Maple Jazz Kit

(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 208)

BUY: Mapex Meridian Maple Jazz Kit currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music

Meinl Byzance Rides And Crashes

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Although super-expensive, there are some superb cymbals in this motley collection, suited to jazz but also any music that requires a deft touch and show-stopping colour."

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Meinl Byzance Rides And Crashes

(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 208)

BUY: Meinl Byzance Rides And Crashes currently available from:
UK: Gear4Music | DV247