New drum gear of the month: review round-up (October 2011)

Drum gear of the month: October 2011

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, snares, electronic drums and more from Rhythm Magazine's gruelling testing process, plus a couple from Future Music too. First reviewed in Rhythm issue 195 and Future Music issue 244 and published on MusicRadar throughout September.

Scroll on for this month’s top picks and click through to read each product’s full review. First up: Gretsch USA's new, accessible drum setup.

Gretsch USA Standard Kit

MusicRadar’s verdict:

Gretsch drums are renowned for their unique sound and charismatic design, and the USA Standard range makes them more accessible without demystifying the brand.

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Gretsch USA Standard Kit

(Reviewed in Rhythm Magazine issue 195)

Korg Wavedrum Mini

MusicRadar’s verdict:

Slimming down the feature set loses a large part of the Wavedrum's appeal.

3 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Korg Wavedrum Mini

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 244)

Jalapeno V-L Series Kit

MusicRadar’s verdict:

Pricewise it's up there with some of the most prestigious brands, but it competes well in quality and sound terms. Considering the hours spent creating the kit, it's a steal.

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Jalapeno V-L Series Kit

(Reviewed in Rhythm Magazine issue 195)

Tama Camco Anniversary Pedal

MusicRadar’s verdict:

The stripped-down design of the Camco pedal is elegant simplicity personified - what it lacks in bells and whistles it makes up for in panache.

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Tama Camco Anniversary Pedal

(Reviewed in Rhythm Magazine issue 195)

Alesis Performance Pad Pro

MusicRadar’s verdict:

It sounds okay and the drum machine is a bonus, but it's too basic to wear the 'pro' badge.

FULL REVIEW: Alesis Performance Pad Pro

(Reviewed in Future Music issue 244)

BUY: Alesis Performance Pad Pro currently available from:
UK: DV247

Tiki Snare Drums

MusicRadar’s verdict:

Both snares are a joy to play - well built and versatile. Considering the standard of construction and quality of components, they're great value too.

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Tiki Snare Drums

(Reviewed in Rhythm Magazine issue 195)

Mapex Meridian Retro Fusion Kit

MusicRadar’s verdict:

This kit will appeal to jazz or funk drummers, or indeed any drummer who needs to squeeze into a small area without compromising the sound of their drums.

4 out of 5

FULL REVIEW: Mapex Meridian Retro Fusion Kit

(Reviewed in Rhythm Magazine issue 195)