New drum gear of the month: review round-up (October 2013)
Snare drum ringing in the changes
Ahead Bell Brass Snare
Every month, MusicRadar's sister magazine Rhythm - the UK's best-selling drum magazine - publishes the best independent drum reviews.
Here we're pulled together all of the cymbals, drum kits, electronic drums, percussion and any other miscellaneous drum gear reviewed in September.
All the equipment on show here was originally reviewed in Rhythm magazine issue 22o, or by MusicRadar's own reviews team.
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"Whatever sound you wish for, this snare can be heard... clear as a bell."
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Ahead Bell Brass Snare review
(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 220)
Flash looks, reasonable price (pic, bottom right)
Tycoon Chiselled Orange Cajon
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"This cost-effective Chiselled Orange cajon has a thumbs-up for its price and reasonable sound."
3 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Tycoon Chiselled Orange Cajon review
(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 220)
Hand-made Turkish cymbals
Amedia Ahmet Legend Cymbals
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"These cymbals are superb examples of cymbalsmithery of the highest order and represent the tip of the Amedia iceberg."
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Amedia Ahmet Legend Cymbals review
(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 220)
Quality hybrid percussion gear (pictured top)
Tycoon Cherry Red Acrylic Cajon
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"While this Cherry Red Acrylic cajon is striking - an 'object of desire' - it is on the expensive side."
3 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Tycoon Cherry Red Acrylic Cajon review
(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 220)
Hand built aluminium custom drums
Echo Custom Drums Apollo 2 Kit
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"The partnership of the excellent Evans 360 heads and the aluminium shells seems inseparable - what a great-sounding, versatile kit, suitable for almost any genre."
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Echo Custom Drums Apollo 2 Kit review
(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 220)
Fun, flexible Thai-built cajon (pictured bottom left)
Tycoon Roundback Cajon
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"The Roundback could literally beat other cajons hands down with its full tone and versatility."
3 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Tycoon Roundback Cajon review
(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 220)
Birch beauty from the flourishing UK drum firm
Liberty Drums Birch Snare Drum
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"A versatile drum made by a fast-growing UK builder, yet more proof of the drum building talent on these shores."
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Liberty Drums Birch Snare Drum review
(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 220)
Questlove's impressive micro kit
Ludwig Questlove Breakbeats Kit
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"An affordable kit that lives up to its design, this kit will suit any style of 'groove' player and is even a great quality set for kids. Breakbeats offers a cohesive package of portability, sound and all-round style!"
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Ludwig Questlove Breakbeats Kit review
(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 220)