New drum gear of the month: review round-up (September 2010)
Drum gear of the month: Aug-Sept 2010
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 cymbals, kits, heads, drum mics and an even an orthopaedic back brace from Rhythm Magazine's gruelling testing process. First reviewed in Rhythm issue 180 and published on MusicRadar throughout August and September.
Scroll on for this month’s top picks and click through to read each product’s full review. First up: Yamaha’s Rock Tour Kit...
The Rock Tour Series hits the road in the UK
Yamaha Rock Tour Drum Kit (from £167)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"As the name implies, these drums feel strong enough to cope with the rigours of being thrashed each night on tour. Rock on…"
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Yamaha Rock Tour drum kit
(Reviewed by Adam Jones - Rhythm Magazine issue 180)
Sabian's budget-conscious B20 cymbals recieve a brilliant update
Sabian Xs20 Brilliant Finish Cymbals (£486 for 3-piece set)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“Those stepping up from beginner's cymbals will find the Xs20s noticeably nicer on the ear. For that extra timbral character though, you have to take the next step into the realms of really expensive cymbals. But for now these will do very well.”
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Sabian Xs20 Brilliant Finish Cymbals
(Reviewed by Geoff Nicholls - Rhythm Magazine issue 180)
Istanbul Agop celebrates 30 years in vintage style
Istanbul Agop 30th Anniversary Cymbals (from £400)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"While those of a rocky disposition will probably walk on, anyone remotely jazz-inclined would be forgiven for thinking that it's their birthday too."
FULL REVIEW: Istanbul Agop 30th Anniversary Cymbals
(Reviewed by Adam Jones - Rhythm Magazine issue 180)
The Ambassador puts on weight for today's hard hitters
Remo Ambassador-X Heads (from £13.50)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“Just like the standard Ambassador, this is a supremely versatile head which will find favour with all types of drummer playing every style of music.”
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Remo Ambassador-X Heads
(Reviewed by Geoff Nicholls - Rhythm Magazine issue 180)
MXL claims these mics deliver studio quality in a live environment. So how do they stack up?
MXL Drum Microphones (£109)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"Mics are equally critical to your overall sound and deserve the same deliberation and appreciation as the gear itself, with that in mind these are well worth a look."
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: MXL Drum Microphones
(Reviewed by Adam Jones - Rhythm Magazine issue 180)
Can an orthopaedic support help your drumming?
Perfect Posture Back Brace (£40)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
"If you suffer from back pain while playing then this could be a real help. But proper advice and practice will always be the best way to improve your playing position."
3 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Perfect Posture Back Brace
(Reviewed by Jake Stacey - Rhythm Magazine issue 180)
Drum gear of the month: July-Aug 2010
Now read: Drum gear of the month: July-Aug 2010
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Meinl Byzance Cymbals - Traditional, Dark and Extra Dry ranges
Drum gear of the month: June-July 2010
Now read: Drum gear of the month: June-July 2010
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Amedia Old School Series cymbals
Drum gear of the month: May-June 2010
Now read: Drum gear of the month: May-June 2010
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Alesis DM10 Pro electronic drum kit
Natal Classic Series Congas and Bongos
Drum gear of the month: April-May 2010
Now read: Drum gear of the month: April-May 2010
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Tama Starclassic Bubinga drum kit
Drum gear of the month: Mar-April 2010
Now read: Drum gear of the month: Mar-April 2010
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Roland TD-4KX electronic drum kit
Drum gear of the month: Feb-Mar 2010
Now read: Drum gear of the month: Feb-Mar 2010
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Jobeky Prestige electronic drum kit
Mapex Black Panther Black Widow Snare
Mapex Black Panther Blade Snare
Drum gear of the month: Jan-Feb 2010
Now read: Drum gear of the month: Jan-Feb 2010
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Roland TD-20KX electronic drum kit
Sonor Force 3007 Jungle drum kit