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New drum gear of the month: review round-up (September 2010)

By Rhythm magazine, Tom Porter
published 3 September 2010

Aug-Sept 2010: kits, cymbals, heads and mics

Drum gear of the month: Aug-Sept 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...

Page 1 of 14
Page 1 of 14
Yamaha Rock Tour Drum Kit (from £167)
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)

Page 2 of 14
Page 2 of 14
Sabian Xs20 Brilliant Finish Cymbals (£486 for 3-piece set)
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)

Page 3 of 14
Page 3 of 14
Istanbul Agop 30th Anniversary Cymbals (from £400)
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."

stars

stars

FULL REVIEW: Istanbul Agop 30th Anniversary Cymbals

(Reviewed by Adam Jones - Rhythm Magazine issue 180)

Page 4 of 14
Page 4 of 14
Remo Ambassador-X Heads (from £13.50)
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)

Page 5 of 14
Page 5 of 14
MXL Drum Microphones (£109)
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)

Page 6 of 14
Page 6 of 14
Perfect Posture Back Brace (£40)
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)

Page 7 of 14
Page 7 of 14
Drum gear of the month: July-Aug 2010

Drum gear of the month: July-Aug 2010

Now read: Drum gear of the month: July-Aug 2010

Skip to:

Mapex Horizon HX drum kit

Meinl Byzance Cymbals - Traditional, Dark and Extra Dry ranges

BR Distribution Mic Holders

Toontrack Beatstation

Ludwig Element Laquer Series Power drum kit

Soultone Cymbals - Vintage and Custom Brilliant ranges

Page 8 of 14
Page 8 of 14
Drum gear of the month: June-July 2010

Drum gear of the month: June-July 2010

Now read: Drum gear of the month: June-July 2010

Skip to:

Roland Octapad SPD-30

Sonor SQ2 snare drum

DW SSC drum kit

Mapex Falcon bass drum pedals

Amedia Old School Series cymbals

Evans EC2 SST and Power Center drum heads

Xfer Records Nerve

Page 9 of 14
Page 9 of 14
Drum gear of the month: May-June 2010

Drum gear of the month: May-June 2010

Now read: Drum gear of the month: May-June 2010

Skip to:

Alesis DM10 Pro electronic drum kit

Tama Charlie Benante Snare

Sabian SBr Cymbals

Natal Classic Series Congas and Bongos

Percussion Plus Sonix Drum Kit

Native Instruments Abbey Road 60s Drums

Page 10 of 14
Page 10 of 14
Drum gear of the month: April-May 2010

Drum gear of the month: April-May 2010

Now read: Drum gear of the month: April-May 2010

Skip to:

Tama Starclassic Bubinga drum kit

Zildjian EFX Cymbals

Worldmax Microvent Snare Drum

Sonor 100, 200 and 400 series hardware sets

KickPort drum insert

Meinl Signature hand percussion

Page 11 of 14
Page 11 of 14
Drum gear of the month: Mar-April 2010

Drum gear of the month: Mar-April 2010

Now read: Drum gear of the month: Mar-April 2010

Skip to:

Roland TD-4KX electronic drum kit

Yamaha DTX950K electronic drum kit

Alchemy Power-X Cymbals

Carrera Snare Drums

Drum Tuna Flip

Page 12 of 14
Page 12 of 14
Drum gear of the month: Feb-Mar 2010

Drum gear of the month: Feb-Mar 2010

Now read: Drum gear of the month: Feb-Mar 2010

Skip to:

Jobeky Prestige electronic drum kit

Liberty MPX Drum Kit

ddrum Vinnie Paul Snare Drums

Mapex Black Panther Black Widow Snare

Mapex Black Panther Blade Snare

Mapex Drum Masterclass iPhone app

Toontrack Custom & Vintage SDX

Page 13 of 14
Page 13 of 14
Drum gear of the month: Jan-Feb 2010

Drum gear of the month: Jan-Feb 2010

Now read: Drum gear of the month: Jan-Feb 2010

Skip to:

Roland TD-20KX electronic drum kit

Sonor Force 3007 Jungle drum kit

Yamaha DTX-Multi 12 electronic percussion pad

Gatton Snare Drums

Ahead Brass Snare Drum

Page 14 of 14
Page 14 of 14
Rhythm magazine
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