Boutique Quality Snares from the Strongest Name in Drums

Tama Star snare drums are ultra-high end snare drums that focus on sound first. Unlike many "boutique" snare drum builders that focus on aesthetics, Tama Star snare drums are built to achieve an optimal tone. Simply put, any furniture maker can build a beautiful drum. At the end of the day it's sound that is most important.

That's not to say Tama Star snare drums aren't beautiful, because they are. No drum manufacturer pays more attention to detail than Tama. Their flagship Star lineup sets the standard by which all others are currently measured in the industry. We tested 10 gorgeous Tama Star snare drums head to head in our most recent video.

Tama Star Bubinga Snare Drum Dark Red Cordia

If you ask around the shop what the best looking Tama Star finish is, many of us will tell you it's the Star Bubinga Dark Red Cordia. From the flawless outer finish, to the immaculate shell construction, this snare drum is an absolute dime-piece.

It sounds as good as it looks. We tested a 14x6.5 and a 14x5.5 model, and neither disappointed. Both deliver immediate low end with a sharp, yet not harsh attack. Tama has a way with Bubinga that exploits the best qualities while minimizing the troublesome ones.

Tama Star Reserve Bubinga/Walnut Snare Drum 14x6.5

The Tama Star Reserve Bubinga Walnut Snare Drum also yields an extremely sharp cut and projection. The hybrid shell of Bubinga and Walnut with Maple Sound Focus Rings creates a solid, clear tone with all the resonance you could ask for. The beautiful Claro Walnut exterior ply lacquered in black see-through gloss adds to the elegance of the snare drum. It also features Sound Arc Hoop and STAR Tube Lugs with lug nuts for accurate tuning.

Tama Star Maple Snare Drum 14x6.5 Gloss Sycamore

Referred to here at the shop as a "Modern Day Radio King", the Tama Star Maple snare drum is a winning combination of vintage sound and modern features. Although they feature one of the most popular and traditional drum shell materials, Star Maple drums have some unique hidden features that set them apart from the rest. The thin 5 ply, 5mm shells are comprised of a 2mm thick solid wood core ply between 1.5mm thick plies. Traditional Maple shells generally sound bright and open. This Star Maple snare drum has those characteristics, but with rich dynamics. The concept is similar to other solid shell drums, but thinner by comparison.

Tama Star Maple Snare Drum 14x5.5 Smoky Black

The single-ply Tama Star Maple snare drum in Smoky Black finish may have been the biggest surprise of the day. We've played a ton of solid shell maple snare drums over the years, so we had our preconceived notion of what it was going to sound like.

We're not sure how, but this single ply snare drum spoke with overwhelming brightness and clarity. No matter how we tuned it, this beauty retained its body and tone. Watch the video and hear it for yourself!

Tama Star Reserve Hand Hammered Copper Snare Drum 14x6.5

The only metal snare drum we tested in this Tama Star snare drum shootout was the Reserve Hand Hammered Copper. The series' first metal snare features a hand hammered copper shell. With mid-low end and tons of volume, the hand hammered shell creates a deeply harmonic overtone. A slightly smaller diameter hammer is used on the edge of the shell compared with the hammer that is used on the center. This gives the shell a unique barrel shape that lends to the special tone it produces.

To complement the shell, Tama added customized 2.3mm brass flanged hoops. The edge of each hoop is slightly shaved down compared to a standard flanged hoop, yielding a sharp, bright attack. The combination of warm, rich resonance with sharp, bright attack offers an original sound that we think you'll love!

Tama Star Reserve Maple/Bubinga Snare Drum 15x8 Caramel Olive Ash Burst

It can be an extremely gratifying sensation to discover a special snare drum that brings a newfound creativity to your playing. All of a sudden, your go-to phrasing is out the window and you're heading down a new path. We feel this is exactly what Tama has accomplished with the beastly 15x8 Star Reserve snare drum.

Its combination of Bubinga/Maple hybrid shell and Brass Mighty hoops provides a huge backbeat. However, it still manages to maintain a great balance of low and high end frequencies. No matter how you tune this drum, its presence is clearly heard and felt. Tuned low, the drum functions wonderfully as a ballad snare with the snare wires engaged. With the wires off, it can double as a floor tom - giving it surprising versatility.

Tama Star Solid Maple Reserve Snare Drum 14x5 Oiled Natural Maple

The 1st model of the Star Reserve snare series was developed to attain unparalleled sensitivity and response for drummers. Tama combined a solid maple shell with a slightly sharper Starclassic bearing edge and Brass Sound Arc hoops. The result is an ultra-sensitive, clear, and bright tone. It also features Tama's unique STAR Tube Lugs with lug nuts for articulate tuning. Supersensitive Hi-Carbon Snare Wires feature a thin brass plate and softer hi-carbon coils that respond to even the softest touch of the batter head.  This Tama Star Reserve in Oiled Maple is an understated instrument that just oozes class and sophistication.

Tama Star Walnut Snare Drum 14x6.5 Red Burgundy

Star Walnut drums are intriguing to us at Drum Center of Portsmouth.  While they are the most "affordable" Star offering, to some, they are the best sounding.  This Tama Star Walnut snare drum was no exception.  When you watch the video, we think you'll find the Walnut's tone will stand out the most.

As with their Star Bubinga shells, Tama seems to bring out the best qualities of Walnut.  This snare just seemed to have a warmer, fatter projection than most other Walnut drums on the market.  This snare drum comes highly recommended.

Tama Star Snare Drum Zebrawood 14x6

Finally, we put the Tama Star Zebrawood snare drum through its paces.  This snare drum can be summed up in one word: unique. With a look and sound unlike just about anything else, this solid-shelled beauty represents a real rarity among the galaxy of snare drums. This is a drum that speaks with the clean, dry crispness of aluminum and backs it up with the ruddy warmth of mahogany. If you are looking for a special snare drum to add to your arsenal of sound, look no further!

Your Home for Tama Star Snare Drums

At Drum Center of Portsmouth, we carry the most Tama Star snare drums you will find anywhere. Our staff understands the subtle tonal difference between each and every Star drum Tama has to offer. When you are ready to explore the unique sounds of Tama's flagship line of ultra-high end drums, give us call.  We will match you up with the sound that is right for you!

Steals,Deals,Savings Galore at Drum Center of Portsmouth on Black Friday 2018!

Get a glimpse of our crazy Black Friday Deals by visiting the page now.  What you see now is regular pricing.  Come back on Black Friday to get INSANE pricing!

First come, first serve. When they are gone - they're gone! 

Just to clarify - what you see now is normal pricing. Come back on Black Friday (or perhaps a little earlier) to see the killer deals!

Also, visit our deals page to save up to 70% off list NOW - while it lasts!

If you don't see something there that you like, we are having our now famous event in store and on Facebook!

The Black Friday Tradition at Drum Center of Portsmouth

Turkey is a Thanksgiving Day tradition in the USA. Coincidentally, just like a drummer, turkeys come with two drum sticks. As you go about celebrating Thanksgiving, post a picture of yourself feasting on a drum stick (the turkey kind!) on our Facebook page and we will give you a free pair of drum sticks with your next order, regardless of size. The choice of drum sticks is up to you... Vic Firth, Vater, Pro Mark, Zildjian. You name it, if we've got it, a pair will be yours for free!

THREE WAYS TO SAVE BIG ON BLACK FRIDAY

We have three cool ways for you to save anywhere from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars on Black Friday. We think that our offers are among the most unique out there, and we hope you agree! Here are the three ways you can save big on Friday!

1) Stop by the shop on Friday wearing black and we will give you 15% off the regular price of anything in the store.*

2) If you cannot make it to the shop, or you are not in the Portsmouth area, post a photo (video is better!) of yourself wearing black with a sign or note saying something to the effect of "I love DCP" on our Facebook page and we'll give you 15% off the regular price of anything we've got. Please note you'll need to call or email to receive the discount.

3) Don't have black clothing? Can't post to Facebook? No worries, we've got you covered. We'll give you 15% off anything in the store that is either black or has the word "black" as a part of the product name, or if you bring some non-perishable canned food that we can donate on your behalf to the local food pantry. Just stop by the shop or give us a call and we'll take care of you.

BONUS: We'll offer an additional 5% off any order (including the above promotions) if you post a video of yourself doing a Johnny Cash cover to our Facebook page... acoustic guitar, spoken word, full band, karaoke-style dub / voice-over, you name it. Knock out a short video and save even more!

NOTE: The main three promotions cannot be combined. You may only combine the bonus 5% off with one of the "big 3." This also does not apply to used/clearance/consignment items.

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GOLD FRIDAY - The George Way Way!

Here's an all week special on George Way Drums: All Way Gold Drums get a $100 rebate after checkout!  Example drum is here and here.  (5.5x14 also available, just reach out for details)
Also, if you buy a George Way Drum Set this week, you will receive a FREE Way Gold Snare Drum, which will be sent following the drum set.**

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* Restrictions apply. Used, consignments, and certain brands are exempt from this promotion.  Contact us for details.
** Snare drum will be sent at a later date.

Buying your first drum set is an incredibly exciting time for any aspiring musician.

Whether you’re trying to channel that inner rhythm that causes you to tap and bang on your closest surroundings, or you’re looking to start your child on the drums early, you’ve come to the right place!

Owning drumming gear is a wonderful investment that allows you to tap your musical potential (pun intended).

However, if you’ve never owned a drum set before, there are a few things you’ll want to consider before buying to make sure you have all the equipment needed to rock out.

So scoot right on up and take a seat on the throne (yes, that’s what we call the seat!)—because we’re going to walk you through everything you need to consider before buying your first drum kit.

1. What’s included in a Drum Set? And How Many Pieces do You Need?

The first thing to consider when buying a drum set is how many pieces you need. Depending on your level of expertise and your budget, starting small and keeping it simple might be the best option for novice drummers.

Most beginner drum sets are sold as 5-piece or 6-piece kits. The number of “pieces” refers to the number of core drums included in the bundle. For example, if you have a snare, a bass, and three toms, this would add up to a 5-piece set.

When shopping, it is important to consider how many core drums you’ll want to start out with, as well as any cymbals and other percussion add-ons you’d like to purchase.

Most inclusive packages will come with a few basic cymbals, like a high-hat and a crash/ride cymbal. However, if you’re not buying an inclusive package you’ll need to choose your own cymbals and necessary hardware.

The great thing about drum kits is that you can start small with the basics and add onto your set with more fancy bells and whistles once you get into the groove.

2. What Size Drums Do You Need?

Depending on your space limitations and who will be playing the drums, you may be better off purchasing your set in a specific size. One of the most popular sizes is referred to as “rock” sets. These are a bit larger but they produce a beautiful sound that is deep and balanced.

Fusion and Hybrid size sets are also becoming increasingly popular because they take up much less space.

If you’re buying a set for a little drummer, a Junior set may be the perfect option. These are much smaller and more compact, perfect for young musicians looking to rock out. The bass on a Junior set is usually 16” with 8” and 10” tomes.

The size of your throne is also very important and can make a huge difference when practicing for long periods of time. In fact, some consider it the most valuable investment, which is why it is essential to get an appropriately sized throne that can support proper posture and comfortable playing.

3. Things to Consider when Buying Shell Sets

In addition to all-inclusive kits, some manufacturers also sell what is known as “shell sets”. These sets basically include your drums, the holders, and that’s it. Shell sets do not include any additional hardware or cymbals, so you will need to purchase these separately.

If you purchase a shell set, make sure you also looking into purchasing the following:

● A hardware set, including a high-hat stand
● A cymbal pack with stands
● A snare stand
● A bass pedal
● A throne
● Sticks

Shell sets can be great if you want to customize your kit as much as possible with the right instruments/tools you need. However, if you’re just looking for the basics, an all-inclusive set might be better suited for your needs.

4. What’s Your Sound?

When buying your first kit, you really want the music to be able to resonate with your soul. For this reason, it is important to consider what sound you’re going for so that you can choose the right material to achieve that beat.

The type of wood used in an acoustic drum, for example, can impact the way the instrument sounds. Below we’ve outlined some of the characteristics of the most popular woods.

Maple: stronger lows that resonate and create bright/warm tones.
Birch: strong high frequencies and low-end punch. Ideal for dark tones.
Mahogany: very rich low-end frequencies.

The size will also have an impact on the sound.

5. Additional Add Ons

In addition to the drum set itself, there are a few vital add ons that you’ll need if you want to be a happy drummer. For example, many kits don’t come with drumsticks (surprising, we know!)
Other useful items include:

● music stands
● amps (if you have any electric drums)
● soft-bag cases for transporting your instruments
● ton rings
● dampening pads

For more worthwhile addition, check out our accessories and hardware section here.

Choosing a Drum Set That Will Grow With You

One of the greatest things about drum sets and that you can continue to add on to them and change out the pieces as you grow. While it might be tempting to start out with a rock and roll size drum kit, investing in high-quality basics first can give you all the tools you need to master the basics and find your rhythm.

At Drum Center, we pride ourselves on helping our customers create their dream set-up. We can pair you with the right kits for your needs so that you can start rocking out in no time.
Whether you’re shopping for yourself or a loved one, we have a wide selection of drum sets from some of the top manufacturers on the market.
Browse our selection of drum sets today to find one that resonates with you!

No percussion line is complete without a snare.

The snare drum is known for its classic sharp staccato, which is unmistakable in any modern marching band or orchestra.

However, despite its present popularity, the snare drum has actually been around for hundreds of years—even dating back to medieval times.

Below we’ve outlined some of the history of this ancient instrument and how it became the modern staple it is today.

Medieval Origins

Based on historical records, the snare drum has roots all the way back in medieval times, around the 1300—when its ancestor, the Tabor was used by the fife and drum corps.

The tabor (pronounced “tay-bor”), was a double-headed large instrument that was worn over the right shoulder using a strap.

Around the 1500s and 1600s, Swiss mercenary foot soldiers used the Tabor to send signals to each other while out on the field. During this time, the instrument also became longer, and was worn alongside the body as a “field drum” or “side drum”.

The Tabor was primarily tensioned using leather straps or ropes laced in W and V patterns around the shell. By the 1500s, the European Tabor had traveled to other countries and became a popular instrument for various uses.

In England, a similar instrument was developed by the 1500s, however, the name was changed from Tabor to drume or drome.

1600s - 1800s: A New Age for the Snare

New Tensioning Methods

By the 1600s, new manufacturing methods made it easier to create snare drums and adjust the tension.

The addition of screws around the 1700s allowed the snare drum to be secured and tensioned more firmly, creating a tighter snap and brighter sound that replaced the loose rattle of the Tabor.

During the 1800s, development techniques continued to improve the tensioning method, enhancing the overall sound quality. By increasing the tension, drummers were able to create more complex sounds and rhythmic patterns. For this reason, classical musicians started to use the snare around the 1800s for the march-like timbre that added a touch of color.

Around the mid-century, snares significantly decreased in size and started being built out of brass. This created the higher pitched and crisper sound that is now popular amongst orchestras.

Military Uses and the Classic Marching Sound

During the 18^th and 19^th centuries, the snare drum also displayed tremendous military uses. Various songs played by drum and fife have been documented and studied as an integral part of military culture during their era.

American military troops, for example, were woken by about 5 minutes of snare and fife, with well-known songs like “Three Camp”. Other uses included songs like “Peas on a Trench”, “Breakfast Call”, and “Roast Beef”, which were used to call soldiers for meals. Other tunes, included “Tattoo” and “Fatigue Call” which were used to signal bedtime and police the barracks, respectably.

Military bands also started using this instrument in the 19^th century, replacing the tenor drum. The distinct timbre of a marching snare still rings as a classic military sound today.

In addition to its uses within the military camps, this drum also made its way out onto the field on multiple occasions. The military bugle, snare, and fife were all used to send signals during the 18^th and 19^th century, echoing back to the military uses for the Tabor during Medieval times.

1900s – Present: The Modern Snare Drum

After the 1900s, the snare drum underwent some major improvements to its design. For better tensioning, metal counter-hoops were created and added to help tighten the drumheads efficiently. Coiled wires also were added to the design during this time, a now familiar feature of the snare.

In today’s modern area, the snare drum is an integral part of any Trap-set. Traps are made up of percussion instruments, drums, and cymbals, and were first used in ragtime and jazz music, as well as silent movies.

Rock and Roll and Jazz music continued to highlight the instrument for its rhythmic backbeat and comping power.

In response to the instrument’s success in mainstream music, companies like Ludwig and Rogers, which we carry, started creating multiple types and sizes of snare drums.

By the mid-1900’s, little advancements like plastic drumheads and snare throw offs made a big difference for the instrument—creating better sound quality and control.

The shell design and hardware for snares has continued to improve into the modern age, as the instrument marches on as a popular drum for everything from marching bands to garage bands.

Leading Brands March On with the Snare Drum

From jazz to rock and roll, military tunes to classical music, the distinct sound of the snare transcends genres and continues to be a favorite for percussionists around the world.

Today, there are several manufacturers that help carry on the snares legacy, offering the instrument in a variety of materials, shells, styles, and sizes.

At Drum Center, we are proud to partner with some of the leading snare drum manufactures in the world. The legendary Ludwig drums was one of the first companies to specialize in large-scale snare manufacturing and they’re still considered industry leaders today for their high-quality instrument and superior sound. Other great brands include Mapex, Dunnett, Canopus, and more.

Shop from Hundreds of Modern Snare Drums

At Drum Center, we appreciate not only this drum’s rich history but also its modern uses today. We fell in love with the snare drum early on, and we are sure you will as well!

We have over 400 snare drums on hand, giving our customers a huge selection to choose from. Whether you’re joining a marching band or simply looking to add to your musical collection, we can help match you with the right make and model for your needs.

From budget-friendly instruments to high-end collectors’ items, we have a huge selection in store and online that you can browse.

Tama Star Drum Sets - Bubinga, Maple, Walnut Compared at Drum Center of Portsmouth!

Tama Star drums have generated a lot of buzz since their launch in 2013.  The Star line is handcrafted by a small group of artisans in Japan to incredible tolerances.  Their uncompromising attention to detail makes Tama Star Drums a shop favorite at Drum Center of Portsmouth.  We’ve put together an epic head-to-head comparison video of Tama’s big three - Star Bubinga, Star Maple and Star Walnut.

The Idea

Working at a drum store has its perks.  One day during a meeting, someone had the idea to order a bunch of the world’s finest drums for a comparison video.  After a few long months our shipment arrived, and we were rewarded with three jaw-dropping kits. The Star Maple and Star Bubinga kits share the same configuration.  10x7, 12x8 rack toms, 14x14, 16x16 floor toms and a 22x18 bass drum. The Star Walnut kit sports slightly different sizes: 10x8, 12x9, 14x12, 16x14, 18x22.

Let’s get this out of the way right off the bat.  Tama Star drums are among the most beautiful instruments on this planet.  When these kits were unboxed, everyone at the shop stopped what they were doing.  You can’t take your eyes off of them. The exotic grain, the flawless finish, the stunning hardware, those INLAYS!  

Once we got over the initial shock of pure aesthetic perfection, we got to spend some quality time playing Tama’s flagship line.  And, oh...what a joy it was.

Tama Star Bubinga

At the front line of Tama Star drums is the Tama Star Bubinga.  The kit we test drove was finished in immaculate Dark Red Cordia.  The shell construction of the Star Bubingas is a super-thin 4.5mm with thick 9mm reinforcement rings.  The interiors are equally as gorgeous with an inner ply of oiled Cordia.

Right away you can spot something unusual about these drums.  Tama ships them with Remo Ambassadors, as opposed to Evans heads.  This is just one of the details that help you realize that Tama spared no expense regarding the sound of these drums.  The kick drums come equipped with PS3 batters and Fiberskyn resonant heads.

The sound of Star Bubingas can be summed up in a word - aggressive.  Their dark tone is immediate, sharp and punchy. Their note is clear and beautiful, and they tune up with ease.  Tama’s Zinc diecast hoops keep the sustain focused and the drum in tune for days. The kick drum was our favorite part of this kit, providing ridiculous thump and cut.

Tama Star Maple

As we switched over from Star Bubinga to Star Maple the benefits of Tama’s Star Hardware became apparent.  Tama’s Super Resonant Mounting system works with a nifty quick-lock tom bracket that makes setup a breeze. Simply flip a switch on the tom stand arm to release your tom while leaving the memory lock in place.  Slide the tom back on and, boom. Ready for the next gig. The floor toms also employ these quick locks, making them ultimately gig-friendly.

Our Star Maple kit was also drool-worthy in appearance.  The finish is called, “Gloss Sycamore” and resembles the most heavily figured Flamed Maple you could imagine.  The gloss is flawless, and has a genuine 3D appearance.

Star Maple shell construction is completely different from the Bubingas.  At the center of the shell is a “solid-core” ply of 2mm maple, sandwiched between 1.5mm thick cross-laminated plies on both sides.  This thin, 5mm base is supported by 5mm Sound Focus Rings. The reasoning behind this recipe is to simulate the sound of a solid-ply shell without the solid-ply drawbacks.

This kit delivers maple tone on huge doses of steroids.  The midrange frequencies BOOM with an unusual blend of modern/vintage sound.  Sticking is clean and articulate and sustain goes on and on. If you crave maple tone, Tama Star Maple delivers in spades.

Tama Star Walnut

Rounding out the Tama Star Drums lineup is Star Walnut.  As mentioned before, our Star Walnut had slightly different sizes than the other kits.  Toms were slightly deeper, and the floor toms were slightly shallower. The finish is a more understated Dark Mocha Gloss, sans inlays.

Along with the sizes and finish being different, shell construction is also unique to the Star Walnut line.  Toms are 5mm and the bass is 6mm without reinforcement rings.

These thin walnut shells produced rich, dark tone as one would expect from Walnut.  What surprised us was an element of bright attack. The shallower floor toms kept right up with its earlier competitors, and the kick delivered the most low end.  The sound of this kit was not unlike birch with some enhanced low-end. This kit would make an excellent rock kit with plenty of aggressive thump to keep up with the mix.

The Verdict

Tama Star Drums are uncompromising.  They use the finest materials that are crafted by the world’s finest drum makers.  The hardware is strong, beautiful and practical. They are simply among the finest instruments money can buy, and their price tag reflects this.  We appreciate that these kits are for a handful of fortunate people, but we are grateful that Tama continues to push the limits of what a drum set can be.

The Tama Star Drum line covers every base between its Maple, Bubinga and Walnut kits.  Each voice is uniquely magnificent. We carry a huge selection of Tama Star Drums at Drum Center of Portsmouth.  We will gladly talk shop about Tama or any other brand you are interested in!

Sonor AQ2 Drum Sets take the place of their now-discontinued Force and SSE Special Edition Sets.  This intermediate line includes the extremely popular Martini and Safari kits. We unboxed each of these gig-friendly AQ2 drum sets and gave them a test drive.

The Evolution of Compact Drums

The compact drum market has gotten big over the past 10 years.  It started with Yamaha’s Manu Katche Hip-Gig Jr. Kit. Sonor changed the game when they decided to enter the market with their Safari set.  It was a portable, decently made drum set for about $350.

Other major manufacturers soon followed.  Ludwig released the Breakbeat kit. Pearl came out with the Midtown kit.  Tama has their Club Jam kit. The market was full of options at the sub-400 dollar price point.

Gigging drummers made many a spontaneous purchase when they discovered how inexpensive and portable these kits were.  Unfortunately, the sound of these kits left something to be desired. The softer wood shells just don’t have the feel and response you get from a higher quality wood.  Sonor’s AQ2 Drum Sets have struck a great balance between affordability, portability and build quality.

Better Shells Make Better Drums

Sonor AQ2 Martini and Safari kits sport 100% 7-ply Maple shells.  The three interior plies are softer Asian Maple, and the outer plies are harder North American Maple.  The resulting thickness is a relatively thin 5.8mm. This is a similar shell recipe as Yamaha’s new Tour Custom model.

Our first kit to set up was the Sonor AQ2 Martini Drum Set in a White Marine Pearl wrap.  The Martini kit is a compact 4-piece set up design for ultimate portability. The rack tom is 8x7, the floor tom is 13x12 and the kick is 14x13.  The steel snare drum is 12x5 with flanged hoops.

Our second setup was the Sonor AQ2 Safari kit in a similar Delmar WMP finish.  The Safari kit offers slightly larger sizes for the drummer who may need some more thump on their gig.  Our 4-piece Safari kit sizes were 10x7, 13x12, 16x15 with a matching 13x6 snare.

That Hardware, Though

Right away, we noticed the quality of the hardware.  The bass drum mount is seriously heavy-duty and very adjustable.  The new Smart mount on the rack tom is functional and low-profile, connecting to two upper lug brackets.  Head changes can be made quickly and easily, and thick rubber gaskets provide isolation. All of the newly designed lugs are cast using molds designed in Germany.

We decided to tune both kits low and high for each demo to get a sense of their range.  Right out of the gate we were greeted with bright tone from both kits. We were too lazy to change the UT Remo heads, and assumed that would translate to a fuzzy, unpleasant sound.  This is a testament to the QC of Sonor’s new all-maple shells. Bearing edges were perfect and shells were perfectly round. The resulting tone was clear and clean and all drums tuned up easily.  They also stayed in tune thanks to Sonor’s TuneSafe lug design.

The Martini’s 12x5 snare drum was cutting, but not in a harsh way. Typically an inexpensive metal snare will be sharp sounding, but this was not the case with the Sonor Martini AQ2.  The matching 13x6 Safari Maple snare also proved to be an overachiever. Great projection, smooth bright tone and a decent tuning range.

AQ2 bass drums feature heavy duty mounting hardware, along with durable hoops.  The 14” Martini kick provided just enough thump for those small 3 piece gigs. The 16” Safari kit bass drum has enough low end to give you a little more genre-diversity.  While the overall tone was good, these will sound much better with Remo USA PS3 heads.

The Verdict

Overall, these two Sonor AQ2 kits are an unbelievable value.  Drummers who appreciate the performance of their SSE Martini and Safari kits will LOVE the AQ2 updates.  The all-maple shells, solid hardware and eye-catching finishes are significant upgrades to their predecessors.  Ultimately, the blend of quality, convenience and cost make both of these kits an excellent intermediate option for the working drummer.

Roland V-Drums Now Available at Drum Center of Portsmouth!

Roland Electronic Percussion at Drum Center of Portsmouth

It goes without saying that Roland is the leader in the world of Electronic Drums.  If you spoken to us before, we've been rather black and white about our feelings on V-Drums and E-drums.   Our typical answer has always been "There's Roland, there's Yamaha, then there's everybody else."

It's not that simple anymore.  ATV drums have made a BIG splash here at DCP, and their momentum continues to grow.  Yamaha has been steady for us from the word go, and Pearl's Mimic Module is hard to keep on the shelves here.  The E-drum world continues to grow, but there can only be one leader, and that leader is Roland.

I sold Roland for a number of years before DCP, and went to Roland US in 2004 for training.  ( I have a picture somewhere...)

I'm very familiar with the architecture of Roland's V-Drum Sets and Sampling Pads, but I'll certainly be needing a refresh as the boxes continue to arrive here at Drum Center of Portsmouth.

It's a natural evolution for us: in our old location, we barely had room for Electronic drum sets.  Then, the new Drum Center of Portsmouth opened in 2017, and now that we've passed that one year mark, we've learned something:

  People want to buy Electronic drums at Drum Center of Portsmouth.

You have made it clear: E-drums, or V-drums, are not going away.  And you're looking for a place where you can talk to experts who can help you.

This aligns perfectly with our mission statement:

To provide drummers from around the world a community through local and global networking selling products for a reasonable profit and providing friendly service.

We want to help you make the right choice.  To do that, we've made a major commitment to stock a wide array of Roland V-Drums products, such as the TD-50, TD-30,TD-25, TD-17,TD-11,TD-4, and TD-1 V-Drums Sets.

Standard fare such as the SPD-SX, SPD-1, and the legendary OctaPad are already in stock.

Add on Roland Triggers, Pads, replacement mesh heads, and cables are also on the menu and ready to fly.

  The Electronic Drum Division at Drum Center of Portsmouth Just Got Bigger!

We will continue to stock and service the brands we've carried, we will now be able to provide another option for you.

We'd like to give a  sincere thank you for spending your drum money with us.  We hope to provide you with many years of good service and pricing on your Roland, and other products that we offer here at Drum Center of Portsmouth.

Browse our current Roland inventory here.

Three Top Tier Bop Kits Head-to-Head

Jazz.  It’s one of America’s original art forms and provides the soundtrack for your Sunday brunch.  The anchor of any good Jazz trio is the bop kit drum set.  Just like the eggs in your Sunday brunch, there are many ways to make a bop kit.  We chose three magnificent maple bop kits from three different manufacturers to compare their discernable differences.  Our “Bop Kit Battle” participants are the Sonor SQ2, Canopus RFM and the Ludwig Classic Maple Jazzette.

The Parameters

For this comparison, we chose three maple kits in “standard” bop configuration.  Each kit consisted of a 12-inch rack tom, 14-inch floor tom and an 18-inch kick drum.  The depths of the drums were also standard, except for the Canopus and its 13-inch deep floor tom.

Accenting these three gorgeous kits were some seriously high end Paiste cymbals.  The hi-hats we selected were some genre-appropriate 15” 602 Modern Essentials.  The crash cymbal was a luxurious 20-inch Signature Traditionals Light Crash, and the ride was a 22” Masters Dry.  For a comparison this classy, we needed an extraordinary snare drum.  After much deliberation, we decided on the Schagerl Anteres Brass 14x6.5 snare drum with Black Hardware.

Canopus RFM Bop Kit

The first kit we set up was the Canopus RFM in a Bitter Brown Oil finish.  Canopus drums are a staff favorite at Drum Center of Portsmouth.  They are a boutique-level brand that is devoted to the science of their sound.  They build their drums from scratch, and spend an obsessive amount of their resources on R&D.  Canopus has a drum line for every conceivable genre of musician, and their RFM Bop Kit was a joy to experience.

The 12-inch tom uses a RIMS style mount, and their proprietary low-profile solid lugs are very sleek.  Their Bolt-Tight leather washers are a small but ingenious addition that help keep the kit in tune throughout your gig.

RFM shells have a relatively vintage vibe to them, as they are thin and sport reinforcement rings.  They arrive from the factory with Remo coated Ambassadors on both the top and bottom, giving them a focused, slightly drier tone.  The low end is prominent when tuned low, and they have clean, crisp tone when tuned up high.

The Canopus RFM kit falls right in the middle of the three kits, pricewise.  You get a ton of value for your money with this kit.

Sonor SQ2 Maple Bop Kit

The second kit we put through its paces was the Sonor SQ2 Maple in Rosewood High Gloss.  The SQ2 line is completely customizable from shells to finish.  We ordered this one with thin maple toms and a medium maple kick.  Each drum also boasts a classy Rosewood interior veneer.  We were extremely excited to unbox this high-end bop kit and couldn’t wait to lay into it.

From an aesthetic point of view, it doesn’t get much better than an SQ2.  The attention to detail by Sonor’s craftsmen is arguably the best in the industry.  Once you realize that the drums perform as good as they look, there’s no going back.

Their mounting hardware is rock solid and allows for maximum resonance, along with optimal maneuverability.  The shells are undersized by 12mm, which give them a bright, modern attack that is undeniably the “Sonor sound”.  Notes are clear and defined, regardless of tuning.  Playing an SQ2 is just fun.  The response and feel you get behind the kit is a truly unique experience.

Ludwig Jazzette Classic Maple

The final participant in our maple bop kit shootout was the Ludwig Jazzette Classic Maple in Vintage Blue Oyster Wrap.  Ludwig has a huge following and is steeped in American musical history.  Many people are aware of their significant presence in Rock n’ Roll with their huge, wide open sound.  So, how do the Classic Maple shells hold up in a bop setting?

The 12-inch rack tom sports the straightforward Atlas mount for a quick, easy setup and good resonance.  The classic lugs along with the eye-catching Vintage Blue Oyster wrap has turned many heads here at DCP since its arrival.

Not surprisingly, the Ludwig Jazzette kept right up with its higher-priced competitors with ease.  The Classic Maple shells are built to the toughest standards in the industry.  Like Sonor, they undersize their shells, which gives you a little extra response and feel.  Shells tune up quickly and easily and produce a warm, round tone that is noticeably balanced.  We especially enjoyed the musicality of the bass drum, which was tonally distinguishable in comparison to the previous kits.

The Verdict

The idea behind this comparison was to highlight three flavors of maple bop kits that might not be on every drummer’s radar.  Despite their base-level similarities, each kit managed to distinguish itself visually and sonically.

The RFM had a unique tone with a slick, vintage vibe that would easily hold its own in any trio.  Canopus makes an incredible instrument and may be the best manufacturer you’ve never heard of.  At Drum Center of Portsmouth we like to say that people who know drums, know Canopus.  If you aren’t familiar, you should definitely get acquainted!

The SQ2 gave us everything we expected from an ultra high-end, custom drum set.  Flawless tone.  Gorgeous finish.  Practical, sturdy hardware.  You pay a premium when you choose a Sonor SQ2, but you know exactly where your money has gone once you sit behind your instrument.

Ludwig’s Jazzette kit performed well above its price tag.  It’s can be argued that the sound you get from the Classic Maple shells is preferable to that of a kit costing twice as much.  Great looks, practical hardware and distinguished tone make this kit an undeniable value.