musicradar

Every month, MusicRadar's industry-leading sister magazines - Guitarist, Computer Music, Total Guitar, Rhythm and Future Music - publish the best independent and in-depth music-making gear reviews.

This is a collection of kits, percussion, accessories first reviewed in Rhythm magazine issue 209 or by MusicRadar's own reviews team.

BUY Gear4Music BDK-1 currently available from:
UK/Europe: Gear4Music

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Though you might also want to invest in a course of drum lessons and perhaps some sound-dampening (to retain parental sanity and maintain a good relationship with the neighbours), this kit represents great value for money and gives you everything that's required to get up and drumming."

FULL REVIEW:Gear4Music BDK-1

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Whether gigging or practising, this monitoring aid not only boosts your bottom-end but your confidence too - taking it away again is simply unnerving!"

FULL REVIEW:Pearl Throne Thumper

(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 209)

BUY Pearl Throne Thumper currently available from:
UK/Europe: Gear4Music
USA: Sweetwater | Full Compass

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"With their remarkable heritage and Murat Diril's special experience, these cymbals offer another hugely attractive alternative in what is becoming a crowded market of genuine hand-made cymbals from Turkey."

FULL REVIEW:Murat Diril Cymbals

(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 209)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"This is yet another Gear4Music starter kit which offers good value for money and will, no doubt, give many hours of playing pleasure to any budding drummer who plays it."

FULL REVIEW:Gear4Music GD-5

BUY Gear4Music GD-5 currently available from:
UK/Europe: Gear4Music

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"You can't tweak the presets on the HD-3 but the choice of sounds now gives the kit a wider scope and, along with several other improvements, creates an enjoyable playing experience."

FULL REVIEW:Roland HD-3 V-Drums Lite

(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 209)

BUY Roland HD-3 V-Drums Lite currently available from:
UK/Europe: Andertons Music Co. | Thomann | Gear4Music | Absolute Music
USA: Sweetwater | Full Compass | American Musical

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"You soon forget that you are playing a smaller sized rack, quickly acclimatising without having to alter your technique. This is a great little kit which will give any beginner a good foothold into the world of drumming."

FULL REVIEW:Gear4Music DD501 electronic drum kit

BUY Gear4Music GD-5 currently available from:
UK/Europe: Gear4Music

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Like all the best ideas, Airlift stands are ingeniously simple yet brilliantly effective."

FULL REVIEW:DW Airlift Stands

(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 209)

BUY DW Airlift Stands currently available from:
UK/Europe: Thomann
USA: Sweetwater | Full Compass

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The Lion 3-in-1 Cajon will set you apart from players of the mass-produced models, and considering the customisation and such reasonable outlay, you'd be wise to try them."

FULL REVIEW:Lion 3-in-1 Cajon

(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 209)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Even though technology has moved on significantly since the DD502(J) was first introduced, this electronic kit still represents good value for money."

FULL REVIEW:Gear4Music DD502(J) electronic drum kit

BUY Gear4Music DD502(J) electronic drum kit currently available from:
UK/Europe: Gear4Music

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"With this kit, the gap between DW (the premium brand) and PDP (the budget brand) has been dramatically reduced."

FULL REVIEW:PDP Concept Series Kits Birch CB5

(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 209)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"A highly musical, hand-made cajon drum that offers very good value for money."

FULL REVIEW:Lion Pro-Active Bass Cajon

(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 209)

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The standard of build, components, finish and performance of the Concept Series is exceptional, all the more so considering the pricepoint."

FULL REVIEW:PDP Concept Series Kits Maple CM5

(Reviewed in Rhythm issue 209)

BUY PDP Concept Series Kits Maple CM5 currently available from:
UK/Europe: Thomann