Bop Kit Battle - Sonor SQ2, Ludwig Classic Maple, Canopus RFM Drum Sets

Sonor SQ2 Maple 3pc Jazz Drum Set Rosewood Gloss -
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/SQ2KIT-1000923-2
Ludwig Classic Maple 3pc Jazzette Drum Set Blue Oyster w/ FREE Snare -
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/L84823AX2Q-SD
Canopus RFM 3pc Jazz Drum Set Bitter Brown Oil -
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/RFM3PCJAZZ-BBO
Schagerl Antares Brass Snare Drum 14x6.5 w/ Black Hardware -
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/SCHAG-ANT-1465-BK
Paiste Signature Traditionals Thin Crash Cymbal 20" -
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/CY0004301220
Paiste Masters Dry Ride Cymbal 22" -
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/CY0005505522
Paiste Formula 602 Modern Essentials Hi Hat Cymbals 15" -
Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/CY0001143715
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Acid Jazz by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Source: freemusicarchive.org/music/Ke...
Artist: incompetech.com/

[@ramonkey2939]

I'm a canopus guy but I enjoyed hearing all the kits I like the Sonor at the low tuning and the Ludwig at the high tuning. Canopus still hits every box for me and carries across the entire sonic spectrum. Thanks for the comparison

[@WarrenHenry]

Would love to see the Gretsch Catalina club bop kit vs Yamaha Stage Custom Bop

[@loko306]

Canopus R.F.M. Bop low tuning 01:43 Canopus R.F.M. Bop high tuning 04:27 Sonor SQ2 low tuning 05:31 Sonor SQ2 high tuning 08:45 Ludwig Classic Maple Jazzette low tuning: 09:40 Ludwig Classic Maple Jazzette high tuning: 11:43

[@ricohorton]

That Ludwig sound. Classic! 😆

[@jaceodemon]

That high tuning on the ludwig... wonderful max roach inspired solo.

[@julesberube2125]

Great video. Canopus is focussed, mellow (like a cross between Yamaha and Gretsch); Sonor : wicked bass drum, but not a fan of that wide open sound; Ludwig : vintage vibe for sure, higher tuned toms have less body. I would probably pick Canopus, it really blends vintage and modern together.

[@ilovemusicsomuch]

I love the sound of the demonstrator’s voice. You should do voiceovers, Dude. Your voice is golden!

[@sanityinaseaofmadness7353]

Good methodology for this comparison: comparing the mix from differing mic placement, having the same drummer play each kit at their specified tuning, etc. This literally gave the viewer a good sense of reference. I've seen tons of kit comparison videos, but this one stands out for me as being simple-yet-comprehensive (and well recorded). Thanks, DCP. One of these days, I'm going to make a trip up north (from MA) to visit you...

[@kierenmoore3236]

That Sonor, all day long. :)

[@howtobeatadrum]

Kieren Moore Yup

[@Ds_Drums]

Me too Sonor was my favorite.

[@Kmarty2000]

All kits sounded great, however I've got that classic Ludwig sound sound carved in my brain. That Ludwig kit was also tuned beautifully, and loved the virgin bass drum and the nice note it projected. Wow.

[@timcline161]

Beautiful playing, guys!! All 3 kits sound wonderful.

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks Tim. Glad you liked it!

[@evanpragliola4947]

Excellent drumming! Would love to see more of this guy

[@ronaldzeoli7528]

This is a great video comparison just love it when you do these also would be wondering what your thoughts are on the PDP wood hoop Bop kit and also the Tama Superstar Bop kit both in Maple. Would love to see a comparison of those two kits.

[@ludwigvistilite]

I actually thought the Ludwig's at the med/low tuning were the most musical of the lot. To each their own. I'd buy them. (I own Ludwig 3-ply 70's drums and Sonor Phonic's). All 3 kits were amazing, but TO ME, the Ludwig's win. I'm probably in the minority but that's why there are so many makers out there, to appeal to each persons individuality. What sound's good to you may not be "my" sound. Cheers all!!

[@lukaaksentijevic4313]

Yes, I'm with you! In this video Ludwigs have that classic, vintage sound to them, very suitable for bop. Canopus and sonor souded great too, but I think it's a bit more modern sound compared to Ludwigs.

[@fatheroftheclyde]

I agree! As soon as I heard the Ludwigs I thought, "THAT is what drums should sound like!" Very natural and balanced with a distinct vintage vibe. The Canopus set really took me by surprise. I liked it more than I thought I would. The finish on the Sonor's made me drool, but the sound is so different than what I'm used to, it almost sounds processed even when it's not.

[@motodrummer]

nice for that style of music I would say Sonor Ludwig Canpus but all 3 really sound fantastic.

[@BillBrolse]

Fantastic demo and great tuning! My picks: 1. Sonor 2. Canopus 3. Ludwig The SQ sounds a bit different from the classic jazz sound that we all love, but the cleaner, less ringy sound of the Sonor set finally won me over. The Ludwig´s was a bit disappointing compared to the other two. For fusion, pop and rock, nothing beats the SQ2/Designer/Prolite/Delite series of drums; at least to me.

[@customdrums]

Would have been interesting to see how Gretsch compared.

[@Quodge]

6:12 love the cheeky grin that comes on in this bit. To be fair this is pure fire.

[@fab5720]

Very well made video. Two thumbs up. If I would have to choose one of the three sets, I'd go for the Canopus. It sounds a tad better than the others for me.

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@Gretschnut]

Was all set to give you grief about this must being a "second tier" bop kit battle, not having Gretsch or Zildjian represented, but actually loved all these kits and would be proud to own and play anyone of these setups. Loved how you captured the natural room sound of the drums. Wonderful video. Thanks for doing this.

[@groove4all]

Gretschnut biased comment... your nickname is gretschnut jejejeje canopus all the way here

[@adamfrost8417]

Our next Gretsch video is going to be very comprehensive. ;)

[@IBitePrettyHardSH]

Adam, looking forward to it!

[@Gretschnut]

Cristián Urrutia agree with you on the Canopus, especially in the low tuning. Great sounding drums.

[@lieutenantcolumbo114]

@Cristián Urrutia In fact not biased comment dear Cristián.

[@michaelthe13th]

All sound great. I personally dig the Ludwig the most

[@masoudkeramat2796]

Canopus Really Surprised me!!! Please Make A Specific Video About This Brands DCP!!! models, origin etc.

[@bobdadruma]

The Classic Maple is an awesome kit. I own one. It is much different in the high tuning than the Thin shell Canopus or the Sonor.

[@dtasoudis]

Really nice drumming! Thanks for the video!

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks for watching, Dimitris!

[@PaoloZucchetti]

Canopus have very vintage sound. I love it

[@loko306]

Please make a part two! With other brands!!!

[@bobrouse8634]

That Ludwig boomy sound any day. Follwed by the defined dark sound of the Sonar. Then the Canopus

[@thomasmoje5926]

Ludwig at high tuning, followed by the Sonor kit. Both kits sound wonderful. Beautiful craftsmanship on the Sonor kit. Nice playing by both players.

[@chewgumer]

The SONOR kit by miles.

[@jeffwissing9113]

This is MY FAVORITE Drum video!!!!

[@cyllocke]

All three are fantastic instruments, can't go wrong with any of them. That said, I think I'm closer to SQ2 - I agree with Chuckie: that 'open' and 'melodic' sound of that kit just resonates with me. Well-done DCP, another great video :)

[@milomeliora7271]

I can hear Pete Erskine on that Canopus kit

[@TheMASDrummer]

I have that Paiste dry ride. It's so dope.

[@tmaddrummer]

All wonderful drums, wonderful playing, and a first class review/video...... I'm just a Sonor Guy I suppose!

[@Antonio_bandana0u812]

Canopus , to my ears , had the best sound at both tunings . I prefer the higher tuning sound on the Canopus kit overall .

[@ericwilhelm2941]

Hi Drum Center of Portsmouth , great Video great demonstrating it too . One question so far , you just stated that Sonor has their Shells undersized by 12 millimeters ? Thats a lot or that would be 1.2 centimeters . I would think that it is more in the 2 millimeter range maybe 3 .

[@ivanbajovic3476]

New DCP video! Wait a minute! let's make a coffee first.

[@jazzmartyrs]

They all sound nice. Ludwig especially so.

[@blueavadis22]

And the winner is.....Noble&Cooley Bobop Kit

[@fuckgoogle9895]

The Sonor perfectly fits to Afro-Jazz: a powerful, earthy and gloomy, bewitched sound.

[@palesama]

From this vídeo, I could say that Ludwig and Canopus 12 and 14 toms matched and mixed so nicely together, nor the Sonor, there's a slight difference between the 12 tom towards the 14, it sounds much brighter, they don't have that even tone as Canopus and Ludwig, more noticeable at high tuning. On the other hand, I love that Canopus jazz sound at high tunning, the best out of the three for me, and in the middle tuning Ludwig sounds the best from the three.

[@carloscrosara6931]

Love ALL three kits

[@smythe555]

I was prepared to knock the modern Ludwig drum sound, as I played the 3 ply vintage for 20 years, but was pleasantly surprised by how warm the 6 ply were. And much more pleasing to my ear, (if less focused), than the Canopus or Sonor. I've since moved on to vintage Gretsch, and although I prefer it for jazz, I still sometimes miss the Ludwig vibe.

[@johncollins5552]

Great work guys, I am not a great jazz drum even though Joe Morello is my all time drum hero, I think for jazz fiberskyn is the way to go.

[@ericwilhelm2941]

I thought the the first of the 3 sounded very good . but then the Sonor was played and instantly to me anyways the tone was more round warm but it had all the attack that you want to hear . Then the overhead mix made it totally clear to me . Sonor retained the most Tone of all 3 Sets . i switched back and forth through all 3 sets . At least for my ears or taste the Sonor did it the best .

[@loko306]

Pleaseee review the Yamaha Absolut Hybrid Maple Bop kit!!!

[@seppoinnanen5929]

As a Sonorman, I'd take the Canopus kit for straight jazz :)

[@denisetiawan5423]

Hallahh macem bs maen drum aje lu cuy

[@tracktuary]

Great video! Could you explain the tuning relationship of batter and reso head in the higher tunings? I believe the room mics are the most valuable examples for a guy who typically plays in acoustic settings. The only person hearing the overhead sounds is me at the throne! And based on those, I give the nod to Sonor as it really seems to project and retain the "note" toms. The Ludwigs project the least and lose differentiation in the pitches with the room mics.

[@drumcenternh]

The reso head was tuned up kind of "medium-high", and stayed that way for both tunings. For the lower tuning, the batter head was a little lower in comparison. For the higher tuning, the batter was tuned about the same as the reso.

[@chewgumer]

Yeah great drums but what about those Paiste Cymbals? Awesome.

[@roybeckerman9253]

LUDWIG has that distinct sound, which made them so famous...my pick easily.

[@Kjodienda]

I don't know how I missed this comparison (I'm a wee bit late to this party). I can't understand, however, why you guys would have omitted a Gretsch USA Custom from this comparison. Unexpectedly, Sonor won me over. They all sounded great, but Sonor had it high AND low. Thanks for doing this. You guys are the best.

[@paulkuzub6405]

Nice job,Chuckie.

[@ramonkey2939]

They need to redo this bop kit battle for 2023

[@mediumstudio]

they all sound basically the same - but all really really good! sweet playing!

[@JulianFernandez]

You guys are leading the drum shop youtube thing!

[@drumcenternh]

That's really nice to hear. Thanks, man.

[@yeyed6286]

I like.. when he hits the drums

[@funkflipante]

Que gran baterista , me encanta la Canopus

[@73fabhrd]

I love Canopus; high warm pitch sounds Superjazz! Sonor is wonderful deeper sound taste! Ludwig is in the middle! I find Canopus sounds to be more emotional!

[@kaiowens1616]

I’d take the high tuning with Ludwig kick and Canopus toms

[@tomhalbouty3653]

All these kits sounded great. My personal ranking would be 1. Ludwig, 2. Canopus, 3. Sonor. The Ludwigs seemed to have a bit punchier sound with good balance. Well done comparison.

[@RustyKnorr]

That is not a thin maple on the Sonor where you showed the bearing edge and interior, I think it’s a medium or heavy shell. I have an SQ2 kit in thin maple and it has really thin re-rings, that kit did not and looks much thicker than my shells do. That explains the mention of the Sonor kit putting out more high end than the other two kits also. My thin shells are unbelievably warm, much more so than your demo. They all sound beautiful though!

[@chaoshuffer]

Sonor SQ2 for me: such a modern sounding kit. The Canopus isn’t far behind though. Would love to hear those two up against a Maple Custom Absolute which to me is the standard against which all other jazz kits are judged. But the real star here is that snare - what an amazing instrument!

[@drumcenternh]

You have good taste, the Schagerl is a super classy instrument!

[@artcorvolet]

Lol, it's all about Gretsch! #thatgreatgretschsound #earnyourbadge

[@bbfoto7248]

+GUTTERED +Drum Center of Portsmouth Actually, I would've liked to have heard the *Yamaha Stage Custom Birch Bop Kit* in this lineup. ;) IME it's a very versatile kit with a wide tuning range, and of course very inexpensive for what it offers. One of the Sakae kits would've been nice to see & hear in this comparison as well. Have to agree on that snare as well...it's fantastic. Tho' I don't know if it's $1600 fanatastic!? :-P

[@johncollins5552]

All good gear, kinda would like to hear the sq 2 matching wood snare with the kit, just being picky! With these videos you are spoiling us, thanks, they make me want to get gigging again with my mapex proM. so I can put the money aside for an upgrade!

[@malcolmlarri9073]

Sonor was beautiful

[@axemanbob787]

Three great kits, but I’ll always prefer a larger bass drum.

[@The_Caesar6186]

I like Ludwig classic maple

[@EHinz1]

Are you using any damping in the kicks?

[@cvee2614]

From a Canapus fan, the RFM’s sound great, the Sonor’s are solid, very neutral sounding. But the CM Ludwig’s are hand’s down clear winners, to my ears.

[@jeffryseitz9699]

All 3 are good drums from the U.S., Germany, and Japan. But I think it depends how good the drummer is.

[@zacdrake]

What dimension are you referring to when you say the drum is undersized? Inquiring minds want to know! Surely it is the depth that you are referring to?

[@drumcenternh]

The diameter. Thanks for watching!

[@austing.8870]

1. Canopus 2. Ludwig 3. Sonor I'm actually surprised I ranked the SQ2 that low, since it's my dream kit and all, but it's only because the other two sounded better in application. The Canopus is stellar.

[@drumcenternh]

Glad you found the video informative. Thanks for watching!

[@kierenmoore3236]

No way!! :O

[@BillBrolse]

If you love the classic jazz sound (I do too), I can hear why you would place the SQ2 last. To me it was a battle between the Sonor and Canopus sets.

[@ADRNGZA]

Dream Kit because of Benny Greb 🙄

[@snareaddict]

Kinda continues to back what I’ve always felt. To my ears, Ludwig makes the best sounding production drums.

[@denisetiawan5423]

Exactly !

[@AaronLevyDrums]

Great video! Loved the comparisons. What type of micsare you all using ?

[@drumcenternh]

Mics used: Overheads - Earthworks SR25 (2) Room Mics - Earthworks QTC30 (2) Front of kit - Shure KSM32 Floor Toms - Shure KSM32 Kick - Audix D6 Available for purchase here: buydru.ms/D6-KD

[@AaronLevyDrums]

@@drumcenternh Thank you very much DCP. I appreciate you taking the time to answer. Much appreciated!

[@drumcenternh]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@bbfoto7248]

+Drum Center of Portsmouth I greatly appreciate that you guys have invested in some of the absolute best microphones that are available. Especially those particular Earthworks mics. Though the Shure KSM's & Audix D6 are excellent as well and are perfectly suited to their task here. The Sound Quality clearly makes a difference in these demos & comparisons. 👍👍

[@brianshort4257]

Curious how folks rate them when factoring in the cost differences? Sonor $4000, Canopus $2500, Ludwig $1900 ….

[@drumcenternh]

...and the Ludwig comes with a free snare drum! 😉

[@brianshort4257]

Wow! Overall I like the Canopus but the Sonor high tuning is killer! Ludwig to me is 3rd but is a great deal!

[@jaylee8703]

Sonor cost is because of the veneers in/out and also German labor rate.

[@BillBrolse]

I think the SQ2 is worth the extra cash. Sound is, of course, all about personal preference, but one thing that is obvious here is that the Sonor have more resonance and a purer tone with more low end.

[@ADRNGZA]

Pearl Roadshow $300 🙈

[@drummerboyharm3078]

Oh, that Ludwig. The sound for me

[@larrytate1657]

Did he say cannibis continually surprises him?

[@firsttahelia]

I'd refuse to play a drum, where the tom tom swings like that. Impossible to do fine and fast and hard work on this. I had a Birch Sonor Lite in the eighties, and back then the hardware and how it worked all together was impeccable. And you really did not look very happy playing it like that. Didn't you notice that? Man, it swings way more than a centimeter in altitude.. Was it at all fastened correctly? Some screws loose? I am shocked.. Anyway, here I'd like the Canopus most. Very precise yet rich tone, good dynamics.

[@mikestevens5512]

Ludwig has a beautiful vintage tone.

[@rhythmista7707]

Ludwig for the classic jazz tone. Sonor for the projection and wonderful brightness, and Canopus for the 10 lug kick drum.. A legacy mahogany or maple from Ludwig would have won. Not a fan of the classic maple.

[@DrummerGrrrl]

Do you guys do payment plans?

[@thomastorres9902]

Sonor SQ2 Jazz!!

[@leehaze1]

nice review thanks

[@TheSingolarmente]

Ludwig. What else?

[@moses_dimski]

Great video guys! Chuckie is a bit annoying but he did a good job.

[@mellilore]

Lower tuning: Canopus. Higher tuning: Ludwig hands off. Most consistent: Sonor hands off.

[@Monsterdrumma]

Ludwig, Canopus, Sonor for me.

[@SONORSQ2guy]

SONOR 👏👏👏👏

[@Savisoundman1]

The Canopus embodies jazz... I'd be happy with any of em, but for jazz thats the one.

[@madsnygaard1075]

Sonor - doesn’t need to say more

[@Zachadiddle]

Surprised you didn’t throw Gretsch into the mix lol

[@roybeckerman9253]

Ludwig for mine. I think Gretsch would probably have beaten all of these, however.

[@jacobfriedman4135]

Canopus Ludwig Sonor

[@johnathankozloff212]

I think the ludwig won by great leaps. I wouldn't even use the other two for jazz they'd sound better for rock to me.

[@DrummerGrrrl]

I was so prepared to like the Ludwig above all others...but...I say the Sonor and Canopus are battling for the #1 position and Ludwig is...well, it wouldn't be my choice.

[@bucknasty5374]

Man that fucking Canopus, oh my God!

[@MyDyerMaker]

They all sounded good. The Sonors sounded less defined and had lower fundamental notes than either the Canopus or Ludwig. I'd get the Ludwig.

[@dogmart]

Canopus or Sonor.

[@padadiddle]

Considering this was a bebop kit contest, Ludwig was first by a country mile. They have the most body and that classic bebop sound. The canopus was a far below second since the bass drum sound was annoying, and third was the sonor kit. It sounded more like a budget kit with a thin sound.

[@crosspollination6626]

Comparing the Ludwigs to other drum looking objects...the shame! Just kiddn' (not really) Ha. Anyways- always love your video, content, and of course DRUMS! Play on!!! (Ludwig!) Eyes closed- (many many times did this like the old Coca-Cola challenge) and can TELL which kit not just on your video- but sound recordings, radio, iTunes...yada yada but can tell from sound ALONE which kit is the Ludwigs...every-time!

[@gt3065]

they sound much more similar then different but I'd take the Canopus.

[@U2WB]

Sonor wins hands down.