Sonor AQX Jazz // A Budget Kit For Any Genre

[@malonedrum]

Pick up this same kit by using my link (and help support my channel!) : sweetwater.sjv.io/c/5015118/937020/11319?prodsku=AQXJazzBMS&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sweetwater.com%2Fstore%2Fdetail%2FAQXJazzBMS--sonor-aqx-jazz-4-piece-shell-pack-black-midnight-sparkle&intsrc=APIG_7338

[@SONORSQ2guy]

I have a SQ2 kit there’s nothing better than Sonor. Thanks for the video. 👍

[@malonedrum]

I'd love to try one of those one day!

[@LoveOneAnotherHeSaid]

Thanks, Mr Malone for a grown-up's review - you gave me a true picture of the drums in real world use. You have some adorable cymbals, man.

[@malonedrum]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@JakeStaffin]

I don't have a lot of experience with Sonor myself but this seems like as really solid kit that does exactly what's needed. Great to see this kit being used in several situations to show how versatile it is!

[@malonedrum]

That's exactly my experience with it.

[@JimmyJoeBillyBob-b5w]

Really enjoy the gig footage, especially the tip jar.

[@malonedrum]

Ha, it works!

[@royautosymusica]

As an owner of a AQX Jungle Set and a Force 2007 Birch Full set, I have to say that Sonor offers an amazing sound despite the price point. From their access series it sounds great, specially the bass drums. I play usually rock gigs and the 16 bass drum with mics sounds like a canon with a great low end for its dimension. The tom mounts and the hardware in general are very sturdy, i have had mine for over 14 years and still works fine (with the correct love and care, obviously). I like so much your content and the style of your channel, Mike. Greetings from México!

[@malonedrum]

Thanks for sharing your experience, they've got amazing drums in tons of price points for sure.

[@ChristopherJones-cjphoto]

Great review- very complete. But I sure wish you had let us hear the other drumheads!

[@malonedrum]

I had planned to, but then the session I did on them got corrupted and I had to go back and redo it later

[@germandrummer62]

very slick , Mike .....'Don't stop believing'

[@malonedrum]

For the Sonor king.

[@adammono1839]

VERY extensive testing. Well done Mike. Great job

[@adammono1839]

But... I don't think you mentioned the sizes of the bass drum and floor tom haha. Unless I missed it

[@malonedrum]

It's a 14" floor tom, and 18" bass drum

[@MrNnva]

Hey Mike, since you have seat time behind the Sonor AQX Bop kit and the Yamaha Stage Custom Bop kit, I think we would all benefit from a comparison video of the two.

[@malonedrum]

Honestly both great kits, but what it breaks down too… 1. Style between the two (strictly aesthetics, looks, etc) 2. Do you like the snare (13” on Sonor vs none with Yamaha) 3. Lighter Drums (Yamaha) vs Bulkier (Sonor) 4. Personal preference I think sonically both are in the same ballpark.

[@rickjones507]

hey Mike. Nice video. I may ruffle some feathers but i'm going to say it anyway. I bought a used Sonor versagig for under 400cad that I love. It's build quality and hardware is top notch. The kit is similar to the AQ maple. 12x7, 14x12, 20x14 and a 14x5 snare. I believe new it was around 700cad. Over the years I have longed over having a USA made drum kit that rhymes with wretch. So, I finally pulled the pin and bought one a couple of years ago. For the exorbitant price of that kit, it was no better made than that Chinese made Sonor. Tuned with good heads, the Sonor sounds 95% as good as the expensive one. Lesson learned. Save the money for quality cymbals and drumheads

[@malonedrum]

I do think there are substantial quality differences in high end drums and factory made budget kits, but honestly that's not to say a a cheap kit can't sound better than a high end kit. Great heads, tuning, and care can do a lot, and the reverse can really hold great drums back from sounding their best.

[@rickjones507]

@@malonedrum Well, this is what I had thought as well. And I agree with you on the heads and tuning. However, now that I own a high end kit, a mid level kit, and a cheaper kit, There isn't much of a level up. I would actually say my mid level kit is a much better build than the high end one. And my cheaper, Sonor kit is comparable. Maybe I got a Friday afternoon build in the expensive one. And perhaps if I compare a Sonor SQ1 to my versagig, there will be a big step up. but not with my G kit. Anyway, once again, great vid

[@billsabiadrums]

I play a Sonor AQ2 maple shell bebop kit. I love the tone of the set. I played with Broadway musicians outside of NYC on Easter. They told me the drums sounded good. If it’s good for them, it’s good for me!

[@malonedrum]

I'm sure those are amazing!

[@billsabiadrums]

@@malonedrum I enjoy your videos! Very educational! Keep playing!

[@doca9357]

I have the earlier version that was called the bop kit with no cymbal arm and a 14" snare, didn't have the gaskets between the lugs and shell, and the throw off was not as nice as the aqx line. I loaned the set out with an early 60's superphonic snare and the drummer playing with Bill Frisell and Ron Miles said he was pleasantly surprised at the overall sound and how big the kick drum sounded. I got my daughter the 16" kick sized AQX kit, sounds really good

[@malonedrum]

I’ve played on those older versions and they were great.

[@mikeadams8708]

I have this as a secondary smaller kit when my Tama kit is too big for our space, too loud, or too much to transport and set up for a 30-minute set. I did change to a 14-inch Ludwig standard maple snare to keep the price in accordance and still have a great sound. I wouldn't go with anything less than an 18 bass drum, so I don't know about the other small kits. Jazz is a good size. I changed the heads and played classic rock, bluegrass, and some punk rock just fine. The hardware has been solid over time(only a year) and looks great for the price point. This was a good video review of the kit. I agree with everything in the video, and as Mike Malone pointed out, the ride stand on the bass drum works excellently. The only weakness is the snare; I didn't mind the size; I wish the 13 would have worked for me, but I did not think it sounded very good, even after changing heads and playing with different tunings. I am not saying the snare is unusable, but you can use a much better-sounding snare for a low price.

[@malonedrum]

100%

[@mehmet_tezcan]

Greetings to Wisconsin! I spent a year as an exchange student in Milwaukee :) Nice video!

[@malonedrum]

Go Pack Go!

[@Cichlids23]

Great stuff Mike.... I'm a total newbie but one day I'd love a Sonor kit!!

[@malonedrum]

They really seem to be a great company with innovative offerings.

[@RyanFreid]

I've been using the Sonor 13x7 Brass Kompressor snare and I think it sounds great with brushes and I don't really miss that extra inch of space.

[@malonedrum]

That’s great to hear, I just have developed so much muscle memory with using the full surface of the head, that the smaller drum really throws me off.

[@gregwonhoff7161]

That is a nice set, Mike. I am not in the market for a new set, but if I was, this would certainly be looked at further. Thank you for sharing this with us.❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️

[@malonedrum]

Thanks for watching!

[@aaronsudasna]

I’m kind of surprised you didn’t try out the configuration with the 20” kick. Great review!

[@malonedrum]

If I was to consider another size shell pack, I would probably would have gone even smaller honestly, but just to see how those kits react.

[@davidstein9129]

Thanks for posting this informative video

[@malonedrum]

Your welcome!

[@brandoncoffey3449]

I'm curious what you think when compared to the Yamaha Stage Custom Bop kit. Great video, I have the same kit and I love it.

[@malonedrum]

Both are great options are that similar price point. Sonor has a snare, and cymbal arm which I think more than justifies the price jump. Kind of whatever you prefer style wise in my opinion, but from my experience… Stage Custom best in the jazz/bop tuning Sonor a bit more versatile for multiple genres (and still great for jazz of course)

[@stevesipos]

GREAT REVIEW MIKE!

[@malonedrum]

Thanks!

[@rickcooper9034]

Great video. I haven’t had a lot of experience with that particular brand and have wondered about it’s quality but it looks like it would be a nice easy set up. Thanks for the video.

[@malonedrum]

I think they have great quality to the build

[@MultiSkyman1]

I was hoping to hear the drums with those Evans Hydro heads!

[@malonedrum]

Ha, as you’d imagine: dead and tubby

[@emilioangeles5283]

@@malonedrum 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@andreasbreitwieser1449]

Sonor was sold to Hohner at 1991, Hohner was sold to KHS Taipeh, Taiwan 1997, which is also the founder of Mapex drums. The AQX is build at Tianjin factory in China like the Mapex entry level drum kits. So if you like the Sonor AQX say yes to Mapex drums ;-)

[@malonedrum]

I don’t have any issue with Mapex drums.

[@andreasbreitwieser1449]

@@malonedrum i don't either. Just wanted to say that there are not really much difference in that category

[@ramonkey2939]

I like yamaha owned by yamaha

[@malonedrum]

@@ramonkey2939 I lot of these circumstances are really more of distribution deals to make selling and working with dealers more efficient. The company still designs and operates independently when it comes to creating musical instruments.

[@seppoinnanen5577]

Sakae used to make Yamaha drums, with Phoenix and Reconding Custom as an exception. It's not all about who's owning who. Drum manufacturer's paths cross in many ways

[@XaviBreath]

Thanks a lot Mike!! love your videos greetings from Mexico! What woul you prefer for your daily giging this kit or a Yamaha stage bop? gracias!

[@malonedrum]

They both are about the same, so I’d just say whichever fits your style and budget. Yamaha doesn’t com with a snare, maybe that’s a good thing, or maybe you enjoy the 13” snare that comes with these.

[@XaviBreath]

@@malonedrum thanks a lot!!!!

[@AddiKolb]

Mike! Great video! I noticed you used a snare weight on the snare at the jazz trio gig, how are those? Do they work great for you? I was looking into getting them, because I’m just tired of spending so much money on monngels all the time! Thanks!

[@malonedrum]

I really prefer the snare weights, have a few in each size. Check them out here: sweetwater.sjv.io/c/5015118/937020/11319?prodsku=SWM80Blk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sweetwater.com%2Fstore%2Fdetail%2FSWM80Blk--snareweight-m80-leather-tone-control-dampener-black&intsrc=APIG_7338 sweetwater.sjv.io/c/5015118/937020/11319?prodsku=M1b&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sweetwater.com%2Fstore%2Fdetail%2FM1b--snareweight-m1b-leather-tone-control-dampener-black&intsrc=APIG_7338

[@AddiKolb]

Thanks man! Appreciate it!

[@mooreav]

Love the channel! Question? Sonor AQX jazz or Yamaha Stage custom Bop kit? I noticed you reviewed the Yamahas recently. Could you use a riser with the Sonor's? It doesn't seem like the spurs would work for that. I have a little Gretsch bop kit I really like using a riser with. I've seen people use a riser with the Yamaha's. It seems to work. Love your playing!

[@malonedrum]

They are similar price points, with the Sonor having a snare (to justify the slight price difference). I've never felt the need to use risers on 18s, and I don't think either come with them. I think it's personal preference to which one to get, not a real big advantage one over the other.

[@qwe1231]

So how would you compare this to the Yamaha bop kit you previously reviewed? (You mentioned you had some issues with hearing the Yamaha bass live, but not with the Sonors, for example.) If you still have both, a direct comparison would be great.

[@malonedrum]

I like them both very much, so I think it comes down to which specific kit you enjoy from a number of factors. Aesthetics, Hardware, Modular ability (Add on drums, etc).

[@rensjanssen1172]

Have you ever played on a Natal drumkit? These kits sound amazing! Especially the Natal café racer. The drumset is worth every penny and the shells are made out of tulipwood. Natal and Noble & Cooley are the only two manufacturers that make drums out of tulipwood if I’m correctly. Natal drums are the least expensive of the two brands.

[@malonedrum]

I have not, and I think those are even more challenging to find in the US. I'd surely be interested in trying some out of I ever had the opportunity.

[@karstenbursak8083]

@@malonedrumNatal is owned by Marshall … so it might not be that big of a challenge

[@andreasbreitwieser1449]

Mike, what series is your Bosphorus crash cymbal you use at the big band job at 10:05 ? Looks great

[@malonedrum]

It’s a Bosphorus Syncopation series crash

[@dmgsoultogetherness6667]

i have the 16bass drum /jungle kit its good.nice response with diff heads..the generic type snare is a bit boxy but hey its mid price.....oh i also found a second hand 8inch tom which i sometimes use with or without the 10 inch rack

[@malonedrum]

I’ve never seen a mid price stock snare perform very well.

[@arsonne]

Is that finish new for this line? It looks so sweet.

[@malonedrum]

Not sure how new it may be, but of the three they offer, this was my favorite.

[@robertharding8394]

i got the 22 version sounds great ill use the snare as backup and replace it with a brass sonor

[@malonedrum]

Yeah, that's a great approach.

[@richwilson5969]

The snare is a night mare. And far as bass drum I highly recommend one felt strip each side with a coated ambassador. It really booms like a 20”

[@malonedrum]

Hmmm, can't say I agree with your assessment of the snare being a nightmare, but it wasn't for me. Felt strips are great, but I felt like it was important to showcase the initial head set up out of the box to start. I'd probably also use a coated batter head on the bass drum to jazz it up a bit more.

[@hawkeye1680]

I bought this exact kit last year. I wanted something smaller/more compact for when I play gigs. I primarily use it for rock/funk gigs, and it handles it with no issues at all.

[@malonedrum]

Exactly! This thing is very versatile.

[@kevindohn6776]

Up here in Canada it's easier to find Sonor and Mapex drums than other brands, and they're way less expensive to find 2nd hand than Ludwig, or Gretsch, or Slingerland, or Rogers. So Sweetwater sent you those drums, does that mean you get to keep them, or what ?

[@malonedrum]

Sonor & Mappen share distribution, so I'm not surprised they are the same sort of situation. I guess it makes sense with vintage American drums being more challenging to find in Canada as well.

[@nested_King]

I played ROCK in a small room with bar on the Jungle kit-10, 13, 16, and 13 snare. Not a problem. Use an EMAD on the BD.

[@malonedrum]

I have multiple friends rocking very similar set ups and having great success, even on big stages.

[@the6ig6adwolf]

Considering Steve Smith is a Sonor artist, it's only fitting you sneak in his most iconic lick as a tribute 👌

[@malonedrum]

Somebody caught it!

[@NEALBABBITT]

Your microphones sound great, really sensitive. The floor tom and snare sound really choked in the furst tuning. I don't know how much is the the heads though. Im not a fan of 100% poplar shells either from my experience.

[@malonedrum]

I sometimes really enjoy the soft sound of poplar, but I like a vintage drier tone.

[@stretch1807]

Show more of you playing WITH SOUND! Otherwise, solid review video

[@malonedrum]

I only have so much energy for getting high quality recordings when I take these out to gigs, so it's a real challenge, but I try to include thoughtful and efficient demos where I can.

[@stretch1807]

@@malonedrum that's understandable

[@rewelldrums]

Do the tama cocktail kit next

[@malonedrum]

If you send one to me, I'll do it.

[@karstenbursak8083]

Long time sonor owner here. While the AQX is a nice entry level kit, these Chinese made Sonor Kits don’t compare in the slightest with the German made series like the Vintage, And SQ series … Currently I own and play a late 70s Phonic Beech kit, but also owned a late 80s HiLite over the years … and boy do they still kick ass.

[@malonedrum]

Of course not, I don’t think any brands budget lines compare with their premier flagship lines.

[@timsears951]

I have the AXQ series like it very much

[@malonedrum]

Glad to hear it!

[@ramonkey2939]

Birch or Popular is the question but i do like the cymbal boom arm

[@malonedrum]

Poplar doesn't have the same reputation of maple or birch, but I like poplar plenty.

[@JulianFernandez]

Sonor is cool!

[@malonedrum]

Agreed!

[@JulianFernandez]

@@malonedrum had this amazing 3007 kit that I kinda regret selling. :/. FT was killer!

[@rkaylor5769]

SQ1 owner here. Nothing like them imo. The only issue I’ve ever had with Sonor is the weight.

[@malonedrum]

I’ve also noticed their higher end drums have what seem to be very heavy components on them. Certainly a factor for working guys playing gigs.

[@rkaylor5769]

@@malonedrum It’s my showhorse. My workhorse is the Ludwig Neusonic 2.0. Sonor and DW are notoriously heavy. Some of you already know… None of us like doing a workout before playing. 😂

[@mcgrud]

For the algorithm. ✊

[@malonedrum]

🤲

[@bryanbahantka6969]

Whereas Ludwig is the Dodge/Chrysler of drums. Sonor is the Mercedes

[@malonedrum]

Not sure I agree with your dismissal of Ludwig, but Sonors are great.

[@bryanbahantka6969]

​@@malonedrumMapex = 🤮

[@luckyentertainment7013]

Does not stand a chance against the Stage Customs 🥵

[@malonedrum]

As somebody who has played and worked with both, I can assure you they do.

[@gordonwellard1415]

Shame we didn't actually hear the kit with the vintage heads you swopped over..a bit pointless to go to all that bother...

[@malonedrum]

I tried and the audio was corrupted when I went to edit, sorry that makes everything else “pointless” as you put it 🙄

[@yannyloyer7177]

use to own an sq2 kit. regret selling it. killer drums

[@malonedrum]

I bet!

[@emilioangeles5283]

Bla bla, bla... No sound !!!

[@malonedrum]

Thanks for chiming in with your valuable thoughts.