Sonor Drum Factory Tour and SQ1 Drum Build

Check out more factory tours like this Sonor Drum Factory Tour and SQ1 Drum Build here: 👉 • Factory Tours & Produc...
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Join Nick D'Virgilio for an inside look at the Sonor drum factory. Sonor Brand Manager Karl-Heinz Menzel shows us each step, from cutting the wood plies, applying the finish or wrap, and drilling for hardware.
#Sweetwater #Sonor #SonorDrums

[@monkeyxx]

"We don't buy the glue, we make the glue" love it!

[@adityarifqi5286]

ALL IN HOUSE very amazing

[@FredEricS-Moto]

Played Sonor all my life. Went 25 years with a Force 1000, then switched it up for an SQ2 custom kit. The Force 1000 is still in my basement, never giving that one away. Sonor for life!

[@sonorsignature5211]

La 2000 y 3000 muy buenas

[@johndiraimo1444]

Shells are made in China for the Sonor Force.

[@bubeegic7116]

This video just reminded me once again how lucky I am to own a Delite set. I bought it 10 years ago and still, EVERY time I'm done with playing, I take a look at them one more time before I turn off the lights and exit the room. I didn't know they hand made their snare wires. Big respect for that!

[@U2WB]

And this is why Sonor drums are the best in the world.

[@eriklarson9137]

Says who?

[@Kuba-hs4ns]

Dw drums..... Just saying.

[@lrizo3841]

Says who? Time.. They are the first and biggest drum manufacturer in the world if that doesn't say a lot, then you don't know drums.

[@officialmetalwill]

@@lrizo3841 They aren't the best, though.

[@lrizo3841]

@@officialmetalwill everyone tells me that DW is the best but when I went out to try a DW collectors maple set I thought the bass drum was very weak compared to the Sonor maple.. the Sonor just had the right punch, depth and volume that I was looking for in a bass drum. The bass drum is my favorite drum so that matters the most to me.

[@noblej05]

I've always been a Tama guy, but this was an awesome video, Nick & Sweetwater! Sonor's quality control is really impressive and Karl-Heinz seems like a man who genuinely cares about his product and customer satisfaction. Good stuff!

[@U2WB]

I have only one Sonor piece (due to lack of funds for the rest) : a Sonor ProLite maple snare drum. It is my pride and joy.

[@Arbigale]

Nick has a super awesome job, he looks kinda sleepy and tired on this vid, From the US to all over the world but its passion, i couldn't get over a week or a month not seeing his videos in sweetwater, such an awesome drummer specially a bro. Keep inspiring sir

[@GlitchComputer]

I’ve had a SQ2 and switched over to a Jazz series DW......immediately regretted it then picked up an SQ1. People simply don’t realize how special Sonor drums feel until they play it!

[@scottlowell493]

Sonor drums resonate better than DW. The massive and heavy DW lugs overdamp the shell. This can be measured and proven. Dw cannot match sonor for sustain.

[@stevenbustos5650]

@@scottlowell493 but then we go into the studio and we are trying to get rid of the long sustain.

[@ben-tol]

AmbientMoo thats supposed to be super heavy right?

[@davidperez5089]

@AmbientMoo my 20x18 Desisigner kick is a beast in two ways also. Damn the downsides!

[@1dudecrush]

Chris Heuer (total legend, go look him up) said on a podcast that sonor is the ONLY drum comoany he's ever come across that comes from the factory with comoletely perfect bearing edges. Usually when he spruces up a kit the first thing he'll do is check bearing edges, and 9 times out of 10 it has to be fixed at least a little. Apparently Sonor's QC is second to none in that regard.

[@PhilRounds]

That's the cleanest drum factory i've ever seen! Even the guy spraying on the finish didn't need a mask!

[@alandanielw]

The value of craftsmanship is overlooked these days. What a fine Instrument. Makes me proud to be a drummer.

[@billyg.7032]

Made in Germany is the most solid label. Quality by Design, quality as a life style. 👏🏼

[@Stclairm1]

Love birch drums, wish I could afford these SQ1's. Love German craftmanship. Love seeing them make their own snare wires. They would have to kick me out as I wouldn't want to leave. Probably have to hire me.....

[@MrLeeziebee]

I have a now old, S Classix series in Red Pearl from 2007, 9 ply scandi birch, it always looks and sounds like a million dollars. you best believe it has all the quality of craftsmanship you see in this video from SONOR's factory, thanks to Sweetwater.

[@Drumma75]

Nicks turtle neck is wunderbar!

[@kevindietz6470]

I'm a recording engineer, I love Sonor drums. They're big, punchy, and consistent. I find them very easy to get a great sound with.

[@peterhlinka4789]

I'm a sound reinforcememt FOH fader monkey. I take snapshots, you make oil paintings. Suffice to say, most any tuned and maintained pro level kit plus a capable pair of ears arms and legs frees me up to carve some nice air. But seeing a Sonor Kit upstage I pretty much know how the drums are gonna be sitting before pulling up any faders. They're like a trusty compression/eq program, the sound is already there. makes my job a whole lot less sadistic.

[@DadRockAndGuitars]

I love seeing these kinds of videos. I'm not a drummer, but still really enjoy seeing how instruments are made. Thanks Sweetwater, Nick, and crew!

[@peterhlinka4789]

Yes! One of my all time favorites is the un narrated Sesame Street bumper where a saxophone is being crafted from raw sheet brass at Selmer, I think. As the material is being drawn, rolled, crimped formed and finally polished in about 30 seconds of skillful editing, David Sanborn squeeks, bleets, squawks and honks in Bop styled sound effects. Very cool.

[@dondrysdale7297]

thanks--I've been impressed with this video enough it's my second time viewing it. i'm one of these guys who had to go through losing everything i owned in a fire in 2008, and just about all the other hardships too, and i had lost the Peavey drums in that. they were amazing but were such an anomaly with the radial bridge system, not enough guys wanted them so they quite making them. however, i would go to Sonor after what i've heard of them live as well, and it is also after another fight i had with Gretsch, who i was quite impressed with, however, they had no patience with me when i had been sent the wrong color of finish. in any case, i was told at one drum shop in the 80s that Gretsch were always rather impractical as for getting spare parts, and have had to agree these days.

[@Assimilator702]

@@dondrysdale7297 Gretch doesn’t even make their own shells. They’ve been reduced to a drum assembler in modern times. I lost respect for Gretch after false claims about their USA solid series snare drums which are NOT what they claim and are over priced for what they actually are.

[@SCFireDrummer]

Love my SQ1’s even more now!! I love the subtle attention to detail that SONOR places on every piece of the kit. I love that they ensure quality control by putting each drum makers name on the tag for each drum. Pride and ownership goes a long way in a world where so many things are built without care. These drums replaced pro level kits from quite a few major companies and they have been the best in just about every way possible. Go SONOR👍👍

[@MrNickDrummer]

I will very soon receive my 10-piece thin beech SQ2 kit in gloss white + chrome hardware finish. Can't wait to record it. 8, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 toms, 16, 18 floor toms, 24 bass drums (2). 🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@henningpieterjordan7416]

Got the Essential drumkit in fadegreen...Love the colour and Sound...sonor best..❤😊

[@alistairs8495]

I enjoy an interviewer like Nick ask a question and listen attentively, even while having the concept of a shell pack explained to him. As a viewer with little background knowledge that helps immensely. Pure class!

[@KentArnsbarger]

Great video. Just another reason I've played Sonor for 35 yrs now. Signature bronze snare and Rosewood toms/bass

[@SONORSQ2guy]

I’ve been playing a Sonor SQ2 Kit for 11 years now and there’s no other choice but Sonor imo. This video makes me proud to play their drums. 👍

[@tylerchapmandrums]

Love my sq2 beech.

[@justicemoody]

Love this. My first kit was SONOR when I was 19.. that handmade quality just resonated sheer beauty.. sound was unmatched.. loud AF too.. think I pissed the neighbours off pretty good. God they were beautiful.

[@Crankerny58]

Still have my Sonor Phonics and hardware from 1982! Best drums in the world!

[@barteknowakmusic]

The scent of Sonor wafts in my house for many years! 😍My father, and now me. 40 years!

[@rsc1577]

i had gotten a sonor 3007 maple, one of the best decisions ever, absolutely love sonor

[@robinjames29]

how bloody wonderful people making nice things

[@mikeschumacher9715]

A fantastic and well made video. I was very impressed with Karl-Heinz explinations and language abilities. True enjoyment.

[@austing.8870]

As a Tama player, you'd have to be stupid to not acknowledge how superior Sonor is to most every company out there. Phenomenal quality, incredible sound, insane craftsmanship.

[@danwebd4481]

I don't like the look of the new Sonor series, I think Tama does a better job on that level.

[@kevinbothwell8425]

I own a birch/walnut star classic and have often referred to it as my “poor man’s sonor” ha! Not to say it’s not a quality instrument, but comparing tama (or nearly any other company) to sonor is a lot like comparing a Honda Civic to a Mercedes Benz.

[@maxadocious]

Wow, what a cool guy! this video is great; his enthusiasm for the product is awesome. after seeing this, i'd probably go sonor if i wasn't so in love with gretsch

[@marvinpues]

I just picked up a set of Ludwig Classic Maples (no regrets, really love them), and had I seen this video I would have considered Sonors more seriously. Perhaps it's the Germanic blood in me, but I really appreciate their attention to detail and process. I'll have to play some next time I see a set in a drum shop.

[@TheRastler]

Had a Sonor Kit, week point Bass drum legs, after a few years I had to mill the clam as the splines on the legs had worn through the clam, and to a degree the floor Tom had a similar issue but took a lot longer, it had a great sound 9 ply bass drum ,the kit ended up in a recording studio.

[@GNJ1118]

Customer service is everything

[@that-avr-drummer]

My SQ1s come in next week....can't wait!!!

[@keentobekeane3712]

how are they ?

[@michaelgeoffrion189]

@@keentobekeane3712 Awesome!! I absolutely love them. Rich, powerful and warm and I think my favorite thing about them is how they feel when you play them, they just give back to the drummer 100%

[@keentobekeane3712]

@@michaelgeoffrion189 how much did u get them for and where are u from ? is there anyway i can get connected with you, would love to see a fellow drum fanatic play !

[@that-avr-drummer]

@@keentobekeane3712I got them for $2700 from The Drum Center Of Portsmouth NH. We're from Massachusetts and our next show is at the Worcester Palladium with All That Remains and Attila, you could check us out there. If you go just seek me out and say hi. The band is On Your Deathbed

[@keentobekeane3712]

@@that-avr-drummer Hehe anyway i can get connected to you online, kinda am on the other side of the world, cheers !

[@kylemarnell8212]

I bought mine after one kick of the bass drum. I've had them for 13 years and they still sound fantastic! Best drum purchase ever.

[@rawkrentals]

I did the factory tour in 2012 and it's an amazing place, the people are awesome and Karl is a legend!

[@scottlowell493]

Back when companies like Ludwig and Gretsch had massive Qc problems, Sonor never did. Sonor makes EVERYTHING and the kits have always been a high watermark for ply drum craftsmanship. The first time I saw the sonor signature (bubinga outer plies over beech) I almost had a heart attack. The made in Germany kits are flawless, every time.

[@reshmanaik8376]

Really amazing to see the attention given to tiny details and all the hardwork put in....hats off to the crew

[@genewilliams617]

I have a 4 piece kit purchased in 1965. It is my go to kit. I have had Tama, and Yamaha 5 piece kits, depending on the size of the band, tho my little Sonor jazz kit is my absolute favorite!

[@richardtucker9220]

I've always wanted a Sonor set of drums for over 40 years. Retired and unfortunately can't afford them. But SONOR DRUMS ARE ABSOLUTELY THE BEST MADE DRUMS IN THE WORLD. MY OPINION ABSOLUTELY 💯. LOVE YOUR DRUMS. I've been playing 60 years old and still playing and practicing.

[@Dummertrummer]

Few things makes me as excited as Sonor... The best drums money can buy. Period!

[@arsonicswirl]

I could watch this for 20 hours straight! I wish I never sold my SQ2.

[@chriswright8464]

German craftsmanship!!!

[@ericwilhelm2941]

at 7;31..... i love seeing the old vintage cymbal or tom stands being utilized in the corner for holding up a piece of paper.

[@johnfearon6115]

My SQ1 due any time now cant wait the work and knowledge that goes into these drums is unreal....German engineering...

[@bluespig1]

Great to know my kit has come from such humble shop & people. Well done for post thanks.

[@paulfitterer5576]

I play Sonor drums...lifetime enjoyment...thanks..:)

[@milehighed52801]

Great video showcasing Sonor’s attention to detail and quality. Outstanding!

[@bluesky6449]

love Sonor's precision/quality!

[@Rondo2ooo]

My 15 years old Delite set (same that Gavin Harrison used with PT) sounds incredible. There is no reason to give it away.

[@drumdoug8083]

Thank you for this great video! I love the sequence with the shell being assembled inside the press. Someone correct me if I'm wrong here, but I think Sonor is the ONLY company that doesn't put some kind of outward pressure on their shells while they are curing in the press. An amazing process that I never really understood until this video. Great stuff!

[@sweetwater]

😊👍

[@drumdoug8083]

Amazing how they put the shell into the press and it looks like it's crazy out of whack. The press closes and everything just slides right into place!

[@reshmanaik8376]

Jesus Christ....this made me love sonor way more

[@chrisf6216]

Thank you, Sweetwater! Very interesting and fun tour. I hope the jet jag wasn't too bad for the round trip!

[@dugjay]

I'll take a 2 up 2 down White sparkle SQ2 in medium Birch. Great video guys. I'm always fascinated by the drum factory tours!

[@metal-adventures-joerg]

Karl-Heinz knows his shit ^^ Thanks for the Video! Greetings from Germany!

[@gbot3377]

I want to live there. Sonor. What every drum company dreams to be when they grow up.

[@marcioisrael4772]

Love you SONOR 💙💙💙💙Brasil.minha marca favorita de bateria.

[@dav.trinch8643]

Nick, you are the best communicator in the world of percussion

[@richeichelberg2179]

Thanks for the tour Nick! The shell press was very interesting!

[@cunger29]

really nice and informative, I was wondering since 40 years what the manufacturing process of my drums is like, thanks much!

[@JazzyJonas]

Fascinating! Love Sonor and love Sweetwater!

[@davshaw5]

Slowly realizing that Sonor is one of the best drum companies out there…….

[@Calj_Music89]

THAT BUILDING IS SO FREAKING ICONIC AND LEGENDARY @15:45

[@johncollins5552]

It's totally cool, check out the equally cool tour of Noble and Cooley drums, handmade in America and one of the oldest drum factories in the World.

[@dheangelis4287]

Congratulations for the video, a lot of technique and a lot of dedication, wonderful !!! Big hug.

[@IAmattadams]

That guy is a TREASURE! Never let the dream die. 🤘🏻

[@Richter13]

Ich liebe dieses Werk. Rip Rainer. Vielen Dank

[@stefanomarano1440]

Tamburo drums by Proel (ITALY) ,is the very artisan piece of art.One man wich make all the drums process.Only one man !!!

[@thedrummer0909]

Best drums ever my Dreams is have a Sonor drums happy year

[@martinth2529]

Finally got my SQ1 Gold finish(24", 13", 16") after almost 30yrs of dreaming and hoping that one day I can play Sonor drums. I have a Tama Starclassic as well and while the Tama kit is very good, the SQ1 takes the sound especially to a completely different level. Absoluetly blown away! Cannot wait to record in a couple of months playing this monster sound kit.

[@juniorsanches5561]

Bateria Sonor, meu sonho de consumo um dia... Tem uma sonoridade incrível é perfeito 👏

[@marcros7289]

Amazing care for consumers! Thx Sonor &Sweetwater!

[@nicholaskapka7585]

Awesome. Karl is such a nice person

[@apieceofdirt4681]

Sonor drums are some intense looking drums. I’ve never played or seen any in person but from the videos, online websites and magazines I’ve seen them featured in they are overly sturdy. They’re just extremely well made.

[@peterhlinka4789]

German engineering is.... Pretty thorough.

[@robvel4933]

I love Sonor drums,I wish I could afford one drum kit.

[@eliseohersan7390]

I love SONOR drums

[@jgmopar]

I like seeing the different way Music companies manufacture there products. This was pretty good. I got to go on a tour at DW drums 2 years ago and I was pretty impressed with there process.

[@seandittrich9676]

Weird how you think items are just going to appear out of the blue this day. No, they are made with hard work to make the payroll. And, Sonor drums has a big payroll. Loved this video.

[@terrydonegan1622]

Lovely German Gentleman. Great video. Thanks Nick

[@Atarijunkie72]

Awesome tour. Thx sweetwater!

[@frankschnyder2453]

13:06 Korg Orchestral Tuner OT-120 to tune the snare? Whoa.

[@Ckay00]

i dont play drums but i do like a factory tour. good job Nick

Sonor you got me!

[@marciefree]

I love my Sonor drum kit. 😍😍😍

[@armandochuh]

At 14:20 min. a beautiful factory beat on the drum.

[@Tides-of-Time-and-Space]

German John Good. Drum Genius

[@handidrummed]

I just bought an AQ2. It's fantastic especially for the price point.

[@sahme001]

This is such a great video!

[@4GuilleMusic]

Loved this. Great concept for videos

[@ferraritrip]

Nick, after many years of owning and playing DW Collector series kits, I'm seriously considering a Sonar kit now. WOW - what attention to details! Amazing video - thanks for posting!!!

[@filsolano5465]

Just do it if you can afford it you won’t be disappointed

[@thekoderius265]

I don`t know about you - but I`m sold

[@waynejones3428]

Good job Nick! 🎬 🎥 ⛄

[@BillDiMarco]

Have to admit that maybe Sonor isn't always on the radar of a hard rock or metal guy but this look at their construction is incredibly impressive. Great job Nick/SW!

[@kodykindhart5644]

Sonar is the radar 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@gibby3350]

Sonor drums FTW!

[@budgetguitaristcom]

Great tour!!!

[@that-avr-drummer]

Just got 'em!!!

[@vicenteponsalemany7478]

Fantástico reportaje, genial

[@chewgumer]

My favourite jazz drummer Shelley Manne at West Coast USA played Sonor drums (as well as Leedy drums). Maybe I should have considered buying Sonor drums too.

[@tae-yunlee7658]

props to Nick! can tell he probably didn't get much sleep the night before , maybe a gig, maybe the flight, jet lag, but he's fighting through it!

[@Grit489]

Wunderbar !

[@Longshanks1956]

Extremely interesting. Thank you.

[@sweetwater]

😊👍