Varus Morpheus Drums Unboxing and Review

[@kimberlyashburn75]

I was deciding between DW, Pearl or Varus. Having someone like you vouch for the quality has helped me make my decision. I am getting a Varus kit!

[@babaloop]

Thanks, Kim! It's a great kit. You will definitely not regret the decision

[@localdrummerweb]

Varus is just another “custom” drum company made famous by one internet guy, made from mass produced shells just like the plethora of other “custom” companies that was the fad 15 years ago. If you want amazing quality buy a DW collectors series kit. They make their own shells, have proprietary hardware, don’t detune when you play them, hold up to abuse on the road, have excellent customer service, amazing resale value and are guaranteed to be in business in 10 years. Can’t afford DW then buy pearl or Ludwig classic maples. These guys have been in business since 2013 and no one knew them until Estepario came along. Just saying.

[@babaloop]

@@localdrummerweb I appreciate your feedback and definitely hear what you are saying. With that said, I have owned DW Collectors and my friends have them too and these drums just sound better in my opinion. Maybe it's the Beechwood that they use. Believe me, I am not going to spend $5,000 on a drum set just because some famous dude on KZbin plays them. NO! I did a lot of research before my decision. They don't detune at all. I have been bashing on them for days now. Have you owned a Varus kit and have experienced the things that you are talking about? Have you played with a Varus kit on the road and had to deal with their customer service? Vaus has been in business for over 10 years as well. I think DW, Yamaha, Pearl, and Tama all make great drums. I also own 2 Sonor kits and all these kits sound amazing but Varus definitely stands out for me as one of the better-sounding kits I have played and currently own. I am a collector too, so I do like having many different brands. Your feedback is valid though. I definitely hear you but just curious if you own a Varus kit.

[@localdrummerweb]

@@babaloop no I’ve never owned one of their kits but I have been playing drums for 27 years. 10 of those years out of Nashville in a touring capacity. In all that time on the road I’ve never even seen one of their kits in person. Never even heard of them til the “groove father” came along lol. I’ve owned all sorts of kits including 5 or 6 Collectors Series kits, 4 Ludwig Classic Maple/Oak kits, several Pearl, Yamaha, Pork Pie kits and so on. I’m glad you like your kit. In the end that’s all that matters. I’m also glad they have been in business for 10 years. DW has been in business for 52 years and Ludwig for over 100 and for the money Varus wants for their drums I’ll take the extra 40 to 90 years experience in drum making from DW/Ludwig every time. Enjoy your drums. Again glad you like them. They are not for me.

[@itechcare2477]

@@localdrummerweb Fair enough brother. I've been playing for over 50 years. Yeah, I'm an old fart. When I was in my twenties, I toured with a band called XYZ on Capitol Records. We opened up for many big acts and I was endorsed by Sonor drums. As you said, it's all personal preference but I think if I were to buy another kit, it would be a higher-end Yamaha. I love their sound. Many of my good friends are endorsed by DW including my buddy Thomas Lang but for whatever reason, the sound of DW was never my thing so I sold all my DW kits. I wish you the best brother! Drum on!!!

[@chicocockrellowens4499]

BEAUTIFUL PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE!🥁🥁🥁

[@babaloop]

Thank you!

[@Drumn4Him1]

I believe that I want that same kit!! They look Great!!!!

[@babaloop]

You’ll love it!!!

[@aaronmemon7157]

Dude, I’m jealous that kit looks amazing.

[@babaloop]

Don’t be jealous. Just get one. 😁

[@AlanSanders-ij2pk]

I've had a couple of issues with FedEx lately so you're not alone there. As far as the scratch, my humble opinion is don't sweat it. Drums are made to be beat on so set em up and bang away! Great looking drums BTW. Can't wait to hear them!

[@babaloop]

Thanks man! I’ve just been swamped with gigs so I haven’t had the time to record them yet. I’m hoping to do it soon. Thanks for your input on the scratch. You’re right!

[@CHUCKHERBERT-l8s]

Congratulations Paul, Beautiful Kit

[@babaloop]

Thank You. I appreciate it!!!

[@BarisTigeralievich]

Hi Paul, the drum is very beautiful and of high quality. I think it has a good sound and it's fun to play. The style is perfect for playing metal.

[@babaloop]

Thank you! I know I’m going to love it

[@mrnegronis]

The fat hoop with the red interior is totally boss. It really sets the look of the kit. Mauricio's kit is similar. It's a drag that the shipping got screwed up although I will say Thomas needs to up his game on packing regardless if he's just starting out. On the other hand, if the price of them goes up soon, the little scratch may be a small price to pay for the price they currently are now. Are those lugs solid metal??

[@babaloop]

Yeah. The lugs are solid metal. The 2nd bass drum came damaged but Thomas is going to send me new lugs for the ones that got scratched up. Good Ol FedEx!

[@brianmccarrell6676]

forgot to say my drums are glossy white but concert toms rata toms flat pancake gong drum are black with roto toms and Piccolo Toms Chrome so whole drum is white/ black/chrome/even cowbell and tambourine white/black with black hydraulic drum heads with Meinl Dark Cymbals which look like black and brass I guess like rings on the cymbals looks very cool can't miss them they a one of a kind cymbals but set looks awesome sexy

[@babaloop]

That sounds like a hell of a kit

[@jonlindsey8877]

Hi Bro! Congrats!! That is an amazingly beautiful kit!! I love the kicks with the 3" hoop and accent color. I can't wait to see the double kicks set-up together!! Regarding the floor tom boo-boo: I'd probably just work with Thomas on how to fix it. Maybe he can send you a touch-up paint kit; or, tell you which brand/type of paint to use? The flat finish won't be difficult to repair with a little touch-up paint and some ultra fine grit sandpaper (1500 grit to 4000 grit). Peace, Jon

[@babaloop]

Thanks, brother. It looks like my other bass drum will be here tomorrow. I have the kid already set up as a single bass and it looks amazing. I may reach out to Thomas and ask him if he can get me some of that paint. It’s a very small spot so it’s really not a big deal to be honest.

[@joeydyck3423]

Hey man, loved the video! I have a couple questions for you. After having this kit for a little while now, would you say it compares to your other kits in terms of quality and sound, like tama or any of the other big brands? Also, what ended up happening with the floor tom? I felt disappointed for you haha

[@babaloop]

Well, I have 6 kits now. 2 Sonors, 2 Tamas, a Yamaha and the Varus. Had DW’s but sold them. The quality of the Varus is top notch. Really well made and a solid kit. I need to experiment more with heads that I’m used to. I usually play Remo or Evans and different variations depending on the shell so I’m still experimenting. My Tama kit sounded like crap until I changed both top and bottom heads so I’ll need more time to be fair. The drums are solid though for the price. The Floor Tom is fine. Had some minor issues but you can’t really tell. Bass drums are cannons!!!

[@joeydyck3423]

@@babaloop If you are still going to do a sound check and all that for the Varus, I look forward to that video! Out of curiosity, which Varus did you get? Sounds like you got the Morpheus Wood Series? I am really on the fence with a few options for kits, one being the Varus, the others being the Tama Starclassic Walnut/Birch, Pearl Masters Maple/Gum, and the Mapex Saturn Evolution Maple/Walnut. Its a tough decision haha!

[@babaloop]

@joeydyck3423 I broke down the kit for a gig so I need to set them up again for that sound check. Right now I got my Tamas and Yamahas up. You got some good choices there. It depends on what sound you are going for, how much you want to spend, and are they for live, recording or just home use. The Tamas are great and the quick lock system is the bomb. I’ve never owned a Pearl Maple gum but I have been looking at them closely along with the Reference one. Expensive though. The Varus kit is great but I still need to experiment with some heads like I do with my other kits to be fair. Dont leave out Yamaha! They got some good stuff. I know I’m not helping much but I will say this. Do Not Buy Mapex. I just bought that evolution kit and returned it a week later. It looks great but sounds like a toy. Worst kit I’ve ever owned. And yes, I bought the Varus Morpheus

[@joeydyck3423]

@@babaloop Oh ok right on, I hope it worked well for the gig! Haha yes the pearl masters are expensive for sure, I am waiting for a quote on the configuration I want for it. You have been incredibly helpful thus far, I appreciate you taking the time to respond! You helped me cross one of the options off my list, I will stay clear of the Mapex! Thank you for the feedback, whenever/if you get that sound check video up, I look forward to seeing it!!

[@DominionFretWorks]

Nice ..... Can't wait for you to DEMONSTRATE ! ! ! !

[@babaloop]

Very soon!

[@kimberlyashburn75]

lets hear them !!

[@babaloop]

Soon, Soon! It’s coming!!!

[@gilbertoserna6168]

hey Paul, great review... how much did you pay for Customs? what was the exact amount you paid for the drums? and how much for shipping? Im asking bcc Im almost ordering one )mostly same config as yours) and want to be prepared for all the costs!

[@babaloop]

I believe I paid around 5G’s. Customs cost approx 250. Shipping was included.

[@alihamid5455]

sweet yes and yes can i come over play them drums PLEASE TALK BROTHER

[@babaloop]

They are sweet drums brother. Agreed!!!

[@brianmccarrell6676]

I just bought a DW drumset glossy white 22x18 base drum 8x7 tom 10x8 tom 12x 9 tom 14x12 floor tom 16x14 floor tom 18x16 floor tom 4 concert tooms 4 rata tom 3 piccolo toms 2 dw snares 1 dailtune snare black nickel brass 2 tambourines 1 cowbell 1 DW Flat Pancake Gong drum double base pedal dw stands throne Meinl Dark Cymbals from 8 Bell 12 Splash 20 Ride 18 China 16Trash Crash from 17 18 19 20 21 Crash Cymbals 3 set Roto toms what else I like to add to it another Base Drum with 2 single pedals 9000 series DW and Hi Hat remote like to have 2 hi hats but not sure what combo set up hi hat base pedal combo or something else like to get a custom rack for everything or give to my grandson and was looking at Varus Drums as well love the looks and seen them on FB and KZbin being played by awesome drums you know them and I know them and so does the guy in this video but I do not know how to say his name at all but love watching his video shows and he has Varus drums as well was thinking of getting it but still thinking don't think I give everything of my DW kit to my grandson not sure gotta see what Varus all that they have to offer DW very good but watching this video with the guy in video stating custom your drums sounds very excellent for me I like big drums as well as some smaller drums I really love the low tones but also like the high tones as well if I can get a little bite of both in a decent drum set I'm use to playing on big drum sets but I lack the double base drum on my DW using double pedal which I really don't care for them I loved my 2 single pedals on a double base set up I guess I'm use to having the snare drum between 2 base drums with all the toms going across the top of the base drums is my problem it just feels different than playing with one base drum and the snare off to one side and using double bass pedal

[@krusher74]

I am glad you are happy with them, but I don't really see anything that the top companies have not been producing for 30+ years. That tom mount look very similar to a pearl IMS. I wonder what Sonor kits you have as they have been doing this in the Designer/SQ2 series since 1996. matt finish is super easy to scratch and shows up everything

[@babaloop]

They don’t make Tom mounts. All the stands that I have are from Tama. They only make drums. I’m very happy with the kit, but it all depends on what you are looking for. I like the idea that I can custom make my sizes.

[@rollergoalie16]

It would seem that a drum beater would have to go past vertical to actually make contact with the batter head due to the pedal not being able to get as close when mounting on that ridiculously fat hoop. Is this indeed the case?

[@babaloop]

I hear what you’re saying but no, that’s not the case. The front hoop is only for the front side of the head. The batter side is normal.

[@brianmccarrell6676]

if you not go with Varus try DW

[@babaloop]

I have bought and sold many DW drum sets already. I just find other brands sound more for the sound I’m looking for.

[@DerekPierson-g5w]

I'd put it all on FedEx as far as the damage. Give Varus a heads up that I'd be filing a claim and make them replace it.

[@babaloop]

Yup. I hear ya!

[@erikcorbin1306]

I hope you got FedEx to take care of the damage.

[@babaloop]

Nah. Too many hoops to go through. Not worth the trouble.

[@brianmccarrell6676]

but black marker to it

[@babaloop]

Not a bad idea actually

[@Grit489]

The packing job is ridiculous, inexcusable for a pro kit !

[@babaloop]

I hope it will get better over time.

[@krusher74]

Thats why a sonor SQ2 costs a lot more and comes double boxed.

[@XterraRon]

They are from Spain not Italy

[@babaloop]

When I asked Thomas where his shop was and where my drums were being made, he told me Italy.

[@rollergoalie16]

Incorrect. They are made in Italy as previously stated.

[@pearldrummer1986]

I’d make an issue about it when you’re spending 5000$ for a kit. I wouldn’t be happy at all

[@babaloop]

I hear ya!