UFIP VIBRA CYMBAL RANGE
EXPECT TO PAY: From $525
DISTRIBUTED BY: Drumpartner/Musicpartner
RECOMMENDED FOR: Let’s face it, every drummer out there would love to have more cymbals, and the new UFIP Vibra range is the ideal addition to any cymbal collection to add tone and texture to the overall sound.
SOUND AND VERSATILITY
There is a good selection of sizes in the range, with crashes going right up to 21” for a big, powerful sound, along with ride cymbals that offer great lengthy decay and brilliant pop from the bells.
USABILITY
As a complete set, or simply used as additions to an existing setup, the UFIP Vibra cymbals offer some great tonal colouration that isn’t found in just any cymbal. These cymbals are not genre specific; they will work well added to just about any kit, for just about any drummer.
CONSTRUCTION
The hand-hammered B20 cast bronze are made to an exacting standard. These cymbals are really nicely finished and have plenty of meat to them, with a decent weight to back up the tone.
OVERALL
It can be said that cymbals are to drummers somewhat like effects pedals are to guitarists. Because of that, you can always have a few more to expand your sound. The Vibra range does just that and will certainly give drummers the world over the chance to expand their sound.
MAPEX PRODIGY 5-PIECE DRUM KIT
EXPECT TO PAY: $749
DISTRIBUTED BY: Electric Factory
RECOMMENDED FOR: This is a great option for a young beginner who is looking for a complete kit that isn’t overly large, the 20” kick drum keeps the entire kit to a manageable size, yet still sounds big and punchy.
SOUND AND VERSATILITY
The Prodigy is capable of sounding like a kit in a higher price bracket if you tweak the Remo heads properly and get each drum sitting right in the mix.
USABILITY
Complete with hardware, hi-hats and a crash/ride cymbal, this is all set to annoy the neighbours on Christmas day and continue doing so for many years to come.
CONSTRUCTION
The “ball in socket” tom arm attachments make for easy setup and adjustment of the rack toms to suit any player’s style and size. The finish looks neat and the double braced stands should hold up to the intended use.
OVERALL
This is a great kit that comes in at a price point of many lesser brands, yet it bears the Mapex logo and the build quality that comes with this.
SOULTONE NOA CYMBAL PACK
EXPECT TO PAY: $899
DISTRIBUTED BY: Electric Factory
RECOMMENDED FOR: This is a great starting point for someone wanting to upgrade the cymbals on a beginner’s kit, or for the travelling drummer who needs a smaller cymbal set for portability.
SOUND AND VERSATILITY
Made from B20 alloy, like other Soultone cymbals, these certainly sound great for the price point, and the smaller 13” hi-hats make it a bit of a standout against so many other cymbal packs out there.
USABILITY
Designed to be airline compliant, this cymbal pack is perfect for travel as it fits within the regulations for carry-on luggage. Now you don’t need to worry about the baggage handlers throwing your cymbals around and destroying them in transit.
CONSTRUCTION
A nicely finished cymbal made from the same alloy as all Soultone cymbals. Ready to take a beating and meet the demands of drummers of all skill levels.
OVERALL
Without breaking the bank, the NOA cymbal pack offers great quality cymbals in a compact size range that is ideal for touring and travelling to and from rehearsals.
Murat Diril Renaissance Series Cymbals
DISTRIBUTED BY: Hot Apple Distributions
EXPECT TO PAY: $180-$630.00
RECOMENDED FOR: Drummers and percussionists interested in high quality hand made Turkish cymbals at an affordable price.
SOUND/VERSATILITY:
The Istanbul based Murat Diril make very high quality cymbals with a unique look and remarkable sound. There is an entire range to pick from, including rides, crashes, hats, Chinas and splashes amongst others, and covering a large tonal selection ranging from light to heavy, dark to brilliant, and more. Created through a unique hammering and lathing system, the result is a superior flexibility, with no perceivable changes to pitch in their linear decay.
USABILITY:
These cymbals will have any drummer immediately salivating and itching to play them.
CONSTRUCTION:
Made by hand by Murat Diril, who made his name working with Istanbul cymabls, Meinl and Paiste, the cymbals are made using brand new new copper.
OVERALL:
These cymbals are worth every Lira and exhibit a subtlety not usually achievable in this price bracket.
SAKAE METAL SNARE DRUMS
DISTRIBUTED BY: Hot Apple Distribution
EXPECT TO PAY: $660-$1000
RECOMENDED FOR: Drummers who are after quality construction and the lively response of a metal snare.
SOUND/VERSATILITY:
With a range of metal snares including Steel, Aluminium and Black Nickel Brass, there is a lot to be said for including a metal snare in your drum kit. While you won’t get the warm sound of wood, these drums offer a different sort tonality and would be useful in a variety of applications and genres.
USABILITY:
You will need to experiment a little with how you approach these snares and the impact the sound has on your playing, but that’s half the fun.
CONSTRUCTION:
As you would expect from Sakae, these are extremely sturdy drums, and are available in 14×5.5 or 14×6.5. The shells are rolled and welded before being chrome plated and the bridge lugs are made of aluminum and are separated from the shell with rubber gaskets.
OVERALL:
These are extremely well made and versatile snare drums made by one of the best in the game, well worth checking out for drummers who are looking for something new.
