Some time ago, we were sent a sizeable parcel from the official Sonor distributor in our country – the Musik Meyer company, containing a Sonor One of A Kind Bocote snare drum kit. Already when unboxing and tuning the instrument, it was clear we were in for quite a treat.
The testing drummer was once again Max Psuja, who has recently been the head of our news room. As a former employee of the Avant Drum Shop and a great drummer, who has collaborated with artists such as Kumka Olik, Holak, Lilly Hates Roses and Yoachim, he was perfect for the role of a laboratory technician.
We’re testing a Sonor One of A Kind Limited Edition 14″ x 6″ Bocote Snare Drum
1. The test
The test was carried out in our own recording facility. The instrument is fitted with Sonor heads by Remo. During the test, we also used a 24″ x 18″ DW Collector’s bass drum and a pair of 16″ Zildjian Sweet hats.
2. Basic specs:
- Manufacturer: Sonor
- Model: One of A Kind Bocote (Limited Edition)
- Material: Beech / Bocote
- Finish: High Gloss Bocote (Lacquer)
- Shell: Beech (21 plies, 19.2 mm) + Bocote veneer
- Size: 14 “x 6”
- Hoops: Die-Cast
- Hardware: Black Chrome
- Integrated Tune Safe
- Dual Glide Snare System (Snare Quick Release)
- 18 Spiral Brass Wires
- “One of A Kind” Sonor Drum Badge
- 45 degree Bearing Edges
- Tuning rods: 10
- Heads: Remo
- Includes a hardcase
- Includes Sonor Exclusive Certificate Box
- Includes Certificate of Authenticity
- Only 70 of these snare drums available worldwide
3. Product and sound
The Sonor One of A Kind 14″ x 6″ Bocote limited edition snare drum was released in 2017. There are only 70 of these available worldwide as they were all produced from a single specific tree and that is exactly what each edition from Sonor is limited to.
At first glance, the snare drum gives the impression not only of a solid construction (as it usually is in the case of Sonor products), but also a rather exclusive one. Upon careful inspection, we noticed some impressive details. A very interesting attribute of this limited edition snare is the Bocote veneer in high gloss lacquer finish blended with black chrome hardware is simply gorgeous! A wooden, laser cut badge highlighting the iconic mallet logo, made out of the same veneers used on the snare makes this snare drum all the more exclusive. The snare strainer and the butt plate work in perfect symbiosis, allowing the snare wires (18 brass ones) to be pulled smoothly and released quickly.
We tested the 14″ x 6″ Sonor One of A Kind Bocote snare drum using three types of tuning achieved with the help of a Tune-Bot device:
- E (third octave, 229 Hz on the batter head and 343 Hz on the bottom head)
- G (third octave, 266 Hz on the batter head and 398 Hz on the bottom head)
- A (third octave, 319 Hz on the batter head and 398 Hz on the bottom head)
In each case, we played the instrument with the snares idle and strained, with a dampening ring on, and we presented the cross stick sound.
In terms of sound, the instrument leaves no doubt about its quality from at first contact. With the gentle taps of the fingers on the head, the snare drum was responding to the most delicate touches. The attack is very pleasant to the ear, and the dynamic range is quite wide, thanks to which the instrument nicely responds to ghost notes and faithfully renders all the notes in a tremolo. The sound is warm. The snare drum is quite loud and focused, even without dampening (although, of course, the latter gives more control over decay). We dare say that the sound characteristic is somewhere between modern vintage and modern. A nice and appropriately loud cross stick must also be considered an asset. It should also be noted that the snare drum does not choke when hit hard, from behind the ear, using rimshots. Quite the opposite, we would say it displays a whole new array of tones, harmonics and colours when played with this technique. It will certainly cut through the mix, and it will do so in a good way. We also deadened the sound (perhaps not completely, but close), the instrument works nicely in this sound option without losing its warmth.
It is a magnificent looking instrument, which is veeeeery versatile at the same time, both in terms of its sonic possibilities (great dynamics and attack in each tuning), and in terms of music styles – it will deliver in practically any genre of music.
Manufacturer: http://www.sonor.com/
Distributor: http://www.musik-meyer.com/
OUR VERDICT: 5/5TOP
Advantages:
- Very good workmanship
- Magnificent look
- Great attack
- Versatility
- Wide tuning range
- Wide dynamic range
- Wide frequency range
Disadvantages:
- None
Drummers and Drummerettes! It’s time to put the Sonor One of A Kind 14″ x 6″ Bocote snare drum kit to the most important test of all, i. e. the en.beatit.tv viewers’ test! Exclusively for you, we give you Max Psuja!
