Some time ago, we received a sizable parcel containing two kits: a Sonor AQ2 Stage and a Sonor SQ1. Already when unboxing the kits, it was clear we were in for quite a treat. Since we have already taken a closer look at the AQ2, let us now concentrate on the high-end SQ1 kit.
To hit on those drums, we invited one of young and very promising Polish drummers, Wiktoria Jakubowska. She is a graduate of the Karol Lipiński Music Academy in Wrocław, Poland. Currently, she collaborates with the likes of Paulina Przybysz, Agi Brine and Kasia Lins. As a Sonor sound lover, a Sonor Teardrop user and a great drummer, Wiktoria turned out to be the right person to sit behind both drum kits we received from the brand’s distributor – the Musik Meyer company.
Sonor SQ1 Kit
1. The test
The test was carried out in our own recording facility. The kit is comprised of a rack tom, a floor tom, a kick drum, which were fitted with Remo heads (Remo Ambassador on the toms, Remo Powerstroke 3 and Remo Powerstroke 3 Fiberskyn on the bass drum). We also used the snare drum from the AQ2 Stage kit we tried out on the same day. Wiktoria Jakubowska played the following cymbals: 18″ Sabian AA Sick Hi-hat, 18″ Sabian HH O-Zone Crash, 19″ Sabian HHX Fierce Crash, 12″ Sabian Chopper Disc.
2. Basic specification of the drum kit tested here:
- Manufacturer: Sonor
- Model: SQ1
- Kit elements: 12″ x 8″ rack tom, 16″ x 15″ floor tom, 22″ x 17,5″ kick drum
- Finish: Roadster Green (RGR)
- Character: deep, huge sound
- Material: European birch (7 plies on toms, 10 plies on kick drum)
- Sound Sustainers: rubber isolating shells from hardware
3. Product and sound
The Sonor SQ1 is a loud and mighty-sounding kit. Obviously, birch does have less low end than maple, but the way this set sounds should satisfy big drum sound lovers. When tuning the kit before the Artist arrived, we had no problems achieving a sound satisfactory to a rock drummer’s ear. The kick drum has lots of punch, attack and bass. Both the tom and the floor tom displayed Bohnhamesque power, although with more click and high frequencies. Of course, a lot depends on tuning in this respect. The “meaty” characteristic made the snares on the Sonor AQ2 snare drum resonate even more. When putting the skins on the drums, we noticed the tension rods could have used a little bit more grease. We would also like to mention the Sound Sustainers, i. e. layers of rubber isolating the hardware from the shell wood. A good idea resulting in longer sustain.
Sonor SQ1 kits are available in four finishes. The finish on the kit we tested is Roadster Green (RGR). Combined with the natural finish of the bass drum hoop, it looks very interesting. The remaining three are: GT Black (GTB), Cruiser Blue (CRB) and Hot Rod Red (HRR).
4. Summary
We consider this to be a very good instrument, however, we think we should let Wiktoria Jakubowska herself sum up the whole experience: “This configuration of the Sonor SQ1 sounds mighty. Both toms have a lot of depth and ‘meat’. When I tuned them the way I usually play, the toms had a smaller attack and would start to sound a tiny bit later. The bass drum has a lot of punch, low end and aggression, even. This particular kit is great for rock music but I can imagine how nice a 20″ kick with 10″ and 14″ toms would work for the music I play. As far as the consistency of sound around the kit goes, there is nothing left to be desired (as it was the case with the AQ2 Stage). There is a distinguishable difference in sound between the SQ1 and the AQ2 but it’s not in favour of either of them. The SQ1 is just more mighty.“
Manufacturer: http://www.sonor.com/
Distributor: http://www.musik-meyer.com/
OUR VERDICT: 5/5 TOP
Advantages:
- Very well crafted
- Deep, “meaty” sound also with high frequencies
- Stylistic versatility
- Sound Sustainers
- Magnificent look
Disadvantages:
- None
Drummers and Drummerettes! It’s time to put the Sonor SQ1 drum kit to the most important test of all, i. e. the en.beatit.tv viewers’ test! Exclusively for you, we give you Wiktoria Jakubowska!
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