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Sonor AQ2 Safari Shell Pack Review

Here’s our review of a Sonor AQ2 Safari Shell Pack filmed at Cube Studios featuring…..

Check out what both Matt and Nick thought of this stunning titanium look offering..

  • 16″ x 15″ Bass Drum
  • 10″ x 7″ Rack Tom
  • 13″ x 12″ Floor Tom
  • 13″ x 6″ Matching Snare Drum
  • Included Smart Mount Tom Holder (Tom Arm & Boom Cymbal Arm)
  • Sonor 2000 Series Lightweight Hardware (purchased separately)
  • 100% Maple Shells
  • 7-ply, 4mm Shells with 2mm Dynamic Edge Reinforcement Rings (Toms),
  • 7-ply, 9mm Shell with 2mm Dynamic Edge Reinforcement Rings (Bass Drum),
  • Triple Flange Power Hoops (Toms), Matching Wood Hoops (Bass Drum),
  • Remo-made UT Power Stroke 3 Batter Bass Drum, un-ported smooth white head on reso side. Toms have Remo UT Single Ply Heads Top & Bottom. Snare coated batter thin snare side beneath

SRP £780 Laqueur Finish or SRP £651 for White Pearl Wrap.

www.sonor.com

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sonor safari

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AQ2 Safari Shell Set WM #WHP

AQ2 Safari Shell Set WM #WHP

BD 16" x 15" (with Mount), SD 13" x 06", TT 10" x 07", FT 13" x 12", Maple, CTH 4000, White Pearl

AQ2 offers more value and more choices than any other instrument in its class. 100% Maple shells offer a mellow, warm and very balanced, full tone with low frequency punch and a balance of mids and highs. The Smart Mount suspension system maximizes the drums sustain. The cast lugs with TuneSafe and the high-quality shell hardware provide a professional feel. Four high-gloss lacqueres, one Delmar wrap-finish and an almost unlimited choice of sizes allow everyone to configure the drum set they are looking for.

Technical specifications

Main product.

AQ2 Safari Shell Set WM

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Sonor AQ2 Shell Pack (AQ2-SAFARIWMCWHP)

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Sonor AQ2 Shell Pack (AQ2-SAFARIWMCWHP)

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  • This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt. You may receive a partial or no refund on used, damaged or materially different returns.

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About this item.

  • SONOR AQ2 MAPLE SAFARI SET
  • SmartMount tom mount maximizes resonance and sustain
  • Kick drum is fast and full and sits in the pocket
  • Die-cast lugs are durable and distinctly Sonor
  • 7-ply maple shells

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Sonor AQ2 Shell Pack (AQ2-SAFARIWMCWHP)

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The all new SONOR AQ2 Series is an extremely versatile all Maple drum system, featuring 7-ply shells, the new SmartMount isolation system, and newly designed cast lug.

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  • Drum Gear - Recording - Mixing
  • Drums - Drum Kits

My Sonor Safari kit - mini-review and demo video!

  • Thread starter Bo Eder
  • Start date Jan 13, 2011

Bo Eder

Platinum Member

  • Jan 13, 2011

Hi everybody - Pictured below is my new Sonor Safari drum kit and this post will be like a mini-review with a video demonstration of what it sounds like right out of the box (well, of course, I tuned them, because you have to put the bass drum together). For $339 you get a 5x14 snare, 8x10 rack tom, 12x14 floor tom, and a 16x16 bass drum. I think one of the cost saving measures is that it’s only available in two colors: natural wood and black galaxy sparkle. Mine is the black galaxy sparkle. It just looks cooler than natural wood. The whole thing ships in one big box that weighs in at 60 pounds. There is no other hardware included except the floor tom legs, tom mount, and bass drum lift for the pedal. It ships with Chinese-made Remo UT heads top and bottom on the toms and snare, and both heads on the bass drum have an inner edge ring (like Powerstroke heads). The bass drum is outfitted with metal hoops, probably another cost-saving measure too. Each Sonor badge says what it is: Safari, and the words “Select Hardwoods” underneath. I suppose this really means “spam” in wood terms. It’s a mystery - they really don’t tell you what it is. But never fear, these drums sound perfectly adequate. The bass drum is nice and thumpy, the toms tune well and sing with a good mid-range growl. In fact, I was originally thinking I had to get better heads, but right out of the box they sound very good, so you wouldn’t have to worry about getting new heads anytime soon. The snare drum, to me, didn’t sound like a snare drum until I cranked it up a bit. This drum I think would benefit from better heads. I’ve played Sonor’s 3007 series before getting this kit, and comparing the 3007 snare to this one, the 3007 is much better, but at a much higher price. The 3007 snare didn’t mind being tuned anywhere in the spectrum, the Safari snare with these heads leans to the tighter end of the spectrum. Drummerworld member Frank did state the Safari strainer could be a it better and I think he’s right. It just doesn’t feel positive enough, but it does its job. I have a new Pearl strainer waiting to be installed in its place. I just have to keep in mind what I paid for the kit - if the snare is a little weak, that’s OK. It’s not meant to replace my main kit, and most drummers have their favorite snares they’d rather use anyway. The Safari snare does what it’s supposed to, though. So, like the heads, don’t think you have to immediately upgrade it or never use it. I’m gonna try new heads on it with a new strainer in a week or so, I’m willing to bet it’ll probably become a fun snare to use after that! How do they sound? Great! The YouTube video clip attached was done with only two mics: a Shure SM58 in front of the non-ported bass drum head, about five inches away from the head in the lower left quadrant, and a single pencil condenser directly overhead the snare about two-and-a-half drumstick lengths up. It was recorded into my Zoom R16, and I added a little reverb to make it sound like I wasn’t in my patio-drum-room. If I did close micing on the whole kit and told you it was a high-end Sonor kit or a DW kit, you’d probably believe me if it was an audio-only recording. The kit is certainly adequate for lower volume gigs or practice. In fact, everything is normal except the bass drum. I feel it’s too small for everything, but if it’s mic’d all the time, it’s perfect! Comments? Cliches? Criticism? I say if you need a second kit, why spend an inordinate amount for one? For the price, get TWO and have a double bass kit you can play in an elevator! YouTube playing demonstration: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UctXiY-ivnA  

Attachments

NewSonors.jpg

Pretty darn badass Bo !  

braincramp

Gold Member

Hard to believe the price on them.... they sound great! real quality drumming too Bo...the pic looks gray or even a shade of blue ...are they a lighter black leaning toward gray or is it just the pic? something I did this week with my 3007's was to mount the 10 and 12 instead of the 12 and 13 and tuned them up to the high side...makes for a nice sounding 4 piece (instead of my usual 7 pc.) takes up way less space at home...may very well switch to the higher tuning overall from the above wrinkle I been using..  

mediocrefunkybeat

That is just something else. The first GAS I've had in ages.  

drumerpnkrrockr6

Junior member.

That's actually not to bad for the price! I wish Sonor kits came with the option of selecting different Bass Drum Spurs, those are just so ugly.  

mrchips 1952

Bo....that sounds great for the money, quite a good value. Dave / Colo. Spgs.  

slingerlandfreak

slingerlandfreak

Senior member.

Great playing Bo ! Nice drums for that price!  

drumerpnkrrockr6 said: That's actually not to bad for the price! I wish Sonor kits came with the option of selecting different Bass Drum Spurs, those are just so ugly. Click to expand...

ddrumman2004

Great drumming! Although I have two kits.....to quote Will Smith in the movie "Independence Day"...... "I got to get me one of these!"  

Les Ismore

braincramp said: Hard to believe the price on them.... they sound great! real quality drumming too Bo...the pic looks gray or even a shade of blue ...are they a lighter black leaning toward gray or is it just the pic? something I did this week with my 3007's was to mount the 10 and 12 instead of the 12 and 13 and tuned them up to the high side...makes for a nice sounding 4 piece (instead of my usual 7 pc.) takes up way less space at home...may very well switch to the higher tuning overall from the above wrinkle I been using.. Click to expand...

Andy

Honorary Member

Damn, you played those babies well! Not quite the depth of tone you get from your Tama, but hey, what a price! Overall, I'm more impressed with the playing than the kit, but it's a close call. Both offer real quality in a small package, lol!  

zambizzi

keep it simple said: Damn, you played those babies well! Not quite the depth of tone you get from your Tama, but hey, what a price! Overall, I'm more impressed with the playing than the kit, but it's a close call. Both offer real quality in a small package, lol! Click to expand...
zambizzi said: Wow, those sound really nice. The drummer is pretty badass, too! I still don't think I could find a lot of use for a 16" kick, myself. If they offered this series in 18" or 20x14", w/ a 12x8" tom....I might be into it. Click to expand...
LukeSnyder said: Haha, that was awesome, real quality in a small package, lol! I don't think Bo comes quite as cheaply as the Safari though Click to expand...
keep it simple said: Only when Monique winks at him! She's impressed with his double stroke technique too. Click to expand...

bobdadruma

Hey Bo, The kit sounds really good. It sounds a lot like my Tama Stagestar. I may grab one. It sounded like you tuned the toms on the medium side. Have you tuned them tight like a jazz kit yet? The snare didn't sound too bad to me. Is the snare really light when you pick it up?  

Frank

Yo Bo, Most excellent: - Review - Video - Playing  

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Sonor AQ2 Safari Shell Pack

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 Sonor AQ2 Safari Set

The Sonor AQ2 Safari Set Shell Pack features all maple shells and compact sizes to deliver big tone from a portable kit.

Part of Sonor’s popular AQ2 range, the Safari is one of 5 different configuration options.

Featuring 100% maple shells crafted into super small sizes, this is a perfectly portable kit for the drummer on the go.

Whether you need a kit for space saving home practice or want a kit with a little footprint for small venue gigs, these drums are ideal.

The sound aiding hardware and stunning Titanium Quartz finish ensure this is a kit that delivers in both style and sound.

Sonor AQ2 Safari Set Shell Pack Configuration:

  • 16” x 15” Bass Drum
  • 13” x 6” Snare Drum
  • 10” x 7” Rack Tom
  • 13” x 12” Floor Tom
  • 1 x Tom / Cymbal Holder

Super Small

If you’ve ever had to regularly load and unload a drum kit you’ll understand the hassle that comes with it.

“I bet you wish you played flute” the joke that is inevitably made by a bystander when they see you loading in your gear.

If you’re looking to end the woes of having to cart around a heavy and bulky drum kit then look no further than the perfectly portable Sonor Safari.

This 4-piece shell pack features drum sizes that are small in both diameter and depth in order to keep the kit footprint to a minimum.

The 16” bass drum ensures a small set up size whilst still delivering punchy low-end projection.

The 10” rack tom and 13” floor tom offer well rounded tone filled with projection and full warmth.

The kit is finished off perfectly by the 13” snare which delivers cutting snap combined with fuller body thanks to its 6” depth.

The inclusion of the tom / cymbal holder allows you to mount your ride cymbal and rack tom from the bass drum, negating the need for additional bulky stands.

All of the shells in this 4-piece drum kit are constructed from 7 plies of maple to deliver brilliantly versatile, all-purpose tone.

In keeping with all the kits in the Sonor AQ2 range, the 7 plies of each shell are made up of 3 plies of Chinese maple combined with 4 plies of Canadian maple.

Maple is characterised by its even highs and mids combined with a rich, warm low-end response, making it the ideal choice for all drumming styles.

The full, warm tone serves to ensure this Sonor shell pack offers up a big sound despite its small size.

All the kits in the Sonor AQ2 range feature newly designed shell hardware which has been specifically created to ensure optimal functionality without negatively impacting the resonance of the drums.

Part of this sound aiding hardware, the Sonor SmartMount has been designed to offer secure and stable placement of the rack tom without detrimentally impacting the shell sustain.

The SmartMount system attaches to the rack tom via two lugs which allows it to float freely away from the surface of the drum shell.

This minimal contact between the shell and the mount works to ensure the shell is left unrestricted to deliver its optimal tonal response.

If you’re looking for a space saving kit that doesn’t compromise on tone, the Sonor AQ2 Safari is a great option.

The super small shell sizes ensure optimal portability while the all maple construction delivers a full, warm, versatile tone to cover all playing styles.

The compact, sound aiding hardware and stunning Titanium Quartz finish work to make sure this is a kit with functionality and style.

Sonor AQ2 Safari Set Shell Pack Key Features:

  • 7 ply All Maple Shells
  • Compact Sizes
  • Brilliantly Portable
  • Space Saving
  • Ideal for Gigging
  • Big Tone from A Small Setup
  • All Chrome Hardware
  • New SoundMount Tom Mount
  • Tom/ Cymbal Holder Included

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Zero to Drum

Sonor AQ2 Drum Kit Best Review in [currentyear]

Sonor has been on the top of the list of the best drum manufacturers. And the Sonor AQ2 drum set takes the place of their discontinued Force and SSE Special Edition Sets. This intermediate line carries the extremely popular Martini and Safari kits .

I have used each of these kits in the AQ2 series for a trial. They are all wonderful kits that have the best test and top-end tones. One of the main reasons Sonor has become a strong competitor in the market is its experience and reputation.

And will be reviewing these kits.

The world of compact drum sets has become very popular. They have taken the market for over 10 years, which is why Sonor has been changing the world.

Yamaha was the first company to introduce these kits with their Manu Katche Hip-Gig Jr. Kit . Sonor has become a complete game-changer.

Sonor was most popular for its heavy drums. They followed with their Safari set. They have created this portable, decently-made drum for a small price.

They opened a door for other manufacturers to follow. Ludwig came out with their Ludwig Breakbeats kit. And then Pearl added their Midtown kit before Tama delivered their Club Jam.

Today, the market is filled with different options below $400, all of which give a great feel. And as you may have expected, more people soon joined the industry.

At first, the compact kits were left for jazz music. But new developments have soon created a world of versatile kits that can be used for any music style.

Many gigging drummers bought many of these kits, not only because of their price but also because they are compact. The only limitation is their sound is not very desirable . Most of them are made from softer wood to reduce the price, which does not feel or respond like you would from a higher-quality wood.

Sonor AQ2 drum sets have a better reputation . Compared to all the rest, Sonor has tried its best to improve sound and features, creating more versatile sounds. They deliver a wonderful balance between affordability, portability, and build quality.

Improved Drums

I have been looking at the Sonor Martini and the Sonor Safari kit, which are among the top players in this market. They sport 100% 7-ply maple shells from the best suppliers in the world.

Their interior plies come with softer Asian maple, while the outer surface has a harder North American maple. The result is a thin 5.8mm shell park with a great response. It is a similar setup found on Yamaha’s new Tour Custom line.

I came across a Sonor Martini set with a White Marine Pearl Wrap that gave a great performance. This four-piece compact set is designed for absolute portability.  

All the drums are smaller. The rack toms measure 8 by 7-inch , the floor toms are 13-inch by 12-inch , and the kick is 14-inch by 13-inch . It also features a 12 by 5-inch snare with flanged hoops .

The Safari kit I have received before comes with a Delmar WMP finish, which makes them look very beautiful. It is a bit larger and hence, great for a drummer who wants something bigger. The kick is 16 inches, while the snare is 13 inches.

Better Hardware

I have used many compact kits from several manufacturers, and they all seem to have hardware issues. Perhaps many manufacturers don’t mind much about hardware, which creates the right environment for drummers . Without good hardware, everything you do will not be good.

And this is why Sonor continues to top the list of best manufacturers. You can tell this from the quality of hardware they place on this kit.

The bass drum mount is heavy-duty and very easy to adjust . Besides, the new Smart mount on the tom rack is quite functional and low-profile. It connects to the two upper lug brackets.

Changing the heads can be very easy, and it features thick rubber gaskets that offer isolation. The lugs are all newly designed and cast with moulds designed in Germany . They create a perfect atmosphere for high-quality sound delivery.

I tried tuning both low and high kits for the demo to understand how far the range stretches. From the starting point, each kit delivered a bright tone. I did not think of changing the UT Remo heads because they would only create a bad sound for me.

This is something that I have experienced from other drums, like the QC on the new Sonor’s all-maple shell.

The bearing edges were more than I expected, and the shells were well-rounded. This is the reason you can be sure of a clean and clear tone . The drums are easy to tune, and they will stay in tune due to the TuneSafe lug design.

The bass drums on the Sonor AQ2 come with heavy-duty mounting hardware and highly durable hoops . Every drum is made for a perfect performance in various genres.

Sonor AQ2 Safari Review

If you need a little drum kit for gigging, consider the Sonor AQ2 Maple Safari kit. This four-piece maple shell pack comes with the best features you can expect in any drum set. Besides, it is one of the most versatile solutions out there, perfect for funk, hip-hop, and swing setups . You can always count on Sonar for the sound for those who play on quieter stages.

The shells come from rich, broadband maple and are topped with a set of beautiful wraps. They make the kit look like a professional piece – well, it is.

When I unpacked my kit, the hardware made me feel like I had made the best decision. They all looked nice, and I could not wait to set them in place and start playing. Coming from Sonor’s SmartMount tom mounting system, you can be sure of the best quality. This hardware reduces metal-one-shell contact, ensuring better resonance and sustain .

The re-designed die-cast lugs are tour safe and make it easy to tune your drums to the desired sounds. You will enjoy the compatibility of these drums.

The Sonor AQ2 Safari is a natural choice for jazz to hip-hop . The kits can deliver just the right club-sized promise, coming with a well-defined backbeat and catchy rimshots.

Tom tones on this kit will hold to your ribs, as a punchy kick gives in all the best. Both gigging drummers and stage performers will find these kits most useful.

The shells are made from 7-ply maple featuring four Canadian maple plies and three plies of Chinese maple.

This means the shell has everything you need to enjoy playing. Shell sizes include 10 by 7-inch toms, 13 by 12-inch floor toms, 16 by 15-inch bass drums, and 13 by 6-inch snare drums .

Sonor AQ2 Martini

The Sonor AQ 2 Martini is part of the new line of AQ2 compact drum kits from Sonor . A small drum set defines any Sonor AQ2 bop drum kit. And the Martini could see everything you need for jazz, dance, travel, and much more.

Its compact size makes it great fun to play. It comes with a 14-inch kick that is incredibly round and resonant. The toms are tight and responsive, while the stare delivers a crisp drum tone. This kit has everything thanks to their 7-ply maple construction and more than 140 years of experience.

Another highly welcome addition to the AQ2 series is the SmartMount tom-mounting system . It’s made easy, avoiding the necessity of drilling. It also comes with metal-to-shell contact that leads to better resonance and sustains.

The lugs are die-cast and tour-safe with tuning sound. All the shells are maple, made for a more focused sound.

I loved the bass more, as it seemed to know its place. Apart from being portable, the kick won’t get in the way of the bass player . This means you can easily play in an organ trio or a small combo. 14-inches is all you need to get all these features and more.

My configurations include an 8 by 7-inch tom, a 13 by 12-inch floor tom, a 14 by 13-inch bass drum, and a 12 by 5-inch snare . It is a wonderfully versatile drum set that will not disappoint you. 

Frequently asked questions

Where are sonor aq2 drums made.

Sonor drums come as some of the best products on the market . They are amazing kits that come at an affordable price. The drums are made by the Sonor Germany factory and their hardware. Only the shell is made in China. Every drum they make comes with the highest-quality services.

Who Plays Sonor Drums?

Sonor has been on the market for more than 140 years. And therefore, they have the best experience, with a great reputation. There is a long list of drummers who play the Sonor drums. The top ones include Aaron Spears, Benny Greb , Chris Coleman, Danny Carey , Gavin Harrison, and Glenn Kotche .

What Is A Bop Drum Kit?

Pdp Concept Maple Classic Wood Hoop Bop Drum Kit

A bop drum is just a kit with a small bass drum . Normal kicks measure 20 to 22 inches , but a bop kit has 12 to 14-inch bass drums . Also, they produce a focused thump instead of a ‘boom.’

The Sonor AQ2 drum kit can easily be the market standard for compact kits. Different manufacturers offer various solutions as the market surges, and Sonor is at the top. Therefore, this kit can recommend.

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COMMENTS

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